Greening And Public Realm

The 2025 Plan’s Greening & Public Realm Committee is committed toward helping add greening to our downtown community and enhancing the public realm.

Committee Chair: David Wilson – Accenture

Key 2025 Plan Goals:

TRANSFORM NICOLLET INTO A ‘MUST SEE’ DESTINATION

Extend and invigorate the original mall segment; establish “must-see” destinations along this route. Re-designate the Nicollet corridor as running from the Walker Art Center, through Loring Park to the Mississippi River, and ending at the foot of the Father Hennepin Bridge.

“When the new Nicollet opens fully for pedestrian and bus traffic later in 2017, this major and needed infrastructure improvement in the heart of downtown will represent a six year partnership between the City of Minneapolis and the mpls downtown council. From the call for a new Nicollet as a key goal of the Intersections 2025 Plan to the resumption of operation and maintenance responsibility by the Mpls Downtown Improvement District, the effort has represented a cooperative public – private partnership from inception to completion.” — Steve Cramer, mdc president & ceo

BUILD A GATEWAY CONNECTION

A new connection point, stretching from the light rail station on 5th Street to the river, will constitute the new Nicollet’s north end. The central feature will be a large public gathering place just north of the Central Library. The Gateway area will be a development catalyst for the empty blocks that, in 2011, characterize Nicollet’s north end.

CREATE AND SUSTAIN A GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND SHOWCASE THE RIVERFRONT

Establish and intensify the tree canopy throughout Downtown. Create green corridors that connect downtown districts and close-in neighborhoods. Enhance and emphasize the Riverfront as a world-class destination and Downtown’s green focal point.

Initiatives:

• Nicollet Mall Project – This project, which will be substantially complete in 2017, will revitalize Nicollet and provide a better pedestrian and greening experience while making downtown’s main corridor a must-see destination.
• The Commons – A new 4.2 acre park spanning two city blocks in East Town that created a new gathering space for activities and more in our downtown community.