New Nicollet Redevelopment Plan

In the 1970s, a site along Nicollet Avenue in Southwest Minneapolis was envisioned as a vibrant urban village. However, budget constraints and shifting real estate conditions led to a car-centric strip mall that severed the street connection. After decades of effort, the City of Minneapolis recently managed to regain control of the property, with the intent of revitalizing the area with a vibrant mixed-use redevelopment.

Bolton & Menk led the effort to create a worthy redevelopment for this high-profile site. The process involved market analysis, scenario development, and extensive public outreach. To take on the challenge of multiple ambitious goals, our team developed the concept of “reach” elements, which addressed expectations around urban design, sustainability, community-serving uses, housing options and affordability, retail and service needs, transit and multimodal integration, and parks and public realm planning and design. The ranking system provided guidance for City staff to use in implementing the plan, including approaches for development phasing, future coordination and public outreach, and soliciting developer interest.

The resulting plan was approved by the Minneapolis City Council, with support from staff and the community. Since its approval, City staff have moved forward with plans to develop the first phase of the site, in accordance with the plan's direction.