Minnesota Planning Projects Receive 2024 APA MN Awards
Two Bolton & Menk planning projects have received recognition from the Minnesota Chapter of the American Planning Association for their outstanding contributions to planning throughout the State of Minnesota. The Northwest Central Commons Small Area Plan received the Comprehensive Plan or Small Area Plan Award, and the St. Cloud Historic Preservation Manual was given the Resilience and Sustainability Award. The awards committee evaluates nominees based on originality and innovation, engagement, implementation and effectiveness, quality, and promotion of planning.
Learn more about the award-winning projects!
Northwest Central Commons Small Area Plan, City of Eagan, Minnesota
In 2022, the City of Eagan faced a significant challenge with over 730,000 square feet of vacant office space across three major properties surrounding the 56-acre Eagan Central Park and Community Center. This substantial vacancy threatened the area’s economic vitality and community cohesion. Recognizing the need for a proactive approach, the city council sought a solution.
Bolton & Menk worked with the city to develop the Northwest Central Commons (NWCC) Small Area Plan, involving extensive public engagement and high design expectations. The plan included new public roads, trail connections, and dispersed parking to improve access to the park and adjacent neighborhoods. It integrated land uses to create a resilient, mixed-use neighborhood, transforming the traditionally disconnected suburban office headquarters.
The NWCC Small Area Plan generated significant market interest and aligned with the city’s redevelopment vision. It provided certainty and predictability for developers, fostering appropriate development. Public engagement allowed residents to voice concerns and contribute to the planning process, reducing previously held opposition. The community looks to enjoy a thoughtfully designed, accessible, and vibrant mixed-use area to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
St. Cloud Historic Preservation Manual, City of St. Cloud, Minnesota
The City of St. Cloud, Minnesota is home to more than 4,500 historic structures and 4 residential historic districts, and the St. Cloud Commercial Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998 and locally designated in 2002. To preserve and protect these structures and districts, the City of St. Cloud created the Downtown and Residential Preservation Design Manuals in 2003 and 2005, respectively, and worked with Bolton & Menk to release the 2024 Historic Preservation Manual. This manual was created to help enhance and protect St. Cloud’s unique character while supporting economic development and addressing housing demand.
The updated online manual contains best practices for improving historic buildings and provides St. Cloud staff with objective criteria to evaluate proposed applications. Bolton & Menk staff ensured the manual was easy to understand, with plain language, a glossary, sketches to illustrate right and wrong improvement methods, and color-coded keys to differentiate appropriate solutions. The manual also suggests energy-efficient replacement materials and technologies.
Residents and business owners indicated the new format was easier to understand and that including cost-friendly replacement materials will increase the likelihood for others to restore or repair their historic properties. The updated manual was approved and implemented in May 2024.
