Ground Breaking Celebrates Major Redevelopment at Canterbury Park
Canterbury Park CEO Randy Sampson, along with Shakopee Mayor Bill Mars and officials from the city and Doran Companies, celebrated the beginning of Canterbury Commons with a ground-breaking ceremony Tuesday. The multi-use redevelopment is expected to attract more than $400 million in private investment while creating new and in-demand housing options and high-wage employment opportunities in Shakopee, as well as additional dining and entertainment venues, while improving traffic flow in the area.
Now underway is construction of the first phase, a $100 million multi-family residential complex known as Triple Crown and led by Doran Companies. The extension of Shenandoah Drive, which will provide access to the redevelopment of more than 60 acres while connecting neighborhoods to the east and west of Canterbury Park, is also in its early stages.
“This is a very exciting day for Canterbury Park and our community,” Mars said. “Shakopee has been waiting for 30 years to see Canterbury develop to its fullest and best use, and to connect our community. This project will be the single largest redevelopment project in Shakopee’s history. This public/private partnership will transform the area and bring high-quality housing, exceptional high-paying jobs, and greatly expanded retail, restaurant and entertainment venues. The City of Shakopee is proud to be a stakeholder along with Doran Companies, Canterbury Park, and others to be announced soon. We all are excited to get this project started.”
Earlier this month, an agreement was completed with Primrose Schools®, a national system of accredited private preschools that provides a premier early education and child care experience for children and families, making it the first business to locate in Canterbury Commons.
Details of an agreement are also being finalized that would bring a significant employer and its corporate headquarters to Canterbury Commons.
“I thank the members of the Shakopee City Council, Mayor Mars, and the local business community for the support they have shown for Canterbury Commons,” Sampson said. “Redevelopment, and the public infrastructure that accompanies it, has been a long time coming. City staff and elected officials showed great diligence in the process, allowing us to get to this point and creating an asset for the entire Shakopee community.”
The suburban Minneapolis racetrack originally opened in 1985 as Canterbury Downs but closed shortly after the 1992 season concluded. Sampson, his father Curtis, and businessman Dale Schenian purchased the track and surrounding property in 1994 and re-opened for simulcast racing in May of that year. With a new name, Canterbury Park, and a business plan that included year-round simulcasting, special events, and the notion of land development in the future, live horse racing returned to the state in the summer of 1995. The Canterbury Casino opened in 2000. Canterbury Park Holding Corporation (CPHC) trades publicly on Nasdaq.
