Apple Valley Annual Development Recap
TLDR
- Apple Valley processed 27 planning applications in 2025
- Over $43 million in new commercial/industrial construction across 7 new buildings
- $82 million in institutional projects (high schools, parks, community centers)
- Major entertainment venues on the way: Skyline Social & Games and Pickle Hall
- Redwood Park renovation opens June 2026; Valley Station Apartments expected to break ground April 2026
At the March 4 Planning Commission meeting, city planning director Tim Bennett walked through the 2025 annual report — and Apple Valley had a big year. Here's the breakdown of everything that happened and what's still in the works.
New Businesses and Commercial Development
Apple Valley welcomed some major commercial additions in 2025.
McDonald's opened at 15,460 English Avenue in November 2025, after the commission approved it in January and council signed off in late January. It moved fast — groundbreaking happened shortly after approval.
Les Schwab Tire Center — the 16,000 sq ft shop at 15,690 English Avenue — was actually approved back in 2024, but the grand opening is happening this coming Friday. One notable feature: all car work happens inside the building, which should cut down on noise from equipment.
Skyline Social & Games is under construction at 15,555 English Avenue. This is the big one: 47,000 sq ft of bowling, duckpin bowling, ax throwing, billiards, bocce, and sand volleyball. It's expected to open late 2026 or early 2027. Staff noted the building looks huge once the structure starts rising — it's a scale that's hard to appreciate on paper.
Seven Brew Coffee — a 600 sq ft drive-through-only coffee spot at 15,440 English Avenue — was approved in 2025, and construction is expected to start this spring with a summer 2026 opening.
For more on what's opening in Apple Valley, check out our Apple Valley news coverage on South Metro Scoop.
Parks Got a Massive Upgrade
Redwood Park is the big one. The entire facility was scraped and rebuilt with a new activity center, inclusive swimming pool, and updated playground. It's set to open this June 2026 — a big deal for families on the east side of the city.
Kelly Park is getting a new bandshell with a large outdoor movie/display screen, plus expanded parking, a new splash pad, and restroom upgrades. Construction is ongoing.
Apple Valley Community and Senior Center got approval for a new addition that will connect and merge the senior center with the community center. The architectural rendering looks great — watch for that one in the coming years.
Schools Getting New Gyms
Both Apple Valley High School and East View High School got approval for major new activity center additions.
- Apple Valley High School: 86,000 sq ft addition; construction began June 2025
- East View High School: 84,000 sq ft addition; also underway, and actually ahead of AVHS in terms of visible progress
The school district invested over $50 million combined in these two projects — a big commitment to the community's facilities.
Entertainment Venues on the Horizon
Beyond Skyline Social & Games, the commission highlighted Pickle Hall — a 66,000 sq ft indoor pickleball facility with 18 courts and a food and beer hall — now under construction at 7169 153rd Street. The Minnesota Monthly covered the project extensively. Expected opening: early 2027.
Also in the works: Rapid Valley Village CAIA Project — a TCU expansion at 14,670 Garrett Avenue — with construction expected to begin mid-2026.
Housing Projects Underway
Three apartment projects are in various stages of construction or launch:
- Orchard Place Apartments: 130-unit, 4-story workforce housing at the Orchard Place development. Construction is ongoing and the $25M project is expected to open within the year.
- Orchard Path: 75-unit continuum of care facility (senior/assisted living). Under construction.
- Valley Station Apartments: 144-unit workforce housing. Council approved in September 2025; financing close expected April 2026, with permits and construction to follow.
The Numbers
By the numbers, 2025 was a strong year for Apple Valley:
- 7 new commercial/industrial buildings: $43M+ in value
- 105 commercial renovation permits: $31M in investment
- $82M in institutional building permits
- 10 new single-family homes at an average of $620,000 each
- 15 new townhomes
- 2,000+ residential addition/alteration permits: $33M in value
- 7 ribbon cuttings, 4 groundbreakings
For the full city context on planning and development in Apple Valley, the City of Apple Valley Community Development page has all the official documents.
The Bottom Line
2025 was a genuinely impressive year for Apple Valley's development pipeline. The city is growing — entertainment, parks, schools, and housing all got major investments. And 2026 looks just as busy, with Redwood Park opening in June, Skyline Social & Games and Pickle Hall both on track, and Valley Station Apartments expected to get moving in the spring.
FAQ
Is Skyline Social & Games actually going to open in 2026?
That's the target — late 2026 or early 2027. Construction is underway at Orchard Place, and you can follow along at their website.
When does Redwood Park reopen?
June 2026. The whole facility was rebuilt from scratch — new pool, activity center, and playground.
What is Pickle Hall?
An 18-court indoor pickleball facility with a food hall and beer hall at 7169 153rd Street. It's under construction now and expected to open in early 2027.
Did Apple Valley build any new housing in 2025?
Yes — 10 new single-family homes (averaging $620K each) and 15 new townhomes, plus three apartment projects totaling 349 units in various stages of construction.
What happened to the police operations building?
It was approved back in 2023 but just had its ribbon cutting in August 2025. If you get a chance to tour it, the staff said it's a really impressive facility on the inside.
