Hastings Planning Commission met on Thursday, March 13 to discuss future plans for Block 28 and the “Gateway Project,” changes to this year’s façade improvement program and other business for developments in town.

Gateway Project
Community Development Director John Hinzman presented before the commission on future plans for Block 28, what has been referred to as the “Gateway Project.” In 2027, timed with the construction for Highway 61, the city envisions demolishing the current buildings on the block to develop a four-story mixed-use building with commercial space at street level and residential units above.
The Block 28 project has been long in the works with the commission previously reviewing the plan back in 2018. Hinzman presented the current plan to make sure it’s aligned with the opinions of the Hastings Planning Commission.
One of the changes since the 2018 draft is a shift from office space within the building to residential units. According to Hinzman, the proposal would have some 80 residential units.
“Post-COVID office is a much different scenario so it’s probably more likely to be residential on there,” said Hinzman.
The project has been dubbed the “Gateway Project” because it is intended to provide a better first look for those coming over the Highway 61 bridge into Hastings.
Commissioners discussed various concerns with the project ranging from proximity to the fire station and therefore loud and constant sirens and the need for soundproofing in residential units. Another issue was that of bedrock beneath the property which could cause issues with future development there.
Currently, the city owns all the properties on the block save Spiral Pizza. Only one residential resident remains on the property and they are expected to move by the end of the month.
The next step for the project is to meet with developers to better understand options and obstacles for the project moving forward.
“This is our highest priority,” said Hinzman.

Façade Improvements
Commissioners also discussed expansions to the Façade Improvement Program. Over the past two years, the $50,000 budget for the program has not been used due to fewer requests coming forward looking to leverage the funds.
To combat the lack of requests, commissioners unanimously voted to expand the Façade Improvement Program to commercial properties across the entire city and to include improvements to parking lots for those commercial businesses.
Previously, the program focused solely on the downtown corridor and the Vermillion Street Corridor, providing a 2-1 match for developers for various improvements ranging from window repair/replacement, storefront repair, and roof replacement among others.

Walden Development
Hinzman also spoke about other ongoing projects in the city of Hastings, including the Walden development, the Hastings Creamery, and the relocation of Carbone’s Pizzeria and Stacy’s Stars due to the placement of the central water treatment plant.
The Walden Development is a 71-acre development located at Highway 316 and Michael Avenue. The property was annexed in 2023, but little movement has occurred on the property since then. Apparently, that has not changed: “There’s not a lot to report unfortunately,” said Hinzman.
According to Hinzman, the city is expecting to receive land use applications for the property this summer: “I hope that is the case, but I don’t know.”

Relocating businesses
Both businesses currently located at 1292 North Frontage Road, Carbone’s Pizzeria and Stacy’s Stars, are in the process of being relocated due to the construction of the central water treatment plant later this year. According to Hinzman, Stacy’s Stars has already found a location, but that process has been “more challenging just because it’s a restaurant,” said Hinzman.
For more information on HEDRA and to watch full meetings, visit Hastings Community TV’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@HastingsCommunityTV