Hermantown has long envisioned a community-gathering space that seamlessly blends residential and commercial elements, offering a wonderful, walkable experience. Whether living, working, or playing, the Uptown concept brings together several community possibilities into one cohesive vision.
Watch for a future survey on Uptown concepts!
As part of garnering a wide array of ideas on what Uptown could become, the City of Hermantown will have surveys available. When a new survey is available there will be a link above to participate.
UPTOWN HERMANTOWN
City of Hermantown Announces Formation of Advisory Committee to Plan “Uptown” Area in Hermantown Marketplace
For Immediate Release — February 27, 2025
Hermantown, Minn. – The Hermantown Economic Development Authority (HEDA) has established an advisory committee, tasked with master planning an area within the Hermantown Marketplace, currently referenced as “Uptown.”
The newly formed Advisory Committee is comprised of seven Hermantown residents, led by HEDA Commissioner Karen Pionk, with three members of Hermantown’s city staff, including Chad Ronchetti, Hermantown’s Economic Development Director, serving as key contributors.
“We have a unique opportunity with the Uptown area to cultivate a community design that reflects Hermantown’s identity, while utilizing development-ready sites,” said Ronchetti. “I’m excited to collaborate with this talented group to create a gathering space that truly embodies the spirit of Hermantown.”
Along with Pionk, the Uptown Committee includes:
- Lynne Williams, Vice-Chair
- Jon Birkeland
- Russ Salgy
- Tony Sertich
- Sara Rolfson
- Michael Scharenbroich
Hermantown City staff working alongside the committee are Eric Johnson and Joe Wicklund.
“Hermantown has always been a family-oriented community, known for its strong sense of connection and hometown spirit,” said Pionk. “While we’ve lacked a central gathering space, this advisory committee presents an exciting opportunity to create a town center that not only fosters growth but also enhances the sense of place that makes Hermantown special. By developing this space, we can strengthen the bonds within our community and provide a welcoming environment for all.”
The committee’s focus will be on the land south of Maple Grove Road in the Hermantown Marketplace, including Stebner Park and adjacent private properties.
“We’ve seen success in developing the area north of Maple Grove Road,” said Ronchetti. “Now is the perfect time to turn our attention southward and explore how we can complement existing assets like the trail, park, and private landowners by designing a vibrant future for Uptown.”
Uptown Notes, Presentations, and More
Follow along below as the Uptown Hermantown conversation continues.
June 23 – Engagement Sessions – Notes
July 22 – Engagement Session – Notes
UPCOMING UPTOWN
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT EVENTS
- June 23, 2025 – Senior Stakeholder Listening Session – 11 a.m, Essentia Wellness Center
- June 23, 2025 – Soccer Community Listening Session – 5 p.m., City Hall
- July 17, 2025 – Q&A Table at the YMCA Block Party – 5 p.m., Essentia Wellness Center
- August 5, 2025 – Q&A Table at National Night Out – 4:30 p.m., City Hall
- September 17, 2025 – Uptown Open House – 6:00 p.m., Essentia Wellness Center
- More to come!
FAQ’s
ALL THINGS UPTOWN
What is the purpose of the Hermantown Uptown planning project?
The Hermantown Uptown Concept Master Plan builds on the 2011 Advance Hermantown community vision and takes the next step in creating a lively, walkable town center. This new area will include a mix of homes, businesses, and public spaces designed to bring people together. It will blend the convenience of city life with the charm of small-town living and the countryside. As one of the few growing cities in northern Minnesota, Hermantown is planning for the future while honoring its past. With strong hometown pride, the community is ready to shape a vibrant and connected neighborhood that reflects what makes Hermantown unique.
What is the timeline for the project?
The planning process will take place over the next year and is expected to finish by March 2026. Once complete, the City of Hermantown will use the approved Uptown Concept Master Plan as a guide for the next 10 to 15 years to help shape this area of the community and support future development.
Will the community have input in the planning process?
Input from the community, local stakeholders, and potential partners is essential to the success of the Uptown Master Plan. Throughout the project, there will be many chances for residents to help shape what Uptown may look and feel like. Meetings with city leaders, public open houses, and online surveys will gather valuable feedback from the people of Hermantown. The planning team—made up of city staff, planning consultants, and an advisory committee led by a member of the Hermantown Economic Development Authority (HEDA), along with community members, local employers, and other partners—will guide the community engagement process.
How will Uptown reflect the character and values of our community?
We will lead a strong community engagement effort to better understand what Hermantown residents value and hope for in the future. What we learn will help shape the Uptown plan. We’ll also create design guidelines that preserve Hermantown’s small-town character, ensuring that growth doesn’t come at the cost of its unique feel. Uptown will be a welcoming space that brings people together and strengthens our sense of community. With a mix of housing, new business opportunities, and shared public spaces, the new neighborhood will reflect Hermantown’s history, promote connections, and celebrate the people and places that make it special.
What are the economic benefits of creating Uptown?
This is our chance to create a lively, mixed-use district where community life and local business can grow together. With careful planning of new homes, shops, and services, Uptown Hermantown will become a busy town center that keeps its hometown feel for future generations. Whether you arrive by car, bike, or on foot, you’ll find well-designed streets that support local businesses and create a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere. We encourage local business owners and entrepreneurs to get involved and explore how they can be part of this exciting opportunity.
How will Keene Creek be preserved in the process?
Keene Creek is a valued part of the community, and it will be carefully protected and improved through thoughtful planning, environmental care, and community input. As part of the planning process, we’ll study the area to identify sensitive habitats, water quality concerns, and key natural features. This information will help guide where and how development can happen, along with steps to protect the creek. Community members, trail users, environmental groups, and other stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the planned public open houses and online surveys to share their ideas and ensure the master plan reflects what matters most to them.
Will the Boulder Creek Trail be affected by this project?
An important part of the planning process is improving access to the Boulder Creek Trail experience and making sure Uptown connects to the regional bike network. The trail is a valuable part of Hermantown and will help link parks and natural spaces with new homes and local businesses.
Was the land for Stebner Park donated to the City?
In 1996, the City of Hermantown entered into two Contracts for Deed for the purchase of the vacant land. The City paid fair market value for the properties, with no restrictions placed on their use.
What will happen to the Stebner Park soccer fields?
City staff are working with the Hermantown Youth Soccer Association on relocating the soccer fields closer to the high school.
How will traffic be impacted by the development of Uptown?
As part of this project, we’ll work with the St. Louis County Public Works Department to study transportation in the area. This will include looking at current road conditions, how people access the site today, and how future development might affect traffic and road connections. The results will help guide decisions about any needed road or infrastructure improvements around Uptown.
Damon Farber tabbed to guide Hermantown’s Uptown
Hermantown, Minn. – Following an extensive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, Damon Farber has been selected as the urban planning partner for Hermantown’s Uptown project.
“We are excited to have a trusted and innovative partner to help guide us through what is possible in Hermantown,” said Chad Ronchetti, Hermantown’s Economic Development Director. “The opportunity with this project is significant, so aligning with the best possible team is an important step. We are thrilled to have Damon Farber join that team.”
Damon Farber will work with city staff, the Uptown Advisory Committee, and the overall community to shape a stronger identity and envision a true city center. As part of the community outreach process, members of the Damon Farber team will be connecting with residents to learn what makes Hermantown such a special hometown and how those stories and values can take shape in the built environment.
Damon Farber’s team will also oversee additional partners, including SEH, Inc., Cushman & Wakefield, Architecture Advantage, and more.
See Damon Farber’s Presentation
Boulder Trail – A key component of Uptown
The focus on development in this area doesn’t detract from the investment in walkability that Hermantown has already added to its list of assets; instead, it enhances it.
Boulder Trail – the initial section of the Hermantown Connector Trail – is a key component of Uptown, as it winds through this new residential and commercial experience. The experience of today’s trail will certainly evolve as the area around the trail changes, but the accessibility of the trail will remain the same.
Additionally, other new sections of the trail will also provide different experiences, whether walking through the tree-filled rural stretches planned for south of Keene Creek Park or the more urban sections between the Essentia Wellness Center and Uptown, the Hermantown Connector Trail has options for everyone.