The presentation and cancellation of a proposed Grand Avenue apartment building may be one of the fastest turn-arounds in the history of St. Paul real estate development.

Less than 24 hours after floating plans for a four-level housing and retail building to Grand Avenue neighbors, the longtime managing partner of the real estate group behind the Dixie’s on Grand and Saji-Ya restaurants has decided to drop the proposal.

“Peter Kenefick has reached out to let us know the property owners have determined that their expansion plans do not coincide with the desires of many of their nearby residents,” reads a letter posted Wednesday to the website of the Summit Hill Association.

Kenefick, his family and a representative of ESG Architects met with some 70 neighborhood residents at Dixie’s on Tuesday evening to unveil a concept for a multi-story apartment building with underground parking and one level of retail at ground level. The structure would house the two restaurants, as well as Emmett’s Public House and additional shops or eateries.

Kenefick, whose parents purchased a former grocery store and built the popular restaurant destination at 695 Grand Ave. 35 years ago, received negative feedback from attendees in the audience. The residents were also asked to fill out comment cards.

The next day, Kenefick and his real estate group, St. Albans Partners and Real Estate, abandoned the proposal. On Wednesday, the Summit Hill Association posted a letter to its website signed by association chair Andy Rorvig indicating “they have decided not to proceed with redevelopment.” Related Articles St. Paul PD highlights surveillance photos of looting suspects, seeks tips

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In a show of appreciation, several residents said they planned to eat at the restaurants Thursday evening.