Apple Valley Sees Busy Development Season as New Businesses Open and Infrastructure Projects Begin
New housing, entertainment venues, and road construction reshape Apple Valley this spring and summer.
Apple Valley is experiencing a wave of new development and community activity this spring, with several significant construction projects underway and new businesses opening their doors across the city.
New Businesses Bring Fresh Options
The city welcomed several new businesses in recent weeks. Zarminali Pediatrics held a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 15 at their new clinic located at 15676 Pilot Knob Rd. in Cobblestone Lake Center, with Mayor Clint Hooppaw and Apple Valley Chamber representatives in attendance. Meanwhile, Moe’s Southwest Grill received City Council approval on April 23 to operate a fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant at 7668 150th St. W, bringing additional dining variety to the downtown area.
A major entertainment destination is also taking shape. Skyline Social & Games, located at 15555 English Ave., is nearing completion and is on track to open in August 2026. The indoor/outdoor facility will feature bowling, duckpin bowling, axe throwing, an arcade, a full-service restaurant, and outdoor amenities including sand volleyball, cornhole, and bocce ball.
Housing and Development
Real Estate Equities has begun construction on a 144-unit workforce housing apartment development on the former MVTA Park and Ride lot at 155th St. W and Gaslight Drive. Site work is underway following demolition of the old bus shelter, with completion expected in July 2027.
In a notable development decision, the City Council rejected a proposed five-data-center project in March. The Apple Valley Technology Park proposal, which would have been situated on land currently used for gravel mining operations, was denied after the council adopted resolutions against the plat, site plan, and conditional use permit.
Infrastructure Updates
Motorists should prepare for significant road work beginning this summer. MnDOT will launch a two-year construction project in July to repair and resurface Highway 77/Cedar Avenue between 138th Street and the Minnesota River bridge, with work expected to continue through fall 2027. Additionally, Dakota County began road improvements on May 18 at Pilot Knob Road and Upper 147th Street, with additional County Road 42 work starting in July.
School District News
District 196 recently honored six employees with 2026 Outstanding Service Awards, the district’s highest honor. The district has also been addressing an ongoing bus driver shortage that has disrupted service for months, with officials considering changes to school start times to compensate.