The Chanhassen City Council held a special work session July 8 to review an updated concept for the remaining commercial portions of Avienda and provide early feedback before a formal application is brought forward. 

The development team said the revised concept responds to council feedback by adding a stronger central gathering area near a proposed regional stormwater pond. The concept includes a 65,000-square-foot grocery store, additional retail space, potential medical office space, consolidated drive-through locations and a proposed entertainment and food district with restaurant space, public restrooms, outdoor seating and pedestrian connections. 

Council members generally said the plan is moving in the right direction, particularly with the addition of a more defined gathering space and the potential removal of a previously discussed car wash from the central area. At the same time, council members said more work is needed to make sure the project better reflects the original vision for Avienda as a walkable, mixed-use destination with restaurants, retail, public gathering space and strong connections to nearby housing and the future Chanhassen Community Center. 

The discussion also focused on stormwater needs, parking, the number and location of drive-throughs and how the project could balance market realities with the community’s expectations for the site. The development team said the stormwater pond is a major factor in the updated layout and that the grocery store is expected to help move development forward after years of limited progress. 

Council members asked the development team to further identify what could be included in an initial phase and what portions of the plan may need more discussion. The council also supported holding an open house so residents can review the concept, share feedback and hear more directly from the development team before the formal approval process continues. 

No formal action was taken.