The architect for the new Minnesota Vikings stadium is heading outstate twice in the next month to get perspective from rural Minnesotans on what they want to see in the design of the nearly $1 billion downtown Minneapolis development.
HKS Inc., the project architect, and representatives of the Vikings and Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority plan to meet with the public at informal listening sessions in Rochester and Duluth in mid to late November.
The forum in Rochester is scheduled for 5:30 to 7 pm. Nov. 13 at the Doubletree Hotel, 150 South Broadway. A similar meeting will be held in Duluth Nov. 27 at a time and location yet to be determined.
Michele Kelm-Helgen, the authority chairwoman, said HKS should have schematic designs ready for viewing by late January or early February.
The authority is working with the Vikings in overseeing the project. Groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for late next summer. The Vikings hope to have the stadium finished in time for the 2016 NFL season.
