Project Description
Target Field Station is the central connection point for all modes of public transportation in the Twin Cities region. It is the main hub for four separate light rail transit (LRT) lines connecting to the North Star commuter rail, a bus transit station, and the heavily trafficked Cedar Lake bike trail, all passing directly through the corridor or the adjacent site. The project requirements were to create a new elevated LRT station/platform—connected seamlessly with the existing elevated Target Field Stadium Promenade to the east and the existing lower-level street network to the north—through the use of publicly accessible open space.
The project embodies several design principles for “open transit,” beginning with its compression into a dense, high-quality series of interconnected experiences. This density created comfortable walking distances with clear sight lines, bringing the varying transit modes together; opened up the rest of the site to allow for future development; allowed for an iconic station canopy and amphitheater as its centerpiece; brought the transit and cultural users together in one shared space; and focused the project’s design and financial resources into a singular composition of interconnected spaces to create a signature Minneapolis destination. The promotion of public transportation and the creation of iconic public space in an urban environment are the cornerstones of building sustainably. This, combined with a storm-water collection system and a snow-melt system that reduces salt de-icing, only add to the sustainable approach to the project.
Target Field Station is one of the first spaces in the country to truly integrate transit and culture. The site’s Great Lawn provides a green stage for pregame events, community concerts, and other activities, and an urban plaza includes areas for restaurants and cultural and entertainment events.
Courtesy AIA