Walser Automotive had challenged the Housing and Redevelopment Authority's attempt to buy its car dealership site, saying it lacked the proper authority. In another lawsuit, Walser challenged the city's use of tax increment financing for the project. Judge Gary Larson of the Hennepin County District Court ruled in the city's favor in both lawsuits. He also ruled that condemnation of Walser's property served a public purpose.

A third lawsuit brought by Walser challenges the environment impact statement done for the project. It has not been resolved, says Joy Harris, a spokeswoman for Eden Prairie, MN-based Best Buy. "If it weren't for Walser's delay tactics, we'd be ordering steel and moving dirt," Harris notes.

Best Buy hopes to build a $160-million corporate campus, building four or more buildings totaling 1.5 million sf near I-494 and Penn Avenue South in Richfield. Of the 83 homes and businesses in the way of the development, only Walser has yet to sign apurchase agreement with Opus Northwest, the developer of the project.