FMR opposes proposed riverfront parking ramp

The proposed Federal Reserve Bank parking ramp would provide 800 parking stalls in a historic area adjacent to the Mississippi River.

FMR has submitted a letter of opposition to a proposed Federal Reserve Bank parking ramp along West River Parkway in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. The project site is just across the parkway from the Mississippi River and is currently a surface parking lot. This site is within two historic districts: the St. Anthony Falls Historic District and the Warehouse Historic District. The proposed ramp would have 800 vehicle stalls, primarily for use by Federal Reserve employees.

We have a few primary concerns about the proposed parking ramp project:

• Constructing a new 800-vehicle parking ramp contradicts the city’s environmental goals.
• The proposed ramp design detracts from both the natural and historic character of a vibrant riverfront neighborhood.
• A parking ramp is not the highest and best use of riverfront land. It does not promote a connection to the river, active transportation, or respect for the historic significance of the Mississippi River and its surroundings. 

FMR's full letter is available here. 

Update 7/24/19:

In response to substantial community opposition and rejection by the city's Planning Commission, the Federal Reserve has announced that they are abandoning their plans to build a parking ramp. We will continue to monitor any future proposed changes for this riverfront land parcel.