Tonight - Provide Input on "Downtown East Commons" Park at Mill City Museum

Date: Tuesday, February 24

Time: 6:00-7:30pm

Place: Mill City Museum

On Tuesday, February 24, the City of Minneapolis will host a public meeting to discuss the design of the Downtown East Commons.

The Downtown East Commons also referred to as the “Commons” is the public open space to be located in the two-block, 4.2 acre area bounded by Park Avenue, 4th and 5th Streets, and a proposed building on 5th Avenue South across from the new multi-purpose stadium.  The meeting will be held from 6:00-7:30pm at the Mill City Museum located at 704 South 2^nd Street, Minneapolis. 

“The Commons represents an enormous opportunity to create a place that will be both destination and retreat – a stage for the life of Minneapolitans and a beacon for visitors,” said Mary Margaret Jones Senior Principal of Hargreaves Associates. “In the midst of a rapidly changing part of the city, the Commons can help catalyze 24 hour urban life and vitality and host both daily life and special events.  We look forward to hearing from the public and bringing form to their aspirations.”

The public meeting is an opportunity for those who live, work and play in Minneapolis to learn more about the project including meeting the landscape architect design team led by Hargreaves Associates.  Additionally, this will be the first time the public is able to provide input for how they envision the Commons.

The Hargreaves Team will use feedback gained from the meeting as well as other community engagement activities to prepare initial park design concepts. Interested parties not able to attend the February 24 meeting are encouraged to take an online survey to share their feedback and vision for the park.

“We aim for a community led design process, culminating in a community loved public space,” said Council Member Jacob Frey. “To say that the future of these blocks depends on your input is an understatement. We need you!”

Information from the February 24 meeting will be posted to the new Downtown East Commons website. Additional project information will be posted as it becomes available. The next Downtown East Commons Public Meeting is currently scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2015 where the Hargreaves Team will present initial design concepts.