Hastings Riverfront Project Receives Award

Two men are standing indoors, each holding an award plaque. The man on the left is wearing a dark suit, while the man on the right is in a burgundy sweater with an M logo. The plaques have text but are not fully readable in the image.

The American Public Works Association (APWA) – Minnesota Chapter recognized the City of Hastings at the annual conference on November 17. The City of Hastings Riverfront Renaissance Improvements project received a Project of the Year Honorable Mention for their work to revitalize and reconnect their downtown to the Mississippi River.

The City of Hastings and Bolton & Menk collaborated to cultivate a collaborative, consensus-based plan focusing on the ideas and values of the overall community. A three-phase Riverfront Renaissance Master Plan was developed, including nine blocks of street and sidewalk reconstruction and construction of Levee Park. The park features an open-air limestone amphitheater and pavilion accommodating a 500-plus audience, art installations, musical playground, Mississippi River Trail enhancements, veterans memorial, pocket parks, and a labyrinth that transforms into a recreational ice staking rink with warming hut. 

Through these combined efforts the city now has a uniquely stunning downtown connected to the Mississippi River that honors their history and thrives as a visitor destination.

Pictured left to right: Brian Hilgardner (Bolton & Menk Project Manager), Nick Egger (City of Hastings Public Works Director)