TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Argument: Toward a Possible Means of Pursuasion 2

Findings from Phase I 4

On the Nature of Greenways: Greenways as a Fundamental Urban Design Strategy 6

Searching for the Ecological and Cultural Landscape of the University District 8

Remnant Wetland Classification Table 12

The Engineered Hydrology: From Watersheds to Pipesheds, Fixed Pipesheds, Storm Tunnels, and Outfalls 14

Mapping the Remnant Landscape: Land Cover Classification 16

Connecting Human Mobility Corridors to Greenway Corridors 18

Proposed Greenway Corridors for the University District 40

Combining Greenways with Green Infrastructure 44

Expanding Green Infrastructure: Implementing “Streets for Living“ 47

Providing Access to the : Meeker Flats Case Study 50

Central Mississippi Riverfront: Recreational Development Opportunities 54

A Special Thanks Project Participants 60

Funding for this Direct Design Assistance project is provided through generous References 61 support from the McKnight Foundation, the Dayton Hudson Endowment, and the University District Alliance. highways, and bridges --a process that began dissecting the landscape once more as early as 1920s. So it is not di¤cult to understand that The Argument: the metropolitan landscape that we see today in the University District contains the historical traces of these transformative stages over the Toward a Possible Means of Persuasion past 150 years.

The Approach In dealing with such a complex territory, we have made an eort to New programs for design emerge when present a research-based design model that responds to the current New programs for design emerge when physical complexities inherent in the District—its legacy as an agricultural design practicepractice shifts shifts its its attention attention formally from distribution center is still evident judging by the physical infrastructure formally solving perceived problems present, the obstacles to reach the waterfront despite the District’s solving perceive problems to identifying proximity and strong cultural association with the Mississippi River, and actionsto identifying that support actions expressions that ofsupport social having the four residential neighborhoods bordering a well-known and vibrant urban university. In so doing, rather than providing formal design life.expressions These programs of social reveal andlife. celebrate These solutions to every possible situation, we have relied on a metropolitan programs reveal and celebrate the new design approach that clearly presents the realities of the place what the new forms of urbanity emerging out of is, in order to bring an awareness, and further exploration of what is today’sforms of political urbanity economy emerging and out its of culture.today’s possible given the communities and stakeholders’ expectations for the political economy and its culture. So District’s future. As such, and placing an emphasis on the possible, this So doing…metropolitan urbanism opens research project provides a vision for the University district that: newdoing territories ... metropolitan for design urbanism consideration. opens up • Presents a biophysical and cultural reality of the District’s landscape, Itnew stakes territories out newfor design sites ofconsideration. operations, which still bears the traces of history. A transformed territory that is It stakes out new sites of operations, neither “natural” nor strictly “urban” but a complex juxtaposition of introduces new methods of working, and hybrid and remnant landscapes that are important for their cognitive identifiesintroduces newnew clients.methods of working, and ability to help us to read time and experience where we live. identifies new clients. The only true voyage of discovery, the only fountain of Jacqueline Tatom • Provide a series of design possibilities whose resolutions challenge Eternal Youth, would be not to visit strange lands but traditional convictions, and requires new metropolitan dialogues Programs for MetropolitanJacqueline Urbanism Tatom among dierent government agencies to fulfill the promise of Programs for Metropolitan Urbanism to possess other eyes, to behold the universe through achieving a truly diverse, sustainable, culturally vigorous, and the eyes of another, of a hundred other, to behold the economically vital University District. Using a series of public meetings and workshops, the Metropolitan hundred universes that each of them beholds… Design Center has developed a vision for the District outlining specific proposals for reflection and action. Using known design and research Marcel Proust methods in the fields of landscape and urban ecology, the proposals should serve as a regenerative force to re-establish a new outlook on Remembrance of Things Past the University District based on three implementation objectives:

• Identify natural, semi-natural and cultural corridors that can function As such, we are providing an integrated metropolitan design as Greenways to regenerate the landscape with the potential for approach to transform the existing hybrid landscapes of the linking natural vegetation, remnant wetlands, fragile fluvial corridors University District with the foresight for implementing design and cultural landscapes with the leading greenway corridor—the strategies that challenges both the architectural approach of Mississippi River. conceiving the city as “big architecture” and the traditional, urban planning approach, which use the “master plan” primarily as an The territory occupied by the University District was described not At present, some fragile remnants of this “natural” landscape are • Develop a metropolitan design approach that utilizes principles from instrument for optimizing development. long ago as an extraordinary landscape of woodlands, marshes, and still visible if you know where to look. However, most of this earlier Green Infrastructure to deal with stormwater management. This waterfalls falling over the steep blus of the Mississippi River. Stephen splendor was rapidly transformed by the late 19th century signaling entails adopting strategies that deviate from the current pipeshed Our most sincere thanks to the Alliance Community for this special H. Long’s account of his July 1817 expedition to the Upper Mississippi the birth of a new cultural episode manifesting the progressive approach to capture and infiltrate rainfall in situ thus reducing the opportunity, River describes the landscape as “romantic in the highest degree.” His ideology that dominated the period (3). The early settlers in central rate and amount of stormwater runo and pollutants reaching the journal entry portrayed a landscape of “Oaks, Hiccory, Walnut, Lynden, Minnesota insisted in making the Upper Mississippi navigable, Mississippi River. Sugar tree…and evergreans, such as Pine, Cedar and Juniper”… He which required first to significantly engineer the river course so goes on to describe the diversity of shrubs and flowers, remarking that steamboats could transport greater number goods and people • Apply urban design principles based on Living Streets models by with a degree of enthusiasm about one of the many waterfalls along upstream. To accelerate the expansion of the territory and make embracing more holistic and multidisciplinary Low-Impact-Design the blus. “A few yards below was a beautiful cascade of fine spring the movement of agricultural goods more reliable, the introduction approaches for streets, alleys, and parking lots, “civilizing” vehicular Ignacio San Martin, Dayton Hudson Professor water, poring down from a projected precipice…On our left was the of the Rail into the upper Mississippi region became necessary. tra¤c, encourage greater walkability, maximize infiltration rates Chair of Urban Design and Director Mississippi hurrying thro its channel with great velocity, and about ¾ By the mid 1800s, rail was the dominant medium of passenger using permeable pavement and develop a “living” landscape design Metropolitan Design Center mile above us in plain view was the majestic cataract of the Falls of and commercial transport, leaving the Mississippi as the source strategy that replaces existing lawns with local native vegetation to College of Design Saint Anthony” (1). This account set his point of observation at the of hydroelectric power and the preferred medium for transporting improve biodiversity. The University of Minnesota base of the Fawn’s Leap Falls or Tuttle’s Brook Falls as mapped later timber (4). By late 1870, most of the deciduous woodland splendor by the USGS survey of 1867. Similar landscape splendor along the –the Big Woods recorded by Long-- had vanished. Most of the terraces of the Mississippi River was described by another explorer wetlands were lost to agriculture, leaving the new landscape of the 1. Long, Stephen H., J.E. Colhoun, L.M. Kane, J.D. Holmquist, and C. Gilman (1978). The Northern Expeditions of Stephen H. Long: the Journals of 1817 Minnesota Historical H. R. Schoolcraft who wrote “Nothing can exceed the beauty of the University District as an emerging urban settlement. Society Press. St. Paul, MN. prairies which skirt both banks of the [Mississippi River] above [Saint 2. Mason, Philip P., ed.(1993). Schoolcraft’s Expedition to Lake Itasca: The Discovery of the Source of the Mississippi. Michigan State University Press. East Lansing, MI. Anthony Falls]. They do not, however, consist of unbroken plain, but 3. See Leo Marx’ work The Machine in the Garden 1964, and more precisely here The American Ideology of Space in Denatured Visions: Landscape and Culture in the Twentieth Seeking the expansion of new development opportunities, the Century, MOMA (1988) are…interspersed with groves of oaks, which throw an air of the most Minnesota Legislature began enacting laws to allow the State 4. John O. Anfinson, et al. (2003). River of History, US Army Corps of Engineers, Saint Paul District picturesque beauty on the scene” (2). to construct a new system of communications involving roads,

2 3 Findings From Phase I Community Feedback Contested Territories: An Inventory of the District’s Critical Sites Mass use of the landscape might represent only a choice among inadequate alternatives; not the satisfaction of deep human need, but knowledge of our needs and satisfaction from the landscape is minimal. The most The Urban Design Framework of Phase I encompassed an in depth environmental inventory of the University District and a detailed troubling environmental problem of the inventory of the critical “Contested Territories” found within the district. years ahead might not be conserving Contested territories result from portions of land owned or controlled by dierent stakeholders or political jurisdictions whose future energy or protecting natural systems purpose is uncertain restricting the formulation of a comprehensive but emotionally coping with a landscape urban design vision for the District. Despite the many attempts at drafting master plans over the years, they have not resolved important more transitory than we have ever barriers hampering development and the opportunities for bringing a landscape and urban ecological approach as part of the development experienced, or that Proust could have process have not been part of the discussions. Phase I concluded ever envisioned. with a formal discussion of these limitations brought at a community workshop, which provided an opportunity for a healthy discussion. It is important to repair the damage / disruption East gateway We need to support mixed These findings provided the background for shaping the direction of Robert Riley created by (existing transportation infrastructure) development, More housing (options), Walk-ability but first it is most important that no further harm is key the work conducted in Phase II. Speculations on the New American Landscape is done. How do we control/impact projects that are on the books that do not support the greater Central Corridor Station Area in Cedar Riverside vision of the District? Maximize the positive impact and benefit for the neighborhood (district) University should be the center point and point for all connections / connectivity Overall importance - sustainability is connected directly to Quality of Life Connections to Downtown are important Contested Territories Granary Road – should be developed as a West Bank Connections – Cedar Riverside is most Gentle Connector – greenway / pedestrian / bike disconnected from the rest of the district. focused. (something that helps not harms the Site Priority Ranking neighborhoods.) Granary Road is a major issue and will have impacts across the Board – it is a huge opportunity Land bridge over the freeway (35W) depression at and should be developed as a Gentle Connector – 5th street which was made specifically for a park 1. Granary Corridor greenway / pedestrian / bike focused. Something over the Freeway – it was discussed in 35w plans 2. Father Hennepin Park that helps not harms the neighborhoods. West but never followed up on. end of Granary Road – potential negative impact 3. East Bank Transit Zone of trucks on neighborhood. It is important for us to understand how many jurisdictions are at work here in the District? How 4. Wetland and Grain Silos East end of Washington Tra¤c – impacts of closure does it work? How do we understand / track / of Washington for Central Corridor impact what is getting done? 5. Oak St. Crossing and East Gateway LRT station areas thru-out the district are critical The District should support the strategy that every District for setting the tone and taking the opportunity to future project / development / alteration that gets 6. Riverfront (Bridal Veil, East River Flats, make thoughtful development plans that meet the done that it becomes a “green zipper” – each Districts needs / goals. project is an opportunity to make things add up ) and to integrate sustainable / green components. Can University and 4th Streets be two-way 7. West Bank Transit Zone streets to slow and calm tra¤c? As they are Access to the river for neighbors and from the now they act as thru-ways for high volume and neighborhoods needs to be incorporated (at the 8. East Gateway Transit and Development high speed (relatively) tra¤c and are dangerous A-Mill project) and at all other future riverfront / uncomfortable for pedestrians and cut up the projects. Connect to the River and the river to the Zone neighborhoods? neighborhoods – Bridal Veil Falls 9. 15th Ave Squeeze Saint Paul Interface – we need to me thinking The Central Corridor project especially in the West 10. Grand Rounds Connection beyond the District boundaries esp. to the east. Bank Area station is an important opportunity The Kasota District has not been discussed that to integrate the West Bank into the City and the should be included as well. District. Additional Issues We need a better understanding of: a. the In the discussion about density and dwelling university’s historical impact on the neighborhood, units per acre it is important to include a variety 11. The Kasota District & b. the socio-political map of the District and the of housing options and choices so that we can impacts of this facet(s) have a diversity of neighbors and opportunities 12. Glendale Neighborhood for people to transition and stay in the district – Disconnection of Southeast Como from the rest of students remaining, faculty buying in, seniors 13. Motley Neighborhood the district – how does it become connected? Oak aging in place….etc. Focus on the people. Street – University connection to SE Como / SE 14. Silo Preservation and Redevelopment Como connection to University What if a new car/ped/bike connections was made 15. University and 4th St over the River from Oak Street to Stadium Village What about winter! is a winter city so to Cedar-Riverside? With Washington Avenue the walkability / livability year round needs to be closed to cars a new connection is needed. This considered in all of the plans would also make another loop around the District Community Workshop at Rapson Hall and re-connect Cedar Riverside to the rest of the November 20, 2010. District.

4 5 On the Nature of Greenways: Greenways as a Fundamental Urban Design Strategy

The integration of ecological principles with land use and regional planning has been evolving over the past half a century since the influential book Design with Nature made the inspiring call for a new approach to urban and regional land development. McHarg’s vision for landscape ecological planning underscores the need to recognize the landscape of a region as having diverse living ecosystems, each of which have dierent degrees of suitability to accept development without weakening the vitality of the ecological system. Over the years, landscape ecological planning has evolved into new fields of applied landscape ecology, biogeography, conservation biology, and urban ecology incorporating these new fields into urban planning, urban design, and landscape architecture. As such, urban greenways are linear In general terms, landscape ecology provides a view of regional landscapes as heterogeneous systems of land landscapes that function primarily as (‘mosaics’) over which particular local ecosystems (woodlands, meadows, marshes) and land-uses (villages, towns) occur. As linkages among different scales and types of urban settlement increases, dierent types of landscapes landscapes providing multiple opportunities emerge demonstrating a particular ‘composition’ with specific ‘functioning’ characteristics, which ‘change’ over time and for recreation, educational opportunities, and space. So, in landscape ecology, the landscape of a territory Design for the “Emerald Necklace” in Boston by cultural resources. Therefore, it is important tends to display ‘patches’ of homogeneous landscape types Frederick Law Olmsted linked by functional elements (‘corridors’) allowing the spread Look forward for a century, to the time when the city to think of greenway corridors as important of dierent degrees of ecological diversity. has a population of a million, and think what will be their landscape types that should be part of an When working in urban ecosystems, it is important to recognize entire urban and metropolitan planning that we often deal with fragmented or remnant landscapes wants. They will have wealth enough to purchase all the as a byproduct of development and the best way to improve money can buy but all their wealth cannot purchase a strategy. the use and vitality of these remnant ‘patches’ is to integrate them into the larger functional ecological system to which they lost opportunity, or restore natural features of grandeur Daniel S. Smith & Paul C. Hellmund belong. This outlook of attempting to integrate remnants of “natural’ landscapes (including human habitats) represents the and beauty… Designing Green Ways: Sustainable Landscapes for Nature and People central preoccupation in this study. Thinking from the point of Horace W. S. Cleveland view of urban ecology, we are challenged with this possibility of In David C. Smith, City of Parks transforming the University District within a network of primary So we must think of urban greenways not as ecological corridors, but as primarily linear and secondary greenways that links to our principal ecological corridors that incorporate multi-purpose land uses, for a variety of human leisure activities. corridor—the Mississippi River—and with the surrounding While greenways can also link to or connect with specific wildlife habitats, they are not in metropolitan greenway system. principle considered as ‘wildlife corridors’ (see table). In many instances, the land associated Greenway Terminology with greenways is a by-product of redevelopment opportunities using abandoned roads, Term Term Usage Function: Scale: Primary railroads, and existing right-of-ways providing the opportunity for connecting them with Biotic Continental Spatial Basis riparian corridors, wetlands, or municipal or regional parks. Cultural National Physical One distinctive characteristic of great urban greenways is their Multi‐ Regional Local Biological We want a ground to which people ability to link dierent landscape types with other greenways functional Cultural may easily go after their day’s or trails and to connect people with riparian corridors, wetland habitats, and countryside, bringing forward the richness and work is done, and where they may complexity of the land we inhabit. Ecological Europe B C, N, R, LB Networks stroll for an hour, seeing, hearing Greenways of this type have an interesting history in the USA. Habitat Europe Well before the term was in use during the late 1950s, one B N, R, LBand feeling nothing of the bustle Networks America and jar of the streets, where they of America’s first, and foremost, “greenway” corridors, the Ecological Emerald Necklace in Boston, was planned in the 1860s and Europe B C, N, R, LBshall, in effect, find the city put designed in stages by F. L. Olmsted. It consists of seven miles Infrastructure of trails connecting Boston Commons with Back Bay Fens Park, Greenways America B, C, M R, L P, C far away from them.... We want, Jamaica Pond, Harvard’s Arboretum and ending in Franklin Wildlife Park along the Muddy River wilderness corridor. America B R, LBespecially, the greatest possible Corridors Europe contrast with the restraining Building from this experience, Charles Eliot a Massachusetts B, M R, LP landscape architect and former Olmstead apprentice Riparian Buffers America and confining conditions, which had the far-reaching opportunity of being commissioned Ecological America B R, LPcompel us to walk circumspectly, t o d e s i g n t h e B o s t o n M e t r o p o l i t a n Pa r k S y s t e m . T h i s Corridors gave birth in North America to Park Boards commissioning Environmental watchfully, jealously, which landscape architects to be engaged in designing projects America M R, LP Corridors related to Parkway Systems and subsequently Parkways compel us to look closely upon became the first greenways. Among these, of course, is our Europe C R, LCothers without sympathy. own jewel of a Park System --the Minneapolis Grand Rounds Greenbelts America designed by H. W. S Cleveland and consisting of a 52-mile Landscape scenic greenway corridor connecting a chain of lakes with the America B R, LB Frederick Law Olmsted Linkages Mississippi River corridor. Minneapolis Park System Map by Horace Cleveland, Public Parks and the Enlargement of Towns, 1870 1883

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Remnant Wetland Classification Table

Seasonally Flooded Field Observations Inland Deep Fresh Field Observations 1 Basins and Flats Though type 1.1 is generally characterized by areas of grass and There are three wet areas of type 1.2 in the University District, 4 Marsh There are two type 4.1 wet areas in the University District, both constructed All six of these type 4.3 sites are located in industrial areas where open fields, there is variation across the sites in terms of function and characterized by scrubby woods with several large, mature trees. One Vegetation is configured to protect water quality, detain stormwater, and create habitat. They are there is heavy truck and train tra¤c. The wet areas of this type are Vegetation is herbaceous appearance. The 16 sites in the University District include constructed of the sites lies wedged between two industrial parking lots and railroad in a band surrounding or within close proximity of each other, in the industrial area near where mainly constructed stormwater detention ponds alongside parking plants and upland grasses, stormwater ponds in industrial, commercial, and residential areas, tracks, virtually inaccessible to pedestrians. The other two sites line adjacent to a permanent Kasota Avenue turns to Elm Street. Only one of them appeared to have lots and roadways, with the exception of the Kasota Ponds, two sites being non-woody and dying at roadside vegetated areas, sites rehabilitated or planted with native East and West River Road, providing a visual wall of trees for the street. body of water at some area standing water, and both sites included native vegetation such as little in the historically wet area surrounding Highway 280. The Kasota the end of the season. There vegetation, soccer fields and dog parks. Some of these sites are These areas are categorized as floodplain forests, seasonally wet of the site. Vegetation is bluestem, milkweed, and goldenrod. Willow trees, reed canary grass, Ponds each provide 1.5 acres or more of habitat, including species is no reed canary grass and no intentionally designed to improve water quality by retaining or filtering areas that slow runo water, provide groundwater discharge/recharge, composed of canary reed and cattails were present in one of the sites as well. They were both of waterfowl and turtles which were both observed during fieldwork. cattails. Water is around 6” grass, sedges, and cattails or when wet water, and others have a tendency to be seasonally wet but are used infiltration, and some habitat as well as create an amenity for urban broadleaf plants bordering adjacent to parking lots and roadways with truck tra¤c. for dierent purposes. people. open water. Duckweed or a partial vegetative mat may be The single type 4.2 wet area in the district is located alongside railroad Visible standing water was observed in all but two of the type 4.4 present. Water is present year- tracks, nestled between a small parking lot and the rear of several wet areas in the district. The type of vegetation in these sites varied round, allowing submerged industrial buildings near Interstate 94 and Highway 280. There was no from trees to grasses to shrubs, and all but one were situated next aquatic plants to grow. Water visible water at the time of field work, and several types of grasses were to roadways or railroad tracks. The exception was a pond on Luther depth is 6” to 3’. evident. This site is currently inaccessible to pedestrians, and can only Seminary property that may have received water from a nearby road, be seen through the trees surrounding a small parking lot adjacent to a but was largely surrounded by woods and accessible by pedestrian commercial building. Type 4.2 wetlands typically protect water quality, path. Type 4.4 wetlands typically protect water quality, detain detain stormwater, and create habitat. stormwater, and create habitat.

Inland Fresh Field Observations 2 Meadow Type 2.1 has variation across the University District ranging from Type 2.3 wet areas appeared to be degraded and were inaccessible to Vegetation is Reed Canary constructed wet areas along roadsides to more naturalized areas. pedestrians during field work. This type of wetland typically improves Grass and sedges, with no Water levels fluctuate throughout the year in these sites, appearing water quality and provides water recharge/discharge, some of which cattails or an insignificant dry in late fall. There is pedestrian access to three of the four sites, may be happening in these sites. However, they are tucked away in amount of cattails present in two of them located directly o of a pedestrian walking path on the highly industrial areas and/or alongside railroad tracks, where their the site. There is temporary Luther Seminary property, and one near West River Road. The fourth exposure to high pollutant and sediment loads in runo likely impacts water, though the soil usually site buers a parking lot from Energy Park Drive, likely recharging/ their ability to positively aect water quality. has no standing water for most discharging groundwater and filtering stormwater runo in this of the growing season. The soil is waterlogged within a historically wet area. few inches of the surface, and is normally dry in late summer. Water depth is 6” to 18” when wet

Various Types Field Observations 5 The two areas coded by the MMCD vary from 2.3, an Inland Fresh There are two wet areas coded Meadow with assorted aquatic plants, to 3.1, an Inland Shallow Marsh, by the Metropolitan Mosquito with canary grass and sedge. Recent construction has altered type 2.3, Control District in the Granary which now appears to be open water with no vegetation. The remainder Inland Shallow Field Observations Road trench running from of the corridor has not been coded, though there is vegetation growing Marsh Type 3.1 wetlands typically protect water quality, retain stormwater, The four type 3.2 sites all include some areas of cattail marsh in addition the Stone Arch Bridge east to alongside the service road and railroad tracks that may be seasonally 3 Highway 280. The corridor is Succession of cattails, sedges, and provide habitat. In the University District the nine sites of this type to other vegetation. One of them sits in a basin that is surrounded on wet due to its historic drainage pattern and soil regimen. vary: all but one of them are located directly adjacent to roadways, all sides by Highway 280 and its entrance/exit ramps, and is dangerous currently occupied by BNSF and Reed Canary Grass railroad tracks and a service make up the predominant and the type of vegetation ranges from trees, cattails, and turf grass to to access as a pedestrian. Another sits alongside the industrial Kasota road, and is vegetated from vegetation, and there is often native plants such as little bluestem, goldenrod, purple prairie clover, Avenue, strewn with No Trespassing signs. The other two sites border the University of Minnesota vegetative growth across the milkweed and aster. Many of these sites are narrow strips of vegetation parking lots in industrial areas. Wet areas of type 3.2 typically protect campus to its outlet at the site. Water is temporary, either that are di¤cult or dangerous to access as a pedestrian. water quality, retain floodwater, and provide habitat. bridge. lasting up to midsummer, drying up completely, or remaining waterlogged the entire season. Water depth will be 6” to 24”

12 13

Occupying the Void: Granary Greenway Corridor Infill

24 25

Murphy Square Park University of Minnesota Medical Center Fairview-Riverside Campus

Middlebrook Residence Hall

22nd Ave S

Parking Garage

23rd Ave S

Stairway Access to River

West River Parkway Viewing Platform

S 4th Street Middlebrook Residence Hall

Cedar Riverside Greenway Network Riverside Overlook and Stair Access

Downtown Minneapolis

West Bank Campus

Augsburg College Campus Riverside Ave 20th Ave S

Interstate 94 22nd Ave S

Murphy Square Park

23rd Ave S

Seward Neighborhood

Interstate 94

Riverside Avenue Pocket Greenspaces Murphy Square Land Bridge over Interstate 94

30 31

Chergosky Park Land Bridge over Interstate 94 and Canadian Pacific Rail Line Greenway

Prospect Park Greenway Network

“The freeway is a big barrier - [the pedestrian bridge] is not a pleasant place to cross.” - Workshop participant

Canadian Pacific Rail Line Greenway With Existing Rail Line

Mississippi River Hillside Cemetery

MARCY HOLMES UofM Golf Course Van Cleve Park I35 Bridge

Granary Corridor COMO Como Ave. UOFM EAST BANK University Ave. CAMPUS 6th. St.

Washington Ave.

New City Park LRT Station

K a Kasota pond s BNSF o 4th. St. ta Railroad Yard A ve . SE / E ne 27th Ave. rgy Pa rk D LRT Station r. Canadian Pacific Rail Line Greenway Without Existing Rail Line HWY 280

PROSPECT PARK

Malcolm Ave. SE

Witch’s Hat

ST. PAUL Water Tower

U ofM Tr ansit way Grand Rounds “Missing Link”

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42 University District: Proposed Greenway Corridors & Open Space 43

Green Infrastructure vs. Grey Infrastructure Expanding Green Infrastructure: A look at how green infrastructure can save costs to municipalities was indicated in a Implementing “Streets for Living” published report by a consortium of agencies including the American Society of Landscape Architects. The survey by the ASLA included 479 case studies from 43 states demonstrating that green infrastructure and low-impact development approaches can oer significant “We should raise our sights for the benefits to local governments. The ASLA report suggests: Municipalities may be able to obtain substantial savings by incorporating green infrastructure practices into the moment. What could a residential construction or retrofit of public buildings and infrastructure. Because green infrastructure reduces the amount of water entering conventional stormwater systems, the size and scope street - a street on which our children of conventional infrastructure can be minimized, thus saving on initial costs. Aging streets are brought up, adults live, old people can be retrofitted to incorporate green infrastructure with existing grey infrastructure. Data Many assessments of from these types of projects indicate that street designs including green infrastructure would spend their last days - what could cost $329 less per square foot than a conventional street (ASLA, et al., 2012). green infrastructure costs such a street be like?” and benefits find that benefits outweigh the total Donald Appleyard, Livable Streets 1981 Green Infrastructure Practices Offer Cost-Effective Solutions costs, particularly relative to American Society of Landscape Architect’s Green Infrastructure Survey grey infrastructure strategies Project Type: Green Infrastructure Type: and at comparable scales.

Institutional/Education 21.5% Retrofit of existing property 50.7% Source: Flickr. Woonerf images Open Space/Park 21.3% New development 30.7% American Rivers, the Water Other 17.6% Redevelopment project 18.5% Environment Association Transportation Corridor/Streetscape 11.9% The Voice of Experience Toward a Holistic Approach Did use of green infrastructure the American Society of Commercial 8.6% increase costs? Single Family Residential 3.7% Landscape Architects, and Living Streets are designed to be shared safely by In order to balance dierent streets functions and modes within the space Government Complex 4.2% Reduced costs 44.1% ECONorthwest, 2012 pedestrians, bicycles, and low speed motor vehicles. They available, living streets require a more holistic and multidisciplinary design approach than that of conventional street design. Collaboration with the Multifamily Residential 3.7% Did not influence costs 31.4% lack curb separation between sidewalk and the street right- of-way, reclaiming street space for pedestrians, bicyclists, community and dierent professionals is essential to successful design and Open Space Garden/Arboretum 2.9% Increased costs 24.5% children, and commercial activities. Living Streets design implementation of living streets. Mixed Use 1.8% Source: American Rivers, the Water Environment Federation, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), and ECONorthwest (2012). Banking on Green: A Look increases ecological performance by increasing the Industrial 1.1% at How Green Infrastructure Can Save Municipalities Money and Provide Economic Nelson/Nygard, Streets for Living: Planning Tools and Best Benefits Community-wide. proportion of permeable surfaces and providing infiltration spaces to reduce stormwater runo, enhancing ecological Practices, 2006 performance while serving as a civic asset to the community. Streets for People

Benefits of Living Streets The beauty of “livable streets” and of the movement bearing its name is that it unites under one rubric what had long been largely separate concerns — better bicycling, safer walking, aordable transit, inviting public spaces, urban • Improve tra¤c safety by slowing tra¤c sustainability. The term also recasts a negative as a positive, turning what • Encourage more walking and cycling could appear invasive — “getting people out of their cars” — into something Reduces Stormwater Improves Community • Increase water harvesting BENEFIT situational: creating streets for people. Runoff Livability • Maximize water infiltration and eliminate runo • Improve habitat formation and biodiversity Charles Komanoff Why is Manhattan • Increase opportunities for social interaction Institute Afraid of Livable streets?, 2030 • Reduce crime • Improve value of properties • Enhance mobility of vulnerable groups Proven Safety

The current iteration of Grand Street, by most any objective measure, has Balanced Use to be considered a success. In the year since it was reconfigured to host

Reduces Water Needs Treatment Quality Improves Water Reduces Grey Infrastructure Needs Reduces Flooding Increases Available Supply Water Increases Groundwater Recharge Reduces Salt Use Reduces Energy Use Improves Air Quality Reduces Atmospheric CO ² Reduces Urban Heat Island Improves Aesthetics Increases Recreational Opportunity Reduces Noise Pollution Improves Community Cohesion Urban Agriculture Improves Habitat Cultivates Public Education Opportunities the city’s first parking-protected bike lane, with the blessing of Community [The San Francisco] Better Street Plan is designed and built Board 2, injuries are down 30 percent, with about 1,000 cyclists using the to strike a balance between all users regardless of physical Green roofs lane daily. abilities or mode of travel. The Plan attends to the needs of people first, considering pedestrians, bicyclists, transit, Tree Planting Other recent street safety projects are paying o with similar dividends, street landscapes, stormwater management, utilities, and according to DOT data. After the Ninth Avenue protected bike lane was TICE Bioretention & livability as well as vehicular circulation and parking. The Infiltration installed in 2007, injuries among all users dropped 56 percent and the Plan highlights include: Permeable protected Broadway bike lane between 42nd and 35th Streets brought a 50

PR AC Pavement percent drop in injuries. • Distinctive, unified streetscape design Water • Space for public life Harvesting • Enhanced pedestrian safety Adapted from: Center for Neighborhood Technology & American Rivers (2010). The Value of Green Infrastructure: A Guide to Recognizing Its Economic, Environmental, and Social Benefits. • Improved street ecology • Universal design and accessibility Yes Maybe No SOURCES • Integrating pedestrian with transit Green Infrastructure • Creative use of parking lanes • American Rivers, the Water Environment Federation, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), and ECONorthwest (2012). Banking on • Tra¤c calming and enhanced pedestrian safety Green: A Look at How Green Infrastructure Can Save Municipalities Money and Provide Economic Benefits Community-wide. • Center for Neighborhood Technology & American Rivers (2010). The Value of Green Infrastructure: A Guide to Recognizing Its Economic, Environmental, and Social Benefits. SF Planning Department, Guide to the San Francisco • Dunne, Thomas & Leopold, Luna (1978). Water in Environmental Planning. W.H. Freeman. Better Street Plan 2010

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Providing Access to the Mississippi River: Meeker Flats Case Study

While Meeker Flats is currently enjoyed by neighborhood residents walking their dogs or exploring the river’s edge, it is plagued by inaccessibility and understandable concerns about safety. By improving access and safety through new access walkways that encourage people The Mississippi River is to find their way down to the river edge, Meeker Flats can become a top-quality destination and refuge for recreationalists and naturalists alike - a gem within the District’s open space not only the grand natural and greenways network. feature which gives Two winding walkways - one at Franklin Bridge and one where Seymour Avenue meets character to your city and the East River Parkway - will descend gradually through the gradient of ecosystems to the shoreline. By selectively opening up areas in the tree canopy at the top of the blu around constitutes the main spring the new entry points, the river edge will be easier to find and fantastic views across the river of prosperity, but it is the will emerge. Viewing platforms along the walkways encourage stopping to rest and observe the surrounding wildlife. The addition of lighting along the stairway makes the river accessible object of vital interest during the evening, allowing visitors to experience the nighttime landscape of the river gorge. and center of attraction Once down on the flood plain, visitors can explore the length of the Flats on walking and to intelligent visitors from biking trails or wandering along the river shoreline. The width of the Flats provides a variety of spaces, each with its own experiential quality and opportunities for activities. The sub-canopy every quarter of the globe, of the oak forest and floodplain oers berry-producing shrubs, a perfect spot for catching a who associate such ideas glimpse of a colorful song bird. The sheltered base of the blu is a damp quiet place, where delicate plants assemble around trickles of water seeping from the rock outcroppings above. of grandeur with its name A picnic spot under an oak tree surrounded by prairie grasses provides an open view to the as no human creation can river. The marsh along portions of the river edge is a busy place where wading birds catch fish and insects. On the river edge, visitors can catch a variety of fish, launch a canoe, or wade excite. It is due therefore, along sandy shore, enjoying the afternoon sun warming the Mississippi River gorge. to the sentiments of the civilized world, and equally in recognition of your own sense of the blessings it confers upon you, that it should be placed in Meeker Flats Staircase 1 a setting worthy of so priceless a jewel.

H. W. S. Cleveland In a presentation to the Minneapolis Park Board

Potential User Groups

ADA Minimum Standards for Pedestrian Path Requirements for Pedestrian and Bike Path Meeker Flats Canopy Walk

50 51

University District Alliance Workshop, Phase II

58 59 Project Participants References

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(1995). Introduction and overview: the greenway movement, uses and Brian Jastram, Environmental Specialist potentials of greenways. Landscape and Urban Planning, 33: 1-13. • Fabos, J.G. and J. Ahern (1995). Greenways: Special Issue. Landscape and Como Neighborhood Urban Planning. 33:1-482. City of Minneapolis Southeast Como Improvement Association • Friends of the Mississippi River (1999 - 2008). Birds of the Mississippi River Gorge Area. Minneapolis, MN: Zumeta, Dave. Haila Maze, Planner, Community Planning & Economic Development Wendy Menken, President Susanne Maedu • Forman, R.T.T. (1995). Land Mosaics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Garrett Bing, GIS Business Services • Forman, R.T.T. and M. Godron (1986). Landscape Ecology. New York: John Peggy Booth Joan Menken Wiley & Sons. Katie Fournier Katherine Pederson • Haber, W. (1990). Using landscape ecology in planning and management. In: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Zonneveld, I.S. and R.T.T. Forman (eds). Changing Landscapes: An Ecological Calder Hibbard Emilie Quast Perspective. New York: Springer Verlag. Michele Hanson, Regional Planner Matt Horth Natalie Reciputi • Hersperger, A.M. (1994). Landscape ecology and its potential application to Joel Stiras, Fisheries Specialist, East Metro Fisheries planning. Journal of Planning Literature. 9:14-29. Kathy Knudson • Komanoff, Charles (2011). Why is Manhattan Institute Afraid of Livable Streets? Retrieved from www.streetsblog.org. Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board • Long, Stephen H., J.E. Colhoun, L.M. Kane, J.D. Holmquist, and C. Gilman Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood (1978). The Northern Expeditions of Stephen H. Long: the Journals of 1817 and Liz Wielinski, Commissioner District 1 Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association 1823 and Related Documents. Minnesota Historical Society Press. St. Paul, Scott Vreeland, Commissioner District 2 MN. Doug Carlson, President Lindy Mesenger • Mason, Philip P., editor (1993). Schoolcraft’s Expedition to Lake Itasca: The Bruce Chamberlain, Assistant Superintendent for Planning Discovery of the Source of the Mississippi. Michigan State University Press. Paul Buchanan J. Diane Savage Andrew Caddock, Project Manager East Lansing, MI. Bob Distud Fern Wilcox • McHarg, Ian (1969). Design with Nature. The Natural History Press. Garden City, N.Y. Marnie Loven-Bell Friends of the Mississippi River • Metropolitan Council (2010). 2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan. St. Paul, MN. • Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (2009). Mosquito Habitat and Biology. Irene Jones, River Corridor Program Director Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Field guide provided by Nancy Read, Technical Services Coordinator. Karen Schik, Ecologist & Project Manager • Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. Mosquito Habitats. Power point Stephen Lee, Manager of Investigation presentation provided by Nancy Read, Technical Services Coordinator. Joe Walton, Ecologist • Minneapolis City Council (1972). Mississippi/Minneapolis: A Plan and Program Hans Neve, Supervisor, Voluntary Investigation & Cleanup for Riverfront Development. Sara Mueller, Environmental Program Analyst • Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (2008). Missing Link Development Ecological Strategies, LLC Study Report. Minneapolis, MN: MPRB, HNTB Corporation, Hoisington Koegler Jason Ewert, GIS Application Analyst Group Inc., and Hess, Roise and Company. Carolyn Carr, Conservation Biologist & Project Director • Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (2008). Parks, Lakes, Trails and So Metropolitan Mosquito Control Agency Much More: An Overview of the Histories of Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Properties. Minneapolis, MN: Smith, David C. • Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative (2012). RiverFIRST: A Park Audubon Minnesota Nancy Read, Technical Services Coordinator Design Proposal and Implementation Framework for the Minneapolis Upper Riverfront. Lee Pfanmueller, State Planning Coordinator Mill City Museum • Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources (2012). Wetlands in Minnesota. Retrieved from www.bwsr.state.mn.us/wetlands/wca/Wetlands_in_MN.pdf • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (1995). Minnesota’s St. Croix David Stevens, Public Program Coordinator

60 61 METROPOLITAN DESIGN CENTER

Ignacio San Martin, Dayton Hudson Professor, Chair of Urban Design and Director of the Metropolitan Design Center Adrienne Bockheim, MLA, Research Fellow, DDA Program Coordinator Peter Crandall, MArch, Research Fellow Roger Martin, Emeritus Professor, MDC Advisory Board Satoko Muratake, MLA, Research Fellow

August 2012

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