Tomorrow in the Metro

Last year, the Twin Cities changed in ways that were unimaginable, both dramatic and mundane. But that got us thinking: what imagined futures are on the horizon for the metro?

RiversEdge

Ever since the opening of the Green Line Light Rail (or perhaps the restoration of Union Depot), downtown St. Paul has been aggressively clawing its way into modernity. No longer an enclave of government workers who skedaddle from underground parking ramps at 5pm, St. Paul now boasts bars, restaurants, a really spectacular minor baseball stadium, and more.

Rendering of St. Paul RiversEdge project

Yet, the biggest change is still around the bend. Despite being a city on a river, St. Paul has never embraced the Mississippi. One could argue that this was physical: the city is set on the bluff above the city. Or that in St. Paul, the Mississippi is an industrial through-way. In either case, it’s a real shame that residents living a few hundred feet from water’s edge have no easy way to reach it.

The RiversEdge project aims to fix that. The $788 million riverfront redevelopment proposed for downtown St. Paul boasts new apartments,

Dayton Parkway Interchange

On the other side of the metro, Dayton is also looking forward to transformation. The community sits north of Maple Grove and spans over Highway 94—but has never had access to the highway! This has had profound economic impacts for the city and serious health implications, as emergency vehicles have to navigate slower country roads.

The Dayton Parkway Interchange will connect northwest Hennepin county to the regional transportation system, providing a new access point to a 6-mile segment of Interstate 94 that currently lacks direct access. While a new highway exit might not sound like the most radical transformation, we expect it to be profound for neighbors to the north.

condos, retail, offices, and a dramatic urban park. Four high-rise buildings will be built on the site of the old county jail and include a dramatic ‘river balcony’ that connects the downtown to the river. The site will also create over 1,500 new parking spaces—a perennial complaint in old Pig’s Eye.

Will the project happen? It appears so. Significant funds have already been invested and city officials remain adamant that the project will happen.

Four Seasons Minneapolis

“It’s time the Twin Cities have an 5-star, ultra lux hotel and condominium complex,” said... a few people—and the project looks like it’ll happen!

Rendering of Four Seasons Minneapolis

With 222 rooms, a restaurant and bar, a spa, and a pool deck, this 34-story building will be located on the north end of Nicollet Mall in the North Loop (next to the Hennepin Central Library). There will be 33 Private Residences available—let your BRIX Realtor know if you want to snag one! Kidding. (But seriously, call us if you want one.)

The Wishbone

The Wishbone is the brainchild of RSP Architects, taking its name from its wishbonelike shape. This 4,080-foot-long walkway would extend over the Mississippi River, just north of Stone Arch Bridge (and could really put that good old bridge to shame).

The shape comes from obsolete structures left behind since the closing of the lock and dam, with 80% of the walkway supported by already existing structures. The architects envision compelling landscaping, unique lighting, and plenty of spaces for programming like yoga classes and weddings.

Rendering of The Wishbone

The Wishbone is still in feasibility planning so if you want it, speak up! If this looks crazy, speak up! We get a say in what this city looks like.

Rendering of The Wishbone

Put A Lid On It

Now here’s a crazy idea: put a lid on top of 35W and build on top of said lid. The structure would be constructed between Downtown East and Cedar-Riverside and connect the University of Minnesota with the downtown core. Planners estimate that the lid could house 1,500 parking spots, a 17-acre green space, and connect a dozen-plus parcels of currently underutilized land adjacent to the lid.

Rendering of 35W Lid

While the Minneapolis Downtown Council endorsed this proposal as part of its 2025 Plan, don’t hold your breath. As with all crazy ideas, there’s a 1% chance that it happens—but the possibilities! The possibilities!

Other Things To Watch

The Towerside Innovation District has been hard at work since 2013 reimagining 370 acres between the University of Minnesota campus and St. Paul. A ton of small projects are bundled into this initiative, including greenways, building improvements, and park enhancements— including a Bridal Veil Regional Trail! (See City Falls, p18.) This trail would complete the ‘green necklace’ of parkways and open spaces around the Twin Cities known as Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway.

Water Works—another river project! This project will help revitalize the waterfront near St. Anthony Falls in downtown Minneapolis. Developers are promising strong storytelling possibilities with a mill-embedded pavilion, tree-sheltered city steps, and natural playspace. Look forward to a restaurant and programming from The Sioux Chef!

Rendering of Water Works