Upper Harbor plans call for multiple uses along Mississippi River in Minneapolis

The future redevelopment of nearly 50 acres along the Mississippi River in north Minneapolis could include housing, offices, a park, industrial space as well as a performing arts center, according to plans revealed last week.

More details were released to give community members the first look at what the city's Upper Harbor Terminal could possibly look like after transformation. A group that includes United Properties, Thor Development and First Avenue was the only development team to submit plans after the city's call for proposals.

"In its simplest form, our goal is to create a unique and beloved place; a place that invites the region, but respects the wishes of the neighborhood and contributes to its quality of life — economic, social and cultural," the developers wrote in their submission to the city.

The plans call for 180,000 square feet of manufacturing space, up to 150,000 square feet of office space, 700 to 1,000 housing units, no more than 70,000 square feet of retail space and an amphitheater that could fit 10,000 people. The plan also envisions two acres to be used as part of an incubator program for nonprofits. Thoughts for 18 acres of park space include a 100-foot wide walkway along the length of the park and connections to north Minneapolis neighborhoods via Dowling Avenue N. and a pedestrian bridge.

Community input is being sought through an online survey through Sunday. The City Council and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board still have to decide whether they will select the development team and start the planning process.

Besides the main developers, several other organizations have signed on as partners. The design team is made up of Coen + Partners, El Dorado Architects, LSE Architects, Nitsch Engineering and Pierce Pini + Associates. Programming partners include the Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Opera and Minnesota Public Radio. The development's community partner is Juxtaposition Arts, the nonprofit arts center in north Minneapolis.

Nicole Norfleet