On July 18, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, city and community leaders celebrated the completion of the revitalized Peavey Plaza, a public space on Nicollet Mall in the heart of downtown that is now more vibrant and accessible for everyone to enjoy.
“The City had a vision to reactivate this magnificent space and to make it accessible for all people and more environmentally friendly,” said City Council Member Lisa Goodman. “Our goal has been achieved in a wonderful mix of old and new and I look forward to seeing the joy it brings to the residents and visitors of Minneapolis.”
Peavey Plaza has reopened with restored fountains and water features, new trees and landscaping, enhanced lighting and improved accessibility. The water basin’s depth has been reduced from 10 inches to a quarter of an inch, making it an accessible and more inviting feature. The City partnered with the landscape architecture firm Coen+Partners, New History and Global Specialty Contractors for the rehabilitation work.
Built in 1975, the plaza on Nicollet Mall designed by landscape architect M. Paul Friedberg is a notable example of modernist architecture. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.
“Every world-class city needs a world-class downtown, and our new Peavey Plaza is a fitting capstone to Nicollet Mall’s redesign that helps advance that vision for Minneapolis,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “The upgrades will give downtown a more accessible, pedestrian friendly and vibrant space while honoring the historic features that make it an icon of modernist architecture.”
The revitalization project has been a public-private partnership with funding from the City of Minneapolis, State of Minnesota and private donations raised by the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Green Minneapolis, a not-for-profit multi-project conservancy.
The grand re-opening ceremony.
“Green Minneapolis is proud to be the City’s partner on this historic revitalization of one of Minneapolis’ most important public spaces,” said David Wilson, board chair of Green Minneapolis.
“Getting this project designed and built required genuine collaboration between many stakeholders, along with amazing generosity from our donors. Now that Peavey Plaza is open, Green Minneapolis is focusing on the most important part of the project – bringing the plaza to life each and every day – keeping it green, keeping it clean, making sure it is welcoming and vibrant for all to enjoy,” he added.
“People who live, work and visit downtown Minneapolis are in for a treat when they see Peavey Plaza returned to its rightful status as a sparkling civic asset,” said Steve Cramer, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council.
“The water features and greenery provide a great spot to gather with friends and colleagues, see an event or simply sit ‘away from it all’ but right in the heart of the city. It’s a great example of another public-private collaboration that moves our city forward in a positive direction,” he concluded.
All images courtesy of Green Minneapolis.