Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design

OPUS AREA PLACEMAKING + URBAN DESIGN

IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

CONCEPTCONCEPT 11 CONCEPTCONCEPT 22 CONCEPTCONCEPT 33

Articulate neighborhood Connect across Support social, and trail network neighborhood interpretive, restorative entrances, directions and boundaries, between and recreational activity place-based information ped, bike and vehicular in central spaces and with a clear hierarchy of networks and to public defined trail nodes. wayfinding signage. transportation stations.

Overall District Regional Defined Activity Brand Connections Nodes Reference Chapters: Reference Chapter: Reference Chapters: 2. Trail Loops 2. Trail Loops 2. Trail Loops 3. Wayfinding + 5. On-Street Bikeways 3. Wayfinding + Furnishing Furnishing Internal Trails 4. Placemaking + Loops Reference Chapters: Programming Reference Chapters: 2. Trail Loops 2. Trail Loops 4. Placemaking + Programming 3. Wayfinding + Programming Overview Furnishing Reference Chapters: 6. Planting Palettes 2. Trail Loops Developers may use this guide 4. Placemaking + Wayfinding + Site to shape new development Programming Furnishing that provides privately-owned, 6. Planting Palettes Reference Chapters: publicly available amenities that 3. Wayfinding + enhance the trail system and Central Plaza Furnishing support new trail connections. Reference Chapters: 4. Placemaking + Existing business owners may 3. Wayfinding + Programming use this guide to consider Furnishing branding opportunities to 4. Placemaking + Planting Zones promote their goods and Programming Reference Chapters: services as well as improve 5. On-Street Bikeways 6. Planting Palettes connections to the trail system. City staff may use this guide to Development designate funding for capital Standards improvements and public space This implementation guide may Reference Chapters: amenities in addition to using be used by different audiences, 3. Wayfinding + the guide as a tool to work such as developers, existing Furnishing with developers to leverage businesses, and city staff, to 4. Placemaking + privately-managed public achieve a cohesive branding, Programming amenities. wayfinding, and placemaking 5. On-Street Bikeways vision for the district.

2 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1: Overall Concepts...... 4 Chapter 2: Trail Loops...... 24 Chapter 3: Wayfinding + Furniture...... 38 Chapter 4: Placemaking + Programming...... 46 Chapter 5: On-Street Bikeways...... 48 Chapter 6: Planting Palettes...... 54 Appendix A: Existing Conditions Report...... 65 Background...... 66 Identity + Use...... 76 Mobility...... 84 Natural Environment...... 102 Appendix B: Previous Plans...... 110 List of Maps

Map 1: Branded Trail Loops...... 6 Map 2: Wayfinding Signage by Type...... 8 Map 3: Opus District Planting Zones...... 11 Map 4: Regional Connections...... 12 Map 5: Proposed On-Street Facilities...... 14 Map 6: District Trail System Improvements...... 16 Map 7: Activity Nodes...... 17 Map 8: Opus Trail Overview...... 26 Map 9: Opus Trail Loop Placemaking + Wayfinding...... 27 Map 10: Opus Trail Loop Planting Zones...... 27 Map 11: Green Trail Overview...... 28 Map 12: Green Trail Loop Placemaking + Wayfinding...... 29 Map 13: Green Trail Loop Planting Zones...... 29 Map 14: Bren Trail Overview...... 30 Map 15: Bren Trail Loop Placemaking + Wayfinding...... 31 Map 16: Bren Trail Loop Planting Zones...... 31 Map 17: Blue Trail Overview...... 32 Map 18: Blue Trail Loop Placemaking + Wayfinding...... 33 Map 19: Blue Trail Loop Planting Zones...... 33 Map 20: Yellow Trail Overview...... 34 Map 21: Yellow Trail Loop Placemaking + Wayfinding...... 35 Map 22: Yellow Trail Loop Planting Zones...... 35 Map 23: Red Trail Overview...... 36 Map 24: Red Trail Loop Placemaking + Wayfinding...... 37 Map 25: Red Trail Loop Planting Zones...... 37 Map 26: On-Street Bike Facilities by Type...... 48 Map 27: RecommendedTransit Routes and Bus Stop Locations...... 52

Implementation Guide 3 HOPKINS

Smetana Rd

r D ir C

S h a d y O a S m e t a n D r k R W d Bren Rd MINNETONKA Bren Rd E

Green Oak Dr

Red Cir E

y Crosstown Hw Yellow Cir E

EDEN PRAIRIE

Southwest LRT Alignment

Southwest LRT Station CHAPTER ONE OVERALL CONCEPTS

Introduction Project Goals The Opus area is currently Key elements that guide the characterized by a circuitous transformation of this area road network, 6 miles of off- into a cohesive ‘opus’ of road trails, mid-century design complementary built forms and elements, and natural open development projects include: spaces. This plan guides the transformation of the Opus • Establishing a mixed use area into a cohesive mixed- community. use community positioned for • Integrating light rail future needs while reflecting the investment into the broader history of the area. Aspects of community. the work include: • Enhancing the existing trail network to help create a • Working with developers sense of place. and businesses to create • Enhancing the district’s publicly-accessible natural features & functions. EDINA privately-owned spaces. • Developing a scope and • Successfully connecting the program elements for a light rail station to the rest of signature new community the surrounding community. level park/plaza space. • Creating a set of public • Complementing the area’s realm design guidelines for existing businesses. the aesthetics within the public right of way. It is important that these elements interact to create The study also recommends a a unique sense of place that series of placemaking efforts reflects the desires of the within Opus that reflect the community while engaging area’s agriculture and business all stakeholders, including park history and serve as a historically underrepresented catalyst for building community populations. and creating an environment supportive of development opportunities. Specifically, the placemaking effort:

• Examines the potential to establish permaculture- based edible landscaping along the trail network and throughout the area to connect parks and open space to planned and future developments. DRAFT Implementation Guide 5 Branding Strategy Map 1: Branded Trail Loops The site elements designed and selected within this document build upon the Smetana Rd existing character, helping to create a sense of place within the Opus area. Color plays an r D ir C important role in the identity of

e e

the area. The looping roadway r

networks were named by color, S h a

d S m e t a n D r for example ‘Blue Circle Drive’. y O a W k These loops were meant to Bren Rd R B represent the colors of the d ren Rd E Olympic rings: green, yellow, blue and red (excluding black). Proposed signage and special pavements within the area use this color scheme to strengthen this unique aspect of the area’s Ye y llow Cir E character while also reinforcing Crosstown Hw the wayfinding strategy.

Proposed signage incorporates 0 .25mi .5mi the mid-century font used on existing monument signs and on printed materials when the Southwest LRT Alignment Red Loop site was initially developed in the 1970’s. Signage and Southwest LRT Station Blue Loop site furnishings use natural Yellow Loop materials such as wood to Green Loop reinforce the natural, rustic Note: The existing monument sign is character of the area. privately owned and the recommended Bren Loop design improvements are illustrative only. The City will need to partner with the Opus Loop These guidelines also suggest private owners to determine an updated the removal of ‘2’ from the Opus final design. 2 name. The 2 suggests there is a series of places branded as Opus. The removal of the 2 creates a cleaner, more simple branding and identity for the area. At right is an example of an improved monument sign, two of which exist along Shady Oak Road. Monument signs, defined further under the wayfinding section of this chapter, are not city-owned and would be privately-funded upgrades. Left: Example of an existing monument sign. Right: Recommended monument sign design improvements.

6 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Wayfinding Strategy Trail Loop + Directional Map Vehicular Trail ID Sign Wayfinding is a crucial Provides a map of the specific Indicates to vehicular travelers component of the proposed colored loop in which it is they are passing over the trail Opus area improvements. located, and directional arrows network. These are placed The separation of the trail pointing to key destinations anywhere the roadway travels system from the roadway within the area. These are over a trail. The sign would be network, while offering a more located in areas within a single-sided or double-sided pleasant experience for the colored loop where there are depending on whether the road- user, can also make navigation two or more directions a user way allows for one- or two-way challenging. Signage that could travel. If a campus map is travel. coordinates with the colored located within close proximity, a loops will reinforce branding Trail Loop and Directional Map and improve wayfinding within is omitted. the trail system. A hierarchy of sign types is proposed for the area:

Campus Map Provides a map of the Opus Area, with colored loops and key destinations identified. These are placed at entry points along the trail system. Interpretive Sign They are also located in areas where two or more colored Interpretive signs should be loops converge. Mile Marker/Trail ID placed where information wants A small sign indicating the loop to be highlighted. Examples of color and the number of miles this in the Opus area include: traveled. These are placed • The area of the central park approximately every 0.25 miles that features vegetation of along a colored loop. the three ecoregions that converge in Minnetonka • Information on edible landscapes in one of the edible palette locations • Information on rain gardens and/or natural plant species • Information about the Monument Sign history of Opus and/or the Entrance signs identifying the Road Name Sign colored network tying to the Opus Area and welcoming Identifies the name of the Olympic rings visitors. These are placed at roadway under which a trail entry points along the roadway is traveling. These would system that lead to the greater be affixed to the outside of Opus area, and the entry point the concrete traffic barriers along the Green Line LRT anywhere a trail passes (proposed park/plaza space underneath a roadway. adjacent to the Opus Station). An example of an improved monument sign is directly left.

Implementation Guide 7 Map 2: Wayfinding Signage by Type

Smetana Rd

Feltl Rd

r D ir C

S h a d y O a k

R S m e t a n D r d W Bren Rd Bren Rd E

Green Oak Dr

Red Cir E

own Hwy Crosst Yellow Cir E

0 .25mi .5mi

Southwest LRT Alignment Campus Map In addition to wayfinding signage, pavement markings Southwest LRT Station Monument Sign should be used to strengthen Existing Trail Pavement Compass the colored loops and aid in wayfinding through the Removed Trail Vehicular Trail ID Sign and Road Name Sign* trail system. Paint or inlaid Proposed Off-Street thermoplastic should be applied Trail Loop + Directional Map Proposed On-Street to the edges of the trail using Mile Marker/Trail ID the color of the loop. A painted compass pattern, shown *One vehicular trail ID sign will be placed at-grade with the roadway and two road in Chapter 3: Wayfinding + name signs will be placed per underpass for Placemaking, is recommended trail users traveling in both directions along the trail system. at trail network entrances.

8 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Furniture + Amenities retaining wall. Natural materials Site furnishings were selected should be used such as wood, to complement the palette or a local stone. established by the wayfinding signage for the Opus area. Litter Receptacles Function, materials, color, and form were all considered in the selection. The use of natural The rectangular picnic table materials is important as it option is for use within sites that reflects what was heard during are defined by sharp, square community engagement and angles. Wood is stained to match the proposed wayfinding reflects the rustic and natural Wood is the primary material signage. Metal is powder- character of the area as well as and would be stained to match coated black to match the metal the desires of the community as the proposed wayfinding components of the wayfinding heard through the engagement signage. The wood has a signage. Tables and chairs process. vertical orientation, mimicking should be mounted in-ground the vertical wood posts of when possible. Benches the wayfinding signs. Metal Both a manufactured option components are powder- Bike Racks and guidelines for a custom coated black to match the metal option are available depending components of the wayfinding on location and node type. signage. A rain hood would be included as the receptacles will be located outdoors in the elements.

Picnic Tables A round and a rectangular option are available depending This bike rack is simple and The manufactured option on site conditions. functional. The 45-degree angle incorporates a back for user of the rack mimics the angle comfort. Wood is the primary incorporated in the wayfinding material and would be stained signage. The bike racks are to match the proposed powder-coated black to match wayfinding signage. The simple the metal components of the metal legs are powder-coated wayfinding signage. black to match the metal components of the wayfinding Bike Fix-It Stations signage. Benches should be in- The round picnic table option ground mounted when possible. is for use within sites that are more organic in nature, as a community garden area or play area. Wood is stained to match the proposed wayfinding signage. Metal is powdercoated black to match the metal These stations will be black components of the wayfinding in color to match the metal signage. Tables and chairs components of the wayfinding Custom benches should be signage. built into the existing landscape, would be mounted in-ground for example utilizing a hillside or when possible.

Implementation Guide 9 Defined Planting Zones areas, the Upland subcategory Edible Landscape Plant palettes for the Opus area is applied, whereas areas that Edible landscapes are located include the following categories: are heavily wooded (or will be within three primary spines in the future) use the Woodland following the trail system. One 1. Manicured Landscape palette. is located along the Red Loop, 2. Natural Landscape consistent with its identity as a. Wetland Woodland the food loop. The other two b. Upland are located along the Blue c. Woodland Loop and the Bren Loop, near 3. Edible Landscape large employment centers. a. Early harvest This creates the opportunity b. Late harvest for public/private partnerships in the care of the edible landscapes, which require Each palette incorporates at Woodland landscape species include least one seed mix, as well as a variety of native perennials, shrubs maintenance beyond what several perennials, shrubs, and trees found in a shady, forested would be considered standard. and trees. Other guidelines environment. These include species Generally, both early and late must also be followed when such as Ostrich Fern, Columbine, harvest subcategories are Bush Honeysuckle, Big Tooth Aspen incorporated within an area designing with the zone trees and Basswood (Linden) trees. identified on the planting zone to create interest throughout maps. These guidelines are Upland the entire growing season for found in Chapter 6: Plant users. Palettes. Early Harvest Manicured Landscape

Upland landscape species include perennials (grasses and wildflowers), shrubs and trees best suited for drier, sunnier sites. These include species Edible plants with an early harvest, such as Bluestem Grass, Coneflower, typically produce its edible parts (fruit, Manicured landscapes are Chokeberry shrubs and Oak trees. nuts, foliage or flowers) during spring located primarily in low-density and early to mid-summer months (May residential areas, at large Wetland – August). Examples of early harvest corporate buildings, and at plants include Asparagus, Common commercial development within Sorrel, and Blueberry. the Opus area. Late Harvest Natural Landscapes Natural landscapes are located in the middle of the Opus area with small fingers of the Wetland plant species range from grasses, wildflowers (forbs) to large natural palette permeating shrubs and trees. These species are the manicured landscape. recommended for wetlands, or areas Subcategories are determined with fluctuating water levels and Edible plants with a late harvest, by site conditions. In lower consistent moisture in the soil. These will product edible parts during late areas prone to wet conditions, include species such as native ferns summer and fall months (August and sedges, Northern Blue Flag Iris, the Wetland subcategory is -October). Examples of these types Dogwood species, Willow varieties and of plants include grapes, apples and more appropriate. In drier River Birch trees. elderberries.

10 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Map 3: Opus District Planting Zones Smetana Rd

Smetana Rd

Feltl Rd

r D Feltl Rd ir C

e e

e e r

r r

D G

G ir

S h a d y O S a h k a R S m e t a n D r d d y W O d a Bren R k Bren Rd E R S m e t a n D r d W Bren Rd Bren Rd E

Green Oak Dr

Red Cir E

E E

r r

i i C

Red Cir E C

e e

u E

own Hwy Crosst Yellow Cir E

0 .25mi .5mi

Manicured Vegetation Bren Loop

Native Wooded Vegetation Red Loop

Native Upland Vegetation Yellow Loop

Native Wetland Vegetation Green Loop

Early Harvest Edible Blue Loop Vegetation Late Harvest Edible Opus Loop Vegetation Southwest LRT Alignment

Southwest LRT Station

Implementation Guide 11 Connecting to Opus Working in the District Map 4: Regional Connections Presently, there are existing For employers and workers, regional and local trails that there are several business connect the Opus District to and residential destinations the surrounding municipalities within the Opus District. Two of of Hopkins, Edina, and Eden Minnetonka’s top 10 employers, Prairie with many opportunities which are Boston Scientific to strengthen active and UnitedHealth Group, are transportation connections located within the Opus area, to the area. Approaching the which hosts nearly 15,000 jobs. district from the west, an on- street bicycle facility or shared Living in the District use trail is recommended along More than 2,000 people Rowland Road. Approaching live in the Opus District in a the district from the north, safer mix of housing types, from trail crossings of Smetana townhome developments to Road at Shady Oak Road condominiums. However, this and at 11th Avenue South are population could more than recommended. An eastward double in the coming years with extension of the Nine Mile up to 1,830 new units proposed, Regional Creek Trail through planned, or in development, Edina is recommended with on- bringing an additional 3,100 street bicycle facilities providing new residents into the district. additional connections along With younger generations 7th Street South and Lincoln moving into the district, trends Drive as it becomes Vernon suggest that there will also be Avenue South. Approaching increased demand for canine from the south, a cycletrack is related amenities with up to recommended on the east side 1,500 new dogs brought in by of Shady Oak Road. their owners. Note: Additional study is needed for all final Key Destinations bikeway design recommendations. The proposed Shady Oak Road cycletrack will Recreationally, there are need to be discussed and coordinated with several municipal and regional Hennepin County to determine feasibility. parks within one to two miles Southwest LRT Alignment of the Opus boundary. Some of these parks include Bryant Southwest LRT Station Lake Regional Park, Lone Lake Existing Trail Park, Shady Oak Beach, the Removed Trail Westbrook Archery Range, and Green Circle Park and Existing On-Street wetlands within Opus. Each Proposed Off-Street of these parks offers a range of amenities from traditional Proposed On-Street elements such as benches and Main Corridors picnic tables to more modern Parks elements such as pickleball courts and off-leash dog areas; Provide pedestrian and A bicycle connection to Lone most may be reached via trail Lake Park from Opus District from origin points within Opus. Municipal Boundaries 12 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Map 4: Regional Connections

Implementation Guide 13 Map 5: Proposed On-street Facilities

Southwest LRT Alignment On-street Bikeways speeds than are appropriate Additional on-street bikeways for shared-used trails with Southwest LRT Station are recommended and will pedestrians, especially since Cycletrack (bidirectional) need to be further reviewed for Strava heatmap data suggests that people recording their Buffered Bike Lane (both feasibility. On-street bikeways sides of street section) will provide more direct bike rides prefer the street connections for those traveling network over the existing trail Standard Bike Lane from a greater distance outside network, although this data is Buffered Bike Lane (one side of the district and reduce not representative of all trail of street section only) commute times. Lastly, these activity in the district. Three Note: Additional study is needed for all final on-street bikeways complement different bikeway facility types bikeway design recommendations for traffic the trail system and may are recommended and include and safety impacts as well as associated cycletracks and standard and costs including impacts to right-of-way such serve more confident cyclists as roadway widening. that generally bike at faster buffered bike lanes.

14 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design All existing condition and A bidirectional cycletrack is also Buffered Bike Lanes recommended facility street recommended along the east Buffered bike lanes are cross sections are included in side of Opportunity Court to essentially the same as Chapter 5 of this guide. Further connect the street facility to the standard bike lanes with one study is needed to review Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail. crucial difference: a buffer on-street bikeway facilities for achieved through pavement traffic and safety impacts. Standard Bike Lanes markings increases the space between cyclists and motorists, Cycletracks creating a more comfortable facility for cyclists. Buffered bikeways may be on one or both sides of the street.

Oneway Streets

Bicycle lanes are a type of bikeway facility that provide Cycletracks are a type of dedicated street space for bikeway facility that provide cyclists separated from dedicated space for cyclists motorists and pedestrians with separated from motorists with pavement markings, such as a permanent barrier, such as lane striping, and signage. a curb or planters. Cycletracks Bike lanes are implemented A buffered bike lane is are also separated from at the street level along lower recommended on the right side pedestrians and may either speed roads and/or lower of the street for both Bren Road be at the street or sidewalk volume roads than cycletracks. East and Bren Road West. level and either one-way or Standard bike lanes are less Currently, both Bren Road West bidirectional. Cycletracks are comfortable for users than and Bren Road East are 2- to typically implemented along cycletracks. 3-lane, one-way roads posted high volume, high speed roads at a speed limit of 30 miles per and are considered the highest- Standard bike lanes on are hour. This pair of buffered bike comfort on-street bikeway recommended along Smetana lanes will provide more direct facility. Road. Currently, there are access to the Opus Station as 3-foot wide shoulders on either well as connections to several A bidirectional, or two-way side of Smetana Road, which existing trail access points. cycletrack is recommended has a designated speed limit along the eastern portion of of 35 miles per hour. These A buffered bike lane is Shady Oak Road to serve as an conditions are uncomfortable recommended on both sides artery to the district for people for the majority of people on of the Smetana Drive street on bikes. The prominence of bikes, so widening the shoulder section. This wide street a cycletrack along Shady Oak to 5-feet on either side would section currently has four lanes Road immediately adjacent to accommodate a wider variety varying in width from 12 to 14 the district will also contribute of users, complementing the feet. Buffered bike lanes may to a sense of place by signaling planned sidewalk improvements be applied and retain the four that the district is a major along Smetana Road. South vehicle travel lanes, or another destination that is traversable of Smetana Road, a bike option is a four-to-three lane by bike. This cycletrack would lane is recommended on the conversion that will maintain shift the existing sidewalk private drive around Claremont 12-foot wide travel lanes. The further away from the roadway. Apartments. City of Hopkins will need to review this recommendation.

Implementation Guide 15 District Trail System Map 6: District Trail System Improvements The Opus District features an almost fully separated trail

system with very few at-grade Smetana Rd street interactions between vehicles and pedestrians and

people bicycling. However, r D ir C there are several intrasystem

e e

connection recommendations, r

including widening main north- S h a d south and east-west trail y S m e t a n D r O a k W corridors in the district trail R Bren Rd system to accommodate a d Bren Rd E greater volume of trail users navigating to the Opus Station once light rail transit service begins. Widened trail sections will provide separate paths for pedestrians and people Ye y llow Cir E bicycling to increase the Crosstown Hw safety of trail users typically traveling at different speeds. Where trails cross the street 0 .25mi .5mi system through underpasses, pedestrian space will be clearly demarcated from space Southwest LRT Alignment Removed Trail devoted to people on bicycles. Southwest LRT Station Proposed Off-Street Since most underpasses will Trail Underpass Proposed On-Street not be replaced as part of this process, signage and pavement Existing Trail Mode Separated Trail markings will indicate to trail users where the trail narrows.

Underpass Treatment

Branded underpass with separated pedestrian and bicycle paths where trail narrows under roadway.

16 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Programming Overview Map 7: Activity Nodes There are four different node types within the Opus District based on level of programming Smetana Rd and activity, with Opus Station representing its own node at the heart of the district. The r D ir C Opus Node will be the center

e e

of activity for the district, r

providing the launching point S h a d for all train commuter trips y O S m e t a n D r a k Bren Rd E W to and from Opus as well as R Bren Rd connecting directly to five of d the six district branded trail loops. The three other node types, primary, secondary, and tertiary, have minimum programming requirements, which are described below. All Ye y llow Cir E nodes should incorporate a Crosstown Hw trash receptacle and a drinking fountain regardless of node type. 0 .25mi .5mi Primary Nodes must include four Passive Pedestrian Major Loop Opus Node Amenities and four other Minor Loop program elements. Primary Node Proposed Connection Secondary Node Secondary Nodes must Southwest LRT Alignment Tertiary Node include two Passive Pedestrian Southwest LRT Station Amenities and two other program elements. Node Program Elements Tertiary Nodes must include Landscape Elements Shade one Passive Pedestrian • Rain garden • Tensile fabric Amenity and two other program • Edible/permaculture • Pergola elements. landscape • Picnic shelter • Gazebo Within the Opus District, there Active Pedestrian Amenities are four primary nodes, 13 • Community garden Pet Amenities secondary nodes, and 16 • Play area • Pet drinking fountain tertiary nodes. As mentioned • Small game courts • Pet waste station above, the Opus Node is • Lawn games located at the heart of the Cultural/Educational district and includes a central Passive Pedestrian Amenities • Educational/interpretive plaza. The central plaza • Picnic table signage concept is described in detail • Custom bench • Public art later in this chapter. • Manufactured bench • Scenic overlook

17 Example Primary Node

0 20’ 40’

A Fruit Trees Primary Node The primary node off the Bren Loop Trail consists of a winding B Space for Picnic/Game Tables path with a special pavement (such as colored concrete or crushed C Special Pavement granite) down the hillside. There are two seating areas with game D Trash Receptacle tables and overhead pergolas with vines. Edible garden areas (with interpretive signage) are located in this node including vines on E Late Harvest Edible Plants the pergolas. A large lawn area off the main loop trail allows for a F Steps flexible space for outdoor recreation. G Retaining Wall

H Pedestrian Light I Interpretive Sign J Pergola and Edible Vines K Campus Map L Loop Pavement Marking

M Lawn

N Mile Marker Sign

O Drinking Fountain P Early Harvest Edible Plants

18 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Example Tertiary Node

0 10’ 20’

A Bench Tertiary Node The tertiary node off the Opus trail consists of a modified Opus B Interpretive Sign monument sign with lighting. A small shaded seating area within C Retaining Wall existing vegetation includes a bench, a bike fix-it station, and a D Bike Fix-It Station drinking fountain. This is a visual node with a place to rest for bicyclists and pedestrians, with a campus map, for wayfinding. E Drinking Fountain F Special Pavement G Campus Map

H Pedestrian Light I Native Planting J Loop Pavement Marking K Manicured Planting L Modified Existing Monument Sign

M Trash Receptacle

Implementation Guide 19 Central Plaza drinking fountains, changing natural plantings with small The Central Plaza is a signature rooms, a community room, nodes for picnicking, grilling, new 5.6 acre community-level storage, and concessions. small gatherings, and park/plaza space strategically educational opportunities. located adjacent to the A recent study shared a statistic There are three distinct Southwest LRT’s Opus Station. that on average, housing units planting areas in this part of With several converging color are occupied by 0.8 dogs. With the park, each featuring an trail loops and the platform up to 1,830 new units planned ecoregion near Minnetonka. adjacent to the north end of for Opus, this means there will These include the ‘St. Croix the park, this area is a hub of potentially be around 1,465 Outwash Plain and Stagnation activity and serves as the front new dogs in the Opus area Plain’, the ‘Anoka Sand door to the Opus area for light in addition to the existing dog Plain and Mississippi Valley rail users. population. With an existing Outwash’, and the ‘Big Woods’ need for the City of Minnetonka, ecoregions. An educational/ The park welcomes visitors into a dog park is incorporated in interpretive sign will be located Opus with monument signage, the Central Plaza. The park in this area featuring the a campus map housed within is designed with perimeter ecoregions. a kiosk that also features fencing to avoid acute angles flyers for upcoming events in and reduce the likelihood of During the public outreach the area, colorful pavements dogs feeling trapped in corners. phase of the project, feedback representing the colored trail Entry points into the park are indicated there is a strong loops, and a water feature double-gated. The park is also desire for interaction with the that will draw the eye of light designed to have two separate water in the Opus area. To rail travelers and double as areas for small and large dogs. address this, the park also a splash pad for family fun. The dog park area is located incorporates an overlook where Benches along the plaza space adjacent to the parking lot and RC boats could be rented. provide respite for travelers serves as a buffer between the roadway and inner central park in the shade of strategically Bike Share: 20’x6’. Space for 10 placed trees. During events features. A bicycles. such as farmers’ markets, the Linear Plaza: 25,920 S.F. Space A performing space is located water feature can be turned off B for ~24 10’x10’ tents with12 and the plaza space set up with at the opposite end of the park commercial trucks parked in plaza, 12 trucks parked in parking lot. tents. from the LRT platform within the line of site from the platform C Interactive Art/Play Area: 4,600 S.F. The plaza space should but placed so that those seated D In-Ground Jets: 1,300 S.F. be designed to withstand within the amphitheater have E Bicycle Parking: 18’-6”x6’. Space heavier loads to allow for views of the water behind the for 12 bicycles. small trucks used for markets performance space. A large Multi-Purpose Building: 1,400 S.F. and/or food trucks to drive lawn is located behind the F Space for restrooms, utility room, vending. on the pavement. Where the amphitheater for overflow plaza opens to a larger paved during large events. The lawn G Dog Park: 1 acre area, a space is created to also serves as flexible space H Great Lawn: 29,800 S.F. Space for house a large art piece that for outdoor recreation, such 4,262 people at 7 S.F. per occupant could double as a play area as pop-up volleyball and lawn Amphitheater: 1,200 S.F. stage. Structured seating for for children. This location is games. The manicured and I approximately 185 people (2 L.F. placed within the line of site formal spaces start to break per occupant). of the LRT platform to draw down into more organic, natural J Large Gathering Space: 1,400 S.F. visitors into the park. The park spaces in the southwest portion Space for 30’ diameter shelter. houses a multi-purpose building of the park. K Small Gathering Space: 315 S.F. Trails lead users through that incorporates restrooms, L Overlook: 110 S.F.

20 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Central Plaza

Opus Station Platform A

B Parking Future Redevelopment

C E D Bren Rd W F

K K

J H K K K

K J I

0 50’ 100’

Note: rendering does not include new infrastructure, which potentially includes utilities road connections, for example. Implementation Guide 21 Central Plaza Rendering

Amphitheater Rendering

22 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Development Strategy situation in which higher density For any parcel with a direct Minnetonka’s development development is desirable from connection to a trail: codes, like those of most both a policy and a land cost • A paved connection, communities, typically define perspective.1 Additionally, at utilizing the defined trail development in relationship to higher densities and costs, standards, to the trail roadway infrastructure. This the provision of structured • A publicly accessible and includes required setbacks, parking becomes financially prominent entrance facing landscape requirements and feasible while at the same time the trail design standards relating to creating more opportunities for • As many proposed the provision and location of additional square footage of the buildings will likely also parking. building. have a main entrance facing their parking, However, Opus differs from Due in part to these differences, this will often require other areas of Minnetonka in the City of Minnetonka utilizes that many buildings key ways. First, the one way an overlay district for the have two “main” roadway network utilizes large Opus area in order to provide entrances. Wherever loops to smooth traffic flow guidance to developers feasible, the entrance and create more naturalistic regarding desired outcomes fronting the trail should movements, with fewer right and produce greater confidence be considered the angles. This has the impact of that the city supports “front-door” of the creating lots that are seldom development, which brings developments. exact squares or rectangles, as greater density of built form • Wayfinding signage, as are the most common shapes and mixed uses to the areas defined by this report, to in American land subdivision. directly adjacent to the light rail and from their property. As the primary intended uses station and accessible by trails. • Planting, as defined by this at the time of the original The City may consider updating report. development were mainly the overlay to coordinate • If the parcel is located commercial, the parcels are development activities with adjacent to a node, as also quite large, with ample the recommendations of this defined by this report, space for buildings, surface report. In addition to updates to the development will parking and significant open the overlay district, the City of provide programming as is space. Minnetonka, in conjunction with appropriate to the parcel’s the area’s property owners and location and the proposed Second, Opus has two main businesses, should explore the level of programing for the transportation networks: the desirability of the establishment node. roadway network and the trail of an organization for the network. As a result of these management of the district. For parcels without a direct differences, it has been difficult This evaluation should include connection to a trail: for developers to propose merchant’s associations, • A sidewalk connection to projects which clearly meet business improvement districts, the nearest trail access zoning requirements, and tax increment districts and/or point, or the edge of most developments require other forms of special service the property line, if no variances, at a minimum, or are districts. connection to the nearest of a scale at which a Planned trail is possible. Unit Development (PUD) In the short term, in makes sense. coordination with proposed For all parcels: developments, the following • All surface parking is As an additional challenge, the should be required of all screened from view from location of a light rail station proposed area developments: any trail utilizing Chapter 6 1 Higher land costs will generally require either higher within the district creates a density or higher cost development in order for developers of this report. to make a proposed development “pencil”.

Implementation Guide 23

CHAPTER TWO TRAIL CHARACTERISTICS

Introduction The contained Opus District trail system is organized into six distinct trail loops to facilitate wayfinding, placemaking, and movement to and from the centrally located Opus Station light rail platform. The six trails include the Opus Loop, Green Loop, Bren Loop, Blue Loop, Yellow Loop, and Red Loop. Each of the six trails are branded with their own color and character, which defines the type of programming and level of activity recommended for each node.

This chapter examines each of the six branded loops in depth, describing recommended trail connections, proposed trail improvements, placemaking and wayfinding signage locations, and defined planting zones. For additional details about programming along each trail loop by node type and node program element, see Chapter 4: Placemaking + Programming.

Implementation Guide 25 OPUS TRAIL: THE CONNECTING LOOP Map 8: Opus Trail Overview

Smetana Rd

CLAREMONT APARTMENTS

Feltl Rd

BOSTON SCIENTIFIC

WEST EDUCATION CENTER DISTRICT 287 S h a d y O a k A R d

EAGLE RIDGE ACADEMY YOYO B DONUTS

Bren Rd E

DOMINIUM REDEVELOPMENT

0 .25mi .5mi

Opus Loop (2.5 miles) Opus Loop This primarily residential loop connects Opus to Greater Minnetonka and parallels major thoroughfares (north and west), Southwest LRT Alignment runs in between apartments and a wooded property buffer (east), Southwest LRT Station and passes through mixed use commercial and educational Trail Underpass buildings. Approximately one-half mile of existing trail will be reconstructed with 0.4 mile of entirely new trail added. Existing Trail Proposed Off-Street Trail Recommendations Proposed On-Street A Connect trail between Shady Oak Road on northern side of Bren Road West. Red Loop Connect trail between Claremont Apartments to Opus Station with new the B METRO Green Line trail underpass; trail will cross Bren Road West at-grade. Yellow Loop

Widen north-south segment of trail to 16’ for separated pedestrian and bicycle Green Loop C trails.

26 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Map 9: Opus Trail Loop Placemaking + Wayfinding Placemaking + Wayfinding

Opus Node

Primary Node

Secondary Node

Tertiary Node

Campus Map

Monument Sign

Pavement Compass

Trail ID/Road Name Signs*

Trail Loop + Directional Map

Mile Marker/Trail ID

Opus Loop

Southwest LRT Alignment

Southwest LRT Station

Red Loop

Yellow Loop

Green Loop 0 .25mi .5mi

Planting Zones by Vegetation Type Map 10: Opus Trail Loop Planting Zones

Manicured Vegetation

Native Wooded Vegetation

Native Upland Vegetation

Native Wetland Vegetation Early Harvest Edible Vegetation Late Harvest Edible Vegetation Opus Loop

Southwest LRT Alignment

Southwest LRT Station

Red Loop

Yellow Loop

Green Loop

*One vehicular trail ID sign will be placed at-grade with the roadway and two road name signs will be placed per underpass for trail users traveling in both directions along the trail system. 0 .25mi .5mi

Implementation Guide 27 GREEN TRAIL: THE WETLAND LOOP Map 11: Green Trail Overview

r Dr Ci n OPPORTUNITY e e r PARTNERS G

OPUS 2 S m e t a n D r CONDOMINIUMS

LIONSGATE ACADEMY AL-AMAAN CENTER

GREEN CIRCLE PARK

A OPUS GROUP

Br en R B d re E n R d W C B

Green Oak Dr

0 .25mi .5mi

Green Loop Green Loop (1.5 miles) Southwest LRT Alignment This wetland loop snakes through natural wetlands on its western edge before weaving between condos, the Opus corporate campus, Southwest LRT Station small businesses, apartments and the Al-Amaan Center. The Green Trail Underpass also contains Green Circle Park. Almost one-half mile of new trail will be added to the loop after old trail segments are removed for Existing Trail Southwest LRT construction. Proposed Off-Street

Trail Recommendations Proposed On-Street Connect trail from new METRO Green Line underpass south to existing Bren A Road West underpass; new trail segment should be 16’ wide. Red Loop

Extend trail on south side of Bren Road West between two existing Bren Road Yellow Loop B West trail underpasses; new trail segment should be 16’ wide. Opus Loop

C Provide separated pedestrian and bicycle paths to Opus Station platform. Bren Loop

28 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Map 12: Green Trail Loop Placemaking + Wayfinding Placemaking + Wayfinding

Opus Node

Primary Node

Dr Secondary Node ir C n e

e Tertiary Node r

Campus Map

Monument Sign

Pavement Compass S m e t a n D r Trail ID/Road Name Signs*

Trail Loop + Directional Map

Mile Marker/Trail ID Br en R d Bren Rd W Green Loop E Southwest LRT Alignment

Southwest LRT Station

Red Loop Green Oak Dr

Yellow Loop

Opus Loop 0 .25mi .5mi

Bren Loop

Planting Zones by Vegetation Type Map 13: Green Trail Loop Planting Zones

Manicured Vegetation

Native Wooded Vegetation

Native Upland Vegetation

Native Wetland Vegetation Early Harvest Edible Vegetation Late Harvest Edible Vegetation Green Loop

Southwest LRT Alignment

Southwest LRT Station

Red Loop

Yellow Loop

Opus Loop

Bren Loop

Implementation Guide 29 BREN TRAIL: THE WELCOME LOOP Map 14: Bren Trail Overview

Smetana Rd

Feltl Rd

r D ir C

S m e t a n D r e

Green Cir Dr

S h a d y O B a re k n R S m e t a n D r R d B d r W E en d R Bren R Bren Rd E d W

Green Oak Dr

A MARRIOTT SOUTHWEST Red Cir E UNITEDHEALTH

GROUP

MINNEAPOLIS i C

MART B e

u B l

B B r e n R d E

n HFORMERwy MARINER Crosstow Yellow C REDEVELOPMENT ir E

E r i

w o

l l RIZE AT e Y OPUS PARK APARTMENTS B l u e C i r E 0 .25mi .5mi 0 .25mi .5mi

Bren Loop (1.4 miles) Bren Loop This welcoming loop will extend east from the Opus Station Central Southwest LRT Alignment Plaza wrapping around the Marriot and UnitedHealth Group Southwest LRT Station campuses; both campuses boast trails surrounded by maintained Trail Underpass landscapes. Approximately one-quarter mile of new trail will be added. Existing Trail Proposed Off-Street Trail Recommendations Proposed On-Street Extend existing trail north and west to connect to Opus Station; new trail A segment should be 16’ wide. Red Loop

Widen the east-west loop from Opus Station to the UnitedHealth Group Yellow Loop B campus to 16’ for separated pedestrian and bicycle trails. Green Loop

Blue Loop

Opus Loop

30 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Map 15: Bren Trail Loop Placemaking + Wayfinding Placemaking + Wayfinding

Opus Node

Primary Node

Secondary Node

Tertiary Node Green Cir Dr S m e t a n D r

Campus Map

Monument Sign Bren Rd W Pavement Compass

Trail ID/Road Name Signs*

Trail Loop + Directional Map Green Oak Dr

Mile Marker/Trail ID

Bren Loop

Southwest LRT Alignment

Southwest LRT Station B r e n R d E

Red Loop

Yellow Loop

Green Loop B l u e C i r E Blue Loop 0 .25mi .5mi Opus Loop

Planting Zones by Vegetation Type Map 16: Bren Trail Loop Planting Zones

Manicured Vegetation

Native Wooded Vegetation

Native Upland Vegetation

Native Wetland Vegetation Early Harvest Edible Vegetation Late Harvest Edible Vegetation Bren Loop

Southwest LRT Alignment

Southwest LRT Station

Red Loop

Yellow Loop

Green Loop

Blue Loop

Opus Loop

Implementation Guide 31 BLUE TRAIL: THE CORPORATE LOOP Map 17: Blue Trail Overview

Smetana Rd

Green Oak Dr

Feltl Rd

r D ir C

B r e n R d E

FORMER MARINER REDEVELOPMENT

S Bren Rd E h BURNS a d y ENGINEERING,

E O INC. r a i k

S m e t a n D r C R d w W

o d l Bren R

e Bren Rd E Y UNITEDHEALTHGROUP RIZE AT

OPUS PARK B l u e C i r E APARTMENTS

Green Oak Dr

PRECISION ADLER PUNCH & GRADUATE PLASTICS SCHOOL

Red Cir E

A ZUHRAH i

SHRINE e

u CENTER l

B B

own Hwy Crosst Yellow Cir E

WUNDERLICH- MALEC ENGINEERING, INC.

0 .25mi .5mi 0 .25mi .5mi

Blue Loop (1.8 miles) Blue Loop This corporate campus loop curves around multiple corporate campuses with less publicly accessible landscape than Bren Loop. Southwest LRT Alignment Approximately one mile of new trail will be added to this loop. Southwest LRT Station

Trail Recommendations Trail Underpass Connect trail from the Bren Road East underpass near Adler Graduate School Existing Trail A south to Blue Circle Drive; trail will cross Blue Circle Drive at-grade.

Connect trail from Blue Circle Drive east and north along outer perimeter of the Proposed Off-Street B Opus District to connect to the UnitedHealthcare campus. Proposed On-Street

C Widen trail connection to Bren Loop to 16’. Bren Loop

Yellow Loop

Green Loop

32 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Map 18: Blue Trail Loop Placemaking + Wayfinding Placemaking + Wayfinding

Opus Node

Primary Node

Secondary Node

Tertiary Node Bren Rd E E Campus Map ir C

w o

l Monument Sign l e

Pavement Compass B l u e C i r E

Trail ID/Road Name Signs*

Trail Loop + Directional Map

Mile Marker/Trail ID

Blue Loop

Southwest LRT Alignment

Southwest LRT Station

Bren Loop

Yellow Loop

Green Loop 0 .25mi .5mi

Planting Zones by Vegetation Type Map 19: Blue Trail Loop Planting Zones

Manicured Vegetation

Native Wooded Vegetation

Native Upland Vegetation

Native Wetland Vegetation Early Harvest Edible Vegetation Late Harvest Edible Vegetation Blue Loop

Southwest LRT Alignment

Southwest LRT Station

Bren Loop

Yellow Loop

Green Loop

Implementation Guide 33 YELLOW TRAIL: THE SCENIC LOOP Map 20: Yellow Trail Overview

Smetana Rd

Feltl Rd

rGreen Oak Dr D ir C

MINNEAPOLIS

MART

S h a d y O a k

R S m e t a n D r d W Bren Rd C Bren Rd E

MULTISOURCE FORMER MARINER MANUFACTURING REDEVELOPMENT

Green Oak Dr

Bren Rd E

r Red Cir E i A C

i o

l STRIKEMASTER

e e

B u

RIZE AT OPUS PARK APARTMENTS

own Hwy

Crosst Yellow Cir E

ADLER r

GRADUATE C

SCHOOL e u

l B B l u e C i r E

0 .25mi .5mi 0 .25mi .5mi

Yellow Loop (0.9 mile) Yellow Loop

This scenic loop cuts between corporate campuses and small Southwest LRT Alignment businesses. Due to a stormwater pond and a steep wooded slope, the trail environment feels more natural than others in the southern Southwest LRT Station half of Opus. Approximately one-third mile of new trail will be Trail Underpass added. Existing Trail

Trail Recommendations Proposed Off-Street Connect existing trail from Minneapolis Mart site south to cross Bren Road East Proposed On-Street A at-grade and continue east and south to connect with the Blue Circle Drive underpass. Red Loop Widen existing trail from Opus Station south to connect with the Red Loop at Bren Loop B the METRO Green Line underpass to 16’ for separate pedestrian and bicycle trails. Green Loop

C Widen existing trail to 16’. Blue Loop

34 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Map 21: Yellow Trail Loop Placemaking + Wayfinding Placemaking + Wayfinding

Opus Node

Primary Node

Green Oak Dr Secondary Node

Tertiary Node

Campus Map

Monument Sign

Pavement Compass Bren Rd E Trail ID/Road Name Signs* E ir C

w o

Trail Loop + Directional Map l

Y Mile Marker/Trail ID

Yellow Loop

Southwest LRT Alignment

Southwest LRT Station l B Red Loop

Bren Loop

Green Loop 0 .25mi .5mi

Blue Loop

Planting Zones by Vegetation Type Map 22: Yellow Trail Loop Planting Zones

Manicured Vegetation

Native Wooded Vegetation

Native Upland Vegetation

Native Wetland Vegetation Early Harvest Edible Vegetation Late Harvest Edible Vegetation Yellow Loop

Southwest LRT Alignment

Southwest LRT Station

Red Loop

Bren Loop

Green Loop

Blue Loop

Implementation Guide 35 RED TRAIL: THE FOOD LOOP Map 23: Red Trail Overview

Smetana Rd

Bren Rd W

Bren Rd E

Feltl Rd

r D ir C

DOMINIUM

e REDEVELOPMENT

S h a d y D O a k

R S m e t a n D r d W RMCBren Rd Bren Rd E LEARNING CENTER

Shady Oak Rd

Green Oak Dr C

LAUNCHRed PROPERTIES Cir E REDEVELOPMENT

E B

B r

Red Cir E

E YUM! r Hwy RIVER i stown Y FESTIVITIES C ros C VALLEY ellow Cir E

w o

CHURCH l

l CROSSTOWN e Y CAMPUS

SEH

0 .25mi .5mi 0 .25mi .5mi

Red Loop (1.5 miles) Red Loop This food loop extends alongside the light rail line and bends west Southwest LRT Alignment through a handful of small businesses and eateries and back around through a residential neighborhood towards Opus Station. Southwest LRT Station Approximately 0.75 mile of trail will be added, contingent upon the Trail Underpass

Launch Properties development final concept. Existing Trail Trail Recommendations Proposed Off-Street A Connect trail from Shady Oak Road east to existing trail. Proposed On-Street

Connect trail from Shady Oak Road east to Bren Road East through Launch Bren Loop B Properties development; new trail alignment dependent upon redevelopment. Yellow Loop C Connect trail from existing trail terminus south across Red Circle East; street crossing to be determined after development of the Launch Properties site. Green Loop

D Widen existing trail to 16’. Opus Loop

36 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Map 24: Red Trail Loop Placemaking + Wayfinding Placemaking + Wayfinding

Opus Node Bren Rd W Bren Rd E Primary Node

Secondary Node

Tertiary Node

Campus Map

Monument Sign

Pavement Compass

Trail ID/Road Name Signs*

Trail Loop + Directional Map Shady Oak Rd

Mile Marker/Trail ID

Red Loop Red Cir E

Southwest LRT Alignment

i C

Southwest LRT Station

o l l e Bren Loop Y

Yellow Loop

Green Loop 0 .25mi .5mi

Opus Loop

Planting Zones by Vegetation Type Map 25: Red Trail Loop Planting Zones

Manicured Vegetation

Native Wooded Vegetation

Native Upland Vegetation

Native Wetland Vegetation Early Harvest Edible Vegetation Late Harvest Edible Vegetation Red Loop

Southwest LRT Alignment

Southwest LRT Station

Bren Loop

Yellow Loop

Green Loop

Opus Loop

Implementation Guide 37 CHAPTER THREE WAYFINDING + FURNITURE

Signage

Underpass Treatment

38 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Pavement Inlays

Implementation Guide 39 Signage

40 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Pavement Compass

Furniture Placement Benches near intersections for park and Bike Racks Placement of benches should trail users and maintenance Bike racks should be located take advantage of scenic crews alike. These locations near trails allowing some buffer opportunities and allow for should be convenient to space adjacent to the trail for shade and sunlight during benches and tables, but should safety. different times of day and not be so close that odors and various seasons. Adjacent pads bees are problematic. Bike Fix-it Stations should be provided to allow for Bike fix-it stations should be wheelchair seating as required Picnic Tables located near trails allowing by ADA for a minimum of 50% Similar to benches, the picnic some buffer space adjacent to of all benches within a specific tables should be located to take the trail for safety. area. advantage of views and shade/ sunlight during different times Trash Receptacles and seasons. At least 50% of Receptacles should be placed tables must be ADA compliant. in convenient locations such as

Implementation Guide 41 Picnic Tables Round

Tournesol Siteworks Round- Sitecraft Columbus Circle Thomas Steele Ashton about Collection Table Table and Regency Stools Courtyard Table Tier 3 IPE Wood IPE Wood Seat Material: IPE Wood; Flat Metal Color: Black Metal Powdercoated Black Seat Mounting Options: Table Material: IPE Wood Preferred: Embed Metal Powdercoated Black Alternate: Surface mount Mounting Options: Preferred: In-Ground Alternate: Surface Mount

Rectangular

DuMor Table 75-60I Victor Stanley Homestead Sitecraft Regency Table 72” Metal Color: Black Collection ST-6 Length and Regency benches Mounting Options: Wood IPE Wood Preferred: S-1 Embedment Metal Powdercoated Black Metal Powdercoated Black Alternate: S2 Surface Mount Mounting Options: Preferred: In-Ground Alternate: Surface

42 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Benches

DuMor Bench 51-60I Tournesol Siteworks Cascade Landscape Forms Gretchen Metal Color: Black Bench CA-0200-72 Bench Mounting Options: Tier 3 IPE Wood IPE Wood Preferred: S-1 Embedment Metal Color: Black Metal Powdercoated Black Alternate: S2 Surface Mount Mounting Options: Mounting Options: Wood: IPE Preferred: Embed Preferred: In-Ground Alternate: Surface mount Alternate: Surface

Custom Bench

Trash Receptacles

DuMor 187-32I-FTO with Forms + Surfaces Cordia Landscape Forms Gretchen Bonnet Cover (BT) Litter & Recycling Receptacle Litter Powder Coat Black with Rain Cover Side Open Wood slats IPE Wood Metal Powdercoated Black Metal Powdercoated Black

Implementation Guide 43 Bike Racks

Dero Swerve Rack Belson Outdoors Swerve American Bicycle Security Powder Coat Black Rack Company Swerve Rack Mounting Options: Powder-Coated Black Powder Coated RAL 9005 Preferred: In-ground Mounting Options: (black) Alternate: Surface Preferred: In-ground Mount Mounting Options: Alternate: Surface Mount Preferred: In-ground Mount Alternate: Surface Mount

Fix-It Stations

Dero Fixit Station with Pump Saris Infrastructure Deluxe Kirby Built Ultimate Bike Color: Black Public Work Stand with Bike Repair Station & Bike Pump Pump and Wheel Chock Color: Black Color: Black

44 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Lighting Pedestrian Poles

BEGA Square Straight Structura SPAR Wood Pole Timberwood Pole Wooden Pole 14’ Height 12’ Height 13’ 5-3/8” Product # 98 522

Pedestrian Luminaries

Bega Product # 99 868 Hubbel Lighting RAR1 Ratio

Vehicular Poles Vehicular Luminaries Use luminaire manufacturer pole, color black, square if an option

Bega Product # 84 407 Hubbel Lighting RAR2 Ratio Implementation Guide 45 CHAPTER FOUR PLACEMAKING + PROGRAMMING

Trail Node Programming Guidelines Loop Opus Loop: Green Loop: Bren Loop: Blue Loop: Yellow Loop: Red Loop: Name Connecting Wetland Welcome Corporate Scenic Food Node Primary Secondary Tertiary Primary Secondary Tertiary Primary Secondary Tertiary Primary Secondary Tertiary Primary Secondary Tertiary Primary Secondary Tertiary Type (1) (4) (3) (1) (6*) (2) (1*) (4*) (2*) (0) (0) (5*) (0) (0) (3) (1) (1) (3) Node El- Choose 4 Choose 2 Choose 1 Choose 4 Choose 2 Choose 1 Choose 4 Choose 2 Choose 1 Choose 4 Choose 2 Choose 1 Choose 4 Choose 2 Choose 1 Choose 4 Choose 2 Choose 1 ements

Passive Picnic table, Custom bench, Picnic table, Custom bench, Picnic table, Custom bench, Picnic table, Custom bench, Picnic table, Custom bench, Picnic table, Custom bench, Manufactured bench Pedestrian Manufactured bench Manufactured bench Manufactured bench Manufactured bench Manufactured bench Elements Program Choose 4 Choose 2 Choose 4 Choose 2 Choose 4 Choose 2 Choose 4 Choose 2 Choose 4 Choose 2 Choose 4 Choose 2 Elements

Social Community Tables and benches Outdoor Tables and benches Outdoor Tables and benches, Tables or benches, Small Tables and benches, Small Social gathering space, Tables and benches garden, kitchen, dining Social gathering gathering spaces gathering spaces Outdoor cafe seating, Tables and Social space, space Food trucks benches gathering Social space, Tables gathering and benches space Edible Outdoor Permaculture Food trucks Permaculture Food Permaculture Permaculture Permaculture landscape Permaculture landscape Permaculture dining landscape landscape trucks landscape landscape landscape space

Interpretive Educational signage Amphitheater Public art, Educational Public art, Educational Educational Educational signage Educational signage signage signage signage

Restorative Rain Rain gardens Boardwalks, Scenic overlooks, Rain Rain Rain garden Rain gardens Scenic overlook, Rain Rain gardens, Shade Rain gardens gardens Rain gardens gardens gardens gardens structure

Recreational Play area, Small games courts, Paddle docks, Dog amenities Multi-use Small games court Splash pad Dog amenities RC Boats, fields Multi-use fields, Skating on the lake, Dog park

46 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Loop Opus Loop: Green Loop: Bren Loop: Blue Loop: Yellow Loop: Red Loop: Name Connecting Wetland Welcome Corporate Scenic Food Node Primary Secondary Tertiary Primary Secondary Tertiary Primary Secondary Tertiary Primary Secondary Tertiary Primary Secondary Tertiary Primary Secondary Tertiary Type (1) (4) (3) (1) (6*) (2) (1*) (4*) (2*) (0) (0) (5*) (0) (0) (3) (1) (1) (3) Node El- Choose 4 Choose 2 Choose 1 Choose 4 Choose 2 Choose 1 Choose 4 Choose 2 Choose 1 Choose 4 Choose 2 Choose 1 Choose 4 Choose 2 Choose 1 Choose 4 Choose 2 Choose 1 ements

Interpretive Educational signage Amphitheater Public art, Educational Public art, Educational Educational Educational signage Educational signage signage signage signage

Recreational Play area, Small games courts, Paddle docks, Dog amenities Multi-use Small games court Splash pad Dog amenities RC Boats, fields Multi-use fields, Skating on the lake, Dog park

Implementation Guide 47 CHAPTER FIVE ON-STREET BIKEWAYS

Map 26: On-street Bikeways by Facility Type

Smetana Rd

Feltl Rd

r D ir C B

C D S h a d y O a k

R E S m e t a n D r d F W Bren Rd Bren Rd E

Green Oak Dr A G

Red Cir E

own Hwy Crosst Yellow Cir E

0 .25mi .5mi

Southwest LRT Alignment Ownership + Implementation Some of the on-street facility recommendations are along street Southwest LRT Station segments owned outside of the City of Minnetonka. The cycletrack Cycletrack (bidirectional) along Shady Oak Road is a recommendation for Hennepin County to further explore feasibility and engineering concepts. The Buffered Bike Lane (both sides of street section) standard bike lane along the segment connecting 11th Avenue South to the Opus District along the east side of Claremont Standard Bike Lane Apartments is a recommendation for the private property owners to Buffered Bike Lane (one side consider. Where the City wishes to maintain minimum lane widths, of street section only) the bike lane buffer may be reduced one to two feet where needed.

48 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design A. Shady Oak Road - Existing Conditions

A. Shady Oak Road - Bi-directional Cycletrack (without moving median)

B. Opportunity Court - Existing Conditions

B. Opportunity Court - Bi-directional Cycletrack

Implementation Guide 49 C. Smetana Drive - Existing Conditions

C. Smetana Drive - 4-to-3 Lane Conversion with Buffered Bike Lanes (Option 1)

C. Smetana Drive - Standard bike Lanes (Option 2)

50 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design D, E. Bren Road West & East 2 Lanes - H. Smetana Road - Existing Conditions Existing Conditions

D, E. Bren Road West & East 2 Lanes - H. Smetana Road - Buffered Bike Lane Standard Bike Lane

F, G. Bren Road West & East 3 Lanes - Additional Study Needed Existing Conditions These recommendations are based on preliminary findings of existing conditions and are subject to change under future study. Some improvements may require expansion or the addition of roadway facilities, including pavement width, curb and gutter, or alteration of utilities, which may have budgetary impacts. It is F, G. Bren Road West & East 3 Lanes - important to note that these Buffered Bike Lane improvements would need to be further evaluated with a feasibility study to determine the extent of physical and financial impacts before any stage of engineering.

Implementation Guide 51 Map 27: Recommended Transit Routes and Bus Stop Locations

Smetana Rd

Feltl Rd

r D ir C

S h a d y O a k

R S m e t a n D r d W Bren Rd Bren Rd E

Green Oak Dr

Red Cir E

own Hwy Crosst Yellow Cir E

0 .25mi .5mi

Map Features Bus Network In addition to the two sheltered There are 22 total active bus bus stops along Bren Road Bus Stops stops shared between five bus East, only three other bus stops Future SWLRT Stations routes that operate within Opus. provide a concrete boarding and unloading pad to facilitate SWLRT Routing Of these bus stops, only two bus stops provide any form of accessibility for people with Route 12 shelter which is primarily due personal wheeled mobility Route 146 to Metro Transit daily boarding devices. One of these bus stops requirements for a shelter. does not provide any sidewalk Route 46 The two shelters in place were or trail connections and a more Route 612 provided by employers in the accessible curb cut to the street Route 664 area and exemplify the types of for people with wheeled devices public private partnerships we may be needed. As bus stops would like to foster in the area. should be accessible by trail

52 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design and by accessible curb cuts, continue to work with Metro the City has an accessibility Transit to monitor bus ridership plan it is implementing after the numbers throughout the completion of Southwest LRT first year of Southwest LRT construction. operations to better understand where there may be future Of the 20 unsheltered bus and additional bus ridership stops, many are located near demand. thick or overgrown vegetation Ahead of opening-day light rail with poor sightlines and one operations, existing bus stops stop is not signaled with should be well-maintained signage at all. Three bus routes and kept free of overgrown (Routes 12, 46, and 664) only vegetation. Wayfinding signage provide weekday service while described in earlier sections of two provide weekend service this report may be incorporated (Routes 46 and 612). at bus stops to facilitate Bus stop with shelter and navigation within the district. sidewalk. A reroute for Route 12 is At minimum, bus stops should recommended to better connect include a concrete pad and curb bus riders to the Opus Station, cuts to facilitate ADA access especially since riders may to the street network and trail easily transfer from an existing network. All bus stops should stop on Routes 46, 146, 612, have a paved connection to the and 664 to Route 12. Instead of existing and future trail network connecting riders to Shady Oak so that people of all mobilities Road, Route 12 should travel may use these transportation along Bren Road West and systems. continue around to Bren Road East in a large circuit.

Bus Stops Metro Transit specifies criteria by which the agency prioritizes Bus stop with bench. adding shelters to bus stops. Stops are considered for shelters if they board 30 or more average daily passengers. Next, stops are prioritized based on boarding numbers, whether customers could particularly benefit from a shelter (for example a stop near senior housing), whether the stop is a major transit point, and whether nearby households have low car ownership.

No new bus stops are recommended at this time. Instead, the city should Bus stop sign without shelter, bench or sidewalk.

Implementation Guide 53 SUN CHAPTER SIX SHADE PLANTING PALETTES PARTIAL

SUMMER MANICURED GROWING SEASON Manicured Lawn Seed Mixes Seasonal Interest: J F M A M J J A S O N D - Sunny Mix: Shooting Star Native Seed Supply - Shade Mix: Shooting Star Native Seed Supply

Manicured Perennials / Grasses Sporobolus heterolepis Prairie Dropseed Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ Karl Foerster Grass* Hemerocallis sp. Daylily Varieties* Hosta sp. Hosta Varieties Matteuccia struthiopteris Ostrich Fern* Phlox paniculate Garden Phlox Echinacea sp. Coneflower Varieties Penstemon digitalis ‘Dark Towers’ Dark Towers Beard Tongue Paeonia sp. Peony Varieties* Nepeta x faassenii ‘Walkers Low’ Walkers Low Catmint* Phlox subulata Creeping Phlox Monarda sp. Bee Balm Varieties Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ Autumn Joy Sedum Astilbe sp. Astilbe Varieties Salvia x sylvestris ‘Caradonna’ Caradonna Sage Pulmonaria ‘Raspberry Splash’ Raspberry Splash Lungwort

Manicured Shrubs Spirea japonica sp. Spirea Varieties* Rosa sp. Pavement Rose Varieties Diervilla lonicera Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle* Aronia melanocarpa ‘Morton’ Iroquois Beauty Chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa elata Black Chokeberry Cornus stolonifera ‘Farrow’ Arctic Fire Dogwood* Cornus alba ‘Bailhalo’ Ivory Halo Dogwood* Rhus aromatica ‘GroLow’ GroLow Fragrant Sumac* Amelanchier alnifolia ‘Regent’ Regent Serviceberry Potentilla sp. Potentilla Varieties* Juniperus horizontalis ‘Blue Chip’ Blue Chip Juniper Juniperus chinensis ‘Monlep’ Mint Julep Juniper Taxus x media ‘Taunton’ Taunton Yew* Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Seward’ Summer Wine Ninebark* Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ Dwarf Korean Lilac* Syringa patula ‘Miss Kim’ Miss Kim Lilac* Thuja occidentalis sp. Arborvitae Varieties* Hydrangea arborescens ‘Abetwo’ Incrediball Hydrangea* Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ Annabelle Hydrangea* Hydrangea paniculata ‘ILVOBO’ Bobo Hydrangea Hydrangea paniculata ‘Jane’ Little Lime Hydrangea* Forsythia ‘Courtaneur’ Gold Cluster Forsythia* *Refer to Maintenance Section

54 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Seasonal Interest: J F M A M J J A S O N D Manicured Trees Malus ‘Prairiefire’ Prairiefire Crabapple Malus ‘Spring Snow’ Spring Snow Crabapple Malus ‘JFS-KW5’ Royal Raindrops Crabapple Ulmus ‘Patriot’ Patriot Elm Ulmus davidiana ‘Discovery’ Discovery Elm Ulmus ‘Morton Glossy’ Triumph Elm Ulmus americana ‘St. Croix’ St. Croix American Elm Ulmus americana ‘Princeton’ Princeton American Elm Ulmus americana ‘Lewis & Clark’ Prairie Expedition Elm Gleditsia triacanthose var. inermis ‘Skycole’Skyline Honeylocust Gleditsia triacanthose var. inermis ‘Harve’ Northern Acclaim Honeylocust Syringa reticulata ‘ivory Silk’ Ivory Silk Lilac Tilia americana ‘Boulevard’ Boulevard Linden Tilia americana ‘Redmond’ Redmond Linden Picea glauca ‘Densata’ Black Hills Spruce Picea abies Norway Spruce Thuja occidentalis Northern White Cedar Gymnocladus dioicus ‘Espresso’ Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree Celtis occidentalis Common Hackberry Ostrya virginiana Hop Hornbeam Betula populifolia ‘Whitespire’ Whitespire Birch Betula nigra River Birch Betula platyphylla ‘Fargo’ Dakota Pinnacle Birch Quercus ellipsoidalis Northern Pin Oak Quercus x warei ‘Nadler’ Kindred Spirit Oak Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak Quercus macrocarpa Bur Oak Amelanchier x grandiflora Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry Acer saccharum ‘Bailsta’ Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple Acer saccharum ‘Barrett Cole’ Apollo Sugar Maple Acer saccharum ‘Arrowhead’ Arrowhead Sugar Maple Acer x freemanii ‘Sienna’ Sienna Glen Maple Pinus strobus Eastern White Pine Catalpa speciosa Northern Catalpa*

SUMMER GROWING Note: Perennials and shrubs in this category are suitable for mass plantings of three or greater. SEASON Most species are selected based on desired compact growth characteristics.

Implementation Guide 55 NATIVE

Wetland Seed Mixes Seasonal Interest: J F M A M J J A S O N D - Emergent Wetland Mix: MnDOT 34-181 - Wet Prairie Mix: MnDOT 34-262

Wetland Perennials / Grasses Eupatorium maculatum Joe Pye Weed Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal Flower Lobelia syphilitica Great Blue Lobelia Calamagrostis canadensis Blue Joint Grass Carex vulpinoidea Fox Sedge Panicum virgatum Switchgrass Liatris pycnostachya Prairie Blazingstar Symphyotrichum novae-angliae New England Aster Iris versicolor Northern Blue Flag Iris Matteuccia struthiopteris var. pensylvanica Ostrich Fern Echinacea sp. Coneflower Varieties Chelone glabra White Turtlehead Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Flower Carex pensylvanica Pennsylvania Sedge Rudbeckia hirta Black Eyed Susan

Wetland Shrubs Aronia melanocarpa Black Chokeberry Cephahanthus occidentalis Buttonbush Cornus sericea Red Osier Dogwood* Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood* Salix discolor Pussy Willow* Sambucus canadensis Common Elderberry* Viburnum opulus L. var. americanum Aiton American Cranberrybush* Ilex mucronata Swamp Holly Ilex verticillata Winterberry

Wetland Trees Betula nigra River Birch Acer rubrum Red Maple Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak Larix laricina Tamarack Populus deltoides Cottonwood Salix nigra Black Willow Thuja occidentalis Northern White Cedar Populus tremuloides Quaking Aspen Salix bebbiana Bebbs Willow Abies balsamea Balsam Fir

Upland Seed Mix - Pollinator Mix: Shooting Star Native Seed Supply

SUMMER GROWING SEASON

56 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Seasonal Interest: J F M A M J J A S O N D Upland Perennials / Grasses Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima Black Eyed Susan Tradescantia bracteata Bracted Spiderwort Asclepias tuberosa var. interior Butterflyweed Aquilegia canadensis Columbine Symphyotrichum ericoides Heath Aster Eurybia macrophylla Large Leaved Aster Koeleria macrantha Junegrass Schizachyrium scoparium Little Bluestem Grass* Echinacea angustrifolia Narrow Purple Coneflower Carex pensylvanica Pennsylvania Sedge Sporobolus heterolepis Prairie Dropseed Panicum virgatum Switchgrass*

Upland Shrubs Aronia melanocarpa Black Chokeberry Diervilla lonicera Bush Honeysuckle* Juniperus communis var. depressa Common Juniper* Cornus racemosa Gray Dogwood* Physocarpus opulifolius Ninebark* Symphoricarpos albus Common Snowberry Hudsonia tomentosa Beach Heather Viburnum rafinesquianum Downy Arrowwood Viburnum dentatum Arrowwood Viburnum Corylus americana American Hazelnut

Upland Trees Tilia americana Basswood Populus deltoides subsp. monilifera Cottonwood Amelanchier arborea Downy Serviceberry Juniperus virginiana Eastern Red Cedar Ostrya virginiana Hop Hornbeam Populus tremuloides Quaking Aspen Quercus ellipsoidalis Northern Pin Oak Quercus alba White Oak Quercus macrocarpa Bur Oak Quercus rubra Northern Red Oak Betula papyrifera Paper Birch Pinus Banksiana Jack Pine Celtis occidentalis Common Hackberry Catalpa speciosa Northern Catalpa* Abies balsamea Balsam Fir Picea glauca White Spruce Larix laricina Tamarack Thuja occidentalis Northern White Cedar Betula papyrifera Paper Birch

Woodland Seed Mix - Woodland Edge Mix: Shooting Star Native Seed Supply SUMMER GROWING SEASON

Implementation Guide 57 Seasonal Interest: J F M A M J J A S O N D Woodland Perennials / Grasses Aquilegia canadensis Columbine Thalictrum thalictroides Rue Anemone Agastache foeniculum Blue Giant Hyssop Phlox divaricata var. laphamii Blue Phlox Tradescantia bracteata Bracted Spiderwort Anemone canadensis Canada Anemone Thalictrum dioicum Early Meadow Rue Boltonia asteroides False Aster Symphyotrichum laeve Smooth Blue Aster Matteuccia struthiopteris var. pensylvanica Ostrich Fern* Ageratina altissima White Snakeroot

Woodland Shrubs Aronia melanocarpa Black Chokeberry Diervilla lonicera Bush Honeysuckle* Cornus sericea Red Osier Dogwood* Cornus racemosa Gray Dogwood* Euonymus atropurpureus Eastern Wahoo Acer spicatum Mountain Maple Viburnum rafinesquianum Downy Arrow Wood Viburnum lentago Nannyberry Prunus virginiana Chokecherry Staphylea trifolia Bladdernut

Woodland Trees Ostrya virginiana Hop Hornbeam Cornus alternifolia Pagoda Dogwood Prunus serotina Black Cherry Quercus alba White Oak Quercus rubra Northern Red Oak Tilia americana Basswood Amelanchier arborea Downy Serviceberry Betula alleghaniensis Yellow Birch Populus grandidentata Big Tooth Aspen Carpinus caroliniana Blue Beech

SUMMER Note: Perennials and shrubs in this category are suitable for large unmaintained areas of mass GROWING SEASON plantings due to their competitive nature. All species in this category will require increased thinning and pruning if planted in manicured areas.

58 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design EDIBLE Perennials / Shrubs / Vines / Trees Early Harvest (May - August) Harvest Month: J F M A M J J A S O N D Malus ‘Centennial’ Centennial Crabapple* Prunus x cerasus ‘Cupid’ Cupid Cherry* Prunus pumilla Sand Cherry* Prunus ‘Toka’ Toka Plum* Vaccinium ‘Chippewa’ Chippewa Blueberry* Vaccinium angustifolium Brunswich Blueberry* Hemerocallis sp. Daylily Varieties* Viola sp. Viola Varieties* Echinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel* Asparagus officinalis Asparagus* Amelanchier alnifolia ‘Regent’ Regent Serviceberry* Matricaria recutita Chamomile* Monarda didyma Scarlet Beebalm* Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot*

Perennials / Shrubs / Vines / Trees Late Harvest (August - October) Malus domestica ‘Cortland’ Cortland Apple Tree* Malus ‘Sweet Sixteen’ Sweet Sixteen Apple Tree* Malus pumila ‘Antonovka’ Antonovka Apple Tree* Pyrus ussuriensis ‘Early Gold’ Early Gold Pear Tree* Rubus ‘Autumn Britten’ Autumn Britten Raspberry* Sambucus canadensis Common Elderberry* Vitis ‘Frontenac’ Frontenac Grape* Vitis ‘Marquette’ Marquette Grape*

SUMMER GROWING Note: All species in this category may produce edible bearing fruit, flowers, stems, foliage, and/or SEASON berries during specified harvest times. Not all parts of plants listed are edible and may need to be indicated accordingly in public spaces.

Implementation Guide 59 Maintenance Native plantings may be pruned Promoting Pollinator Native Grass and Forb Seed as necessary to allow natural Habitat Mixes shrub formation. Identify existing habitat, Once established, hand pull or including undeveloped parcels, spot treat weeds. Controlled Rejuvenation Pruning: Cutting parks or recreational areas, burning on a 3-5 year rotation, stems back to 6”-10” above and school properties that have alternating spring and fall if the ground during the dormant open space available. possible. Haying on a 3-5 year season of late winter or early rotation in late summer or early spring. This is appropriate for Protect and enhance existing fall. Alternate with burning (or the following: Honeysuckle, habitat and create new may substitute for burning). Shrub Hydrangea, Dogwood, habitat by installing nest Burning two years in a row will and Willow. boxes, maintain a minimum clean up ‘rough-looking’ sites. of ¼ of area untouched as Renewal Pruning: Thinning a refuge area and maintain Perennials / Grasses or removing older stems minimal lawn areas to support Perennials with required occasionally when dormant (to recreational needs when maintenance include allow new stem growth). This moving or burning, and apply deadheading post bloom is appropriate for the following: chemical treatment (when and spring cleanup of dead Dogwood, Forsythia, Lilac, flowers are not in bloom, not debris as necessary. Divide Ninebark, and Viburnum. windy, and when insects are daylilies and hostas as needed. inactive such as at night) as Ornamental grass species Trees necessary for invasive species, provide winter interest and All trees in manicured areas safe burning practices in the do best when trimmed during will typically require minor fall, and overseeding. spring cleanup. Competitive maintenance which includes species such as Ostrich Fern, pruning of damaged and or Manage habitat while Bee Balm, and Common crossing branches. Other minimizing pollinator impact Sorrel should be thinned as pruning needs may be the by providing connectivity necessary. Peony varieties may removal of water sprouts between vegetation areas to need staking. and suckers. The safest create corridors of perennials, time to prune trees and limit shrubs, and trees that provide Shrubs susceptibility to disease, pollinators shelter and food Annual maintenance for all fungus, pests, etc. is during as they move through the shrubs as necessary includes the late dormant season of landscape. Water is also removal of dead wood, stubs, February to April. The Northern important for pollinators, so suckers, old or crossing stems, Catalpa is considered a messy water sources (either natural or and pruning back to thin for bloomer and may require clean man-made) should be provided. desired shape during the up in early summer. Trees dormant season of late winter in the edible category may Educate the public by or early spring. require pesticide prevention increasing awareness of the applications and pruning to importance of pollinators In the manicured planting maintain form. Fruit that drops and benefits and becoming category only, shear deciduous to the ground needs to be advocates. Implement or evergreen hedges after disposed of as soon as possible interpretive signage, and flyers. bloom during the summer. This to prevent fermentation. is appropriate for the following: Honeysuckle, Spirea, GrowLow Sumac, Arborvitae, Lilac, and Potentilla.

60 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Plant Traits Attractive to Various Pollinator Types Pollinator Type Plant Trait Bees Birds Butterflies bright, including red and Color white, yellow, blue, uv scarlet, orange, red, white purple shallow, landing platform, Shape large funnel, strong narrow, flat disc tubular

Odor fresh, mild none light

Implementation Guide 61 Note: Incorporation of historical and current aptive species based on relative ecological ECOLOGICAL REGIONS regions were taken into consideration during species selection.

Big Woods Mississippi Valley Outwash / Anoka Sand Plain St. Croix Outwash Plain / Stagnation Plain

Big Woods Presettlement Vegetation Identity dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/ According to the Public The Big Woods region is known nrplanning/bigpicture/cwcs/ Land Survey Notes (Grimm, for its predominant forested profiles/big_woods.pdf 1984), the order of dominant ecology consisting of Elms, species are as follows: Elm, Basswoods, Sugar Maple, Grimm, E. C. (1984). Fire and Basswood, Sugar Maple, Bur Oaks, Aspen and Ironwood. other factors controlling the Big Oak, Ironwood, Northern Red The Minnesota River runs Woods vegetation of Minnesota Oak, and Aspen. However, through the middle of the in the mid-nineteenth century. along the western margin of the subsection thus providing Ecological Monographs, 54(3), Big Woods subsection, Aspen forested-river-terraced habitats 291-311. was found as most common, for various species. followed by Bur Oak. Along the Tester, J. R. (1995). northern and southern regions, Concerns Minnesota’s natural heritage: mixtures of Aspen, Red Oak, As farming, urbanization and an ecological perspective. U of and Bur Oak were dominant other ecological changes Minnesota Press. with White Oak dominating continue, water quality, habitat, the eastern margin. The and threatened species are boundary of the zone varied the main concerns for this based on topography and other ecological region. firebreaks. Further Information and Present Vegetation Resources The Minnesota Department Minnesota Department of of Natural Resources finds Natural Resources (2006). that 75% of the Big Woods Tomorrow’s Habitat for the subsection is cropland while Wild and Rare: An Action another 5% to 10% is pasture. Plan for Minnesota Wildlife, About 1% of the presettlement Comprehensive Wildlife forest remains in parks and Conservation Strategy. natural areas. The other 14% to Division of Ecological Services, 19% of the subsection is either Minnesota Department of upland forest or wetland. Natural Resources. https://files.

62 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design Big Woods Mississippi Valley Outwash / Anoka Sand Plain St. Croix Outwash Plain / Stagnation Plain

Mississippi Valley Outwash / Anoka Sand Plain Presettlement Vegetation valleys. Surrounding rivers and Albert, Dennis A. (1995). The upland vegetation primarily streams are tributaries of the Regional landscape consisted of oak barrens. Mississippi. Characteristic trees ecosystems of Michigan, Upland prairie formations include misformed Bur Oak and Minnesota, and Wisconsin: a followed the Mississippi River, Northern Pin Oak. The best working map and classification. as did the floodplain forest. The examples of dry oak savanna in Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-178 St. sandplain mainly consisted of the state of Minnesota occur in Paul, MN: U.S. Department brushland with the exception this region. of Agriculture, Forest of Jack Pine along the northern Service, North Central Forest margin. Boundaries of this Concerns Experiment Station. subsection follow the extent of Rapid urbanization and the Anoka Sandplain landform agricultural development in created by glacial outwash. sod and vegetable crops which make up about 30% of the Present Vegetation subsection has resulted in the This area is abundant with sod loss of prairie, savanna, and and vegetable crops grown on drainage of peatlands. drained peat areas (Department of Soil Science, University of Further Information and Minnesota 1980). Oak Barrens Resources once abundant are now less Minnesota Department of common. Natural Resources (2006). Tomorrow’s Habitat for the Identity Wild and Rare: An Action The Mississippi Valley Plan for Minnesota Wildlife, Outwash/Anoka Sand Plain Comprehensive Wildlife region is known for its flat- Conservation Strategy. sandy lake plain and terraces Division of Ecological Services, along the Mississippi River. Minnesota Department of Characteristics include Natural Resources. https://files. low moraines above the dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/ outwash, small dunes, ice nrplanning/bigpicture/cwcs/ block depressions and tunnel profiles/anoka_sand_plain.pdf

Implementation Guide 63 Big Woods Mississippi Valley Outwash / Anoka Sand Plain St. Croix Outwash Plain / Stagnation Plain

St. Croix Outwash Plain / Stagnation Plain Presettlement Vegetation Concerns The area belonged to oak and The vegetation of the St. Croix aspen savanna communities Outwash Plain/Stagnation and areas of tallgrass prairie Plain of the eastern portion is and maple-basswood forests. decreasing due to continued Bur oak savanna was found urban development. Protecting on moraine ridges along the existing wetlands has been the western margin of the a concern for flood control and subsection, and in ravines on water quality. the eastern edge. Further Information and Present Vegetation Resources Urban development is the Minnesota Department of primary land use in this region Natural Resources (2006). with small areas of forest in the Tomorrow’s Habitat for the eastern portion. Wild and Rare: An Action Plan for Minnesota Wildlife, Identity Comprehensive Wildlife This region is known for its Conservation Strategy. large moraine and areas of Division of Ecological Services, outwash plain. The topography Minnesota Department of is rolling to steep-short slopes. Natural Resources. https://files. The Mississippi River and dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/ its floodplain cuts through nrplanning/bigpicture/cwcs/ the middle of the subsection. profiles/st_paul_baldwin_plains. The St. Croix River forms the pdf eastern boundary. This region is a significant migratory corridor for birds, while unpolluted waters of the St. Croix River support species of mussels and stream fish.

64 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design 110 Opus Area Placemaking + Urban Design