Ford site hearing Sept. 20 & 27 — FMR says 'yes' to density AND more parks!
A new stormwater "stream" is a popular feature of redevelopment plans for the Ford site (see rendering above), but we should also seize this rare opportunity to create more river bluff parkland.
Opportunities to create bluff-top parkland in the heart of a growing city only come along every two or three generations. As draft plans for the Ford site redevelopment along the Mississippi River head to the St. Paul city council, we urge city leaders to seize this opportunity for the benefit of this generation and all those to come. >>
Downtown St. Paul riverfront development plans fall through
After spending millions to demolish city and county-owned buildings built into and atop the bluff just west of where Wabasha bridge meets downtown, St. Paul and Ramsey County are once again looking for a developer to return the site to the tax rolls and strengthen St. Paul's riverfront.
The redevelopment of the former West Publishing and county jail site on the bluffs of the Mississippi in downtown St. Paul hit another snag recently when the landowner, Ramsey County, and the prospective developer, Cardon Development Group, decided to part ways. The county is now considering plans that call for less parking.
FMR has been closely following efforts to redevelop the site and recently served on a task force formed by the county and the city to provide guidance. >>
Northside walk to the river
Calling all Northsiders! Join us for a walk and talk about the future of Dowling between the Mighty Mississippi and Lyndale Avenue N. We'll walk and talk about how to make walking and biking easier and more enjoyable in this area so future riverfront parks are more easily accessible by all on the Northside. All are welcome for this event with food, fun and hopefully a bit of sun! Learn more or RSVP now.
Northside walk to the river
Calling all Northsiders! Join us for a walk and talk about the future of Dowling Avenue between the Mighty Mississippi and Lyndale Avenue North. We'll walk and talk about how to make walking and biking easier and more enjoyable in this area so future riverfront parks are more easily accessible by all on the Northside. All are welcome for this event with food, fun and hopefully a bit of sun! Learn more on the event page or RSVP here.
Transition point for N Mpls river reconnection work
Over 60 Northsiders joined us to learn about and discuss ways to reconnect North Minneapolis and the Mighty Mississippi in March 2017.
The FMR advocacy crew is switching gears. After spending 2016 researching how to better connect North Minneapolis with the Mississippi River we're shifting to advocating for those community-identified changes. We marked this transition with a final presentation by FMR's CURA research assistant Eric King and a panel discussion with attendees, covering everything from potential gentrification to a possible land-bridge over Interstate 94.
Reconnecting North Minneapolis to the Mighty Mississippi
Do you like to use the parks and trails along the Mississippi River? Are you excited about the new parkland coming to the riverfront in North Minneapolis? We are, too! We also want it to be safe and easy for residents and other community members to walk or bike between the existing North Minneapolis neighborhoods and this new parkland (and vice versa).
What river lovers need to know about plans for the new Ford site
In 2011, the last Ford Ranger rolled off the line at Ford's manufacturing campus in St. Paul. With buildings demolished and environmental remediation in the works, the 135-acre site along the Mississippi River will be transformed into a modern riverfront community. (All images courtesy of St. Paul and Goff Public)
Recently, the city of St. Paul unveiled draft plans to redevelop the Ford Plant site along the Mississippi River. Pictured above in its truck-making days, the 135-acre campus is now clear of structures with plans for a new 21st-century riverfront community in the works. >>
Upper Harbor Terminal open house & Above the Falls meeting
FMR has been working to plan for and reshape the Above the Falls riverfront for nearly two decades with the goal of encouraging parkland and trails along both sides of the Mississippi River in N & NE Minneapolis and improved public access to those lands.
Big news: Bluffs, shorelines and scenic views protected!
Our local national park, the Twin Cities stretch of the Mississippi River, is now protected by FMR-prompted state rules. (Photo by Jim Hudak)
At long last, new State of Minnesota rules are now in place governing land use and development along the metro stretch of the Mississippi River, a.k.a. our local national park! While allowing for growth and redevelopment, the new rules protect the metro riverfront's natural, scenic and cultural treasures.