Deal Clears Way for Construction of Minneapolis' "Grand Central"

Efforts to expand the revitalization of downtown Minneapolis’ historic North Loop area got a shot in the arm this week with an agreement to build Target Field Station as "Minnesota’s version of New York City’s Grand Central Terminal".

"A sweeping plan to add a park, jumbo display screen, retail stores and a public plaza to the $79.3 million rail hub being built near Target Field will get the go-ahead Thursday from the Hennepin County Board," reports Rochelle Olson. "Rather than a bare-bones, transit-only hub, the county pumped up the project to include retail, parking, a public gathering spot and green space, the Metropolitan Transit police headquarters and potentially privately developed offices above the police headquarters."

"County Board Chairman Mike Opat said the station will be a 'special place that people will remember whether they live here or are just traveling through. It’s part transit station, part art venue and part entertainment center.'”