By Anne Holzman

A new proposal for a 110-unit senior apartment building west of Amber Union has been approved by Falcon Heights, under the new name of Fairway Commons.

The site is at 1644 Larpenteur Ave. W. and is expected to open to renters in 2027.

The Falcon Heights Planning Commission held a public hearing on March 24 about the proposal from Velair developers, which has proposed a building largely similar to the previous plan by Buhl Investors and sought a few minor tweaks to the existing zoning agreement.

Velair plans a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments at affordable rental rates for seniors age 55 and older.

The Planning Commission gave unanimous approval to the plan, recommending that the City Council approve the revised zoning request with added conditions concerning trees, snow removal, open space on the lot and electric vehicle charging stations.

City staff advised requiring a parking lot maintenance agreement with adjacent Amber Union.

City Administrator Jack Linehan said Velair was still closing some financing gaps this spring but had secured major grants from the state, Ramsey County and the Metropolitan Council, which he said should be enough to carry the project through. Velair has not requested tax-increment financing for the Fairway Commons project.

Velair’s schedule calls for starting construction this summer and opening in September 2027.

Anne Holzman is a Twin Cities freelance local government writer for the Bugle.