Memo - APA MN Student Projrct Award Memo• MEMO
To: Hopkins City Council
From: Tara Beard, Community Development Coordinator
Date: November 12, 2010
Subject: APA MN Student Project Award
In 2009 the City of Hopkins participated with the Humphrey Institute in a student capstone. A
group of three graduate students provided a report on the Downtown Hopkins Station planned for
the Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) project; specifically on how that station will relate to
Downtown Hopkins for transit users, pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. There were three
main issues in the scope: 1) Redevelopment along 81h Ave that will draw transit riders to
Mainstreet and reduce barriers to crossing Excelsior Blvd, including design guidelines and
streetscape recommendations; 2) Circulator options to connect people from the Downtown
Transit Station to various destinations, including Mainstreet, other LRT stations, and major
employment centers; and 3) Design of 8th Ave itself, including an examination of what modes of
mobility would be permitted and how they would interact.
The final product from the students addressed all issues well, particularly exceeding expectations
• around analysis and ideas for streetscape. The students proposed a "shared street" concept that
was progressive and exciting, while providing alternative ideas if the shared street concept was
not feasible. The examination of circulator transit options was extremely thorough, and provided
an excellent beginning from which the City of Hopkins can continue to explore this option. With
the information provided in'the report, the City has approach partners, funders, and the public
with an idea of the costs and benefits of a circulator route from the Downtown LRT Station
throughout Hopkins. Their recommendations have been well received and will continue to
inform the City as it pursues redevelopment of this important corridor.
Because of the quality and usefulness of the report staff worked with the students to nominate the
project for an American Planning Association - Minnesota Chapter Planning Award. At the
state conference this September the City accepted the award on the student's behalf. The City
would like to now present the award to Greta Alquist, Andrew Guthrie, and Cole Hiniker in
recognition of their outstanding work.
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