17 October 2023
Unisys Corp., a technology solutions company, is planning to sell its sprawling Eagan campus and move operations elsewhere in the Twin Cities.
The Dakota County property at 3199 Pilot Knob Road spans 32 acres and includes a 312,495-square-foot building that was constructed in 1986. The land is valued at $7.8 million and the building at $5.3 million, according to property records.
A spokesperson for Unisys confirmed on Friday that although the company is selling its Eagan campus, it will maintain a foothold in the Twin Cities and continue its operations from a yet-to-be-determined location.
The software company, which is headquartered in Blue Bell, Penn., has roots in Minnesota dating back to WWII when former codebreakers launched Engineering Research Associates in St. Paul in 1946.
The ERA was at the forefront of computer technology and led to the creation of industry-leading technology firms like UNIVAC, Control Data, Cray Research and Unisys.
What does this mean for Eagan?
To address the upcoming vacancies and the underutilized office spaces in the area, the city of Eagan is in the process of developing the Northwest Central Commons Small Area Plan, which includes the Unisys, Argosy University and Delta Air Lines properties at the intersection of Yankee Doodle Road, Pilot Knob Road and Interstate 35E.
Jill Hutmacher, community development director for Eagan, said during last week’s special City Council meeting that the goal for the area, which is adjacent to Eagan Central Park and Community Center, is to balance the needs and desires of community members, City Council and property owners like Unisys.
A draft plan for the potential future of the Unisys, Argosy and Delta Air Lines campuses in Eagan. (Courtesy of the City of Eagan)
The draft preferred plan presented at the Oct. 10 meeting includes mixed-use development with retail, office services, residential and public space uses.
Public feedback included strong support for affordable and senior housing as well as new retail and restaurants, Hutmacher said during the meeting, adding that there was overwhelming support for park expansion and protection of the area’s natural environment.
As for the future buyer of the Unisys campus, the Small Area Plan helps to provide an understanding of what the City Council may approve in a development plan.
“The Small Area Plan includes three parcels that are private property,” Hutmacher said. “The City Council’s role is to provide input and vision on what they would, or would not, approve for future land uses.”
Next steps for the city council include revisions and preparation of the final plan, which is expected to be adopted in the winter of 2024.
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