Skyways

A series of pedestrian bridges, linking buildings on either side of the street, are illuminated int he night in downtown Minneapolis.

The Pandemic Has Not Been Kind to Pedestrian Skyways in the Twin Cities

Already a source of eternal controversy for their effects on street life and local business, pedestrian skyways have proven even more problematic during the pandemic.

April 18, 2022 - Governing

St. Paul Skyway

Skyways Inspire Debate About the Future of Downtown St. Paul

The debate over public safety in Downtown St. Paul is once again focused on the city's skyways. There, concerns about access challenge any possible solutions.

June 16, 2017 - MinnPost

St. Paul Skyway

Minneapolis Skyways Headed for Minneapolis Landfills?

New codes intend to make skyways more accessible for all Minneapolans, but some say that no improvements can go far enough to make Minneapolis as walkable and lively as it would be without them.

December 6, 2016 - Next City

St. Paul Skyway

Public Safety a Growing Concern in St. Paul Skyways

As more people come to Downtown St. Paul to live and sightsee, foot traffic in the city's famous skyways has increased at later hours of the day and night. With that new traffic comes new concerns about public safety.

May 13, 2016 - StarTribune

A Dissenting Take on the Nicollet Mall Planning Process

While many are excited about the prospect of James Corner Field Operations redesigning the Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, one commenter sees some of the worst dynamics of top-down planning at work.

January 8, 2015 - Streets MN

New Designs Revealed for $50 Million Renovation of Minneapolis' Nicollet Mall

The public recently got a first look at a new design proposal from James Corner Field Operations for the $50 million improvement of Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis.

December 17, 2014 - MinnPost

Debate Over Minneapolis Skyways Continues

Minneapolis is working to turn the deteriorating Nicollet Mall into a vibrant public space—even hiring James Corner Field Operations (of High-Line fame) as designer. Will the revitalization of the area require the removal of the mall’s four skyways?

February 6, 2014 - Minneapolis Post

Could Minneapolis' Skyways Actually Enliven the City's Streetscape?

Although they've been derided by urbanists near and far, Minneapolitans overwhelmingly support the city's Skyways. James Corner Field Operations embraces the skyway system as a key element in its proposal for the city's Nicollet Mall Redesign.

October 7, 2013 - Streets MN

Skywalk Plan Threatens Cleveland's Budding Street Life

A downtown Cleveland casino is pushing to build a skywalk to connect to its parking garage located across the street. Recognizing the anti-urban implications of the plan, an unlikely activist has organized opposition to the project.

April 17, 2013 - The Atlantic Cities

Twins Logo Sign

The Twin Cities's Worst Planning Mistakes

Tired of all those year end "Best of" lists? This should cleanse your palate. Marlys Harris has gathered a list of the nine worst decisions made by planners in the history of the Twin Cities.

December 20, 2012 - MinnPost

Dear Minneapolis Skyway: Here's Your Tongue-in-Cheek Birthday Greeting

Bill Lindeke discusses the history of Minneapolis' Skyways and argues why we shouldn't celebrate a system that he believes is failing its downtown.

August 29, 2012 - twin city sidewalks

Videos Critique Twin Cities' Skyways

Skyways in Minneapolis and St. Paul have been a major part of the two cities downtowns for years, but are also blamed for killing their streetlife. A new video competition challenged filmmakers to explore that dichotomy.

April 7, 2011 - MinnPost

An Inside Look At The Skyways Of Downtown Minneapolis

How and why Minneapolis built the nation's largest skyway system.

January 11, 2006 - The Next American City

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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

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