urbanMSP

Meaning it's exciting and they want to find out about it.. It was the best I had! Yes, but then again, rumors so I'll just stop talking.

Least we forget (or a reminder for those who have), the "plaza" across Hennepin from this RFP lot is the proposed Eclipse development (circled in red). So it's very likely that even if the Eclipse project doesn't happen (again), something will. Especially once something iconic and beautiful is proposed for the Nicollet block. I think it'll be a great force to get this space and the Ritz block to be even more beautiful. I'm excited!

KSTP story on the Nicollet Hotel Block:
http://kstp.com/news/stories/S3595944.shtml

I dont know much about Jacob Frey, but I sure am glad he is on the city council. Seems to have a good vision for Minneapolis.

Informational: pages 20-25 of the Oct 2014 version of the streetcar plans show alignment options for the nicollet hotel block.

http://www.minneapolismn.gov/www/groups ... 132173.pdf

Does anyone know how big a traction substation would be? Would it be underground? Under the station?

Does anyone know how big a traction substation would be? Would it be underground? Under the station?

Very similar to the current Blue/Green Line substations.
Here's an image of one from the DC H Street/Benning Road project:

The plans do specifically note that the TPSS would be integrated into any development on this block. For the rest of them however...that's not going to be a fun process finding places for them along Eat Street

The plans do specifically note that the TPSS would be integrated into any development on this block. For the rest of them however...that's not going to be a fun process finding places for them along Eat Street

The plans show the proposed (subjet to change) locations of all the TPSSs along the route. There's one near the end @ Lake & Blaisdell, one at 24th on the back block of the McDonald's, then another at 15th in the current metered parking lot.

Noticed a site-office trailer on this block last night... Indicative of anything?

^^Crazy. There's not even a proposal out yet, much less any plans brought to the city as far as we know.

It's probably for all the ongoing utility tunnel work under the adjacent intersection, home to some of the oldest pipes in the city.

That has been there all summer for the utility work thats going on under Washington. The deadline for proposals still isn't until Dec. 11th and a decision sometime next year.

^^How is it decided if the proposals are public or not?

^^How is it decided if the proposals are public or not?

Every project proposed within the City of Minneapolis is public, whether it's an RFP from the City or a private company proposing something. Everything has to go before the Planning Commission and the full City Council for votes.

Wow, that's a big deal. Definetely something to look forward to seeing soon.

There was a pre-proposal meeting this morning. Did anyone happen to make it?

Phil and I may/may not have gone and been the only non-businessey people there.

Phil and I may/may not have gone and been the only non-businessey people there.

Ok. Is that all? Anything worth mentioning?

Not really. Just a basic Q&A/info session for developers and architects to iron out the city's vision, which is essentially what we already know from media articles. One guy asked if there was a height maximum and the city staff person seemed to tell them that building anything taller than the IDS Center would be a political battle and that developers should try to keep it below the IDS. It seemed that may have been a personal desire though.