urbanMSP

Love it. And I actually do see the resemblance to the Harpa Concert Hall

I agreed that the renderings and the plans we've seen for the street and skyway levels are very promising. This has the makings of a great project.

So, not to bring a damper to the excitement, but... there are a number of "drop-in" service centers that are likely going to be moved to this facility. Building permitting is one that jumps out. Currently, there's dedicated short-term parking for these users. I'm not suggesting that the building needs to have parking integrated into it, but having dedicated reasonably priced (doesn't have to be free) short-term parking nearby for these functions is important. Ideally, the city could have worked it into their swap for the government center ramp that they would get free use of a number of the spots for these functions, but that probably didn't happen.

Now I'll wait for your responses about how contractors should bike or bus into downtown.

(This plays into my overall beef that downtown daily parking is too cheap but short term parking is too expensive.)

The city does already own and provide short-term parking for people across downtown. It's on the sides of our streets and it's generally very low priced with parking meters. I use this parking all the time.

I've been to the MDR (building permitting) office many times. I didn't realize they had free (free!!) parking in the middle of the block, so the first few times I went I either took transit or parked on the street. And it was fine!

Somewhat avoiding the should-it-have-parking-or-not debate, I'm wondering how many of these drop-in services could be digitized? Is there a reason going to get a building permit requires you to drive/bike/transit/walk downtown? Seems like it shouldn't be difficult for most things to go to the city website to fill out a form, submit supporting docs, and do an e-signature to get whatever you need. Moving into a new building would seem to be a good time to study this.

That said...yes, please make meters more expensive so short-term parkers can actually find them (just had a chat about this on Twitter - meters are so cheap that when I've had to drive downtown for something quick, I usually end up circling around for 10 minutes just to find one remotely close to my location.

I love love love that design. Clearly Scandinavian in influence and style.

Is there really a parking shortage in Minneapolis? I have literally never had an issue finding a parking spot. As we speak my car is in a ramp with hundreds of empty spaces available. Granted, I'm not parked within a block of my destination but that doesn't really bother me.

Is there really a parking shortage in Minneapolis? I have literally never had an issue finding a parking spot. As we speak my car is in a ramp with hundreds of empty spaces available. Granted, I'm not parked within a block of my destination but that doesn't really bother me.

Please report your findings to the Strib comments section

I work near here and bike to work. But, my coworkers who drive complain about the parking often. Part of it honestly isn't about the lack of parking, it's just that people don't like to change their routines or shop around for parking. They want the most convenient location and grumble when the lot is take for a tower, or the ramp is torn down. Many Minnesotans still don't like change.

please make meters more expensive so short-term parkers can actually find them (just had a chat about this on Twitter - meters are so cheap that when I've had to drive downtown for something quick, I usually end up circling around for 10 minutes just to find one remotely close to my location.

Yes to this. I have to drive downtown pretty regularly for daytime meetings and also find myself circling for blocks before I find a space. Increasing those on street rates to encourage turnover is such a no brainer for so many reasons. (Less traffic from circling, easier access to parking, more revenue, and just another nudge for drivers that have the choice to consider other options.)

Nevermind...

A lane of traffic is closed in front of the parking ramp on 4th Ave, and it appears there may be other signage placed to block the ramp. Yet the ramp looked open. Will demo be soon? I don't see a demo permit yet. http://apps.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/PIApp/ ... 2924220353

Next Monday, apparently:

Next Monday, apparently:

I knew I choose a great city to live in.



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Anyone snapped a picture of the demo today? I assume it is being "disassembled" rather than imploded.

Doesn't look like much yet.

I think they're prepping and removing some items that may be valuable. They were on the roof at the little building working a bit ago. There were cars parking there last week.

"Demolition will be conducted by Carleton Cos. of Mankato and is expected to take about three months. Golden Valley-based Mortenson is the construction manager for the public service building project, and MSR Design of Minneapolis and Henning Larsen of New York are handling design."

https://finance-commerce.com/2018/06/de ... olis-ramp/

I saw the new office building proposal go before the committee of the whole, but has it gone before the planning commission in general?


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Demo proceeding slowly but surely on this one.

Are they trying to save something? What’s preventing them from just knocking it down?


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