Location
City of Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Overview
“The Downtown Riverfront revitalization is a significant undertaking that happens to be located in the heart of our great community. Although the project itself is complex and an inconvenience during construction, Bolton & Menk’s staff consistently communicates with the adjacent business owners. It is a valuable aspect to our business community for them to have the ability to maintain operations in a safe manner during construction. Open communication with our residents and businesses is the city’s top priority during the revitalization project(s). Bolton & Menk has and continues to demonstrate positive community interaction not only in the project design phase but as well, during actual construction.”
– Brian Yavarow, City Engineer
Solutions
Sectors
Early in 2018, Fergus Falls adopted a Downtown and Riverfront Master Plan aimed at uncovering economic and recreational opportunities along the Ottertail River corridor. Bolton & Menk was enlisted to guide the city through the planning process.
By 2021, with the final master plan and funding in place, Bolton & Menk developed design documents for a segment of the downtown riverfront. The proposed enhancements included a versatile river market structure, regional bike and pedestrian improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and public spaces like a splash pad, all shaped by community feedback gathered through meetings, events, surveys, and social media.
With these plans finalized, the city pursued and obtained funding to progress with phase 1 construction in 2022, which included the market structure, parking lot improvements, bike trail extension, river overlook, monumentation, and gathering spaces. Phase 2 was completed in 2024 with additional features like a splash pad, interactive river feature, public art, shade structures, multiple gathering spaces, and a public restroom building.
Because of the innovative planning, engineering, and landscape architecture, the city has a beautiful downtown riverfront area that attracts users from across the region.
Awards
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City Engineers Association of Minnesota – 2024 Project of the Year – Non-Transportation Category
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American Public Works Association – Minnesota Chapter – 2024 Project of the Year – Outstate Category
