More details for Nicollet Mall redesign unveiled

Nicollet Mall proposal
This vision for Nicollet Mall was submitted by the design team led by James Corner Field Operations.
Courtesy of James Corner Field Operations

Plans for the Nicollet Mall redesign are inching closer to completion. Details of paving materials, bike racks, and bus stops were among the updates unveiled Wednesday in Minneapolis.

With big picture design elements in place, it's now a matter of negotiating finer-tuned details. These include the exact location and type of plantings, bike racks and other design elements.

"What we tried to do was build consensus around an overall framework for the Mall," said Lisa Switkin, lead designer for the project. "That framework is going to be consistent. ... People who look at the design today and look at the final product will see that essence in it."

Wednesday's public presentation came just hours after Minnesota legislators agreed to increase state backing for the project. But, at $21.5 million, that support falls short of the $25 million planners were hoping to receive.

Because the Downtown Council has agreed to match state support with local business contributions, less support from the state is actually a double hit to the project's budget. Still, city leaders are optimistic they will be able to secure the funds they need to complete the design at its full $50 million price tag.

"It's our intent to do a $50 million project and we're doing all we can to find the funding to make that happen," said David Frank, director of transit development for the City of Minneapolis. "If it's not from the legislature, we'll be seeking it from other sources."

A bill deciding final state support for the project is likely to pass before the end of the legislative session on Monday. City leaders hope to finalize design plans by next spring and complete construction in 2016.

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