A local developer is planning a six-story apartment complex with street-level restaurants and retail on the northeast corner of Grand Avenue and Victoria Street in St. Paul. Afton Park Development’s $40 million project would be built on the site of what is now Victoria Crossing East, which houses a Juut salon and the former Billy’s on Grand space, later known as the Gather Eatery and Watch Bar, among other businesses. The company’s plans call for 87 units of market-rate housing, indoor parking and a pair of 4,000-square-foot restaurants on either side of a retail space, Afton president Ari Parritz said this week. Parritz said he expects to close on the purchase of the property later this spring, with construction beginning in January 2026. The complex could open as soon as summer 2027. A rendering of the mixed-use apartment complex planned by Afton Park Development at the corner of Grand Avenue and Victoria Street in St. Paul. (Courtesy of Afton Park Development) The site was recently rezoned from business district to “traditional neighborhood” zoning, and Parritz said he is in the process of applying for a conditional use permit to build the structure to the intended height. Afton is in talks with a business for the building’s central commercial space, but Parritz said he is still seeking occupants for the restaurants, both of which will include patio seating. Parritz worked with Reuter Walton to redevelop the former Dixie’s on Grand space three blocks east into the Kenton House apartment complex, which opened in 2023 and includes Japanese restaurant Saji Ya, Emmett’s Public House and Razava Bread Co. at street level. Reuter Walton is not involved with this project. Related Articles Business | Jason Adkins: Measuring the economic impact of the Catholic Church in Minnesota Business | St. Paul mayor says council has ‘plunged the city into crisis’ by blocking garbage truck yard Business | Minnesota Wild, St. Paul Saints make their pitches to state lawmakers for major bonding dollars Business | First tow of 2025 reaches Mississippi River at Hastings Business | Young, Fisher: One way to think about reinvention in downtown St. Paul ...read more read less