The Minneapolis City Council has approved a contract with Minneapolis-based Coen+Partners to rehabilitate and revitalize Peavey Plaza at 12th Street South & Nicollet Mall.
The landscape architecture firm will focus on improving the plaza while preserving its historic assets. Priorities include refurbishing the fountains and reflecting basin, concrete repairs, utility upgrades and making the plaza accessible to people with disabilities. The goal is to have construction work done by the end of 2018.
Peavey Plaza was built in 1974 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. It was designed by landscape architect M. Paul Friedberg and is a notable example of modernist architecture. Coen+Partners’ design and construction process will be guided by a study on the plaza’s historic significance and conditions commissioned by the City.
“Peavey Plaza has sat almost abandoned and forlorn for too long, this is the first step toward a new vision for this great old space,” said City Council Member Lisa Goodman. “If anyone has a vision that can preserve the old while making the space accessible, refreshed and new, it’s Shane Coen. I look forward to a great new partnership between residents, downtown workers and leaders, visitors and the Orchestra to bring Peavey Plaza back to life.”
Steve Cramer, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District, said he looks forward to seeing the project vision become a reality.
“Peavey Plaza has, over its history, been a place to gather, enjoy entertainment, and take in the hustle and bustle of downtown,” Cramer said. “It’s now time to re-invest in and re-energize this important place. The Minneapolis Downtown Council looks forward to being a partner with other Peavey Plaza stakeholders as this project takes shape.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing Peavey Plaza reach its potential. The renovations to this important public place and Nicollet Mall will make downtown Minneapolis even more dynamic,” said Council Member Kevin Reich, chair of the Council’s Transportation and Public Works Committee. “Coen+Partners will breathe new life into Peavey Plaza while honoring its history.”
The revitalization plan for Peavey Plaza comes as Nicollet Mall is undergoing a major transformation. Once fully complete in 2018, the redesigned street will be a more inviting place for pedestrians with more durable and environmentally friendly paving materials, new landscaping, lighting and public art, among other things.
