How to increase jobs? Expand industrial park
City News December 12, 2025
With both the south and north industrial parks in Albert Lea both nearly full, local leaders are taking steps to attract more businesses and the jobs that come with them.
The south industrial park has few open properties for new or expanding businesses. The city originally zoned the area in the 1950s as a mix of industrial and residential property, with the goal of creating a neighborhood where people could both live and work. But recent interest is more focused on industry than housing with the successful developments of Vortex Cold Storage, Design Ready Controls and Green Acres Milling.
To meet future needs, the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency (ALEDA) is planning an expansion of the industrial park.
At its Dec. 8 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council approved ALEDA’s request to rezone the agency’s 12 acres from residential to industrial at the corner of Viking Avenue and 11th Street. Two housing developers looked at the site in recent years, but chose the Blazing Star Landing for their investment.
ALEDA also owns industrial land to the south. Roads and utilities are already in place, which could speed up development.
City leaders emphasized that any industry built on the site must meet conditions aimed at protecting nearby neighborhoods and community aesthetics. These include requirements for screening, landscaping, setbacks, and restrictions on lighting and signs.
Residents expressed concern about paying more to maintain 11th Street, which is already scheduled for a full rebuild in 2030. The city may consider upgrades to handle industrial traffic more effectively. Under the city’s assessment structure, residential properties would pay the standard residential rate, while industrial parcels would pay a higher rate.
For details, watch the council meeting recording on YouTube.
