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The Albert Lea City Council on Monday is slated to vote on subdividing a parcel at the corner of East Main Street and Blake Avenue to accommodate for the potential construction of a new grocery store.

According to Freeborn County online property records, the 10-acre parcel is currently privately owned by the William G. Dress Irrevocable Trust and Jeffrey G. Dress Irrevocable Trust and is known as the Dress Addition.

The preliminary plat submitted to the city indicates it was prepared by engineering firm ISG Inc. and lists Aldi Inc. as the developer. The Tribune has reached out to both ISG and Aldi but has not received confirmation back about potential plans.

Aldi in February on its website announced plans to open more than 225 new stores in 2025 as part of the next phase of its five-year national growth strategy, including an expansion of its established footprint in the Northeast and Midwest regions. The discount supermarket chain, one of America’s fastest-growing retailers, is known for its simplicity, efficiency and low prices.

The Albert Lea Planning Commission reviewed the preliminary plat at its Feb. 4 meeting. City background information states the purpose of the plat is to subdivide it into a smaller parcel to meet the needs of a developer. It also designates an additional 27 feet of city property to Blake Avenue as public-right-of-way, which will accommodate the future Blazing Star Trail extension.

The commission recommended approval of the preliminary and final plats to the council. The city said in its weekly newsletter the change in the parcel fits in the city’s comprehensive plan for long-term growth.

The city and Albert Lea Economic Development Agency have been working to bring in another grocery store to the area since the closure of Marketplace Foods in 2020.
City officials were unable to comment further about the project.