New financing in place, lighted cupolas will adorn building

By John McLoone

The Confluence project in downtown Hastings is full steam ahead coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The renovation of the former Hudson Sprayer complex is being redeveloped into hotel, convention, retail and residential use, and residents will see a beehive of activity around the development this summer, with completion now planned by October 31, 2022.

The City of Hastings websites describes The Confluence development as follows: “The project will renovate the former 100,000 square-foot manufacturing facility into a hotel, apartment, and commercial space including bike rental. Creation of a new riverfront park, deck overlook, and an expansion of the riverfront trail is also included. Portions of the facility will be open by the end of 2021 “This project is a perfect example of Hastings commitment to difficult redevelopment. The City acquired the property in 2010 as part of its vision for the Downtown. It spent almost nine years studying the possibilities, conducting the environmental remediation required for development, finding the right developer, and working diligently to make the project financially feasible. The City has demonstrated the patience, effort, and financial commitment required to make complicated redevelopment projects a reality. See THE CONFLUENCE Page 3

Mike Mattingly of The Confluence, LLC and project manager Rob Barse addressed the city council on big things happening with the development.

Photo by John McLoone.

A ceremony will be held Thursday at 8:30 p.m. on the upper level of The Confluence parking structure to light the cupolas that were installed on the roof of the building. Photo by Bruce Karnick. The Confluence

From Page 1

“The Confluence is a collaboration of the City of Hastings, Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority (HEDRA), and Confluence Development LLC.

The project would not be possible without the financial support of our project partners: Dakota County Community Development Agency, Metropolitan Council, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.”

In its first in-person meeting since COVID-19 forced government meetings online, city councilmembers heard an update from Confluence developers Pat Regan and Mike Mattingly and project manager Rob Barse.

The city council voted unanimously for an amended agreement with The Confluence, LLC on the new completion date, which includes language that the development will be taxed at a value of $5 million at that time, completed or not.

At the outset of the meeting, Hastings Community TV had to “rebrief” the council members on some production items, microphone placement, and other technological aspects of the televised meeting. Citizens can still “attend” the meetings and give public comment online as well. Ward 2 Councilmember Jen Fox sat at the council table for her first time, as she was elected during the pandemic, as did new Assistant City Administrator/Human Resource Director Kelly Murtaugh and City Attorney Korine Land. Each seat at the elevated council table was separated by plexiglass.

Community Development Director John Hinzman introduced The Confluence topic.

“Most of you are aware of the project going on down by the river,” he said, with tongue in cheek.

He said that despite setbacks in financing due to COVID-19, “The project has continued to move forward.”

From the city’s standpoint, Hinzman said that the completion date is a big achievement.

“The developers have agreed to a minimum-taxed-as value, which is at $5 million,” he said. “These funds are used to retire our debt. This is a substantial step.”

Mattingly told the council that The Confluence, LLC had just entered into an agreement for tax credit financing necessary to complete the project when COVID-19 shutdowns started in March 2020. That financing was pulled because of the pandemic. The group recently reached a deal to replace that financing.

“That’s a huge step for us,” he said. “We’ve been working hard. We’ve stayed committed to the project. We found a way to persevere. We couldn’t be more excited to be here today.”

A couple other announcements were made at the meeting. Cupolas adorned with metal Amnerican flag weather vanes flags were installed last week, and a ceremony will be held Thursday night at 8:30 p.m., on the eve of the Hastings Rivertown Days Festival for an official lighting of the cupolas, which will be an exciting addition to the Hastings skyline. The lighting ceremony will take place on upper level of The Confluence parking structure.

“Next week is going to be a fun one,” said Barse at the meeting. “We’re excited to see those go up.” In addition, in August, the restaurant plans for the site will be unveiled. Mattingly said it will be operated by IDM Hospitality, which also will operate the hotel at The Confluence.

Council member Lori Braucks asked how many jobs The Confluence will create, and she was told by Mattingly, “Over 100 would be a safe number.”

Councilmembers were excited about the developments surrounding The Confluence.

“These are great updates. It’s very exciting for the community,” Mayor Mary Fasbender said.

“Everyday when I go downtown, I get to see a little more done,” said Fox.

“These cupolas will really change the look,” said Lisa Leifeld.

The city, HEDRA and developers executed the original agreement on the parcel is 2016.

The Hastings City Council held its first in-person meeting since March 2020 last Tuesday night, with Mayor Fasbender, councilmembers and city staff arranged at the front of the council chambers at Hastings City Hall. Photo by John McLoone