Even before the City of Minneapolis began purchasing riverfront property, plans to revitalize land along the Mississippi River had sat on the drawing board for decades.
For about 10 years the city has slowly strung together a continuous 5.4-mile stretch of undeveloped property. Until recently, though, the vision for what to do with that land was not clear, said Minneapolis Park Board and Rec (MPRB) President John Erwin.
"This has been decades in the planning, but the issue now is use," Erwin said. "[In the past] we've focused on other parts of the city and now we're turning to the river and seeing what unique things we can do there."
Unique it shall be. The MPRB has teamed with the Minneapolis Parks Foundation to host the Riverfront Design Competition in order to produce modern plans for the accumulated riverfront that lead from the Stone Arch Bridge to the northern limits of Minneapolis. The vision for this land includes greenways leading directly from the river into bordering neighborhoods and recreational areas that will draw residents out of their homes and down to the waterfront, Erwin said.
The product resulting from the contest will meet these goals for a welcoming public space by way of a creative, 21st-Century approach to design.
"Minneapolis has a world-wide reputation for the best of the best of design," said Minneapolis Park Superintendent David Fisher, and a lead advisor for the contest. "Most designers believe that it is [the time] for the best of the best in landscape to rise to the challenge set by buildings."
Fisher compared the team's vision to well-known structures such as the Walker Art Center and Guthrie Theatre, both recognized for their breathtaking architecture. To bring that same flair for style into outdoor public space, the world's greatest designers have been sought.
In total, more than 60 designs were received from more than 14 countries. Fisher said he is very impressed with the quality of the submissions he has reviewed so far. As a juror on a panel of 13, he will assist in narrowing the pool of designs below 20, and then to four and then to the winning design. Also on the jury are Erwin and Mayor Rybak.
To assist the jury in their quest for the best design, advisory committees of landscape designers and Minneapolis elected officials will offer input at each round of voting. Also partnering in the Riverside Competition are The U of M College of Design, Walker Art Center and the newly formed, nonprofit Minneapolis Riverfront Corporation (MRC).
Executive Director for the MRC, Cordelia Pierson, said that, as a riverfront resident herself, she has been inspired by the location's potential to transform and create an enduring legacy for the local communities. "Internationally, vibrant riverfronts have proven to be central features driving and attracting regional investments, and contributing to regional quality of life," Pierson said.
To learn more about the Riverfront Design Competition and the previously-approved Above the Falls Plan for the Upper River in Minneapolis, residents are encouraged to attend public forums that the MRC will host this fall and winter. For updated info on the MRC discussion forums, go to http://www.mplsriverfrontcorp.org.