'Asia Village' plan unveiled for Blaine's Northtown Mall

Blaine's Northtown Mall will become the next Asian shopping and dining destination in the Twin Cities, developers have announced.

Restauratuer Michael Bui, who owns three establishments inside Eden Prairie's Asia Mall, unveiled the plans at a press conference alongside city officials Monday.

Bui and his brother-in-law Peter Do have teamed up with Marshall Nguyen, the founder and chief executive officer of Wyn Group, for the redevelopment, which is expected to break ground in August.

In addition to his role at Eden Prairie's Asia Mall, Nguyen has also been pivotal in bringing the Pacifica of Burnsville redevelopment to Burnsville Center.

Similar to the Asian shopping and dining hub launching at Burnsville Center, the team behind plans for the Northtown Mall say the project will revitalize the shopping center and could trigger broader investment and redevelopment in the area.

According to Bui, construction on the project, called Asia Village, is expected to last approximately 12-16 months.

The Asia Village, once completed, will feature a grocery store and numerous retail and dining establishments, including a food hall, Bui said.