A meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Hastings American Legion Post from 6-7:30 p.m. to introduce plans for a new housing development on property that LandEquity Development, LLC plans to annex into the City of Hastings.

The property is located on Hwy. 316 at Michael Avenue. It is currently in Marshan Township on the south edge of Hastings.

A proposal by another firm to develop the site last year fell through.

LandEquity Development plans include a variety of housing options from single family to twin home, townhouses, assisted living and apartments. An application for annexation of the site is expected in February at the Hastings City Council. Property owners within 350 feet of the property will be notified by mail prior to any city council action.

The development – named Walden of Hastings – can be toured by a virtual reality headset at the Legion meeting.

“Walden of Hastings is referred to as a life cycle housing development,” said LandEquity President Chris Beadle. “Life cycle housing developments have quickly gained nationwide popularity. Walden of Hastings and similar life cycle housing embrace the value of maintaining connection between each of us as we age and our housing needs and tastes evolve. Lifecycle housing has been proven to be a dynamic factor in lowering the feeling of isolation and loneliness not only for seniors but in children and younger generations alike. While neighborhoods are separate and distinct, they are connected through common architecture, parks, proximity, trails, shared amenities and more.”

LandEquity is looking for feedback on the project from neighbors on the project and on options for land within the tract that won’t be developed as housing. There are 17 acres of Coulee land on the property that could be sold to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

“We have met with and walked the property with the DNR. There is a process for the DNR to purchase land that is different from traditional buyers. We will make every effort to accommodate the DNR and sell the property to them even at a loss,” said Beadle.

He said neighbors can really get a feel for the development with the VR equipment.

“Using our virtual reality headset, you will be blown away at the realistic feel of really walking throughout the development. Our contiguous neighbors can even see the actual views from their yards or windows,” he said.