Cottage Grove residents can expect several new businesses to open in the coming months as major road construction projects near completion, Cottage Grove Mayor Myron Bailey shared recently.
Writing in a recent post to social media, Bailey provided updates on the reconstruction of 80th Street, the anticipated openings of several restaurants and businesses, and additional commercial development planned for the city.
Among the most significant announcements was the approaching completion of the 80th Street reconstruction project, which has been underway during the spring, summer and fall construction seasons.
Bailey announced that an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for 80th Street is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 9 a.m. The roadway is expected to reopen fully before the ceremony, potentially within the next week.
The project includes improvements to 80th Street and the ramps connecting to Highway 61, with extended and additional turn lanes designed to improve traffic movement. New traffic signals equipped with technology to monitor and manage traffic flow have also been installed.
Additional improvements include new pavement, street lighting, decorative landscaping and signage. Bailey said holiday decorations will be installed on the new streetlight poles later in November.
"Thank you for dealing with the long construction on 80th and the ramps on and off of highway 61," Bailey wrote. “The benefit is new extended turn lanes, added turn lanes, new stop lights with state-of-the art technology to measure and help with traffic flow, a new smooth surface, new street lights, and some new decorate landscaping and signage. You will see the new Holiday decorations on the new street light poles later this November!”
The 80th Street project is among several major road improvements undertaken in Cottage Grove this year, including construction of the Highway 19/Keats Avenue and 80th Street roundabout, reconstruction of 65th Street near Hastings Avenue as well as mill and overlay work on 95th Street.
Commercial development meanwhile also continues throughout the city, with several restaurants preparing to open.
Bailey reported that construction of the new Kwik Trip location is progressing smoothly, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony tentatively planned for Dec. 23.
Panera Bread is also moving toward completion on the old Speedway lot, although its originally anticipated opening before Christmas may be delayed. Bailey said additional information about the restaurant's opening date will be announced as it becomes available.
Another restaurant preparing to enter the Cottage Grove market is Wingstop, which is developing a location in the former Orange Theory Fitness building.
According to Bailey, the building will accommodate two restaurants, with Wingstop occupying one portion and an additional restaurant planned for the remaining space. The identity of the second restaurant has not yet been announced.
Bailey said the property owners are working with Wendy's to improve landscaping and visibility in the area between the two restaurant locations. No projected opening date has been established for Wingstop.
Additional restaurant development is planned at the current Basic Needs Food Pantry location.
Bailey announced that the food pantry will relocate within the next few months to a new location alongside Basic Needs near its Thrift store off Hadley Avenue.
Following the relocation, the former food pantry property is expected to be redeveloped for a new restaurant.
Bailey said construction is not expected to begin until January 2027. Although the restaurant's name has not been disclosed, he indicated it would be a non-branded restaurant rather than a national chain.
Retail development is also underway in Old Cottage Grove, where a new bookstore named Rolling Chapters is preparing to occupy the vacant building at 7404 Lamar Avenue South next to Boondocks Vintage Boutique.
Bailey did not provide a projected opening date but indicated that more information would be forthcoming.
In addition to the businesses under development, Cottage Grove recently welcomed a new fitness studio.
Club Pilates has opened at 7420 80th Street, occupying space on the upper level of the commercial buildings that also house Casa Mia and Great Clips.
The new studio adds another fitness option for residents and represents continued commercial activity along the 80th Street corridor.
The developments reflect a period of substantial infrastructure investment and business growth in Cottage Grove, with road improvements intended to support traffic movement as additional commercial establishments prepare to welcome customers.
Bailey indicated that another city update would be forthcoming within the next week, potentially providing additional details on ongoing construction and business developments.
"That should be enough for now!" Bailey wrote, concluding his update with Halloween greetings and an invitation to attend the community's Halloween parade.