Incline Village, a transformative development project in Duluth, Minnesota, is led by Incline Plaza Development LLC. It is known for its successful ventures, such as Endi Apartments, the Lighthouse for the Blind, and Kenwood Village Apartments. This project is set on the former Duluth Central High School site, which was purchased and demolished in 2022. Plans for the site include turning it into a dynamic mixed-use area comprising residential, retail, and office spaces to revitalize the community and bolster local economic, entertainment, and recreational opportunities. This initiative responds to the critical demand for new housing in the area.
Like projects like the Endi Building, Incline Village represents a concerted effort to tackle Duluth’s housing shortage. The project involves extensive infrastructure enhancements, including new roadways and utility systems. Incline Village is situated on a hillside and offers panoramic views of Lake Superior and downtown Duluth, making it an attractive spot for living and visiting. The development plan includes a public pavilion overlooking the city, a variety of retail and entertainment venues, co-working spaces, and direct access to outdoor activities via local trails.
The project entails a $500 million investment, planned across three phases to cultivate a new neighborhood.
It is set to include 1,180 market-rate housing units across multiple buildings.
Plans also include 70–120 condominiums that will offer stunning cityscape views.
The development timeline spans 7 to 10 years, incorporating residential spaces, retail areas, and green public spaces.
The plan includes 80,000 square feet of space dedicated to retail purposes.
In December 2024, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of Incline Village, with attendance from notable local figures such as Mayor Roger Reinert, City Councilor Roz Randorf, and Senator Grant Hauschild. Recognized as Duluth’s second-largest private development project, this initiative results from extensive planning and collaboration led by Jeff Schiltz and various building trade partners.
The project aims to accommodate a diverse range of residents by providing various types of housing, which vary in size and price. This strategy focuses on multifamily and multi-income units, essential for supporting the local economy and attracting a dynamic population of young professionals, families, and retirees.
The Central Hillside neighborhood, which hosts Incline Village, has historically experienced a shortage of modern housing options due to aged infrastructure and limited availability of land. This project directly addresses these issues by offering contemporary and attractive living solutions.
The launch of Incline Village signifies not just the creation of a new neighborhood but also a significant economic boost for the area. By establishing market-rate and condominium residences on this key lakeside property, the project meets an essential demand for varied housing options, including affordable, upscale, and accommodations for seniors. The initiative is expected to generate numerous jobs during its construction phase and even more post-completion, stimulating local businesses, elevating property values, and enhancing consumer activity, thus enriching the economic landscape.
The development is designed to be accessible to various income levels and to offer a mix of residential and commercial units. These aspects are intended to stabilize income streams and property values over time. The retail space incorporated into the project will foster new business ventures and employment opportunities, expanding the city’s tax base and providing ongoing financial support for local services and infrastructure.
Incline Village aims to become a bustling hub of community activity in Duluth, integrating shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreational facilities into one lively district. This community-oriented setup minimizes residents' reliance on cars, promoting a walkable area enriched with daily conveniences and social opportunities.
The project has been developed to create high-quality residential and commercial spaces that enhance living standards. It features access to green spaces through walking, biking, and hiking trails and includes areas dedicated to recreation and wellness, emphasizing a holistic lifestyle.
Environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of Incline Village, focusing on water conservation and eco-friendly waste management practices. The residential units are designed for energy efficiency, featuring Energy-Star appliances, effective insulation, low-emissivity windows, and environmentally friendly heating and cooling systems.
Incline Village is designed to offer an improved work-life balance and a destination experience that will adapt to the future urban needs of Duluth. It promises a place to live and a vibrant, day-long experience for both residents and visitors, poised to be a transformative element in the growth of the greater Duluth community.