southeast minneapolis industrial (semi) / bridal veil refined master

SoutheastMinneapolis Industrial

(SEMI) / Bridal Veil RefinedMaster Plan

Cuningham Group°

May, 2001

Prepared for:City of Minneapolis

Minneapolis Community Development Agency (MCDA)Southeast Minneapolis Economic Development (SEED) Committee

Prepared by :Cuningham Group

with :PEER Collaborative

Peer Environmental and Engineering Resources, Inc.Biko Associates, Inc.HKS Associates, Inc.

Land and Water Design Institute, S.C .Landscape Research, Inc.

Toltz, King, Duvall, Anderson and Associates, Inc.

Acknowledgements

Cuningham Group would like to thank the followingindividuals for their participation in the development ofthis plan .

Joan Campbell, Minneapolis City CouncilJim Forsyth, Minneapolis Community DevelopmentAgencyJ . Michael Orange, Minneapolis Planning DepartmentKeith Sjoquist, Chair, SEED CommitteeR. Kannankutty, Minneapolis Public WorksJodi Polzin, Minneapolis Public WorksJacob Burgraff, Minneapolis Public Works

We would also like to express our appreciation to theSoutheast Economic Development Committee (SEED)and all neighborhood participants who met with us onnumerous occasions during the three years this studyhas been in progress .

SEMI Refined Master Plan : May, 2001

City of Minneapolis & Minneapolis Community Development Agency

2

This document, Southeast Minneapolis Industrial(SEMI) I Bridal Veil Refined Master Plan (herein referredto as the SEMI Refined Master Plan), is intended to bea "stand alone" document . This document is, however,only one portion of a larger effort, the SEMI Bridal VeilAlternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) . The AUARreport consists of the following volumes :

FORWARD

Throughout this document there will occur referencesto several of the above listed documents .


City of Minneapolis & Minneapolis Community DevelopmentAgency

3

Volume 1 : Executive Summary

Volume 2 : Minnesota Environmental QualityBoard Required Items

Volume 3 : SEMI Refined Master Plan

Volume 4 : Appendices

Historical Resources InventoryStormwater Management Framework PlanMap AtlasHydrology report for Existing ConditionsHydrology report for Proposed ConditionsTransportation I Traffic EvaluationEnvironmental InventorySEMI Refined Master Plan

Volume 5 : Response to Comments

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Redevelopment of SEMIRedevelopment Areas and Districts 15Land Use

17Redevelopment Scenarios

19

Road and Bridge InfrastructureTraffic and Circulation

20Strategic Investments

21Networks

22Street Sections

25

Green InfrastructureIntegrating Natural Systems

29

Summary39



4

IntroductionPurpose and Context 6Opportunities and Constraints 8Master Plan as Mitigation Plan 10

The Project's GoalsSEED Goals 12City's Goals 13Minneapolis CommunityDevelopment Agency Goals 14University of Minnesota Goals 14

LIST OF FIGURES

SEMI Refined Master Plan : May, 2001 City of Minneapolis & Minneapolis Community Development Agency

Fig. 1 Existing Conditions Map Fig. 31 Gantry Plaza State Park, LongFig. 2 Existing Grain Elevators (photo) Island, NY (photo)Fig. 3 Bridal Veil Falls (photo) Fig. 32 Gantry Plaza State Park, LongFig. 4 SEMI Refined Master Plan Island, NY (photo)Fig . 5 Redevelopment Areas Fig. 33 27 11 Boulevard Urban WetlandFig . 6 Recommended Land Uses Fig. 34 Connection between Bridal VeilFig . 7 Existing Zoning Falls and Bridal Veil PondFig . 8 Redevelopment Scenarios Fig. 35 Biofilter Swales along Kasota ParkwayFig. 9 Networks Fig . 36 Axonometric Drawing of KasotaFig. 10 Infrastructure ParkwayFig. 11 Existing Roads Fig. 37 411 Street WetlandsFig. 12 Proposed Roads Fig. 38 Profile of 411 Street WetlandsFig. 13 Wabasha Bridge, St . PaulFig . 14 Proposed Washington Avenue

Bridge, MinneapolisFig . 15 Study of Granary Park ExpansionFig . 16 2711 BoulevardFig. 17 District StreetFig. 18 Kasota ParkwayFig. 19 Granary ParkwayFig. 20 Existing and Reconfigured Elm StreetFig . 21 Existing Elm Street (photo)Fig . 22 Natural and Recreation SystemsFig . 23 Minneapolis Grand RoundsFig. 24 University of Minnesota Master PlanFig. 25 Bicycle and Greenway CorridorsFig. 26 Potential Grand Rounds RoutesFig. 27 Granary ParkFig. 28 Alternate Granary Park ConfigurationsFig . 29 Existing Concrete Elevators in

SEMI (photo)Fig . 30 Peavey Electric Elevators (photo)

Planning Context

The City has long had an interest in SEMI's 700 acresof obsolete railroad property, elevators, industrialproperties, polluted soils, buried creek, threatenedhousing, and retail uses . For quite some time, theMinneapolis Community Development Agency (MCDA)worked closely with an advisory committee to developan overall project plan for the Southeast MinneapolisIndustrial (SEMI) area . This advisory committee,termed the Southeast Economic Development (SEED)Committee, includes representatives from the fourresidential neighborhoods in the area - Como,Prospect Park, Marcy Holmes and St . Anthony Park-the business community, The Minneapolis City Council,and the University of Minnesota. Several years ago,the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor approved"Guidelines and Criteria" and "Design DistrictFramework" for the SEMI Area . The documents call forthe following:

SEMI should include dense industrialdevelopment and functional open space, bothwithin an intensely urban environment .The architecture shall contribute to the overallquality and be humanly scaled .The design should encourage public visitsthrough pathway connections and enhancedlandscaping .The roadway system should reduce effectsof industrial uses on residential areas andencourage pedestrian, transit and bicycle use.Lighting, except for signs, should be highpressure sodium or "color-improved lamps."The guidelines state that to the extent


possible, "roadways will anticipate a bikewayand pedestrian connection between StinsonBoulevard and East River Road, and allow fora'Dinkytown Bypass' connecting KasotaAve.and Southeast Second Street ."


INTRODUCTIONPURPOSEAND CONTEXT

Reestablish elements of the naturalecosystem .

The City and SEED Committee used the "Guidelinesand Criteria" and the "Design District Framework" as a

Fig. 1 : Existing conditions: The SEMI AUAR StudyArea is located between several healthy neighbohoods and directly east of theUniversity of Minnesota. It also includes some University of Minnesota land. Its location and regional access renders that land very valuablefor a variety of uses.

6

base to develop a long term Master Plan for theredevelopment and revitalization of the SEMI area .After several years of work by the City, SEEDCommittee and the City's consultants, BRW Inc., theMinneapolis City Council and the Mayor approved theMaster Plan in 1997 . The Plan, entitled "Bridal VeilSoutheast Industrial Park" (herein referred to as the"original Master Plan"), provided the firstcomprehensive look at the SEMI area . It included anexamination of land use, transportation, urban design,environmental concerns, utilities, market opportunities,and housing potential . The report highlighted SEMI'sadvantage as being one of the most centrally accessibleareas in the region . It described how this centralitycreated rich opportunities for redevelopment throughthe appropriate mixing of uses while creating a builtenvironment that incorporates urban characteristics .However, the master planning effort was underfundedand insufficient for all City needs. Therefore the Citychose to develop an Alternative Urban AreawideReview (AUAR) and a refined master plan for the area .

Purpose of RefinedMaster Plan

The SEMI Refined Master Plan is included as acomponent of the AUAR . The SEMI Refined MasterPlan focuses on coordinating the urban and naturalsystems into a single coherent strategy that will assureorderly, incremental growth patterns that reflect theneeds of the City, the neighborhoods, and the needsof investors in the area .

The original Master Plan, prepared by BRW Inc.,identified the major land use components and theimportance of establishing connections between the


north areas and those south of the rail yards. Theoriginal Master Plan was conceptual as it regards thedesign of individual parcels and blocks . The Plan alsoomitted a critical site development consideration : thatstormwater management would require the creation oflarge ponding areas, which also reflected the southerlyflow of waters towards the Mississippi River and thelow lying areas of the AUAR Study Area . In addition,the intervening years since its original formulation havesignificantly altered the market demand for the areassouth of the yards as well as for those north of therails . These factors have led to the creation ofthe SEMIRefined Master Plan .

The SEMI Refined Master Plan is a vehicle forpredicting, guiding and accommodating change in aspecified area . It is not intended to propose a final endstate build-out, but rather is a general framework thatoutlines the major land uses and infrastructureinterventions required to accommodate growth . Therecommendations are general, not specific . They havebeen analyzed for physical feasibility and plausibility.In the design development and implementation phasesofthe project, specific road alignment, park design, andstreet design decisions will be made .

This Refined Master Plan incorporates by referencethe original Master Plan elements of the "Bridal VeilSoutheast Industrial Park Plan" (pages 34-80) and the"Guidelines for Environmentally Friendly Design ."Whenever these documents conflict with the RefinedMaster Plan, the Refined Master Plan supercedes .

This Refined Master Plan is consistent with other plansadopted by the City of Minneapolis, including the City's


comprehensive plan, the Minneapolis Plan .

Consistent with the Minneapolis Plan, the RefinedMaster Plan endorses the design principles known as"New Urbanism," and the principles of sustainability.

7

OPPORTUNITIES ANDCONSTRAINTS

The Southeast Minneapolis Industrial (SEMI) Area isstrategically located adjacent to major regionaltransportation routes, major transit (bus and rail) routes,a nationally renowned research and teaching institution,and several vibrant residential neighborhoods. Justbeyond these neighbors within a mile of SEMI areadditional valuable resources (downtown Minneapolis,the Mississippi River, and expanded access to theinterstate system) that suggest much of SEMI is notdeveloped to its highest and best use.

The central location of SEMI poses severalopportunities, however, its scale and history posesignificant constraints . This planning and design effortis directed at reconciling the constraints of land usepatterns, topography, multiple ownership, and limitedpublic resources in order to realize the latentopportunities in the land .

As a rail yard and intense manufacturing area, the sitehas significant and documented environmentalcontamination . (Details on environmental remediationissues are contained in Volume 4, Appendices,Environmental Inventory.) These environmental issuespose significant site assembly constraints . The RefinedMaster Plan recommends developing the landincrementally, block by block. Astrategy that organizesthe land via standard-sized blocks will permit


Environmental

development to occur coherently and in an orderlyway.

Fig . 2: existing grain elevators

Scale

The large scale of the SEMI area and intense rail usehas rendered it a barrier and impediment to many publicinitiatives and needs. SEMI has remained a relativelyisolated entity, integrating itself minimally with thesurrounding communities . The isolation has createdcertain problems . Most notably, with no means oftraversing SEMI, there exists a disconnect between the


INTRODUCTIONOPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

portions of the City north and south of the area(Prospect Park and Como Neighborhood). This north-south disconnect also makes emergency services moredifficult to provide in the area . This disconnect effectsmore than the immediate neighborhood . The GrandRounds, a critical component of Minneapolis' famedpark system, hasamissing link through the SEMI area .

Existing Structures

SEMI contains several large grain elevators and silosthat would require demolition and removal forredevelopment to occur. These structures containinordinately deep foundations and hardened walls thatare expensive to remove . Pre-development costs suchas these will pose constraints to redevelopment. It isimportant to note that several of the elevators, silosand buildings throughout the study area are of potentialhistorical significance (refer to Volume 4, Appendices,Historical Resources Evaluation) . Further research isrequired on several of these structures to determinetheir historical value.

Natural SystemsCrossing SEMI is the historic route of Bridal Veil Creek.The Creek exists as a stream and surface pond in thenorthern portions of the AUAR Study Area . However,as an above-ground feature it disappears in the areaof the rail yards . Historically, the area was a wetland,feeding Bridal Veil Creek and then leading to theMississippi River and Bridal Veil Falls .


Fig. 3 : Bridal Veil Falls


9

Master Plan as Mitigation Plan

The SEMI Refined Master Plan provides the following :

a comprehensive and regional stormwatermanagement plan ;

a clear definition of size, intensity and purposein the use of parcels and blocks in the areassouth of the rail yards;

organization of truck traffic to better serve thelarge industrial users in the northern areaswhile minimizing the negative impacts of thetrucks on the surrounding residential areas;

provisions for direct traffic access to the area'smajor arterials ; and

a development plan for a more intense mixof buildings and uses which will naturallyreinforce the importance of UniversityAvenuein the life of the City .

By developing a clear pattern of streets and blocks,the SEMI Refined Master Plan also provides forincreased access to each parcel and integrates newdevelopment with existing uses . Finally, at the heart ofthe SEMI Refined Master Plan is a plan for a significantpublic amenity of parks, open space and water asdetailed in Volume 4, Appendices, StormwaterManagement Framework Plan .

State environmental rules require AUARs to include aMitigation Plan that addresses the anticipated


environmental impacts . The Refined Master Plancomponent of the AUAR coordinates several of theindividual components (traffic, stormwater, utilities, landuse) into a physical plan that predicts, accommodates,and designs for the likelihood of significant growth andredevelopment. By coordinating these elements, theSEMI Refined Master Plan constitutes part of the AUAR .The SEMI Refined Master Plan includes plans andpolicies for new roads and bridges, intersections,transit, stormwater management, and integrated landuses in order to address and balance the potentialexternalities of redevelopment.

The SEMI Refined Master Plan, if implemented, will domore than mitigate the impacts of the proposedredevelopment . Upon build-out, the resources andsystems will work more efficiently and effectively thanexisting conditions .

Fig . 4, on the following page, illustrates the completeRefined Master Plan . This map describes potentialredevelopment of SEMI as it relates to the surroundingareas of Minneapolis and St . Paul . The Plan illustratesconceptual block layouts, parks, stormwateraccommodation, and potential building footprints .Individual aspects of the plan are illustrated insubsequent figures and text .


INTRODUCTIONMASTER PLAN AS MITIGATION PLAN

1 0

Washington Ave .

GRANARYf'ARKWA y

0

UNIVERSITPOF

MINNESOT

University of Minnesota

INTRODUCTIONMASTER PLAN ASMITIGATION PLAN

ANTHONY

'o Hwy . 280

Illustration of Bridal VeillSoutheast Minneapolis

Refined Master Plan:Potential Build-Out

Fig . 4: SEMI Refined Master Plan



1 1

At the outset of the SEMI 1 Bridal Veil process, theSoutheast Economic Development (SEED) Committeeadopted goals for the redevelopment of the area . TheSEMI Refined Master Plan is a blueprint for thisredevelopment.

The SEED Adopted Goal is to create amajor new industrial area that . . .

provides for some mixed use,

creates living wage jobs,

greatly enhances the tax base,

is compatible with nearbyneighborhoods and

establishes elements of thenatural ecosystem .


. . . provides for some mixed use

While the SEMI Refined Master Plan preserves one ofthe largest industrial areas within the City ofMinneapolis(North and Central Redevelopment Areas, refer to Fig .5), the Plan promotes the majority of the area south ofthe rail lines to be developed with mixed usescomprised of light industrial, commercial (office andlimited retail), research and housing . Middle-densitymixed uses will help create a vibrant urbanneighborhood befitting of the area's location adjacentto the University of Minnesota .

. . . creates living wage jobs

The Plan reserves nearly two thirds of the overallredevelopment area for light industrial and lightmanufacturing uses . These uses tend to require skillsthat garner living-wage jobs . The SEMI Refined MasterPlan also envisions a substantial portion of the StudyArea to house private research and University-relatedfacilities . These uses will likely also yield living wagejobs .

. . . enhances the tax base

The majority of all land in the redevelopment area willbe tax generating property . While developable land inthe western portion of the area south of the rail lineswill be related to the University, it should not be taxexempt .


SEED GOALS

. . . is compatible with nearbyneighborhoods

The urban design aspects of the SEMI Refined MasterPlan assure the plan is also a "mitigation plan" as itregards state environmental review requirements . TheSEMI Refined Master Plan eliminates conflictingimpacts between the industrial area and the residentialneighborhoods by reconfiguring Elm Street, increasingbuffers, and providing increased access from theregional system directly to the SEMI area . In addition,the SEMI Refined Master Plan organizes traffic betweenthe areas north of the tracks and those south of thetracks with new bridges and parkways, and by callingfor a loop circulation system . This loop directs trafficaway from the neighborhoods and creates more directaccess to the regional systems.

. . . establishes elements of the naturalecosystem

The SEMI Refined Master Plan creates a greeninfrastructure that completes and repairs several naturaland recreational systems. The connection betweenBridal Veil Pond and Bridal Veil Falls is improved withGranary Park and the 27th Blvd . Wetlands . This systemis further enhanced by developing bioretention swalesand rain gardens throughout the project area .

1 2

The Minneapolis Plan (adopted by City Council andMayor in March 2000) established city-wide goals whichall planning efforts should strive to achieve . The SEMIRefined Master Plan is an example of how the processof creative and inclusive planning can forward many ofthese goals . Summarized below are several of thegoals and how they are addressed in the SEMI RefinedMaster Plan .Goal :Increase the City's population and taxbase by developing and supportinghousing choices city-wide throughpreservation of existing housing and newconstruction .

The SEMI Refined Master Plan recommends thedevelopment of market driven new housing in the SouthRedevelopment Area . The SEMI Refined Master Planidentifies appropriate residential sites south ofUniversity Avenue where the fabric of Prospect Parkcan be strengthened, and sites north of Universitywhere a new community can be formed .

Goal :Create strong and vital commercialcorridors city-wide through mixed usedevelopment, including a variety ofbusinesses and creative housing.

The SEMI Refined Master Plan intentionally expandedbeyond the AUAR Study area in order to addressUniversity Avenue as a complete entity . The SEMIRefined Master Plan recommends strengtheningUniversity Avenue with a series of urban uses, includinghousing, commercial and retail .


Goal:Improve public transportation to getpeople to jobs, school and fun .

The SEMI Refined Master Plan supports current transitand recognizes the potential for light rail transit (LRT)along University Avenue as well as commuter railservice parallel to the Burlington Northern main line .The SEMI Refined Master Plan also develops a bikewaythrough the area to facilitate commuter cycling to theUniversity and to downtown . The predominantdevelopment pattern of small blocks and mixed usethat characterizes the South Redevelopment Area isgenerally complementary to transit, bicycles andwalking .

Goal :Preserve, enhance and create asustainable natural and historicenvironment city-wide.

The SEMI Refined Master Plan supports thedevelopment of a "green infrastructure" that integratesboth natural and recreational systems throughout thearea . The result is a seamless network of publiclyowned recreational paths, stormwater amenities andopen space that assures maximum long term valuesof the area . This network will assure stakeholders inthe area that their investments will remain competitivefor years to come . The result is an efficient, effectiveand sustainable urban environment .


THE CITY'S GOALS

Goal :Strengthen our city throughinfrastructure investments.

The SEMI Area needs major infrastructure investmentsin order for redevelopment to occur . A primary featureof the SEMI Refined Master Plan is the integration ofboth urban and natural infrastructure systems .Investments in roadways, bridges and parkways as wellas open space and stormwater amenities will berequired to create investment opportunities . Theseinvestments however, will serve the entire city becausethey will stitch together natural, recreational and urbansystems .

1 3

MCDA STRATEGIC PLAN

The Minneapolis Community Development Agency(MCDA) established goals and objectives fordevelopments as part of its mission statement . Theseare:

Goals :Increase the city's economic competi-tiveness, and extend the benefits of thegrowing economy to all Minneapolis resi-dents.

The MCDA will focus on assisting developments thatcreate living wagejobs and ensuring that residents haveaccess to those jobs . The MCDA will also collaboratewith regional partners to help ensure that the Twin Cit-ies metropolitan area enjoys a competitive position inthe global marketplace .

Objectives :Create an environment that provides ex-panded opportunities forliving-wage jobs.

Attract and expand new and existing services,infrastructure, developments and employersthat position Minneapolis and the region tocompete in the economy of the 21st century.Expand and diversify the Minneapoliseconomy.Promote employment of unemployed andunderemployed workers in publicly assistedconstruction projects .Develop wealth and asset ownership withinthe city for Minneapolis residents . Increasethe city's property tax base and maintain itsdiversity .

SEMI Refined Master Plan : May, 2001 City of Minneapolis & Minneapolis Community DevelopmentAgency

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Goals and Principles :

The University of Minnesota, in its 1996 Master Plan,set forth the goal of fostering a Livable Campus, andwith this a series of values :

To create a richly layered and safe urbanenvironment that is thoroughly integratedwithin its physical context ;To ensure coherent and inspiring publicspaces ;To respond to the diversity of access needs;To realize the full worth of natural and builtassets .

This goal informs the 1996 Master Plan through thefollowing guiding principles :

Instill a genuine sense of community ;Identify, preserve and enhance naturalfeatures ;Create a cohesive system of open spaces ;Achieve balanced systems for movement andaccess ;Promote optimization and rationalization ofcampus facilities ;Increase the mix of uses on the campus,including housing;Develop connections ;Foster accessibility and a sense of safety andsecurity ;Promote architectural integrity ;Preserve historic buildings and landscapes ;Facilitate and ensure healthy collaborativeventures .

1 4

Redevelopment Areas

The SEMI Refined Master Plan responds to the differentphysical and market qualities of the study area andthen organizes SEMI into three distinct RedevelopmentAreas (Fig . 5) . The North Redevelopment Area andCentral Redevelopment Area are located north of therail yards. The South Redevelopment Area is locatedsouth of the tracks .

There exists substantial land outside the definedredevelopment areas and within the AUAR StudyArea .This land is currently developed with a variety of uses .For the purpose of this study it is assumed this landwill remain developed at its current use and intensity .The lands that are recommended to change land useor intensity over the next 20 years are identified withinthe Redevelopment Areas.

There are several parcels recently developed withinthe South Redevelopment Area . Whereas they areincluded in the block calculations and developmentscenarios, it is not recommended for thesedevelopments to be removed or changed.


(EAST BANK)Washington Ave

Fig. 5: Redevelopment Areas

COMO


_F

)IS

Hwy.

280

b

ITMENT

R~

15

North Redevelopment Area

The North Redevelopment Area is bound on the northby the proposed Kasota Parkway, on the west by 15 11Ave. SE, on the east by Minnesota Hwy. 280 and onthe south by the Burlington Northern rail yards. Thearea is an extension of and shares many of theattributes with an existing industrial / manufacturingarea directly to the north .

Redevelopment of this area will be made possible bythe creation of the Kasota Parkway, which will provideaccess to property and connect with Kasota Drive andElm Street to complete a circulation loop through thearea .

It is therefore recommended for the NorthRedevelopment Area to continue as an industrial areawith larger floor plate buildings housing industrial usesas permitted by Minneapolis' industrial zoningcategories, distribution centers, and other usersrequiring exceptional trucking access . Buffering ofadjacent residential neighborhoods needs to beimproved and maintained . The Refined Master Planrecommends buffering the Como Neighborhood bymaintaining and enhancing the existing Elm Street right-of-way into a split boulevard that separates residentialtraffic from industrial traffic .


South Redevelopment Area

The South Redevelopment Area differs greatly from theNorth Redevelopment Area in character. It is proximateto University Avenue, possesses a semblance of streetand block network, is adjacent to the University, andwill in the future be bound by a major green space:Granary Park .

Because of the South Redevelopment Area's accessand proximity to the University, to a major mixed usecorridor/ arterial (UniversityAvenue), and to residentialneighborhoods, the general character and land useshould change from one dominated by manufacturingand industry to one of balanced mixed uses (lightindustrial, office, research, medium-to-high densityresidential and limited retail/service uses) .Development will be relatively dense and consistprimarily of three- to five-story buildings .

The area will benefit from the creation of a street andblock system that will be used to distribute traffic aswell as to provide street addresses . The block and

street system will be an extension of the existing streetsystem, extending north from Prospect Park . The streetnetwork would provide multiple connections fromUniversity Avenue and Prospect Park to the ProposedGranary Parkway.


REDEVELOPMENT OF SEMIREDEVELOPMENTAREASAND DISTRICTS

Central Redevelopment Area

If redeveloped, the Central Redevelopment Area

(currently occupied by the Burlington Northern Santa

Fe and Union Pacific railroads) should be done in a

similar manner to that of the North Redevelopment

Area . The current land owners of the Central

Redevelopment Area have made no indication of their

willingness to redevelop the land . Therefore, the

planning horizon for the Central Redevelopment Areais 20 to 50 years.

1 6

Land Use andZoning

The SEMI Refined Master Plan establishes appropriateland uses according to impacts, access, and overalldesign strategy (Fig . 6) . In many areas, the land usesare flexible, with several types of development beingappropriate . Flexibility is important becauseimplementation and regulation should be driven notby use, but rather by form and impact.

The land use designations follow the organization ofthe Redevelopment Areas. The North RedevelopmentArea will be redeveloped in a manner similar to theexisting conditions . Light industry and lightmanufacturing uses as defined by the MinneapolisZoning Code are the preferred types of developmentfor this area .

The South Redevelopment Area contains a Core areaas well as districts to the east and west. The Core areais defined by the development opportunitiesapproximately one and a half blocks on either side of aproposed 27 11 Blvd . SE . Because of the proposedboulevard and wetland amenity, this area should bedeveloped with concentrated, mixed use including office,research, medium-to-high density residential and limitedretail/service . The northern half of the Core area is alsoappropriate for light industrial . Flanking the Core areathere exists opportunity for more office and researchuses . Residential should be promoted only where italready exists or where it is not in conflict with otheruses . A critical mass and physical proximity areimportant to developing a residential neighborhood,


therefore it is recommended to utilize 27th Boulevardand the Granary Parkway as addresses for high qualityresidential, office and research uses .

The land uses prescribed in the SEMI Refined MasterPlan are not a reiteration of the current zoning code .

University of Minnesota

Light Industrial

Commercial, Office,0 Limited Retail/Service

Residential

\,9Q

Fig . 6: Recommended Land Uses


REDEVELOPMENT OF SEMI

The mapping process of the City's zoning code didnot prescribe change . Rather the process the Cityused to revise its zoning code assumed current landuses and avoided "legal nonconforming" situations .Therefore, the Master Plan assumes that rezoning maybe required in order to achieve redevelopment asenvisioned by this Plan .

LAND USE

1 7

Figure 7 includes the zoning in the AUAR study area .Most of the area is zoned industrial . There are severalzoning districts within SEMI :

12 : Medium Industrial District11 : Light Industrial DistrictOR 1 & 2 : Office Residence District

o

C1 : Neighborhood Commercial DistrictR5 : Multi-Family Residence District

o

R1A: Single-Family Residence District

The 11 and 12 Districts allow a wide variety of usesincluding industrial ; commercial and offices ; food andbeverage ; automobile services ; commercial recreation,entertainment, and lodging ; medical ; transportation ;educational, institutional, and public ; social, cultural,charitable, and religious uses (refer to Table 550-1 inthe Minneapolis Zoning Code). The Refined MasterPlan maps areas appropriate for the mixing of certainland uses . A development that is consistent with theLand Use Plan map may not be consistent with thezoning codes of the two cities . In this case, the privatedeveloper may have to apply for rezoning to proceed.The most flexibile zoning district for mixing uses in theMinneapolis Zoning Code are the industrial districtswhen they are overlain by an Industrial Living OverlayDistrict (ILOD) . An ILOD over an 11 District would permitthe mixing of appropriate light industrial use with a widerange of office, retail and service uses ; and residencewith a density up to 48 dwelling units per acre (which isconsidered high density) . The establishment of an ILODis the same process as for a rezoning .


Proposed floor area ratio densities of 2 .5 - 3 wouldbe consistent with the City's goals and would reflectthe capacity of existing infrastructure . Thesedensities would encourage buildings compatible inscale and character with similar office/retail (OR) and


Fig. 7: Existing Zoning

residential (R) districts to the west . They would alsoencourage the use of public transit (bus, LRTandcommuter rail) .

1 8

Redevelopment Scenarios

The table to the right, Fig . 8, quantifies the approximateredevelopment potential of the three redevelopmentareas . The AUAR and the SEMI Refined Master Plancalculate three potential development scenarios : "low,""medium," and "high ." The quantities described in thetable are the approximate net (land less right of way)developable land based on desired level and type ofredevelopment . They are not based on actualdevelopment proposals . The values in the table wereused in Volume 4, Appendices for determiningenvironmental impacts and mitigation strategies .

The following guidelines were used to generate the"low, medium and high" development scenarios .

"Low" development is based on surface parkingonly for each site . This will yield buildings of one totwo story height .

"Medium" development is based on surface parkingplus underground parking for typical office or lightindustrial uses . This will yield buildings of betweentwo and three stories (with one level ofunderground parking) .

"High" development is based on shared parkingramps and one level of underground parking oneach site. This will yield buildings in the three- tofive-story range (on average) for office and lightindustrial uses . Although taller buildings aretheoretically feasible, this scenario has beendeveloped around the prevailing scale of researchbuildings of five floors, typical for this area ofthe city.


Residential parking requirements have beencomputed on the basis of an average of 1 .5 cars perdwelling unit (although the zoning requires only onecar per dwelling unit) . The higher developmentdensities also assume a five-story average heightand shared parking . This assumption is consistentwith prevailing market demands and readily acces-

South

5,885,000 135 4,413,750 3,477,750North

2,167,000 50 433,400 -Central

1,489,000 34 297,800 -TOTAL

9,541,000 219 5,144,950 3,477,750

Fig. 8: Redevelopment Scenarios


REDEVELOPMENT OF SEMIREDEVELOPMENTSCENARIOS

sible mass transit (and LRT service in the future) .

Whereas the City of Minneapolis has set forthdevelopment standards for 11 and 12, which set as agoal 1 .5 jobs per 1000 square feet of development,recent market trends suggest new, higher densityuses that are sympathetic to those traditionally found

255,375 - 680,625 851 12,935 5,523- 433,400 - - 433 433- 297,800 - - 298 298

255,375 731,200 680,625 851 13,666 6,254

1 9

TOTAL 9,541,000 219 2,131,100 642,300 306,450 365,600 816,750 681 5,252 1,697

Summary : Medium Intensity# of

Developmenttotal bldg .

housingto ta I

parkingAreas sq .ft.ofland acres sq .ft commercial It industry industrial residential units spaces #ofjobs

South 5,885,000 135 2,942,500 1,694,500 340,566 - 907,500 908 9,218 2,950

North 2,167,000 50 325,050 - - 325,050 - - 325 325

Central 1,489,000 34 223,350 - - 223,350 - - 223 223

TOTAL 9,541,000 219 3,490,900 1,694,500 340,566 548,400 907,500 908 9,766 3,499

Summary: High Intensity# of

Development housingtotal

Areastotal bldg .

Unitsparking

sq .ft .ofland acres sq .ft commercial It industry industrial residential spaces #ofjobs

Summary Totals for Development Scenarios

Scenario sq .ft .ofland acrestotal bldg .

sq .ft commercial It. industry industry residential

# ofhousing

units

totalparkingspaces #ofjobs

low 9,541,000 219 2,131,100 642,300 306,450 365,600 816,750 681 5,252 1,697

med 9,541,000 219 3,490,900 1,694,500 340,566 548,400 907,500 908 9,766 3,499

high 9,541,000 219 5,144,950 3,477,750 255,375 731,200 680,625 851 13,666 6,254

DevelopmentAreas

sq .ft.ofland acrestotal bldg .

sq .ft

Summary :

commercial

Low Intensity

It industry industrial residential

# ofhousing

units

totaIparkingspaces #ofjobs

South 5,885,000 135 1,765,500 642,300 306,450 - 816,750 681 4,886 1,331

North 2,167,000 50 216,700 - - 216,700 - - 217 217

Central 1,489,000 34 148,900 - 148,900 - - 149 149

in OR1 & OR2, and C1 . This in turn would fosterdensities in the 2.5 to 3 floor area ratio range, with asimultaneous increase in the number of jobs . It is theintent of this plan to encourage these new uses andhigher densities in the South Redevelopment Area(see Fig . 5) .

Using Networks to Address Trafficand Circulation

The Refined Master Plan organizes vehicular traffic andcirculation throughout the study area by proposing tocomplete a variety of networks . Implementation andsubsequent completion of these networks will put localtraffic on local roads, collector traffic on collector roads,and regional traffic on the regional highway and freewaysystem .

Figure 9 depicts the networks at local, subregional andregional scales . The SEMI Refined Master Plancompletes the local network by extending the regularpattern of four-sided blocks along University Avenue .This pattern creates multiple access points to UniversityAvenue and does not burden any one intersection .

The subregional scale network is completed byconnecting north and south, east and west throughSEMI with a loop system consisting of the East andWest Bridges, and the Kasota and Granary Parkways .This loop system and its extensions (Kasota Extension,West Granary Parkway I Dinkytown Road, Oak Street,Huron Boulevard, Kasota I Energy Park Drive) provideappropriate access to the regional roadways (I-35W, I-94, and Hwy. 280) . The shaded routes also serve trucks .

Note:Elements labeled instandard fontare "Existing"ELEMENTS LABELEDIN BOLD FONT AREMASTER PLANRECOMMENDATIONSShaded areas show proposednetwork system

ROAD AND BRIDGE INFRASTRUCTURETRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION



New roadways and bridgeswill complete a networkof arterial and collector streets

TA

New streets and blocwill complete and extendthe University Avenue Corrido

Fig . 9: Networks. The SEMI Refined Master Plan recognizes the different scale of circulation networks required to facilitate movement among theredevelopment areas as well as connection to the greater community and the region . Bridges and Parkways create a loop system around the railyards and improve access to regional systems, while streets and blocks reinforce the existing pattern of incremental urban development alongUniversity Avenue.

20

Infrastructure Investments

Several new strategic infrastructure investments arerequired to facilitate redevelopment and intensificationof the area . These infrastructure improvements willachieve the public needs and responsibilities of :

Providing initial impetus for development;Mitigating impacts of development;Improving connections (vehicular andrecreational) within the project area and fromthe surrounding neighborhoods;Improving existing stormwater quantity andquality ; andProviding amenities and public realmimprovements required for high qualityaddresses for development.

The image to the right, Fig. 10, illustrates all of the newtransportation infrastructure recommended throughoutSEMI . Each element completes a network, extends anetwork, or creates a new network. None are isolatedelements in themselves .

The following pages outline the priority infrastructureinvestments required to implement the Urban Designcomponent of the SEMI Refined Master Plan .


Note : \Elements labeled instandard fontare "Existing"ELEMENTS LABELEDIN BOLD FONT AREMASTER PLANRECOMMENDATIONS

ROAD AND BRIDGE INFRASTRUCTURENEWSTRATEGIC INVESTMENTS

UNIVERSITY(EAST BANK)

New Roads

Existing Roads

COMO

PROSPECTPARK

Fig. 10: Infrastructure . A variety ofnewpieces of infrastructure (streets, bridges, transitways, intersection modifications) are required throughout theSEMIarea in order to create a redevelopment area that works seamlessly with the rest of the City. This image describes all the recommended roadand bridge infrastructure recommendations . The light lines illustrate existing roadways .


21

Blocks and Streets

The SEMI Refined Master Plan recommends creatinga street and block grid system extending north fromProspect Park to the proposed Granary Park . Astreetand block system will organize redevelopment in anincremental manner, assuring the urban fabric remainscontinuous and legible throughout all phases ofredevelopment .

Key components to the creation of a block and street

Fig . 11 : Existing Roads

SEMI Refined Master Plan: May, 2001

ROAD AND BRIDGE INFRASTRUCTURENETWORKS

system north of University include the following (Fig .11 & 12):

Extension of streets north of Fourth Street toproposed Granary Parkway;Extension of 27 th Avenue SE north as anamenity boulevard from Prospect Park toGranary Parkway;Extension of Fourth Street SE to Oak Street .

The above infrastructure improvements will create a

framework for development of the SouthRedevelopment Area . It will create recognizable andcoherent urban blocks that will facilitate incrementaldevelopment able to respond to different market

conditions over time . In addition, the new roadwayswill maximize access to the proposed Granary Parkfor

the South Redevelopment Area .

P

ri IN11,61

3

RAILYARDS

EastBridge

00N

rFig . 12 : Proposed Roads

Fig. 11 & 12: The SEMI Refined Master Plan proposes to reconnect neighborhoods to the north and south of the study area with bridges crossing the rail yards . The new block and street patterns south of the rail yards will be anextension of existing streets and blocks.

City of Minneapolis & Minneapolis Community Development Agency 22

Block sizes and shapes should generally resembleothers in the immediate area . The Refined Master Planrecommends one possible design for a street network.Final design may vary, however, several guidelinesshould be considered . For example, where existingstreets should be extended, block areas should notexceed 4.5 acres; block perimeters should not exceed1,900 lineal feet (approximate range of mixed useblocks throughout Minneapolis) . Consistent with theCity's subdivision regulations, the short sides of eachblock should not be less than 600 feet and not morethan 1,500 feet There exists substantial flexibility tocreate a variety of block patterns within theseparameters .

Creating a Loop System to ConnectNorth and South, East and West

Another major component of the Refined Master Planis the re-connection of the community across theexisting rail yards. Only one connection currently existsbetween the Como neighborhood and the ProspectPark neighborhood . This connection, 15 11 Avenue SE,is utilized by trucks, bikes, autos and pedestrians . It isnot adequately designed, nor can it be adequatelydesigned to accommodate all the competing needs.Therefore, the Refined Master Plan provides severalrecommendations for improving connections betweenthe north and south sides of the railyard, including thefollowing (Fig . 12) :

Build East Bridge and the West BridgeBuild Kasota Parkway on the north side of the railyardsDevelop Granary Parkway South of the rail yards


ROAD AND BRIDGE INFRASTRUCTURE

Extend Granary Parkway through the Dinkytowntrench to the Stone Arch Bridge and Main StreetDevelop Kasota Extension to I-35W

East Bridge and West Bridge

The East and West Bridges will provide principal north-south connections within the redevelopment area . Theywill complete the loop circulation around the railroadtracks and will provide needed relief to 15 11 Avenue SEand to the University Avenue / Franklin Avenue / Hwy.280 Interchange . The East Bridge will also permit trucktraffic to directly access Hwy. 280 at Kasota .

The West Bridge is proposed to be a "T" bridge (Fig .9) . The ramps to the bridge are located in the left laneof east or west bound traffic on Kasota Parkway. The

Fig . 13 . Wabasha Bridge in St . Paulsource : St. Paul on the Mississippi River Framework Plan


ramp ascends to a controlled "T" intersection . At thisintersection, users continue to ascend across the railyards .

The East Bridge ascends from Kasota Parkway andGranary Parkway. The southern toe of the bridge islocated at a small park that terminates the extension ofMalcolm Avenue . The SEMI Refined Master Planorganizes traffic flow such that Malcolm is not thepreferred route . Rather, traffic bound for University

Avenue and Hwy, 280 will use Granary Parkway andWestgate Drive .

NETWORKS

It is important for the design of the bridges toaccommodate all users. The bridges across the railyards can be a Grand Rounds route and therefore mustbe able to be traversed comfortably by pedestrians,children, bikers and runners.

Fig . 14 : Proposed Washington Avenue Bridge in Minneapolissource : University of Minnesota Master Plan

Bridges should be sensitively designed to accommodate all users -not just more automobiles and trucks. Opportunities exist to celebratethe view created at the top of the bridge and the bridge heads. Bridges can become gathering places, destinations and landmarks . TheWebasha Bridge in St. Paul and proposed Washington Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis are designed to accomodate bicyclists, pedestriansand other non-motorized vehicles .

2 3

Kasota Parkway

Completion of Kasota Parkway, currently underconstruction, will provide local access to all parcels inthe North RedevelopmentArea . The roadway will alsoprovide connections between the East and WestBridges. Kasota Parkway will become primarily a localroad serving the redevelopment area (Fig . 12) .

Kasota Extension

The Kasota Extension to I-35W will provide directaccess to the SEMI Area from 1-35W by utlilizing theright of way of abandoned rail lines (hence by runningwest over the 15 11 Avenue viaduct) and will be able tojoin I-35W (through Johnson Street to the west, ontothe I-35W service road). Currently, access to the areafrom I-35W utilizes 411 Street, University Avenue andComo . The Kasota extension will provide relief to theseroadways as well as to Como Avenue and HennepinAvenue (Fig . 12, 15). This extension will not beimplemented until the connection to 1-35W isestablished at or near Como Avenue .


Granary Parkway

Granary Parkway will complete the circulation systembetween the East and West Bridges and link throughthe Dinkytown trench to the Mississippi River, StoneArch Bridge, 2°a Street, and Main Street . It will alsopermit vehicles to access I-35W via 8th Avenue SE (togo south) and 11th Avenue SE (to go north) . This newroadway will also provide relief to University Avenuebetween 11th Avenue and Oak Street, as it will carrythe local traffic to the South RedevelopmentArea (Fig .12, 13).

At key intersections, traffic calming features should beincluded in the design of Granary Parkway. Thesefeatures would include traffic circles, landscaping,bicycle lanes and separated pedestrian paths, andpavement changes.

Granary Parkway will provide direct access to 511 Streetat 18thAvenue . This will allow automobiles and bicyclesto access Dinkytown businesses .

A bicycle and pedestrian slip ramp will connect GranaryParkway to the interesection of 15th Avenue and 5'Street .


Equally important to movement of vehicles throughoutthe area, the SEMI Refined Master Plan provides formovement of pedestrians and bicyclists . All new streetsshall contain sidewalks with street trees and lighting .All new roads, except District streets, will include stripedlanes for the commuter (Class A) bicyclists . Theproposed Granary Parkway will contain a path forpedestrians and a bike lane connecting the Stone ArchBridge and Bridge # 9 to points east .

Bicycle and PedestrianAccommodations

N

Fig. 15: Study of Granary Parkway expansion throughDinkytown Trench (source: City of Minneapolis)

24

Recommended Street Sections

The SEMI Refined Master Plan recommends severalnew roadway connections and improvements . Thedesign of these streets is critical to the overall designof the district .The recommended street sectionsconsider both the quality and the quantity of traffic thatmust be accommodated on the roadways.The streetswill balance the needs of vehicles (cars and trucks inspecified locations), pedestrians, bicyclists, propertyowners, and daily users ofthe area . By balancing theseneeds, the streets can perform multiple functions andprovide overall increased investor confidence in thearea .

The recommended street sections include generalspecifications that further define the character of theroadway. Movement category, curb radius, designspeed, pedestrian crossing time, pavement width andparking type all contribute to the overall character ofthe roadway. Consistent design of the physicalelements that exist between building facades onopposite sides of the street will result in a high qualitypublic environment.


The 27 th Boulevard SE is an extension of the existing

27 11 Avenue SE, north of University Avenue.Thebouldvard is proposed to be an amenity street withwater storage and movement accommodation in thecenter boulevard. The roadway shall incorporate shortterm parallel parking adjacent to generous sidewalks.Street trees should be located every 30 feet (Fig . 33,34) .

Office / Commercial

build to line"' max 10'public

frontage.,zone

Fig . 16 : 27th Boulevard SE Street Section


27th Boulevard SE

27th Blvd. SE

Movement Category:

Design Speed:

Curb Radius :

Pavement Width:

Pedestrian Crossing:

Parking:

Bikes:

+1- 100'

Street Type :- Boulevard


STREETSECTIONS

free

25 MPH

10 feet

26 feet and 26 feet

12 seconds pavement

12 seconds median

on-street both sides, short-term

striped lane on roadway

Office / Commercial

max. 10'

build to line

publicfrontagezone

P: Parallel Parking

B: Bike lane

25

District Streets

The District Streets are recommended to be two-way streetswith short term parallel parking on both sides . Sidewalksshould be provided on both sides of the street . Street treesshould be located a minimum of every 30 feet .

District StreetsMovement Category:

slowDesign Speed:

25 MPHCurb Radius :

10 feetPedestrian Crossing:

15 secondsPavement Width:

44 feetParking:

offstreet, on-street, short-termBikes:

on-street unmarked, mixed withtraffic

Fig. 17: District Street Street Section

ROAD AND BRIDGE INFRASTRUCTURESTREETSECTIONS

Office / Commercial

Office / Commercial

0

Street Type : District Street



Kasota ParkwayMovement Category :Design Speed :Curb Radius:Pedetrian Crossing :Pavement Width :Parking :Other:Bikes:

Granary ParkwayMovement Category:Design Speed:Curb Radius:Pavement Width :Pedetrian Crossing:Parking:Bikes:


Kasota Parkway

Located north of the rail yards, Kasota Parkway isintended to accommodate significant truck traffic . It isrecommended to create a 30-foot wide street with noon-street parking . The south side of the street shouldaccommodate biofiltration strips for stormwater runofffrom the adjacent properties .

free30 MPH25 feet10 seconds30 feetoff-streetbiofiter swale located on south sidestriped lane on roadway and off-street path

Granary Parkway

Granary Parkway is located on the south side ofGranary Park . The roadway will be used for both trucksand local users . The roadway is adjacent to a park andtherefore the movement of vehicles should not beconsidered "free," rather the movement should be"slow." Roadway curves are generous but speeds willbe kept slow due to a relatively narrow roadway of 26feet . Short and medium term parking should occur onthe park side of the street in designated parking bays .

slow25 MPH10 feet26 feet8 secondspkg . bays, one side, med. termoff-street dedicated lane in thepark and off street path east andwest of park and striped lane onroadway

Fig . 19 : GranaryParkway

ROAD AND BRIDGE INFRASTRUCTURESTREETSECTIONS

Industrial

fig 18: Kasota Parkway Street Section (note: Kasota Extension shouldhave a similar street sections without the biofilter swales)

Office / Commercial

Street Type : Kasota Parkway

Street Type : Granary Parkway


Industrial

bikeway

Granary Park

27

The SEMI Refined Master Plan recommendsreconfiguring Elm Street by utilizing the current right ofway. Currently Elm Street is a 40-foot roadway servingthe industrial properties to the south . There also existsa local access road north of Elm Street that serves theresidential properties in Como Neighborhood . Thetransition and buffering between the two uses is minimaland abrupt . It is therefore recommended to narrowthe Elm Street roadway and widen the median . A bikepath and sidewalk should be added to the south sideof "Industrial Elm." Additional planting should be addedto the north side of Residential Elm, thereby furtherbuffering the homes from the truck traffic on IndustrialElm .

Industrial ElmMovement, Category

slowDesign Speed:

25MPHCurb Radius:

25 feetPedestrian Crossing :

10 secondsPavement Width :

26 feetParking :

offstreetBikes:

off-street in path on south side ofroadway and striped lane on-street

Residential ElmMovement, Category ,yieldDesign Speed:

15 MPHCurb Radius :

5 feetPedestrian Crossing:

6 secondsPavement Width:

20 feetParking:

offstreetBikes :

on-street striped, mixed withtraffic


Elm Street

Existing

Proposed

Fig . 20: Elm Street Section


Industrial

Fig 21 : Elm Street is currently a divided roadway with minimal bufferingbetween residential and industrial uses . It is proposed to increase thebuffer between the two uses by increasing the median. In addition, theproposed Kasota Extention will greatly reduce truck traffic in theneighbohood.

40'

Industrial Elm Residential Elmno change

i


20'

Street Type : Reconfigured Elm

sidewalk

STREETSECTIONS

28

Integrating the Natural andRecreational Systems

The Refined Master Plan recommends implementinga green infrastructure as a means for preventing andmitigating several environmental impacts of theinevitable development while at the same time providinga civic open space structure . The green infrastructuretakes advantage of the existing natural systems andpark system to accommodate stormwater runoff andprovide for recreational connections . By coordinatingthese systems, they act as development amenities forprivate investments. The City has proposed a greenwaylinking north and south . We believe that this linkagecan serve to complete the Grand Rounds . The primarycomponents to the recommended green infrastructureinclude:

Connection to the Grand Rounds,Granary Park,27 1" Boulevard Urban Wetlands,41" Street Urban Wetlands, andOn-site bioretention and infiltration systems.

These green infrastructure investments will makepossible the collection and cleansing of stormwaterrunoff, routing of recreational trails throughout the site,celebration of historic structures, and overall creationof desirable addresses for development.

Contained on the following pages are descriptions ofthe above features . Detailed calculations anddescriptions are contained in Volume 4, Appendices,Stormwater Framework Plan .


VamClev lPark .. . . . ..

MARCYHOLMES

Note :Elements labeledstandard fontare 'Existing'ELEMENTS9EDIN BOLD FONT AREMASTER PLANRECOMMENDATIONS

GREEN INFRASTRUCTUREINTEGRATING NATURAL SYSTEMS

to BridalVeil falls


Potential Greenway( Possible GrandRounds Connection )

ST .ANTHONYPARK

l POTENTIAL GREEN

Fig 22: Natural and Recreational Systems. Implementation of Refined Master Plan recommendations will assure the recreational andnatural systems

are seamlessly woven into the greater fabric of the City.

29

Contribution to and Completion ofthe Grand Rounds

The famed Grand Rounds in Minneapolis is notcompleted due to a missing link between East RiverRoad and Stinson Boulevard in Minneapolis. Thecompletion ofthis linkage will require close coordination

Fig . 23 : Minneapolis Grand Grounds


between the University of Minnesota and its plans withthose of the City and neighboring communities .

The University of Minnesota's Master Planrecommends Oak Street be utilized as a combinedbicycle and vehicular connection of the Grand Rounds .This plan also recommends separating the recreationalpath (bikes and pedestrians) from automobiles atHennepin Avenue .

E* ;aunq

+

Future ConnectiontoGrand Roundsti'e .

Intersection

".,

Dmkytown UndeiL,Greenway Corn

--aim.: _:.,

w .

;

-,'ARWerM

SN

V- -,1i-,1

i.

''~i Escd~u~vnh

Fig. 24 : University of Minnesota Master Plan (source, University of

Minnesota)

Fig 24 and Fig 25.- A missing link in the GrandRounds exists between Northeast Minneapolis and the Mississippi River The SEMIArea and the

University of Minnesota represents a portion of this missing link. This Plan and the recently completed University of Minnesota Master Plan

recommend a route to facilitate completion of the Grand Rounds for vehicles, bikes and pedestrians.



Fig . 25 Bicycle and Greenway Corridors.


aOamaccf

cm

~caw-mNNNQA

AOC N

A da cc

= ~a.cc`o `mm m ~aC NC_ a

C

The SEMI Refined Master Plan allows for the auto, bikeand recreational connection to East River Road in orderto complete the Grand Rounds . Fig . 26 shows severalpossible routes for a Grand Rounds designation.

As a Grand Rounds connection, particular concernmust be given to the design of the bridges . The bridgedeck and cross section must provide adequate spaceand protection for all recreational users (bicyclists - bothrecreational and commuter, pedestrians, and rollerbladers.) Inclines should be gentle, and overlooks and



Fig . 26: Potential Grand Rounds Routes

rest stops must be provided . The bridges will be oneof the final links in the Grand Rounds, and therefore apedestrian and bicycle friendly design is critical .

31

The SEMI Refined Master Plan recommendsdeveloping a major park with ponds and recreationalamenities at the natural low elevation point in SEMI .

This park, "Granary Park," should become dedicated

University ofMinnesota


Granary Park

public space to be used for stormwater collection andcleansing, historic celebration, and recreation . The planreinforces that a number of alternative scenarios in thedevelopment ofthe park and reuse of existing buildingsand elevators are possible .


One of the park scenarios is to focus on the PeaveyElectric Elevators and the existing array of grainelevators located immediately to the east . Thefeasibility of maintaining and celebrating the Peavey

~eavey Electric Grain Elevaf6;A . "East Granary Pond

Fig . 27: Granary Park

City of Minneapolis & Minneapolis Community DevelopmentAgency 32

Electric Elevators should be studied. Ideally, whenthese elevators are abandoned, they could be stabilizedand maintained, to be saved and celebrated as ruins .The land around the elevators should be excavated tocreate a pond . The result will become a picturesque"ruin" of these "castles of industry" floating on islandsin Granary Pond and silhouetted against the skyline ofthe City . The "ruins" would remain the tallest buildingsin the district, and they would be visible from UniversityAvenue as well as the new streets extending north fromUniversity Avenue

The ponds will be filled by water flowing from the BridalVeil mainstem north of the rail yards, thereby creatingponds thatecho Bridal Veil Pond located north of KasotaParkway.

West Granary Pond, located to the west of the PeaveyElevators, will be developed as a new stormwaterdetention facility. This pond will perform stormwatercleansing functions as well as providing a foregroundreflecting pool and preserving a field of view of thePeavy Electric Elevators . (Detailed calculations ofareas and capacity of all stormwater features areincluded in Volume 4, Appendices, StormwaterManagement Framework Plan .)

Alternative Granary Park Scenarios

The following drawings, Fig . 28, illustrate three ap-proaches to reconfiguring Granary Park to accommo-date additional development sites while maintaining theponding required to serve the drainage and retentionneeds of this portion of the SEMI / Bridal Veil area, aswell as maintain the drainage and stormwater man-


agement capacity on a system-wide basis . In thesealternatives, the amount of stormwater retention is con-stant . The variables are in the location of the pondsand the inclusion or elimination of selected buildings .

Alternative 1 . This alternative assumes the removal ofthe Lighthouse Bay building . A developable site of ap-proximately 4.8 acres is created to the west of the parkarea . However, because of the natural slopes and el-evation of this new development area, only 2 .8 acresof the site will drain into the pond . The remaining ar-eas, 2 .0 acres, must be drained into an on-site pond .

Alternative 2. By retaining the Lighthouse Bay build-ing, but eliminating the Peavey Electric Elevators, adevelopment site of approximately 5.0 acres is createdto the west of the pond and park . However, only 3.0acres of this new site can be drained into the mainpond, and the remaining 2 .0 acres will require on site-ponding.

Alternative 3. This alternative assumes the removal ofboth the Lighthouse Bay building and the Peavey Elec-tric Elevators . A development site of approximately 8 .5acres is thereby created . Of this, about 6.5 acres canbe drained into the pond, while the remaining 2.0 acresmust drain to an on-site pond .



Fig. 28: Alternative Granary Park Scenarios

33

The Refined Master Plan assumes the followingregarding reuse and demolition of existing buildings :

1)

Provided a building contains a use consistentwith the Refined Master Plan, it shouldcontinue ;

2)

If a building is underutilized or vacant, it shouldbe adapted for a new use consistent with theRefined Master Plan ; or

3)

If no appropriate reuse can be found, thebuilding could be demolished to allow for anew use on site that is consistent with theRefined Master Plan . All federal, state andlocal regulations regarding historicpreservation must be followed .


Fig . 29: Existing concrete elevators in SEMI

Fig. 30.: Peavey Electric Elevators



Fig. 31 : Gantry Plaz. - . : ;e Park

Fig . 32 : Gantry Plaza State Park

Fig . 29-32: Granary Park will celebrate the history of the area. GantryPlaza State Park on Long Island, New York also celebrates the history ofthe area by salvaging the 130-year-old gantries that tell a story of thearea .

34

2r Boulevard SEAmenity Link

The proposed 2711 Boulevard is an extension of theexisting 27 11 Avenue SE . The alignment of the newboulevard follows the alignment of the existing andproposed storm sewers connecting the Bridal Veil Creekto the Bridal Veil Falls . It is proposed to create aseparated boulevard connecting UniversityAvenue withGranary Park . This boulevard would contain aconstructed wetland amenity located in between thenorth- and south-bound lanes of traffic . These urbanlinear wetlands would give key expression to the BridalVeil Creek main stem, marking on the surface the flowof creek in the pipes beneath the street.

Drawing by R . Sykes, Land and Water Design Institue, S.C .

Fig . 33 : 27th Boulevard Urban Wetland


The Boulevard link would be constructed concurrentlywith a new Bridal Veil main stem which is in need ofreplacement . The linear wetlands located in theboulevard link will provide a recreational, visual andwildlife amenity to the area as well as improve thequality of the water which eventually makes its way tothe Mississippi River.

Fig . 34 : Connection between Bridal VeilFalls and Bridal Veil Pond



PROSPECT PARKPROSPECT PARK

35

Additional Stormwater ManagementStrategies

The Stormwater Management section of the AUARrecommends the provision of several private on-sitestormwater management techniques such asbioretention rain gardens and biofilter strips and urbanwetlands and bioretention swales . These stormwatermanagement techniques will increase the use of naturalsystems to clean and manage stormwater throughoutthe study area .

Drawing byR. Sykes, Land and Water Design Institute, S . C.

Fig. 35: Biofilter swales along Kasota Parkway


Biofiltration swales and rain gardens are proposed inthe North Redevelopment Area . The swales will belocated in a 40-foot easement located on the south edgeof the proposed Kasota Parkway. The swales will be afew feet deep and lined with Aspen trees. The swalescollect and clean water originating from parking areasand roadways . The bottom of the swales areconstructed as infiltration trenches . The swales infiltratethe first flush of runoff . Excess water flows into thestorm sewer set beneath the pavement of the newKasota Parkway.

Biofiltration Swales andRaingardens

Drawing by R . Sykes, Land and WaterDesign Institute, S.C.



Rain gardens are proposed for the required open spaceareas on each building parcel . They are also known asbioretention ponds. Although dry most of the time, theseelements are designed topographic depressions thatgather runoff from surrounding roofs and pavements.The bottoms of the depressions have constructed soilprofiles designed to support a carefully selectedflowering plant community and to infiltrate the first flushof runoff. Excess water overflows through sculpturaldrains into adjacent biofilter swales and storm sewers .

Biofilter Swale

Filter Strip (Typical)

Fig. 36: Axonometric drawing of Kasota Parkway

36

4th Street Urban Wetlands

Additional linear urban wetlands are planned along thenorth edge of 411 Street SE . Figures 37 and 38 showthe wetland locations . These wetlands will receive runofffrom roofs only, or roofs and land surface areas . Likethe 27 11 Boulevard linear wetlands, they will infiltratethe runoff from a water quality volume storm (a 1 .25"rainfall) into the ground . As the water moves downwardthrough the specified soil volume, it will be cleansedby the filtering quality ofthe soil and taken up bywetlandplants in the bottom of the linear basins . Water in excessof the water quality volume will overflow into adjacentcity storm sewers,

Reestablishing Elementsof the Natural Ecosystem

In Chapter 3 of their book, Landscape Ecology, Rich-ard Forman and Michel Godron define the concept of"patch" as a fundamental unit of natural ecosystems .The Refined Master Plan uses the strategy to createsystems of small landscape patches wherever possibleto reestablish elements of the natural ecosystemthroughout . This approach is constrained by four im-portant criteria : topographic, hydrologic, spatial andeconomic feasibility . The four general types of patchesthat could be created in this way are parkway urbanforests, parkland, ponds and wetlands . By focusing onthe concept of patches, the Refined Master Plan al-lows for the systematic integration of habitat improve-ments in an incremental way as future developmentproceeds .

The system of ponds and wetlands is designed to re-


Fig . 37: 4'" Street Wetlands

4th Street Wetlands

3 to 4 ft . specifiedsoil mix for infiltration/

;'plant uptake

Drawing by R. Sykes, Land and Water Design Institute, S.C.Fig . 38: Schematic profile section of the 4'^ Street wetland



Overflow weir for floodflows to lower wetland

37

call the system of wetlands that were located approxi-mately 40 feet below the existing grades of the railroadyards that were part of the Bridal Veil Creek flowage inthe 1911 century. Because of the heavy urbanizationand deep fills that occurred since then, actual restora-tion of these wetlands is not feasible . Instead, the Planprovides for the creation of new, urban systems ofwet-lands of various types by providing two basic charac-teristic landscape ecosystems (as defined by Formanand Godron) :

Provide a landscape structure appropriate tosustaining small urban landscape patches.Specifically this meant providing appropriatespace, size, shape and location for patchesrelative to the highly disturbed overall hydro-geologic structure of the area . In other words,provide the spaces for habitat in reasonableplaces .

Provide the functional essentials for sustainingthe landscape patches . This effort focused onproviding the appropriate nutrient regimes(primarily water) and soil conditions neededto support plant communities and the habitatthey provide.

Specifically, the green infrastructure includes four gen-eral systems of small landscape patches :

Rain Gardens. These are moderate sized,isodiametric patches (a landscape ecologyterm referring to a roughly circular or squareshape) of designed wetlands to be located inthe required open space of the parcels


developed along the south side of KasotaParkway. Runoff water to supply thesewetlands is to be harvested from the proposedbuildings and parking areas and fed to shallowearth basins with constructed soil profilesdesigned to support wetland plantcommunities .

Biofilter Swales With Urban Forest Edge .These are small, elongated patches (alandscape ecology term referring to a long,roughly rectangular shape) of plantcommunities and water systems to be locatedin the right-of-way and required setback areasalong the south edge of Kasota Parkway.Water to supply these patches should beharvested from the proposed buildings andparking areas.

Constructed Ponds. These are isodiametricpatches located in Granary Park and willprovide permanent open water surface,together with associated riparian and uplandplant communities. They will be sustained byharvested runoff water and will contribute tocleaning up urban runoff water by biologicaland mechanical means.

Systems of Linear Urban Wetlands . These aretwo chains of small, elongated patches ofconstructed wetlands . Water is harvestedvariously (depending on location) from roofrunoff and surface runoff to support andmaintain the wetlands . This variation in runoffwater quality allows for the use of a range of



wetland community types by matching typeto the local nutrient flow. Where rooftop runoffis the only source of water, high quality plantcommunities should be sustainable .

Within the development areas, habitat connectivity isprovided to the extent feasible by locating the individuallandscape patches in systems or chains, placing themin close physical proximity to each other wherever pos-sible . In many cases, the need to maintain continuityof the urban matrix required the construction of road-ways between the patches. In these cases, culverts(dry most of the time) provide a means for small mam-mals and amphibians to move from patch to patch withineach complex of similar patches without conflict with

vehicular traffic .

38

The Refined Master Plan develops a comprehensiveand regional stormwater management plan, differenti-ates size, intensity and purpose in the use of parcelsand blocks in the areas south of the yards, organizestruck traffic to better serve the large industrial users inthe northern areas (while minimizing the negative im-pacts of the trucks on the surrounding residential ar-eas), provides for direct traffic access to the area'smajor arterials, and develops a more intense structureof buildings and uses .

By developing a clear structure of streets and blocks,the Refined Master Plan also provides for increasedaccess to each parcel and integrates new developmentwith existing . Finally, the Plan is structured around theprovision of a significant public amenity of parks, openspace and water formed around and in response tothe stormwater management plan .

The Refined Master Plan coordinates several of theindividual componenents (traffic, stormwater, utilities,land use) into a physical plan that predicts, accommo-dates, and designs for the likelihood of significantgrowth and redevelopment . By coordinating these el-ements, the Refined Master Plan doubles as a mitiga-tion plan . New roads are recommended, intersectionsare improved, transit is supported, stormwater istreated, and land uses are integrated in order to ad-dress and balance the potential externalities of rede-velopment.

The Refined Master Plan, if implemented, will do morethan mitigate its impacts. The Refined Master Plan


and its various components positively impact the areaby contributing - not just mitigating - the city's andregion's various systems and resources. Upon build-out, the resources and systems will work more efficientlyand effectively than existing conditions .


southeast minneapolis industrial (semi) / bridal veil refined master

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