Update on Design for 325 Blake Road – MCWD Property; Elverum
CITY OF HOPKINS
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
Mike Mornson, City Manager
From: Kersten Elverum, Director of Planning & Development
Date: October 12, 2021
Subject: Update on Design for 325 Blake Road – MCWD Property
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PURPOSE
The purpose of the October 12, 2021, work session discussion is to receive an update
on design work for the property at 325 Blake Road that the Minnehaha Creek
Watershed District intends to retain, after the sale of the majority of the site to a private
developer. The design was influenced by MCWD goals and input from stakeholders
including the Hopkins City Council on March 16, 2021.
INFORMATION
The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) owns the property at 325 Blake
Road, often referred to as the Cold Storage Site due to its previous use. The MCWD
purchased the property in 2011 as a key piece of the Minnehaha Creek Greenway
restoration. Central to the work the MCWD intends to undertake on this property is the
establishment a regional stormwater treatment facility. Stormwater from 270 acres will
be brought into the site through two diversion pipes, already in place, and treated in a
stormwater pond in the eastern portion of the site. Another major goal that will be
accomplished with the project is the extension of the Minnehaha Creek Greenway
through the site, creating a connection the Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail and
Cottageville Park.
Staff from the MCWD will present the plans, which are at 30% design, at the work
session and solicit any feedback the City Council wants to provide.
FUTURE ACTION
While the City of Hopkins will not be approving the work that takes place on the MCWD
property as part of a land use approval process, the City will be asked to approve the
associated development proposed by Alatus development. It is critical that the
improvements on both properties work together to create a dynamic, integrated
experience for everyone to enjoy.
Planning & Development
Department