BLOOMINGTON, MN—United Properties will break ground tomorrow morning on the second phase of Penn & American – its multi-phase, mixed-use project at the intersection of Penn Ave. and American Blvd. in Bloomington, MN. The Minneapolis-based company has formed a partnership with StuartCo for this development. Last month, the 120,000-square-foot second phase got a boost when Home2 Suites by Hilton, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, signed leases to occupy a total of more than 100,000-square-feet. About 10,000-square-feet remains available in the development, which the partners expect to finish by fall of 2015.

Home2 Suites by Hilton is an extended stay hotel; this will be its first location in the Twin Cities metro area. Once complete, the developers will sell the 107-room, 68,000-square-foot, four-story hotel to Lion Hotel Group. The 28,600-square-foot Fresh Thyme Farmers Market will also be its first location in the market. The specialty grocer focuses on healthy and organic products, and plans to form a strong bond with the community by working with local vendors and putting their products on the shelves. Red Robin will operate a 6,900-square-foot restaurant.

In addition to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the City of Bloomington, project partners include ESG Architects, civil engineer Kimley-Horn, hotel architect Tushie Montgomery Architects, general contractor RJM Construction, hotel contractor Weis Builders, hotel operator Lion Hotel Group and brokerage firm Cushman & Wakefield | NorthMarq.