As great as a casino sounds, its just a pipe dream, because this is not tribal land. Lots of laws would have to change in order for a non-Indian casino to open. Those laws will not change anytime in the forseeable future. If we would like a new place to perhaps squander away the family fortune, how about a hospital?

No to the Casino.

A community center with a pool, park, additional meeting rooms for girl scouts, boy scouts and 4-H meetings, some places to eat, something for everyone. Like Edinborough Park in Edina

Community center like in maple grove with transit center!

A non-profit music conservatory, STEM-focused magnate middle and high school school that partners with 3M talent, senior center, and possibly a free/sliding scale healthcare clinic -- if we continue with a system that leaves 30+ million Americans without access to healthcare services.

I like the idea of a community center - altho the space just seems massive and I bet it would cost so much to get it to what a "community center" is in everyone's minds. Perhaps half community center - half some other business that would then continue to pay taxes on the property?

Another good use would be a small community college (a place where high school students could also take PSEO classes and continue to the first two years of college affordably, without taking on debt). We need affordable secondary education for our young people.

Good ideas guys! And you keep hearing about people wanting a water park in Woodbury...

As a Woodbury taxpayer, I would be very much against turning it into another Community Center. We already have Central Park, and an upgraded Bielenberg sports complex is on the way. This is prime real estate that needs to stay on the tax rolls generating income for the city instead of taking money away from it. Either find a new business to move in, or sub-divide it into an office park.

I agree with DM keep it on the tax rolls. I wish 3m could find a use for it, either to buy it or lease it.

A city the size of Woodbury needs a swimming facility. Yes, we have central park and meeting rooms but we need a public pool.

Couple of idea's... Water park, Community college, a place for daycare providers to have classes, training, or just have a day in the park for the kiddos. A safe, fun place for the daycare providers to go with thier kids.. like a childs museum..? Learning, reading, ect.... with bus service.

To be called… The Gathering. I suggest a privately owned Museum/Art Center, among other establishments where we could be treated to a finely tuned mix of quality concerts, ceilis, sessions, workshops and master classes. A time during the day or eve where we can take adult classes similar to the Cottage Grove Community Center, for all residents. A reasonably priced day-care for children while parents take classes. We need a cultural ambassador to Woodbury.
When you’ve eaten your fill at the new San Fransciso digs ,(Rice-a Ronie, the SanFransciso treat), Chinatown, Little Italy or the Latin American Cuisine there; dip your toe into the culture on offer. A combustible blend of contemporary arts and culture combining local, national and international events/art. Have unusual things in unusual places. Something for everyone in Woodbury, for every mood and every budget to increase the amazing energy and vitality & revenue to the city.
“Too much of anything is just enough”…cannot remember the singer.

As a software engineer, I'd like to see a tech company move in here. Woodbury has a glut of retail and healthcare industry - it's time to expand!

Another Walgreens or Target. Both Walgreens are outdated.

How long has the complex been empty?

It is an immense space, but with great location and access. Perhaps the time has come to divide it up in to more marketable chunks (which could facilitate a number of uses: business, educational and recreational).

It's been vacant since 2004. And dividing it up was part of Wellington Management's plans before the deal fell through. http://patch.com/A-dtYc

Could this be on Surly's short list for their proposed $20 million brewery?
According to an MPR story this morning, they are behind schedule on their decision on where to build but have seven or eight potential spots on their list. The only reason this site comes to mind is their need for a large chunk of land (certainly not as much as is here) and proximity to I-94, with I-494/694 so close.

Whoa, now there's an idea I can get behind.

A question that I have is do the taxes for this site go to Woodbury? Tamarack Village taxes go to the Stillwater or Lake Elmo district.

I'm checking in on that Jeanne. I hear those kinds of things all the time, about Woodbury Lakes too.

Got the word back from the city's communications guy on this. Here's what he said:

They are referring to the school district portion of their taxes. These properties are in School District 622 (North St. Paul/ Maplewood/Oakdale School District). The city portion of their taxes does go to Woodbury. People tend to associate School District 833 as the “Woodbury” school district; however, many of our residents live in these other two districts (622 and 834), and send their kids to those schools. Hope this helps.

No problem gang. Thanks for furthering the conversation. Got a new one of these cooking tomorrow.

The new Arctic Cat (Arctic Cat Inc.) World Headquarters. They're going to have to move closer to a major city to stay competitive on a global scale. And they're already an awesome representation of what a MN company can grow to be.

Not a bad idea arin.

Check with Merrill Corporation in St. Paul. They have quite a few employees who live nearby.

Somebody just emailed me asking if there has ever been any consideration to making this a college. Not a bad idea either.