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Knutson Construction team awarded Design-Build contract
 Opening in 2014, the Interchange will provide a regional multi-modal transportation hub and community gathering place. For more information, visit www.theinterchange.net.
Hennepin County Commissioner
612-348-7884
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Project Manager
612-543-7273
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Hennepin County Public Affairs
612-348-6883
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 Image Courtesy of Knutson Construction/EE&K a Perkins Eastman company
Autumn at the Interchange will reveal a beautiful backdrop of landscape and plantings that connect the city to the larger regional context and celebrated natural systems.
Knutson Construction team awarded Design-Build Contract
Earlier this afternoon, the Hennepin County Board awarded a $72 million Interchange Design-Build contract to the Knutson Construction team including architects, contractors and engineers. Design and construction is scheduled to begin in July and will generate more than 300 full-time jobs through the construction period.
Once construction is completed in 2014, The Interchange will be a bustling
urban park, transit station and neighborhood gathering space. This
one-of-a-kind destination will connect approximately 500 trains arriving and
departing daily via the METRO Blue Line (Hiawatha LRT), METRO Green Line
(Central Corridor LRT) and Northstar Commuter Rail, as well as more than 1,900 daily bus trips, and miles of
bike and walking trails.
The
Interchange design highlights open, flexible public spaces that bring together
transit and urban culture into a one-of-a-kind transit station that enhances
commuters’ experience and promotes stronger neighborhoods. The Interchange will
include an urban neighborhood plaza, with areas available for neighborhood bars
and eateries, cultural and entertainment spaces and community events.
This
unique urban area will hold natural, recreational and entertainment spaces,
including the Great Lawn, which will be the heart of the Interchange: a large
green “‘stage,’” providing new opportunities for large pre-game events,
community concerts, seasonal events, as well as a space for individual
activities. The Great Lawn will create valuable green space and a new park for
downtown, and 250 parking spaces underneath. In the winter, steam from the
Hennepin Energy Recovery Center will melt snow and ice from walkways, paths and
stairs.
An amphitheater and informal seating area will form
The Cascade. The Cascade will be a flexible open space that will provide
year-long entertainment and recreation opportunities, including a place for informal
lunch meetings between friends or clients, street fairs, or an impromptu
concert arena.
 Image Courtesy of Knutson Construction/EE&K a Perkins Eastman company
The Cascade, a grand stair reminiscent of Saint Anthony Falls, connects the upper and lower plazas and serves as both a movement system for large crowds and a space for smaller social interactions/performances.
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