Direct Design Assistance: Rivers Edge Development Options, St. Paul Park/Grey Cloud Township, MN, 2005

A new development south of St. Paul Park, MN, and the adjacent Grey Cloud Island Township will bring 1,000-2,000 new housing units and additional commercial space to this area along the Mississippi River. The development includes approximately 440 developable acres, a portion of which is within the Mississippi River critical area. The site developer has provided a preliminary plan for the area that has been controversial. Friends of the Mississippi River asked the Design Center to create a set of alternative design options for the aid in community discussions and to illustrate that there are several options for how this development could occur.

The Design Center created three design options to facilitate discussion between the community members and other stakeholders. Two designs illustrated plans for 1,920 units, the number of units in the most recent plan by the developer, and a third illustrated a plan with 1,200 units. The options explored different ways that the development could occur by illustrating different lot sizes, road patterns, and open space systems. The critical area was treated differently in each design; one option designated it as a restored natural area, one incorporated recreational space, and one allowed limited development. The designs were presented during a public workshop, and participants provided valuable feedback about each of the designs that will be used in city discussions with the developer.

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Outcome: The design options aided community discussions, illustrating that there are several options for how this development could occur. Following those larger discussions, the City of Saint Paul Park revised its comprehensive planning.

Credits: The project team included Ann Forsyth, Katie Thering, Chelsa Johnson, and Joanne Richardson.

 





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