Lowry Avenue reconstruction is underway
By: Nancy Beals 03/01/2006
The Lowry Avenue Corridor project is progressing. All the parcels needed for roadway construction have been acquired, either through direct purchase or through condemnation. On January 13 Hennepin County took possession of all remaining properties, and temporary and permanent easements needed for roadway reconstruction.
During construction, the City will reline the water pipes. During this process, there will be temporary water service. Signs directing vehicles to Lowry Avenue businesses will be located on the detour routes (Penn, 26th, Washington and Dowling Avenues). North/south traffic will be maintained during the reconstruction at Lyndale, Fremont and Emerson Avenues.
In addition to mailing a newsletter to area residents and business owners on the reconstruction process, Hennepin County will provide monthly construction progress updates to neighborhood organizations for publication. A construction manager will be on site to handle the daily concerns of the construction process. Updates will also be provided on the city and county websites.
Lund Martin, Inc. has begun construction on the renovation of North Regional Library. The capital project is proceeding according to schedule and within budget. The north exterior is being refurbished with a new glass curtainwall to create a more welcoming presence on Lowry; and the front entry will be reconfigured with a new stairway. The building’s new boilers and a new hot water heater have been installed.
KKE Architects continue to work with staff design teams on furniture, shelving and equipment specifications. Local artist, Marjorie Pitz, is in the final design phase for the City of Minneapolis Art in Public Places public art piece that will grace the building’s interior entry. The construction of a new bus shelter on Library property is being coordinated with the Metropolitan Transit Commission. Construction is expected to wind up in early summer, and plans are being made to reopen in January 2007 after an extensive moving-in process.
Watch for the next North Regional construction update on their web site in March. Contact Project Manager, Nina Biddle, at 612-630-6298 or nbiddle@mplib.org with project questions or concerns. The Fire Station will be completed in April.