Light Industrial Information at The Heights

Light industrial Development

Opportunity For Light Industrial Development at The Heights

The Heights will bring economic opportunity to Saint Paul’s Greater East Side with high-quality light industrial jobs from companies that share its development values and commitment to a sustainable future. These organizations will be a critical part of The Heights community with a desire to hire, train and grow with their neighbors. Read more about Light Industrial Jobs.

Saint Paul Port Authority (SPPA) is administering the development of one million square feet of light industrial space at The Heights with multiple pad-ready sites available. So, what’s been done on the site so far?

Development Activities To-date

Community Engagement

After SPPA purchased the property and the City of Saint Paul completed the community-led master planning process, SPPA put it into action. In addition to several community meetings, SPPA hosted four community engagement work groups to help guide development decisions. SPPA regularly provides community updates.

Soil Remediation

SPPA oversaw the remediation of the soil contamination and approximately 110,482 tons (approximately 73,655 cubic yards) of contaminated material was carefully excavated and appropriately disposed of at a permitted landfill. You can access the detailed documentation at Environmental Remediation.

Infrastructure

Earthwork began at The Heights in May 2024 after soil remediation began in July 2023. Work continues Summer 2025 with underground water and sewer, streets and sidewalks and lighting. Ever-Green Energy is installing the district geothermal energy system, the first of its kind in the state. For more information, visit Sustainability.

Why The Heights is the Right Home for Your Business

The Heights offers companies a rare opportunity to be part of the largest development on Saint Paul’s Greater East Side in more than a generation. With one million square feet of pad-ready light industrial space, strong local and state incentives and Minnesota’s largest affordable housing project, businesses can hire and house their workforce locally, join a diverse and growing business community and benefit from one of the Midwest’s most energy-efficient, cost-saving infrastructures.

Labor

The Greater East Side neighborhood has 19,000 working-aged adults ready for quality jobs. The Heights will be adding an additional 1,000 households as well. SPPA is partnering with Eastside Employment xChange to connect employers with qualified Eastsiders.

INFRASTRUCTURE & HOUSING FOR ALL

The Heights will have one of the most energy- and water-efficient infrastructures in the state as well as 1,000 new rental/for-sale homes and 20 acres of parks, trails and green space.

Sustainability

Pre-certified in LEED for Communities with an innovative district geothermal energy system — the first of its kind in the state — The Heights offers unprecedented investment in a clean energy infrastructure, sustainable design and operational practices and stormwater management to minimize environmental impact.

Transportation & Accessibility

Located at the intersection of Larpenter Avenue and McKnight Road, The Heights is ideal for light industrial businesses with its easy access to Highway 36, I-694, Highway 61 and I-94. The Heights will also be multi-modal, connecting to regional trail systems and bus, light rail and commuter rail services.

Security

SPPA works closely with the City of Saint Paul and the Greater East Side District 2 Community Council to promote safety and create a secure infrastructure, building on the efforts the Council has taken to make the community a place people want to live, work and play.

Available Light Industrial Parcels

The Redevelopment Plan includes 50+ acres of light industrial zoning, as illustrated below (in purple).

Click on the interactive map below to learn more about each individual industrial parcel.

Bring Your Business to The Heights

A Once-in-a-generation Opportunity for Businesses

Build and invest in The Heights, the largest, greatest new development and community on the Greater East Side of Saint Paul. For companies that want to experience this hub of eco-innovation, SPPA will guide them through the expectations, incentives and how The Heights can benefit their brand, workforce and operations.

understanding the benefits to your business

SPPA will help you with your proforma by guiding you through both hard- and soft-cost benefits of developing at The Heights, including optimal energy efficiency, short- and long-term operational and maintenance cost-savings, superior indoor air quality and employee health, wellbeing and productivity.

Assist with Achieving your Design goals

SPPA will guide your team through The Heights’ established design guidelines to help ensure your facility aligns with your vision and business priorities while meeting the community’s shared goals for quality, character and cohesion.

help navigate the entitlement process

With a collaborative approach, SPPA can assist your business with the entitlement process, helping navigate approvals and aligning your project with the City of Saint Paul’s goals for sustainability, jobs and overall economic impact.

aid with beautification

SPPA can connect businesses at The Heights with local artists for murals and installations that reflect your brand and enrich the neighborhood’s identity.

Kristine Williams

SVP of Real Estate & Development Saint Paul Port Authority

Contact Kristine to explore light industrial parcel availability and possible incentives for locating your business at The Heights.

Case Study: Xcel Energy at The Heights

Xcel Energy’s new Service Center at The Heights marks a major milestone in both clean energy progress and local job creation. Breaking ground in November 2024 on a 20-acre site, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to support 375 jobs at opening, with room to grow to 500.

Smart Energy. Smarter Investment.

At The Heights, our district geothermal energy system and solar energy installations aren’t just sustainable, they’re strategic. Learn more about how our innovative green infrastructure will help save you money, improve wellness and comfort and support a healthier environment.

Light industrial Development

Opportunity For Light Industrial Development at The Heights

Development Activities To-date