Water Works

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board

Minneapolis, MN

Historical Renovation

7,000/SF Building + 3-Acre Site

HGA Architects

Damon Farber Landscape Architects

MacDonald & Mack Architects

H+U was the Construction Manager for the transformative park development project overlooking St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge. Designed specifically with community in mind, the project brings new historic, cultural, and recreational amenities including 3-acres of green space and plazas to an iconic location in the region. Project details include high amenity outdoor construction including precast seating, drinking fountains, raised plantings, pavers, and play areas. Additionally, H+U used existing mill ruins dating from the early 1800s to construct indoor meeting, event, and restaurant space for the internationally recognized Owamni by the Sioux Chef.

As the Construction Manager, H+U managed the work of all the trades, construction documents enforcement, and quality control while working alongside multiple stakeholders and partners. H+U assisted the Minneapolis Civil Rights department in developing MBE/WBE goals for the project, and a strong focus was placed on sustainability including B3 compliance. The extensive stormwater management plan included an underground stormwater reuse system for irrigation and flush water.

Water Works represents the completion of a 30-year vision for the Minneapolis Park + Recreation Board’s Mill Ruins Park, the third most popular park in Minneapolis with over 3 million visits annually.