The Prior Lake City Council unanimously approved key land use and development requests on Tuesday, July 23, moving forward plans for a residential community known as Marlow Ridge on a portion of the historic Vierling family farm.

The council voted to amend the city's 2040 Future Land Use Map and approved preliminary development plans submitted by Pulte Homes for nearly 88 acres of the property. The action marks the latest step in a multi-stage approval process required before construction can begin.

Under the proposal, approximately 88 acres near the southeast corner of the CH21 and CH42 intersection would be developed into a low- and medium-density residential neighborhood featuring 262 housing units. The additional 22 acres north of the Fountain Hills Drive extension to CH21, designated for future commercial development, and roughly 55 acres south of Carriage Hills Parkway, guided for low-density residential, will remain in the ownership of the Vierling family for future sale and development. 

Prior Lake Community Development Director Casey McCabe presented council members with a 156-page report detailing the project, including development plans, environmental and traffic studies, public feedback, and other supporting information. 

Plans for Marlow Ridge include a mix of housing types, including single-family homes, townhomes, and association-maintained attached twin homes designed for residents age 55 and older. City officials noted that the variety of housing options would provide opportunities for residents at different life stages and income levels.

Members of the Vierling family voiced support for the project during earlier public hearings.

“The decision to sell this property is not made lightly,” said Lucy Vierling during a June 1 Planning Commission meeting. “The land will continue to serve the community as it is developed into housing for people at different stages of life with a variety of needs and lifestyles. This land has meant a great deal to our family for generations and we trust in this next chapter it will continue to benefit the community of Prior Lake.”

The Vierling family has deep roots in Prior Lake. The family farm was established in 1864 and is considered one of the area's founding agricultural properties. While the proposed sale would include the land identified for Marlow Ridge, the family will continue to own hundreds of acres north of County Road 42, which are not included in the current proposal and are not under consideration for development at this time.

Before construction can begin, Pulte Homes must complete several additional approval steps, including final platting, engineering reviews, and city approvals related to infrastructure, utilities, grading, stormwater management, and roadway improvements.

City staff will continue working with the developer to ensure compliance with local regulations and conditions established during the approval process. Detailed construction plans will undergo review by city engineers and other regulatory agencies before permits can be issued.

City officials stated that traffic impacts, environmental considerations, and neighborhood compatibility will continue to be evaluated throughout the development process.

The Marlow Ridge development is expected to be constructed in multiple phases over the next several years with construction activities potentially beginning as soon as fall 2026.