Water Works
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Water Works FAQ
A RiverFirst Signature Park
The Water Works site is located on the Mississippi River above its only true waterfall – St. Anthony Falls. This powerful natural force is where Minneapolis was established and, for over a century, the milling industry flourished. It is also situated on the edge of downtown Minneapolis within both a growing mixed-use neighborhood and the St. Anthony Falls Heritage District.
Part of the future park will be incorporated into Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park, which is already rich in natural features rare in such an urban setting. The Regional Park draws 1.6 million visitors a year to experience the waterfall and explore built features such as the elegant Stone Arch Bridge, Mill Ruins Park, the Mill City Museum and Lock and Dam.
Within this context, Water Works contains a world of possibility. As a year-round, multi-use park, Water Works will have programming and parks-supportive amenities that enhance the Central Mississippi Riverfront experience. Water Works will also establish a signature park destination for the whole family that exemplifies the city’s unique history and culture, as well as the value of “Next Generation” urban design.
Water Works is a RiverFirst Priority Project. It is also concurrent with the Minneapolis Park Board’s revision of the Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan; designers on these projects will work collaboratively.
Project Leadership
Minneapolis Parks Foundation in cooperation with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.
Phase II Key Dates
April 18 – Design Team Request for Proposals Issued
May 17 – RFP Submission Deadline
June 11 – Shortlist Announcement
June 25-28 – Team Visits
July 9 – Selection Announcement
July 24 – Minneapolis Park Board of Commissioners Presentation
August – Design Commencement
Phase I (2012): Conceptual plan
In February 2012, Mill City-based Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle, with HR&A Advisors, completed a conceptual plan that was critical to:
- • Cultivate community support around the future park
- • Identify assets, challenges and opportunities
- • Identify next steps for implementation
