For release: April 8, 2014
Contact:
Mike Opat, Hennepin County Board chairman, 612-348-7881
Peter McLaughlin, Hennepin County Board, 612-348-7884
Maria Elena Baca, Hennepin County Public Affairs, 612-348-7865
News release
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners, Regional Rail
Authority, and Housing and Redevelopment Authority gave approval Tuesday to
final agreements with United Properties, the Minnesota Twins and Metro Transit
for development around Target Field Station, a multimodal transportation
station located just to the west of the ballpark.
The station is set to open May 17. This set of agreements
clears the way for a second platform for light rail transit, a public plaza
connecting to the ballpark promenade, a “Great Lawn” amphitheater, a 289-stall
parking ramp, retail space and a landscaped area suitable for additional
development.
“Target Field Station is a visionary project that unites
transit and entertainment in the core of the region. Seeing these agreements
through required hard work and a lot of trust between the negotiating parties,”
said Hennepin County Board Chairman Mike Opat. “The result will be a breathtaking piece of architecture that provides essential improvements for transit riders and downtown visitors from all over.”
Eventually, Target Field Station will connect approximately
500 trains arriving and departing daily via the METRO Blue Line (Hiawatha), the
METRO Green Line (Central Corridor) and the Northstar Commuter Rail. The METRO
Green Line (Southwest) and Blue Line (Bottineau) extensions will bring
additional rail service and connections to the region.
“The various lines and transit modes that
converge on Target Field Station, coupled with 81 game days each year, makes
this a dynamic and exciting space,” said Hennepin County Commissioner Peter
McLaughlin. “ The enormous investment interest in the area has dramatically
changed the surrounding tax base. If you put it all together, Hennepin County’s
partnership with the Minnesota Twins, Metro Transit, and United Properties will
yield an estimated value of approximately $20 million to the County.”
Tens of thousands of rail and bus commuters passing through
the area each day will have access to existing amenities such as the ballpark,
the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market, abundant entertainment, and other amenities
that will be realized as the area is redeveloped.
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Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/news.
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