the plaza features include "a terraced amphitheaterlike space and a drainable reflecting pool that could be used as a stage in summer and a skating rink in winter. Waterfalls absorbed noise; garden rooms offered intimacy and softened concrete edges." — NYT
Kathryn Shattuck writes the battle over the fate of Peavey Plaza, a two-acre outdoor public space in downtown Minneapolis designed by M. Paul Friedberg. The American Society of Landscape Architects recognized the plaza as one of the nation’s most significant examples of landscape architecture back in 1999. However, built in 1975, the space is now in a state of disrepair (including the fact that it meets neither Americans With Disabilities Act accessibility requirements nor sustainable water-use standards, and lacks the electrical supplies necessary for outdoor events) and the City of Minneapolis has commissioned a significant redesign. Preservationists arguing for rehabilitation suggest that there are "reasonable alternatives to the demolition".
2 Comments
Too bad. When I lived in Mpls in the 90s I (and LOTS of people) loved hanging out in this space. Despite needing technical upgrades/maintenance, it's a space that works!
It's a shame that the space couldn't be resolved with minimal invasion and demolition, but nonetheless, I'm sure the residents will now get an improvement on a place that they had already been frequenting and enjoying.
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.