St. Cloud Planning Commission approves Youthset Teen Center expansion

(KNSI) – A St. Cloud teen center has received approval to expand, with plans to add a gymnasium, classrooms, a dance studio, and more for area youth.

The St. Cloud Planning Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved an amendment to the Planned Unit Development for the lot at 1415 5th Street North, clearing the way for Youthset Teen Center to expand operations into the unoccupied portions of the building it leases.

It’s already operating in part of the building. The expansion will convert the high-bay warehouse area into an indoor gymnasium, add changing rooms, and create a new entryway where an overhead garage door currently sits on the northeast side.

A later construction phase would add a reception area, classrooms, a dance studio, a dining area, an art and salon space, a gaming lab, and a possible coffee shop.

The project has funding in motion. Youthset received $75,000 in March from federal Community Development Block Grant funds administered by the city of St. Cloud to help refurbish the gymnasium. The organization hopes to have the work done in three years.

City staff and the Engineering Department both recommended approval.

Reynolds stated in the application that the expanded center would primarily serve enrolled teens and their families rather than being open to the general public.

The proposal now goes to the St. Cloud City Council for a second public hearing and final approval.

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