Though it’s still waiting for $20 million in state bonding, the City of Minneapolis released a staff report Friday voicing its intention to redesign Nicollet Mall, which hasn’t been reconstructed in over 20 years, according to the Star Tribune.
The city will seek out four design teams, who will then publicly present their ideas for the remodel; one winner will be chosen, partially based on public reactions to the proposals.
City officials hope to select a winning design team by this fall.
The total reconstruction will cost about $30 million, of which $21 million is construction. Construction is expected to be complete by 2015 or 2016.
In his last state of the city speech Wednesday Mayor R.T. Rybak said that a new “Nicollet Green,” will be incorporated into the city by 2025.
The vision for Nicollet Mall, according to the Downtown Council’s 2025 plan, is for it to become “the region’s premier walking experience” with the addition of landscaping, a “curb-less walking environment,” increased public transportation, and artistic features.