Target Field Station
Opened on May 17, 2014, Target Field Station (formerly known as the Interchange), located in Minneapolis’ North Loop neighborhood, is a state-of-the-art multi-modal transit station with complementary mixed-used development and year-round activated public space. At the doorstep of Target Field, it is the new “Grand Central Station” for Minneapolis.
Taking inspiration from the city’s distinct seasons and love of the outdoors, the project’s common areas have been specially designed to support a variety of activities for transit and non-transit users alike, ensuring maximum use and comfort. The overall design emphasizes the principles of Open Transit by bringing together transit and urban culture into a one-of-a-kind destination that enhances commuters’ experience and promotes a stronger community. Target Field Station includes an elevated light rail transit (LRT) station, rail bridge, promenade, and two levels of public plaza, with areas available for neighborhood bars and eateries, cultural and entertainment spaces, and community events.
Great Lawn
The site includes a Great Lawn, a valuable green space for activities, and 286 below-grade parking spaces. The Great Lawn provides the city with opportunities for pre-game events, community concerts, seasonal events, and individual activities. An amphitheater and informal seating area form The Cascade, which provides year-round entertainment and recreation opportunities, including a place for informal lunch meetings between friends or clients, street fairs, and outdoor concerts.
Snowmelt System
In the winter, all plaza and drive surfaces utilize an integrated snowmelt system, using excess heat generated by the neighboring Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) to melt snow and ice along walkways, paths, stairs, driveways, and parking areas. By using the site’s natural topography and the landscape’s natural filtering properties, stormwater is funneled to a series of cisterns and underground storage systems. Water is then sent back to the HERC to quench ash as part of an initiative by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization.
LEED Certified
The Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC), which burns garbage to create energy, created convenient opportunities to incorporate sustainable features into the project. The U.S. Green Building Council and Green Building Certification Institute awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification to Target Field Station in August 2014, with 44 points (40 are required for certification). The project was also built to the Minnesota B3 standards and guidelines. Sustainable design elements included non–emitting or low-emitting materials where possible.
Sustainability
Other features of Target Field Station promote sustainability, such as messages on the video board display before and during baseball games that educate and encourage fans to recycle. In addition to Metro Transit bus and rail lines, visitors are encouraged to utilize the city’s bike paths. Target Field Station accommodates easy bike access, including bike lanes running alongside the stairs and bike storage racks. This reduces the amount of vehicle emissions that would be associated with visitors driving individual cars to Target Field and the surrounding area.
District Energy
3,200 feet of pipe were installed beneath the project to bring energy generated by the HERC to the North Loop neighborhood, providing economical heating and cooling. This also presents opportunities and creates added value for future development.
Stormwater Management
A robust high-performing streetscape firmly connects the public spaces of Target Field Station to the North Loop neighborhood and the city. The streetscape planting zone includes both canopy street trees and rain gardens that filter water through structural soils and tree trenches. A number of plaza–level planters and recessed structural planters, referred to as the Grove, also function to help manage excess water on the site. Permeable pavers around the site feed water to the street trees.
Green Roofs
Green roofs capture rainwater and help reduce the “heat island” effect of a large expanse of concrete. The roof includes a mix of seven different types of native grasses that are so hardy they can be walked on without damage.
“The Knutson Construction project staff were great to work with. They were both professional and courteous. The staff developed a very organized process to deliver a quality project for Hennepin County and the IPO. The staff promoted a team atmosphere in order to facilitate the design process.”
Justin M. Gese, PE, Project Manager
Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.
Awards & Achievements
2015 Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design, American Institute of Architects
2014 Award of Merit for Airport/Transportation Facility, ENR
2014 First Place Award for Architectural Flooring or Hardscape, Minnesota Concrete Council
2014 First Place Award for Transportation Infrastructure, Minnesota Concrete Council