Upper Harbor project is moving forward and looking good
Written by Marky Wagner
Last summer the City of Minneapolis completed the majority of Phase 1 on the Upper Harbor Restoration Project in North Minneapolis. Phase 1 of the project included demolition of existing structures, stabilization of the existing shorelines and native vegetation, and construction of new infrastructure and roadways. The electrical transmission lines that traversed the site were also relocated. The work on the site included realignment along with new bike lanes along Dowling Avenue North from Lyndale Avenue, and east to the river to provide access to the new North Harbor Restoration Project. Additional infrastructure and shoreline restoration continued into the fall, and will be ongoing this spring.
The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) is funding $10.7 million for improvements to the former industrial site in North Minneapolis. The project includes shoreline and habitat stabilization. A new stormwater system connected to above ground infiltration basins, and below ground tanks and filtration systems, are designed to prevent storm water from entering the watershed.
The project will accomplish three main goals. The first is the southern regional treatment system, an underground stormwater treatment system will clean polluted runoff from 75 acres of the Northside. The second goal, a common runoff reuse system, will be installed that will filter runoff and pump it throughout the site for irrigation, and a signature stream system will support local wildlife and vegetation. The third goal includes the removal of invasive vegetation, preserving healthy and mature trees and stabilization of the Mississippi river bank with perineal and diverse tree plantings.
The MWMO has funded a $2.6 million grant to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) for shoreline and habitat restoration. Funds will also be used for a pedestrian overlook that will allow access for bicycle and walking trails designed to have minimal impact on the habitat.
The Community Performing Arts Center portion of Upper Harbor Restoration Project is in the design and development phase as of February this year, and is scheduled to begin construction this summer. The design and development phase included extensive community engagement and has been conducted to ensure it aligns with local needs and interests. This process has included numerous public meetings, focus groups and meetings with community organizations, with the emphasis on equitable development and cultural inclusivity. The Performing Arts Center is scheduled to open in the spring of 2026.
There are several key players involved with the project. The City of Minneapolis and MPRB will be leading the transformation of the former industrial site into a new 53-acre community space including a 20-acre regional park and the Community Performing Arts Center. United Properties is the lead developer and is overseeing the entire project. First Avenue, the renowned Minneapolis music venue, is partnering to manage concerts and events at the new performing arts center. The Minnesota Orchestra will be acting as the strategic business partner. The Minnesota Orchestra will also be responsible for private fundraising for the center. And the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility will oversee public programing at the center and manage economic development funds that will be generated from $3 fee on every ticket that is sold.
For additional info on the project visit minneapolisparks.org and search for Upper Harbor Site Project, and visit the MWMO at mwmo.org and navigate the home page to the Upper Harbor Project in the projects section.