What’s Happening at Robert and Annapolis?

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Construction has started at the southwest corner of Annapolis and Robert in what’s been empty green space for the last few years. What’s going on?

The new Gateway Place apartment project is going in. Phase one will include a 54-unit, three-story building of workforce housing. Once they can see the response to the first building, there are plans for a second. It will include studio and one-bedroom apartments, with rents around $700 per month for studios and $850 for one-bedrooms. The project is expected to be completed by the fall of 2021.

Dakota County has been working to redevelop that block since the early 2000s. After buying up the entire block and leveling it, the County courted developers without much luck. The narrow space and lack of parking made retail a challenge, so housing became the main priority. The Dakota County Community Development Authority (CDA) opted to redevelop the site themselves in order to create more affordable housing.

The site is the former location of Langula’s Hardware, a staple in West St. Paul for 96 years. The new building will incorporate original bricks from the Langula’s Hardware building. During the groundbreaking ceremony, both Mayor Dave Napier and Dakota County Commissioner Kathleen Gaylord acknowledged Langula’s and the other businesses that used to be located there.

Here’s more history on the site and project.

June 28, 2021 Update: Applications

Gateway Place is now accepting applications for an October 2021 opening. Get more details and how to apply from Dakota County.

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