The new design unveiled Wednesday for Minneapolis’ Peavey Plaza includes water elements, video screens and music. It also includes bathrooms.
Architect Thomas Oslund and landscape architect Tadd Kreun, who created the plans for the redesign, talk here about the project, problems with the original design and what they hope to achieve.
Here a quick-hit look at the renovation project and some of its features:
• Two 20-foot waterfalls will dominate a performance area running parallel to Nicollet Mall. This area also will feature water jets that shoot up from the plaza surface to create a pool about a quarter of an inch deep.
• A Sound Garden will lead to the entrance of Orchestra Hall with lights that can be synced to music or the movement of people.
• There will be a concession stand and tables under a pergola that runs along the edge of Nicollet Mall.
• The renovation itself will cost between $8 million and $10 million, with funding from private donations. The project received $2 million in state bonding money for design, and planning.
• The new plaza will be easily accessible to those with disabilities, unlike the current plaza, which was designed before the 1990 law requiring accessibility.
• The new plaza will be event-ready, in contrast to the current design, which does not include built-in event facilities. Now, sound and electrical equipment must be brought in for events, increasing the cost of those productions.
• A lower-level game area will be available for lawn bowling or bocce ball.
• The opening date for the new Peavey Plaza will depend on the success of the fundraising drive.
