Objectives
Mill Ruins Park in Minneapolis, MN, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The park preserves the remaining old flour and lumber mills on the city’s Mississippi Riverfront. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board wanted to revive the long-neglected locale while ensuring the park maintained its historical integrity.
Solutions
The project involved reconstructing a tailrace—an area downstream from the dam where the impounded water re-enters the river—that runs alongside the excavated ruins. Architects at URS Corporation designed a segmental retaining wall (SRW) along the north side of the tailrace. The SRW would hold back the enormous mass of soil behind it, uphold long-lasting durability, and blend well with the historical surroundings.
Results
The SRWs implemented in this project replicate the weathered stonework of the historic Stone Arch Bridge and other surrounding structures. Their weathered brown and grey hues match the aged limestone walls, making them the natural choice for the renovation. A landscape architect from URS Corporation lauded the SRWs as a cost-effective and fitting solution, further enhancing the park’s historical charm.
Team & Location
Owner: City of Minneapolis
Designer: URS Corporation
Producer: Willow Creek Concrete Products
Installers: Lunda Construction, FM Frattalone Excavation and Grading, Martin Lake Contracting Inc.
Project Location: Minneapolis, MN