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Re: Nicollet Mall Project

Posted: March 12th, 2014, 10:52 am
by Nathan
That looks great. Glad they reduced the curb to almost nothing. Personally, I don't like the look of a variety of materials. Makes it look dated and seems like the materials could wear at different rates.
My first thought seeing this was, there's no way it will hold up to the weight/wear from all the bus traffic. I expect it will make snow removal difficult as well.
the company was very educated in what our climate required. most wet cast concrete products are more durable than ordinary pushing systems.

also materials that wear at different rates would allow replacement to be done at different stages rather than having to do s major mall over haul everytime...

Re: Nicollet Mall Project

Posted: March 12th, 2014, 11:13 am
by MNdible
I get why permeability is important at the macro scale, but I guess I'm not convinced that it should really rise to the place of importance that it apparently holds in this design. In my eyes, in this most public of all locations, concerns like safe footing and durability should be more important than absorbing a little bit of run-off.

Re: Nicollet Mall Project

Posted: March 12th, 2014, 12:00 pm
by trkaiser
Permeable surfaces like what they're showing typically provide great traction.

Re: Nicollet Mall Project

Posted: March 12th, 2014, 12:07 pm
by MNdible
Yes, but the jury is very much out on their ability to withstand the kinds of abuse they'd face in this environment (freeze-thaw/plowing/salting/sanding, etc.). It's also not clear exactly how all of the pavers are being handled, but if they're being set with wider joints to allow for infiltration, that can make for treacherous footing, especially for all of those Targetrons wearing heels.

Re: Nicollet Mall Project

Posted: March 12th, 2014, 1:00 pm
by RailBaronYarr
especially for all of those Targetrons wearing heels.
Didn't you hear about the dress code change? My wife (albeit 8 months pregnant) already taking huge advantage and I may convince her to drop down to just 2 pairs of heels (wishful thinking..)

Re: Nicollet Mall Project

Posted: March 12th, 2014, 1:08 pm
by mattaudio
Now it will be much harder to identify/avoid the Target in the skyways and Nic Mall happy hours

Re: Nicollet Mall Project

Posted: March 12th, 2014, 1:56 pm
by FISHMANPET
especially for all of those Targetrons wearing heels.
Didn't you hear about the dress code change? My wife (albeit 8 months pregnant) already taking huge advantage and I may convince her to drop down to just 2 pairs of heels (wishful thinking..)
I'm not sure why a man would ever wish for his wife to have fewer nice shoes, but c'est la vie (for what it's worth, my wife likes heels).

Re: Nicollet Mall Project

Posted: April 1st, 2014, 1:24 pm
by MNdible
Not sure if this has been posted, but Preservation Design Works has been serializing the history of the original Nicollet Mall. Definitely worth a read if you're interested in some more insight into the mindset of those who conceived of and pushed for the project.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Re: Nicollet Mall Project

Posted: April 15th, 2014, 2:36 pm
by archie
Preservation Design Works just posted a 4th blog entry as well. http://www.pvnworks.com/blog/nicollet_m ... ll_design/

Re: Nicollet Mall Reconstruction Project

Posted: May 7th, 2014, 10:52 am
by archie
Preservation Design Works has posted the last entry in their blog series: http://www.pvnworks.com/blog/nicollet_m ... d_present/

Re: Nicollet Mall Reconstruction Project

Posted: May 10th, 2014, 7:48 pm
by Aville_37
New designs presented this Wednesday, 05/14 in the IDS. Was noted in the Downtown Journal.

Re: Nicollet Mall Reconstruction Project

Posted: May 13th, 2014, 8:53 am
by twincitizen
Press release from Mayor Hodges and City Council cheering the inclusion of $20MM in both the House and Senate bonding bills.
http://www.nicolletmallproject.com/wp-c ... elease.pdf

Re: Nicollet Mall Reconstruction Project

Posted: May 14th, 2014, 3:04 pm
by minnyapple
Nicollet Mile? That could be the new name well since its a mile long.

Heres a article and new renderings that were released today. http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/b ... signs.html

As the article states the renderings looks about the same as the ones that were released back in February.

Re: Nicollet Mall Reconstruction Project

Posted: May 14th, 2014, 3:11 pm
by Anondson
Yeah, a before and after comparison would be especially useful here. Changes not standing out.

Re: Nicollet Mall Reconstruction Project

Posted: May 14th, 2014, 3:19 pm
by HiawathaGuy
Assuming it gets the votes, the Legislature has reached a deal on the Bonding bill, which includes $21.5 million for Nicollet Mall.

Re: Nicollet Mall Reconstruction Project

Posted: May 14th, 2014, 3:22 pm
by mattaudio
I still don't fully understand the need... Granted the existing pavers are bad, but why can't we repair and patch rather than replace? The renderings show a lot of things that we could do for a fraction of the overall project cost: Trees (that are alive), new bus shelters, public seating, even the little "Nicollet Mile" banners on the light posts. Heck, my neighborhood business node has those most of those elements and they were paid by the business association.

I realize it's too late in the game, but the discussion we're having is problematic. Is a $50 million (plus streetcar cost) Nicollet Mile going to be nice? Absolutely. Would a $10 million renovation plus $40 million spent to make some other downtown streets/sidewalks be less abysmal be nicer? Probably.

Re: Nicollet Mall Reconstruction Project

Posted: May 14th, 2014, 3:34 pm
by IllogicalJake
I'm a fan of this project, but not understanding why we suddenly need to rename it... Call it Nicollet Mile all you'd like, people will still say "Mall." And really seems like too similar of a name to really warrant a change...

Re: Nicollet Mall Reconstruction Project

Posted: May 14th, 2014, 4:00 pm
by John
I still don't fully understand the need... Granted the existing pavers are bad, but why can't we repair and patch rather than replace? The renderings show a lot of things that we could do for a fraction of the overall project cost: Trees (that are alive), new bus shelters, public seating, even the little "Nicollet Mile" banners on the light posts.
I live on Nicollet Mall and can't agree with you more. Yes , its tarnished and needs to be spruced up, but it does not need to be completely reinvented. It's actually still a successful concept. The bigger issues are to improve public safety, making the buildings along the Mall have a stronger street presence focused on the pedestrian, and bring in some retail that will make it more of a destination. And IllogicalJake, I think the idea of renaming is just plain ridiculous.

Re: Nicollet Mall Reconstruction Project

Posted: May 14th, 2014, 4:46 pm
by jet777
Yeah, a before and after comparison would be especially useful here. Changes not standing out.
Couldn't agree more. I'm pretty good with Photoshop, these new renderings tell me that all I need I do to win a job in public space design is add some green trees to existing photos and give the place a special name.

Re: Nicollet Mall Reconstruction Project

Posted: May 14th, 2014, 6:51 pm
by Aville_37
Not really keen on the need to rename the Mall either. I do like the theater in the round seating and other seating areas and new bus shelters. For the new design to really work - all depends on keeping the Mall spaces active and adjoining building owners to improve/activate storefronts facing Nicollet.

Not sure about the choice of materials if they are going for use of wood - can't see that holding up long-term. The seating areas, etc. in Gold Medal Park are already looking weathered.

I like further greening and how the design keeps the curve of the Mall.