Target Field Station is among the recipients of the nation's most prestigious architecture awards, which were announced Friday.
The 2015 Institute Honor Awards for Regional and Urban Design were given by the American Institute of Architects to designers on 23 projects, including the expanded light rail stop at Target Field.
The architectural firm Perkins Eastman, based in New York, developed the station for Hennepin County. Several Twin Cities companies partnered on the project, including SEH, Parsons Electric, Michaud Cooley Erickson, Palanisami & Associates, Knutson Construction, TKDA and 4RM+ULA.
The judges wrote, "Target Field Station is one of the first spaces in the country to truly integrate transit and culture. The site's Great Lawn provides a green stage for pregame events, community concerts, and other activities, and an urban plaza includes areas for restaurants and cultural and entertainment events."
Opened last summer, the $79.3 million rail hub and public plaza was celebrated for creating a seamless interchange for pedestrians as well as the multiple modes of transportation it serves, including light rail, bus and bike.
The institute applauded Target Field Station for its adherence to the "open transit" principles, which try to forge connections between culture, transit infrastructure, public space and private investments.
The national organization also highlighted the design's future-looking capabilities, referencing the possibility of new rail lines. The award comes as a leading contender for expansion, the Southwest light-rail line, is hitting resistance at the State Capitol and in several metro municipalities. The proposed line would stretch from Target Field Station to Eden Prairie.
Kristen Leigh Painter • 612-673-4767
