Construction is underway on a $750 million sports and entertainment district in the heart of Blaine, right next to the National Sports Center.

Spanning 60 acres along 105th Avenue, the redevelopment has been in the works for years. Erik Thorvig, Blaine’s community development director, said the city started buying up aging properties in the area a decade ago with the vision of eventually turning it into a vibrant destination for entertainment, dining, and tourism.

After acquiring the land, the city sold it to private developers, who are now building a large-scale project featuring upscale restaurants, hotels, apartment complexes, walking trails, and an event stadium designed to host concerts and possibly a minor league baseball team.

“A $750 million investment that is going to be made by the private market is going to increase our tax base, bring in additional revenue to the city in the long term,” Thorvig said. “There’ll be a financial benefit to the city from that standpoint.”

Blaine already draws about 7 million visitors each year, but lacks a true downtown. One of the key goals for this new development is to finally create a central gathering place for both visitors and residents.