Jason Haugen Joins Canterbury Park As Director of Development

Industry expert will oversee $400 million redevelopment of Canterbury Commons in Shakopee, Minn.

Jason Haugen has been named Director of Development for Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn. Haugen’s primary focus will be the redevelopment of 140 acres of underutilized property known as Canterbury Commons. This property is envisioned as a multi-use redevelopment and is expected to attract more than $400 million in private investment while creating new and in-demand housing options, high-wage employment opportunities, and entertainment venues in the southwest Twin Cities suburb. An additional priority for Haugen is the fostering of unique dining and lodging options that will complement the existing racetrack, casino, and year-round entertainment destination.

“Adding Jason to the Canterbury Park team is a huge win,” company president Randy Sampson said. “He has skills that align perfectly with the Canterbury Commons vision. His experience and contacts will keep the project moving forward efficiently as we create a gateway to Shakopee and an asset for our community.”

Haugen is a graduate of the University of North Dakota, earning a B.S. in Geology. He worked in the environmental and engineering field where he was exposed to multiple development projects which led him to enroll in an MBA program at the University of St. Thomas with a focus in Finance and Real Estate.

Past positions include Development Associate with Schafer Richardson, Director of Real Estate Development with Master Properties Minnesota, and Director of Business Development with Newport Partners. Haugen’s last development role was with Kilbourne Group where he managed development and programming for a number of mixed-use buildings. Kilbourne Group revitalized downtown Fargo, North Dakota with $250 million in development and construction.

“I am happy to have landed back in Minnesota for this awesome opportunity,” Haugen said. “I plan to draw on my background working with the culture creators and design professionals to create unique and memorable opportunities for Canterbury guests and the southwest metro community.”

In his new position Haugen is also tasked with project management involving the infrastructure improvements around Canterbury Commons, working with governmental agencies and other parties to obtain necessary project permits and entitlements and to also market the development opportunities to the real estate community.

“Canterbury Park leadership and the City of Shakopee have really done an outstanding job putting the pieces in place for a transformative project,” Haugen said. “There are great development opportunities with the investments being made in the infrastructure around the facility. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the team at Canterbury mere months after construction broke ground in October with Doran Companies on the Triple Crown Project.  The team have raised the bar and set the tone with their highly amenitized multifamily residential project. As we move ahead the focus will continue to be on more live, stay, work, and play options for RiverSouth and the Shakopee community. ”

The first improvements broke ground in October 2018 and consist of 300 multifamily units in the Triple Crown project and the road construction and extension of Shenandoah Drive and Hauer Trail that are designed to improve the connectivity of the neighborhoods and the new development.