riverfirst: tom leader studio

8/2/2019 RIVERFIRST: Tom Leader Studio

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CONFLUENCE :A joining or flowing together of people and waters.

RIVERFIRST is inspired from the Dakota concept of BDote,a sacred joining of waters.

riverfirst

DESIGN

Tom Leader Studio / Landscape Architecture, Berkeley, CAKennedy & Violich Architecture / Architecture & Planning, Boston, MAKestrel Design Group / Landcape Architecture, Minneapolis, MNTimothy J. Griffin, AIA, AICP, LEED AP, Director, Saint Paul on the Miss. Design CenterDavid Motzenbecker, Landscape Architect, Minneapolis, MN

ENGINEERING

Sherwood Civil Engineering, Cambridge, MA/ San Francisco, CA / New York, NYInterFluve, Environmental Engineering, Madison, WI / Hood River, ORKnippers Helbig / Structural Engineering, New York, NY / Stuttgart, GermanySRF Consulting/ Traffic Engineering, Minneapolis, MNLBG-Guyton Associates/ Environmental Engineering, Saint Paul, MN

ECONOMICS

Donjek /Development Strategy, Saint Paul, MNEconomic Development Services/ Economic Strategy, Minneapolis, MNConsultEcon / Economic Planning, Cambridge, MAMortensen Construction / Preconstruction Management, Minneapolis, MN

David Frank, Schafer Richardson Real Estate, Minneapolis, MNMEDIA

Proverb / Graphic Design, Boston, MASolid Gold / Soundtrack, Minneapolis, MN

RIVERFIRST restores and expands the idea of confluence to include the joiningof healthy bio-filtered storm water tributaries with the river, flows of transpor-tation and information, flows of people, capital and green revenue sources. We

join renewal of the Minneapolis riverfront with municipal needs to grow a greeneconomy, provide jobs, join communities with healthy local food and improve theecological health of the Mississippi River in the 21st century.

The RIVERFIRST team is a confluence of creative interdisciplinary thinking, eco-logical research and design. The TLS/KVA team began with a core of designerswho have worked together and share an approach that questions and cultivatesthe originality of place. The team grew organically through extensive and continu-ous exploration of the Minneapolis community. Vital local knowledge and experi-ence with ecology and fluvial process, economics and planning, engineering, com-munity development, history and culture has expanded the team and overflowedinto the RIVERFIRST Network, a consortium of over 120 engaged citizen consult-ants, organizations and advisers. This process of learning and listening is a firststep that reflects how we will work to move this project forward.


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W A T E R

RIVERFIRST Park offers a comprehensive remediation of thecitys storm water management system and its conceptualtransformation into a confluence of tributaries that are natu-rally cleansed by planted bio-filtration designs and returned tothe River. The recovery of Northside wetlands, and the designof storm water remediation ravines on the East side integratePark land with municipal eco-infrastructure, public access tothe River and a wide range of recreation activities. As a sourceof public enjoyment and education, the RIVERFIRST Park shapesnew ways for people to engage, recreate and socialize along theriver, building public consensus to support the gradual openingof a closed pool and its t ransformation to a living river.

P A R K R E S P O N D S T O 2 1 S T C E N T U R Y C H A L L E N G E S

Mississippi River global transportation links

Mississippi River nutritional run off

Minnesota Watershed diagram

As we move forward our technology,

understanding, and our values and needs will

change - and so will the river. RIVERFIRST is

a vehicle for the public to better understandriver ecology and can change the way people

manage, interact, recreate, and perceive the

river. The natural rivers processes of mov-

ing sediment, creating beaches and riparian

vegetation and our public need for improved

water quality and functional ecology together

can drive the Park landscape and build a

broad base of public support to allow the river

to function more naturally.

- Lon Mickelson, INTERFLUEVE

The Minneapolis Riverfront Competition provides a

chance to consider how a Park system can protect the

national ecological heritage of the Minneapolis River-

front and the Mississippi River, provide for community

health and prosperity and prepare Minneapolis with

resilient, multi-tasking and sustainable eco-infrastruc-ture. River access may increase in value as energy costs

rise and warming climate shortens winter port clo-

sures. Green house gas emissions need to be reduced.

Storm water systems must be adapted to accommodate

increasing uncertainty in local climate variability. Urban

growth must be accommodated. The RIVERFIRST Park

considers these challenges as the means to enable a

blue & green way of life to flourish in Minneapolis and to

attract the brightest creative minds to live in Minneapolis

in 2050, when a more mobile work force will have their

choice of different regional mega-centers.

Our project focuses on the design of strategic relation-

ships between larger social, natural, civic and economic

ecologies. Our approach conserves energy and maxi-

mizes the beneficial public impacts of the new Park by

asking: How can the presence or perceived waste of

one system be used to build another? The RIVERFIRST

Park proposes a set of creative, inter-related design

initiatives that function at multiple scales. Physical

concepts for the new Park design are expanded by Park

outreach strategies to raise public awareness about con-

sumer choice impacts on the overall River system. Theseinclude Park grown food and 1% Park profit streams

from RIVERFIRST green lawn fertilizer and clean road

salt. A solar Park WiFi network expands public access

to existing USGS river monitoring services and provides

local and national public education about the ecology of

the UMR, attracting world class institutional, corporate

and organizational partners to the RIVERFIRST Park

initiative. The RIVERFIRST Park proposal is visionary and

practical in the 4-5 year time frame and impactful in the

40 year frame of 2050. We want to jump-start a great

Minneapolis riverfront park at this critical environmental

tipping point. The design of the new Park can be a pow-erful public force that sets changes in motion.

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RECOVERY OF WETLANDSAREA FILLED IN THE 1950s

STORM WATER FLOW

GULF DEADZONE

500 FLOOD PLAIN

100 YEAR FLOOD PLAIN

WETLAND TREATMENT


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M O B I L I T YH E A L T H G R E E N E C O N O M Y

RIVERFIRST proposes to use the Park as a catalyst to acceleratethe transition from smokestack industry to a 21st century greeneconomy based on logistical transportation advantages, smartand clean tech innovation. Existing train lines are retained for aGreen Port, which evolves to a Green Economy portal connectingthe city with Minnesota wind renewable energy, and Xcels newSolar Utility providing clean power for electric vehicles and onshore power OSP (cold ironing) for barges, trains and industryand reducing future energy cost risks, noise and emissions. Weare fully committed to work with policy makers to ensure that

jobs created in the Green Port and River City Innovation districtsare linked back to local residents who can bike, walk or take ashuttle bus to work.

A guiding principle in the RIVERFIRST proposal is to leverageParkland to improve the health of the river and the health ofthe city and its neighborhoods. Park lands create significantnew opportunities for urban agriculture, provide food security,and expand neighborhood access to healthy food and nutritionin ways that build community and build local businesses inorganic produce, the fastest growing, most profitable sectorof the US food market. Sales of 1% RIVERFIRST clean roadsalt and natural cleaning and fertilizer products generate Parkrevenue and raise public awareness of how everyday con-sumer practices can improve river health and community farbeyond the Minneapolis riverfront.

In 2010, the highest energy uses in Minnesota were industryand transportation sectors. RIVERFIRST Park incorporates asustainable multi-modal and interconnected public trans-portation system for commuting, recreation, and mobility inthe city area. New Knot Bridge bike/ski pedestrian walkwaysare attached to existing bridges to tie together the North andNorth East river shore trails, creating a world class recrea-tional and bike commuting network with Nice Ride stations.The new Library Square Park links the River with Twins Sta-dium Station improving suburban and regional public accessto the river on the Hiawatha LRT, the North Star and futureCentral, Southwest, and Bottineau LRT lines.

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INTERSTATE

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A new Prairie Loop clean bus shuttle

connects NE and East by re-using the

railroad corridor south of Lowry on the

west, the train spur on the East and

the Burlington North Bridge.

ST. ANTHONY PARKWAY

COLUMBIA PARK

MARSHALLTERRACE

BOTTINEAU

SHERIDAN

ST. ANTHONY WEST

EAST BANK

MARCY HOMES

DOWNTOWN EAST

DOWNTOWN WEST

NORTH LOOP

NEAR NORTH

HAWTHORNE

GRAND ROUNDSBIKE TRAIL

CHURCHES

SLOW FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS

SCHOOLS

COMMUNITY GARDENS

I-394

I-94 35W

MCKINLEY

CAMDEN

18TH26TH

PLYMOUTH

LOWRY

NORTH + SOUTHCOMMUTER RAIL

N MISSISSIPPI CO-OP SHUTTLE

GREEN PORTTERMINAL

TWINS STADIUMSTATION


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The Mississippi is still a working place for industry, but current

economic prosperity is hindered by the dislocated relationship be-

tween Minneapolis and its river. When we say put the river first,

we mean to renew its strength and diversity as a living ecosystem.

In doing so, we also put the health of the city first-physical, soci-

etal and economic.The RIVERFIRST design is guided by the dynamics of the river.

Where water carves and erodes, we employ the same principles to

create ecological stairways that connect the water and communi-

ties. Where it deposits new material, we mold this into new Park

lands. RIVERFIRST means renewing and using the natural land

topography to solve problems. Topographical design in section

reconnects Northsides historic Farview Park with the River and

new skilled jobs in the River City Innovation District. The North-

side Perkins Hill land form enables us to discover available land

in section for clean industry and a future Green Port. We create

moments of vertical separation between Park Trail and barge

operations, allowing Park, navigation, and industry to coexist. Riv-erbank topography organizes the remediation design of municipal

storm water and creates a public Park which provides Minneapolis

with flood mitigation and bio-filtration eco-services for the 21st

century.

RIVERFIRST initiatives create and enhance synergies among

existing infrastructures, community and ecological assets. Knot

Bridges tie together North and North East Park trails and link

the vibrant creative energy of the NE Arts District with the River

City Innovation District and Downtown. Real time stream water

monitoring from the USGS website is made public with smart illu-

mination along Knot Bridges. Biohaven Islands anchored to bridgepiers provide more than 8 acres of protected riparian habitat for

migrating birds and endangered wildlife. The River Talk iPhone

app and solar powered Park WiFi network provide unprecedented

opportunities for local and national public education about the

ecology of the UMR, attracting world class institutional, corporate,

and organizational partners to the RIVERFIRST Park initiative.

O V E R A L L P L A N

CARVING

CARVING

DEPOSITING

DEPOSITING

Minneapolis / St. Paul Grand Rounds Bike Trail

Fluvial Processes

Overall Plan

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LIBRARY SQ.PARK

(B) An urban livingroom for downtown,and a Gateway to theRiver connected bya Park landscape ofday-lighted storm

water tributaries tothe River.

BROADWAY RIVERDISTRICT

(L) A continuous green bike-way and Prairie Loop Shuttle

runs through the formerrailroad corridor connectingnew light industry, riverfrontparks, and the Bell Museumof Natural History at the foot

of Broadway Bridge

SPIRIT ISLAND(A) An illuminatedriver weir marks

the site of Spirit Is-land as the eye andsoul of the river.


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RIVERFRONTTRAIL

(F) A continuous greenPark Trail returns the

Riverfront to the publicand is designed to riseabove barge terminalsand coexist with sin-dustrial property and

operations.

GREEN PORT(H) The Port of Minneapo-lis evolves to a Clean En-ergy Port that drives theCitys global and regional

green economy.

northeastBLUFFS

(I) Dramatic high pointsover look the Mississippi

and downtown Minneapo-lis. Ravine landscapesremediate storm water

and form carved steppedeco-stairs for flows of

water, people and wild-life.

SCULPTURE PARK(K) A restored floodplain land-

scape for sculpture, visual artsand installation with dramatic

views to the Farview Park

Landscape Connector. Mar-shal Block adaptive re-uselive/ work housing provides

studios, exhibit and gatheringspaces to serve the adjacent

artistic community.

BIOHAVENS(J) A protected networkof floating islands that

provide 7.8 acres ofriparian habitat for en-dangered species and

migratory birds.

SCHERER PARK(C) A recreationalentry point to the

river parks forkayaks, bikes, ski-ers, and runners

and Community Arts

center.

WETLANDS(G) A molded alluvial

wetlands landscape is re-claimed to create a civicscaled climate changeeco-infrastructure that

provides bio-filtration forstorm water flows andincreased flood protec-

tion.

RIVER CITY(E) Expands the Citys medi-cal and smart tech businessbase, provides a significant

new job base and joinscommunities with healthy

local food and the means togrow it.

FARVIEW PARK(D) A major new park exten-sion with urban agriculturereconnects the high point of

the city with the river.


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The RIVERFIRST Park system begins with a multidimensional idea of public ac-

cess. This includes physical access to the river, access to education and information

about river ecology and access to jobs, and the full spectrum of tangible community

benefits that flow from the 21st century green economy along the river. Physical ac-

cess has been limited due to non-continuous parcels of city-owned land and industry

operations. The Riverbank North landscape design springs from seeing navigations

waste products as raw river material with which to build the new Park. We propose

a new beneficial and civic use of dredged sediments, which are currently stockpiled

on riverfront land and/or sold at very low cost for construction infill. The river sedi-

ments become the molded materials from which the RIVERFIRST park and public

riverfront trails are made. The first step is affordable, practical and impactful: pro-

vide public access to the River which can coexist with the existing industries. River

sediment is molded in berms enabling a continuous pedestrian and bike trail to rise

and bridge over the locations of existing barge terminals and operations. This cre-

ates an undulating and safe public Park trail along the Riverbank North which can be

built today with minimal impacts on industrial property, equipment, and operations.

The same process of molding land berms is used with a standard federally funded

highway overpass construction to connect to the North neighbourhoods. Our vision

is to reconnect the Citys historic high point, Farview Park, with the new Riverfront

trail system, extending a great plain of green that bridges over I-94, and providing a

direct land access to the River for people, animals, and storm water, without demoli-

tion of any existing homes.

R I V E R B A N K N O R T H : M O L D I N G T H E L A N D

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Existing Buildings

2nd Ave North

New Street side program

Housing Block

Commercial/Retail

Terrace

Tree grove

Shuttle Bus Stop

Nice Ride StationExisting Abandoned Tracks

Bike Path

New construction

Orchard

Washington St.

Administration/ Research Lab

Manufacturing

Truck/ Train Loading

Restaurant/ Cafe

Frontage Rd West

Pedestrian Bridge

Industrial BuildingFrontage Road East

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River Bank North aerial

Sections through West Bank

West Bank biodiversity

Top of Farview Park looking at river

I believe that this design reconnects the north side of Minneapolis to the Mississippi River

on several levels: ecology, community, and economics. The community has been poorly

served in terms of its portion of the Grand Rounds. The Farview Park program and land

bridge is a major public realm community investment. The conceptual reintroduction of

water flow from the city reestablishes the neighborhoods ecological watershed. The

economic investment enhances neighborhood value to the west and creates job oppor-

tunities (for residents) on the riverfront. Thinking about the future park also connected

an organically established team of local and national environmental designers to think

about the river first-- as a desirable means of community connection and a riverfront Park

destination.

- Tim Griffin , Saint Paul Design Center

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Farview Park High Point

Existing Neighborhood

Neighborhood storm water collection

Urban Farm and Greenhouses

Daylighted Stream and Landform Park

Pedestrian Bridge

Farmers Market

Barge RestaurantRail line

Barge Theater

New Office/Research

Waterfront Plaza

Riverfront Amphitheater

Park Pavillion

Barge Restaurant

Nice Ride Bike Station

26th Steet Bike Path

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External Growth(Day care, security, bank,clinic, cafeteria, groundsand prototyping)

Development(Education)

Internal Growth(Base employees)

The Farview Land Bridge is the centerpiece for the new River City Innovation District,

which draws on Minneapolis expertise in innovative materials, medical, scientific

and smart technologies. A zone of four story office and light industrial buildings

offset the Parkland tax base. Renovated industrial buildings are adapted for work/

live housing near term. A future education and job training cluster and hotel will be

developed along the Lowry Bridge.Farview Park marks the historic high land point in the City. This park will now

extend across I-94 to reconnect North Minneapolis to the river, providing access

to the center of the River City Innovation district. A new highway bridge includes a

community-based urban farm and hoop houses with CO2

harvesting for plants from

the highway below. A seasonal storm water stream will descend through a series of

public park rooms with pedestrian bridges and land berms.

In cooperation with North side community leaders and organizations, RIVERFIRST

Park farming offers a new model for local, sustainable urban food production that

celebrates diverse cultures and culinary traditions while building local communi-

ties. As more people and businesses in the City adopt local Park-grown foods, the

more they may question mega-scaled mono agriculture policies which must rely on

chemicals and fertilizers that inevitably leek into the river.The River City district will attract corporations such as Coloplast who can recruit

employees who value a life style with proximity to Park trails, locally grown and

healthy food, and a sustainable commute by bike or shuttle bus. Corporations cre-

ate a job base that includes corporate employees and trainees, clinics, food, dining

and local catering services, banks, health clinics, fabricators, and small businesses

associated with rapid prototyping and advanced manufacturing. The RIVERFIRST

strategy includes a conference center for continuing and higher education and job

training to develop the skills needed by workers and employers in a dynamic global

economy.

R I V E R C I T Y F A R V I E W P A R K L A N D B R I D G E

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Land bridge a

Washington St b

Farming Gardens c

Hoops Houses dI-94 e

North 3rd St f

River City and Farview Park detailed plan

Potential job growth

View from Bridge, crossing over farmers market

Section through Land Bridge

The River City Innovation district on the west side of the river presents substantial ad-

vantages to employees and employers. Located adjacent to the interstate, the area is well

suited for employers that: value a central location in the metro area and/or quick access to

downtown; integrate prototyping or production operations with management, scientific, tech-

nical and management professions; and depend on ready access to the unique transportation

infrastructure in the area.- Janna King, Economic Development Services, Inc.

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Barrier Islands with bridges

Emergent wetlands and aquatic gardens

Riverine wetlands

Daylighted storm water channels

Lowry Hub Training and Education

Transit Hub

Riverpark

Riversteps

Climate change impacts on the river and Minneapolis

are characterized by extreme uncertainty and variabil-

ity. Averaged climate projection data from the Interna-

tional Panel on Climate Change 2007 simulation models

suggest that 2050 temperatures in Minnesota could

extensive river water evaporation in summer causing

droughts and/or low water events. As water residence

times increase in low flow events, there is a greater risk

for bacteria blooms, impacting Minneapolis water quality

and human health, as well as river biology and wildlife.

Evaporated water in the atmosphere also creates the

chance for many more damaging summer storms, with

heavy precipitation and floods as river soils dry and

loose capacity to absorb moisture.

These 2050 climate scenarios point to the need for City

leaders and citizens to rethink fundamental priorities

and make changes, while planning for municipal climatechange adaption strategies. The City of Minneapolis

and the Parks Board have the opportunity to create a

significant municipal eco-infrastructure that is also a

place for leisure, community activities, and close daily

contacts with nature. RIVERFIRST guiding principles are

to develop economies of scope: 1) where every possible

infrastructure investment works across multiple lines

of business; 2) nest discrete decentralized solutions into

larger synthetic Western and eastern riverbank systems

and, 3) use triple-bottom-line economics to compare

and generate alternatives - where alternatives are morebroadly generated based on an integrated strategy to

deliver the full range of city and eco- services.

Lowry Plaza South

Lowry Plaza North

Railroad Terminal

Green Port

Green Port Office/Manf.

Orchards


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W E T L A N D S : A C I V I C E C O - I N F R A S T R UC T U R E

Wetlands Detail Plan

Annual Precipitation and Temperature

View from barrier islands

Section through the wetlands

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Established vegetation

Live stake stabilization

Depositional Zone

Wetland Zone

Riparian Forest

Storm Water Detention

Upland Forest

Bike Path

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A 21st century Park offers Minneapolis a chance to

step back and reassess how the citys recycling, heavy

industry and port businesses are conducted, what toolsand infrastructure are used, and how green house gas

emissions can be reduced. If smokestack industries

go away or are relocated, it only shifts the site of

the problem as aquifers, groundwater, storm water and

river are inevitably linked in Minneapolis.

RIVERFIRST proposes to use the Park as a catalyst to

accelerate the transition from smokestack industry

to a 21st century green economy. We imagine a green

port, which evolves to a green economy portal connect-

ing the city with Minnesota wind renewable energy,

providing clean on shore power OSP (cold ironing) for

barges, trains and industry and reducing future energycost risks, noise and emissions. Minneapoliss first

Barge Loading

Material Processing / Transfer

Rail Line

Dredge Spoil land formsDay lighted storm water channels

Storm water treatment cells

Bike and pedestrian trail

Pedestrian bridge

Open cell green/vehicular surface

Gravity Reservoir / Skate Pond

Open space / Storm water corridor

Outdoor Velodrome

Excel Solar Field / Bio-remediation field

Orchard

Smart Trail lights

On-shore powerElectric car charging station

electric vehicle charging stations will be located here.

By engaging the land in section, our proposal meets

the current Port space needs in half the footprint, den-sifying operations and increasing efficiencies. Day lit

terraces provide storage and workshop facilities with

green business incubators and corporate headquar-

ters above, all with strategic logistics access to train,

interstate and river. Five green economy corporate

headquarters would increase port job density from

less than 1 job per acre today to over 1,000 skilled jobs

per acre.

The plan provides Minneapolis with a Green Port that

is also a working Parkland with needed civic scaled

storm water remediation ponds, 2 acres of permeable

ground surface that provides future climate changefloodplain carrying capacity, and clusters of diverse

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S U S T A I N A B L E I N F R A S T R U C T U R E : G R E E N P O R T

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Seattle

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St. Paul

Minneapolis


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floodplain forest. RIVERFIRST begins by providing public access to the river, initiat-

ing a comprehensive Park trails system and returning the river shore to the public,

allowing citizens to become the catalyst for change. Barge spoil berms are molded

and remediated with planting allowing a public Rivershore trail to flow over barge

terminals, which can remain and co-exist with the new Park.

Green Port Detail Plan

Port vs Green Comparisons

View from Port building terrace

The Green Port provides global reach, energy efficiency and the competitive logistics advantageoffered by multiple class 1 railroads, a river port, an intermodal yard and an interstate. This uniqueconfluence of transportation assets will be of strategic economic importance as energy prices increaseand businesses seek to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining global access.- Janna King, Economic Development Services, Inc.

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A series of Knot Bridges tie the North and Northeast river trails together. Pedes-

trian and bike/ski pathways attached to existing bridges connect the lower Park river

shore trails with higher streets and bridge heads improving ready public access

at intersections of development, mobility and Parkland. Commercial clusters are

developed at the bridge heads. The existing bridges are logical supports for this ini-

tiative, both metaphorically as urban places where people are in closest contact with

the river and literally, because they can support pedestrian and bike ways.

The Knot Bridges create impactful virtual public connections with the river throughInternet based river education programs. Each bridge supports a solar powered

K N O T B R I D G E C O N N E C T I O N S

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Higgens Eye Mussel(Lampsilis higginsii)

The Higginseye wasthe firstfreshwatermussel to receivefederal protection,which tookeffectin 1972Degradation oftheMississippi Riverin the formof navigation improvementsandpollution severelyrestricted the range ofthisspecies.Today,the lowerSt.CroixRiverhasone ofthe largestremainingHigginseye populationsthroughoutthe species'range.

Location: TheMightyMississippi!Attheriver- 55 Photos

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CAMDEN BRIDGE

PACIFIC BRIDGE

LOWRY BRIDGE

NORTH BRIDGE

PLYMOUTH BRIDGE

BROADWAY BRIDGE

BNSF BRIDGE

Existing NP-BNSF Bridge a

Public Knot Bridge b

Viewing Area c

Floating Island d

River Run Turbine e

Solar Panel Array f

Wifi Emitter g


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Park Wi Fi repeater and a system of night time illumi-

nation that makes public river conditions recorded from

the existing USGS Water Watch system. Possibilities

include real time stream flow levels, dissolved oxygen

and temperature data that will help the public under-

stand the Rivers metabolism. Wireless devices could

be integrated with real time river data. The expanded

RIVERFIRST River Talk mobile application could enablethe public to listen to the river and observe animals in

their natural habitats through non-intrusive land and

water based web cams. This initiative could become

a source of income for the park, especially in partner-

ship with local university and research institutions and

national conservation organizations that currently do

not have a smart phone outreach platform. Citizens of

Minneapolis could begin to forge a new relationship

with their river, one that they could experience physi-cally and access or share from anywhere.

Knot Bridge and Network Plan

RiverTalkfor IPhone, Fish Talk

Detailed Knot Bridge

View of Broadway Bridge with newKnot bridge

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At 2,320 miles, the Mississippi River is a vital migration corridor for 60 percent of

North Americas bird species. A protected network of floating Biohavens will restore

riparian in-river habitat essential for migratory birds, provide nesting and staging

areas and support endangered aquatic and land animals and plants. These include

native mussels, blandings turtle, osprey, logger head strike and karner blue but-

terfly. The Biohaven islands will create over 8 acres of restored habitat and enhancethe enjoyment and exploration of the River by kayak.

Instead of costly, disruptive hard structures with high embodied energy construc-

tion, Biohavens are based on water buoyancy and resilient soft engineering prin-

ciples that utilize an innovative flotation system made of robust, lightweight geo-

textiles and 100% re-cycled PET materials.

Soil placed on top of the island provides an enduring nutrient medium for plants and

shrubs, and small trees. Biohaven Islands can also support harvests of wild rice and

native berries, and can be adopted and supported by local organizations or corpo-

rations. Existing bridge piers are used to tether the floating islands, and their habi-

tat remediation and restoration mission is consistent with ACE objectives. The shape

of the islands is designed to accommodate a river placement and the edges of the

islands are protected with solar powered marine pumps (currently used for house-boats) to avoid ice stacking in winter. A downstream island is anchored on springing

ropes allowing it to simply move aside if bumped by barges. A hinge connection at

the bridge bearing acts as a load transfer for downstream running water and wind.

Side stabilization is provided by anchors. All connections would be constructed in a

way to allow a safe support during moving water levels.

B I O H A V E N I S L A N D H A B I T A T S

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A pair of linked, floating islands create 63,000 SF of habitat

offers the river a bio-remediation capacity that can absorb 32

kg/day of phosphorous or about (1681 gallons) of dish soap per

day, based on the new Minnesota regulation of .5% max phos-

phates in detergent. In addition, the same pair of linked, float-

ing islands can eliminate 636.63 kg of nitrates per day, remov-

ing the nitrate content of about 224 - 25 pound bags of lawn

fertilizer! Biohaves are essential, multidimensional habitats.

Aerial Perspective looking north

Section through Biohaven Habitat

View from Lowry Bridge looking back at the city

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Bridge Support

Float (Styrene foam)

Maintenance free dock construction

material: reclaimed plastics, PVC

Pivot Point

Lightweight soil mix

Osprey nest habitat

Fixed IslandFloating island

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The RIVERFIRST proposal increases biodiversity in all of the Parks vegetated zones:

upland forest, riparian forest, wetlands and prairies. Steep riparian forest areas

move from the bluff overlook down to the river. The banks are stabilized with boul-

ders and large woody debris which are essential to create habitat components at

the toe. Established vegetation of willows and cottonwoods stabilize the bluff slopes

with smaller species will be sedges, lovegrass, smartweeds, rudbeckia, asters, ar-

rowheads, and bulrush, rushes. The North east bluffs support a targeted approach

to conservation biology to attract animals that are endangered or at risk. These in-

clude native mussels, Blandings turtle, osprey, peregrine falcon, wintering eagles,loggerhead shrike and the Karner blue butterfly.

The RIVERFIRST park design for the North East side follows principals of carving

produced by the action of river water on the northeast side limestone bluffs. When

the river current meets a shoreline with an outside curve, water erodes the bank

material over time. It continually carves into the land and creates steep slopes or

vertical faces. The North east River bank is composed of resistant material frac-

tured sandstone and tightly packed glacial till. We carve into this resistant material

to create ravines and terraces. The ravines allow city storm water to be remediated

instead of falling directly into the river. Stepped ravine ecostairs channel water,

provide habitat and access to the public to the rivers edge. Carved land material is

reused on site to form raised terraces with intimate views of treetop habitats, win-tering eagles, and broad overlooks to the river.

N O R T H E A S T B L U F F S : C A R V I N G T H E L A N D

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NorthEast Bluffs Aerial

East Bank Biodiversity

View from river, looking north

Section through Bluff

View from Lowry Bridge, looking at Bluffs

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Tiny warblers and vireos I have seen on the southern tip of Texas travel this big wide flyway, this river of birds. Of all the

places these neotropical migrants cross the Mississippi, this area in Minneapolis is the least forgiving. Today, that now

changes. So, lets put the fat back in the land, with giant migrating sturgeon in the upper river again, and sandbars that

move around from year to year. Heres the chance we have been waiting for. Lets say goodbye to the scrap and rubbish

piles of our past abuses. Please join me in saying hello to a new river relationship with our Mighty Mississippi.

Peter MacDonagh, Kestral Design Group

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Mississippi Overlook/Belvedere

Riverfront Sculpture Park

Ravine / Ecological Stairway

Pedestrian / Bike through-wayPedestrian / Bike loops

Marshall Concrete Residential/Studios

Childrens Art Camp

Biohaven floating island

Urban Farm

Arts Plaza and Pavilions

Art Greens

13th Street art corridor

Bike / Pedestrian Trail

Market Rate urban housing

Art Center

Kayak launch park

Recreational rentals / caf

Wood raft platforms

Year-round swim barge and spa

Pedestrian bridge

Sloping green

Entry Plaza

Forest

Existing Marina


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A R T S D I S T R I C T : B L U E A N D G R E E N L I F E W A Y S

Detailed Plan of East Bank

Section through Ravine

View of Lowery Hub from Marshall Block

Unpackaging Concept

The Mississippi River offers the perfect setting for the Bell Museum of Natural History and/or a Native American Museum.The site near the Broadway Bridge offers a stunning view of downtown, good visibility and excellent access to transit, down-town and the interstate. As the first major arts/cultural institution to locate north of downtown, the museum will anchor avisitor industry cluster that provides employment opportunities and strengthens a revitalized business district on Broadway

west of the i nterstate. - Janna King, Economic Development Group

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Providing additional co-ops and community gardens would

allow the citizens of Minneapolis and its waterfront an unique

opportunity to take part in their own food production. Farmers

markets could also take part, selling organic berries, vegeta-

bles, and various fruits. Locally grown RIVERFIRST agriculture

will be produced, packaged, and shipped from Green Port.

Work in art/design/music fields. A

Caf culture, with galleries, small

music venues, art shows and per-

formance theatre.

In the summer, activities include hiking,

mountain climbing, off-road biking, fishing,

swimming, kayaking, running, and rowing.

There is also a set of diverse winter activi-

ties for all to enjoy, such as cross country

skiing, snow-shoeing, ice skating, and ice

hockey.

U R B A N A G R I C U LT U R EA R T S

R E C R E A T I O N


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S C H E R E R P A R K : A N U R B A N R I V E R S H O R E

Scherer Park Kayak Launch

Pool View

Pro Forma

Aerial View of Scherer Park

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Located along the only river bend shore with south/west exposure, the new Scherer

Park restores Halls Island and offers a river beach cove with a an amazing skyline

view of Downtown. Scherer Park re-introduces the public to the core idea of the river

as a living, dynamic eco-system which produces its own landscape of sand bars and

shallow pools that shift shape according to winter melts, patterns of sediment deposi-

tion and river flows. This is a place where people can get their feet wet, a living land-

scape which cant be mapped because it is different each day.

As a demonstration site for the new Park system, market rate housing and artist

work/live studios define the edges of the park, enjoy spectacular views up and down

river, and overlook Scherer Park as watchful neighbors bringing people, safety and

activity to the park corridor and generating6 times more in property taxes than the

current facilities, as indicated by the outline Development Pro Forma.A community art center on Sibley Street will provide an opportunity for working adults,

youth and retirees to access studio space and develop their skills. Working artists

from the area will gain an opportunity to network, teach, and exhibit at the Center,

allowing the Park system to link the creative energy of the NE arts district with the

innovation capacity of the Northside River City innovation district.

A public promenade of timber strips lifts and dips to reveal riparian landscape, creat-

ing playful large urban deck chairs for sunning and working outdoors. Park main-

tenance revenue is generated through local restaurant tenants making use of North-

side Park-grown organic produce and locally-sourced food, a swim/skate facility on

Halls Island and a public kayak launch. This new park and aquatic landscape space

is the central launching point and trail head for all visitors who wish to explore the

RIVERFIRST trails by kayak, foot, bike or on skis. Minneapolis residents: Where else

can you kayak on the Mississippi in the still of the morning before you go to work?

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D O W N T O W N M I N N E A P O L I S

Nicollet Mall / Plaza

3rd St. Plaza

Forest with caf pavilions

Green

Storm water collection stream

Wetland gardens

Cancer Survivors Garden

Roof water reservoir

Riparian Forest GatewayDaylighted storm water channel


This open space creates the much-discussed green urban living room that has

been missing from downtown Minneapolis. The park creates the water source and

visual center piece of a great forested gateway to the downtown connecting to the

river along Hennepin Avenue. Available open spaces and surface parking lots can be

converted to surface drainage ways within this native forest. The park is designed

as great sloping planes of lawn, emerging from the forest which receive rainfall and

gently tilt toward a wetland water course flanking Nicollet Mall and flowing toward

the River.

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Library Square detail plan

Aerial view of Library Square

Water flow fiagram through site

Aerial view of Spirit Island

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The story of Spirit Island symbolizes what has been lost along the Mississippi by Eu-

ropean settlement. It would be impossible to restore Spirit Island because the loss

is too significant to make it authentic. As an opening to a process led by the Dakota

people, the image of a limestone weir is offered. The weir establishes the footprint

of Spirit Island and the hole in the river is the first step in asserting this the loss. The

inaccessible void evokes a palpable sadness. It is lit from within marking endurance

and hope. Each increment in the weir is symbolic of the stages of re-building over

the next 50 years: laying a foundation, re-building prominence, re-inhabiting withsoil and species, and learning.

Our submission for Spirit Island is something we think might be appropriate to recognize the loss of a scared place and mark the living

presence of the river as a teaching place. But, we dont think this is a decision that we - or the Jury - can make. This vision of Spirit Island

should be considered as a suggestion. The decision for what happens here needs to be made by native people using the process they con-

sider appropriate, including the use of native artists to design it and native people to build it. It will take time to develop understanding,

relationships and trust.

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R I V E R F I R S T N E T W O R K

Minneapolis Mississippi River Critical Area Plan

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Federal Institute of Hydrology, Hans Moser

World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure

Climate Change Impacts on U. S. Coastal and Marine Ecosystems

United States Global Change Research Program

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

National Academy of Engineering, Henry G. Schwartz Jr.

Journal of Geophysical Research

Natural Resources Research Institute,University of Minnesota Duluth

Georgia Ports Authority

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

Metropolitan Council, Steven BaloghMetropolitan Council Evironmental Services, Kent Johnson

National Wildlife Federation: Charting a New Pathfor Minnesotas Electricity Generation and Use

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Bruce Monson

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

CPG Corporation

Conservation

National Eagle Center

Economic Development Services

Northside Economic Opportunity Network

Neighborhood Development Center

Get to No-Mi

Harrison Neighborhood Association

TWIN CITIES RISE!

Local Initiatives Support Corporation

West Broadway Coalition

Northside Resident Redevelopment Council

Hawthorne Neighborhood Council

NorthWay Community Trust.

Windom Park Citizens in Action

Waite Park Community Council

Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers

St. Anthony West Neighborhood Organization

Bottineau Neighborhood Association

Holland Neighborhood Improvement Association

Sheridan Neighborhood OrganizationLogan Park NeighborhoodColumbia Park Neighborhood AssociationBeltrami Neighborhood Council

Minnesota Neighborhood Revitalization Program

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Jordon Area Community Council

EmergeNeighborhood development

Research/Institution

Clean Energy Resource Teams

The Green Institute

Mrs Meyers Clean Day

Energy

Minnesota Renewable Energy Society

Minnesota Department of Commerce

Xcel Energy

Biking

Freewheel Midtown Bike Center

Nice Ride Minnesota

Bikes Belong, Zach Vanderkooy

Bicycle City/ HU school of Public Health, Anne Lusk

One on One Bike Shop, Andy

Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition

Great River Greening in St Paul

The Nature Conservancy

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Green PortCollins Woerman

Inland Navigation Europe

Minnesota 2020

Unified Ports of San Diego

Minnesota Post

C40 Cities - Climate Leadership Group

Port Metro Vancouver

American Water Resources Association - Green Ports Intiative

Twin Cities Businesses

The Design Observer: The Water/Front

Shift Boston - Barging Through Boston

Federation for American Immigration Reform

Floating Island International

Encore Heureux, Paris

St Anthonys Falls River Lab, Jeff MarrChanges in River Morphometry and Water Quality byPatrick Brezonik & Chris Paola - PDF

National Parks Service, John Anfinson

Historical Information Services, Nino D'Andrea

US Army Corps of EngineersWater Resources CenterNatural Resources and Forestry, Randy UlrichCultural Resources, Ginny GnabsikHydrology and shoreline, Jon HendricksonLock and dams, Leon Mucha

University of MinnesotaRobert (Bob) SykesMinnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture

Minneapolis Star Tribune, Steve Berg

Minnesota NPR

Audubon Neighborhood Association

St. Anthony East Neighborhood AssociationNortheast Park Neighborhood Association

Minneasota Digital Library

Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Kevin KenowMinnesota Water Science Center, James Stark

River Studies Center, University of Wisconsin-La CrosseEngineer Research and Development Center

Minnesota Department of Health, Patricia McCann

Organizations

Target

Coloplast

3M

Saint Olaf Lutheran Church

River of Life Luthern Church

Sustainable Food

Victory 44, Erick Harcey

Youth Farm and Market Project, Lucia Watson

City of MPLS CPED, Amanda Arnold, AICP

Gardening Matters

Bright Farm

MNPLS Farmers Markets

Twin Cities Natural Food Co-ops

Eastside Food Co-Op

Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service

National Cooperative Grocers Association, Central Corridor, CVCV

Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy

Gotham Greens

Land Stewardship Project

Cornucopia Institute

Northside Healthy Eating Project

Arts

Northside Arts Collective

Artspace Projects Inc, Greg Foley

Juxtaposition Arts, DeAnna Cummings

Biko Associates, William Smith

Nicholas Legeros

With our team, the Minneapolis Riverfront design process has unfolded like a

charette, only on a broader and deeper scale than Ive seen before. Since No-

vember, this team has pulled together volumes to inform a thorough approach

to a complicated river corridor. There are many meeting points in the project

area that present opportunities. One of the things that excites us most is the

prospect of tying together these junctures in ways that create urban vitality

and economic value.

Jon Commers, Donjek Associates

riverfirst: tom leader studio

Documents