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Block 52 Redevelopment
In 2017, the City adopted the Downtown Small Area Plan to guide the revitalization of Downtown Monticello. The Plan identifies ways to enhance the Downtown, including the strategic revitalization of key blocks.
Block 52 is one of the key blocks in the overall revitalization effort. Named after its description in historical plat maps, Block 52 is located at the northwest corner of Highway 25 (Pine Street) and County Road 75 (Broadway Street) in Monticello. It’s located in the heart of downtown and one of the most visible spots in the city, with over 37,000 vehicles traveling through the intersection each day.
With these advantages, the block was identified in the City’s Downtown Small Area Plan as an opportunity for revitalization. The vision was for a signature development project, bringing additional energy and vitality to the area.
Project Updates
October 2025
The Monticello Downtown Small Area Plan’s vision for Block 52 has officially come to life – and it’s turning Downtown into the place to be.
Over the past year, Block 52 has quickly become a hub of activity, bringing new employees and residents to Downtown. The 87 residential units are fully leased, and the ground-floor commercial space is now occupied with two new office tenants, bringing over 100 employees to Downtown each day. Interest in the remaining restaurant space at the corner of Pine and River Streets continues to gain momentum. Stay tuned for what’s next!
Neighboring the Block 52 building is a new restaurant, Nordic Taphouse. The restaurant was previously known as Nordic Brewpub and located on Cedar Street. Now on Walnut Street, the Taphouse features a new art mural facing the Mississippi River, adding another colorful touch to the heart of our city. The mural is made possible through MontiArts, the City's community arts program, with funding through the Central Minnesota Arts Board.
To support the expected growth in activity and buzz, the City recently completed street and pedestrian improvements that make Downtown brighter, safer, and more inviting. This fall, expect to see more wayfinding signage around Downtown, helping to guide residents and visitors to their destinations.
Efforts to continue to bring the Downtown Small Area Plan to life will continue – watch for more to come along Broadway and Cedar Street in 2025-2026!
September 2022
October 2022
Demolition for the new Block 52 project is complete! The mixed-use Block 52 Building will be located at the northwest corner of Pine and Broadway Streets. The project required removal of some of the existing buildings on the block to make room for the five-story building that will feature shopping, a restaurant/patio, and 87 residential apartments. Over the next few months, the Block 52 Building’s underground parking and building footings will be put into place, with construction on the building continuing over the winter. Working with the developer, we’ve also saved some important pieces of history for incorporation into downtown projects. These include portions of the trees on the site, the bridge railing, and the lighting fixtures.
While construction on this private development project continues, the City is finalizing its plans to reconstruct Walnut and River Streets adjacent to the block. Envision a new connection between Walnut and River Streets, reconfigured parking areas, more lighting, and more sidewalk connections – including a better connection into West Bridge Park! These improvements are planned to occur in 2023.
Both projects are in support of the Downtown Small Area Plan, the community’s guide for investing in a vibrant downtown.
August 2022
You may hear the private project happening at the northwest corner of the intersection of TH25 and Broadway referred to as “Block 52 First Addition.” Block 52 First Addition is the name of a new mixed-use project at that corner that will start construction this fall. The commercial and residential project is being developed by Buchholz Development (also known as Block 52 Holdings LLC). The project will feature 87 new residential units and over 30,000 square feet of commercial space, including a new restaurant and patio.
Right now, the developer is moving through the demolition permit and building permit review processes. Construction fencing and equipment is anticipated to be placed on the property soon. Please note that construction on the block will impact the availability of the public parking lot on Walnut Street through the duration of construction, as well as the surrounding sidewalks.
- Blog: Council Approves Block 52 Development Agreement
- August 2022 Construction updates (Street and Sidewalk Improvements Project)
Associated Council Agenda Reports
- City Council Agenda: July 11, 2022
- Meeting Minutes
- Watch the July 11 City Council Meeting
- Agenda Item: 4A. Consideration of approving a Final Stage Planned Unit Development, Final Plat and Development Agreement, and Rezoning to Planned Unit Development for Block 52 First Addition, a Proposed Mixed-Use Development (87 Residential Apartment Units and Approximately 30,000 Sq Ft of Commercial Office and Retail Use) in the Broadway and Riverfront Sub-Districts in the Central Community District (CCD).
- City Council Agenda: May 23, 2022
- Meeting Minutes
- Watch the May 23 City Council Meeting
- Agenda Item: 4B. Consideration to approve a Development Stage Planned Unit Development and Preliminary Plat for Block 52 First Addition, a Proposed Mixed-Use Development (87 Residential Apartment Units and Approximately 30,000 Sq Ft of Commercial Office and Retail Use) in the Broadway and Riverfront Sub-Districts in the Central Community District (CCD).
