Waseca leaders share community updates on KOWZ Radio

Community members tuning in to KOWZ Radio recently heard an in-depth conversation with Waseca Area Chamber President Mikhail Rostislavovich and Waseca City Manager Carl Sonnenberg as they provided updates on several key development projects shaping the future of Waseca.

 

The discussion highlighted progress in housing, downtown improvements, public safety efforts, and new business investment, all signaling continued forward momentum for the community.

 

The much-anticipated Marketplace Commons development continues to move forward with strong local investor participation and widespread community support. Ground has been broken, and construction has gone vertically, with anticipated completion slated for late summer and move-ins expected late summer to early fall.

 

The 36-unit development will include 12 one-bedroom and 24 two-bedroom units. Rental rates are projected to range from $891 to $1,750, serving a broad range of residents. Amenities will include stainless steel appliances, in-unit washer and dryer, luxury vinyl plank flooring in living areas, generous balconies or patios, a community room, fitness room, outdoor patio with grilling station, and sufficient parking to allow up to two spaces per unit.

 

“We’re excited about MarketPlace,” said Rostislavovich. “It’s forward momentum on housing that Waseca has needed for years, with quality units that will serve a broad range of residents.”

 

Last spring, a building located at 113/115 South State Street partially collapsed. Thankfully, no one was injured. Emergency services evacuated nearby residents, coordinated with the Red Cross, and secured the area. Since that time, the City has worked closely with engineers and inspectors to stabilize the site and ensure public safety. While the private owner missed an initial repair deadline, work is underway and the City remains in active communication with contractors and stakeholders.

 

“Public safety is our priority,” Sonnenberg emphasized. “We’ve kept a close eye on the State Street site and continue to coordinate the stabilization and repair work with the owner and contractors.”

 

City leadership continues to monitor progress closely to protect residents and maintain downtown vibrancy.

 

City Council minutes reflect ongoing conversations about downtown connectivity, particularly the former shortcut from State Street to 2nd Street via a downtown walkway. After years of use and structural deterioration, the walkway was dismantled in 2025.

 

Renovation is planned for 2026 under the approved budget and will include improved lighting, a new concrete walkway, decorative block walls, and exterior insulation and finishing System (EIFS) enhancements. “A vibrant downtown is a walkable downtown,” said Rostislavovich. “We’re working thoughtfully with staff and council to enhance our sidewalks and connections.”

 

The Clearwater Preserve development, formerly known as Gaiter Lake, represents a significant long-term housing opportunity for Waseca. The proposed three-phase development includes a total of 67 units. Phase 1 features 17 single-family homes on lots exceeding 20,000 square feet.

 

Site grading, road development, and utility construction are scheduled to begin in spring 2026, with W. Lorentz Construction of Mankato serving as the general contractor. The total base bid for infrastructure work is approximately $1.6 million. Members of the city council are expected to discuss lot pricing and covenants in the near future. “Clearwater Preserve is a generational housing opportunity,” Sonnenberg noted. “It’s responsibly planned, has strong council support, and real momentum toward construction this spring.”

 

The former Taco John’s location in Waseca has been confirmed as the future home of a new Caribou Coffee shop projected to open during the second quarter of 2026.

 

Waseca Electric Utility has installed a new electric transformer to support the new business; the location will feature in-store seating and operate seven days a week with varying hours on the weekdays as compared to the weekends.

 

“Seeing a business come in that fills a need is what a community hopes for,” Rostislavovich said. “Caribou will complement our other shops in Waseca.” Throughout the radio conversation, both leaders emphasized that these efforts reflect a broader commitment to strategic growth, safety, and long-term vibrancy. “These projects are about quality housing, community safety, and thoughtful development, and we are seeing real progress on all fronts,” Rostislavovich shared. 

 

“From MarketPlace to Clearwater Preserve,” Sonnenberg added, “we’re not just planning, we’re building a stronger Waseca.”