Project Location
Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park
Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park encompasses the east and west banks of the Mississippi River between Plymouth Avenue and I-35W, including Father Hennepin Bluff Park, which is located on the east bank between the Stone Arch Bridge and 3rd Avenue SE.
Project Manager
Jon Duesman
Phone: 612-230-6471
Email: jduesman@minneapolisparks.org
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Language Resources
Correo Electrónico: preguntas@minneapolisparks.org Email: suaalo@minneapolisparks.org
Key Documents
Status
What's New
Father Hennepin Bluff Park is open!
Popular riverside park reopens after full renovation project
Father Hennepin Bluff Park Update: Restroom building open, park expected to reopen in June
New restrooms are open, fencing scheduled to come down in June, concerts return July 11
Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvements project is nearly complete!
New restrooms open in May, fencing will come down in June, concerts return in July
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Upcoming Meetings
Funding Sources and History
Father Hennepin Bluff Park History
In 2016 the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board approved the Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan. The purpose of the Master Plan is to provide guidance on the redevelopment and enhancement of existing facilities and resources that endeavors to create “a regional park that will connect people to the Mississippi River, restore and enhance natural resources, reveal and interpret past and present nature and culture, engage visitors and adapt to changing social, economic and ecological realities.”
The Metropolitan Council Regional Park Operation & Maintenance Fund directed $1.38 million to improvements at Father Hennepin Bluff Park. This project funding addresses improvements identified in the master plan for the upper portion of Father Hennepin Bluff Park.
Design and Archeology
Building Design
Materials chosen for the new park building reflect the character of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District. To ensure compliance with material selection, St. Anthony Falls Historic District Design Guidelines were used as a reference during design. The building concept design was reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission, with full acceptance.
The new building is comprised of materials very much in character with the area – masonry block, wood and steel. The majority of the single story building will utilize a two-toned block color scheme, the underside of the performance stage canopy is wood tongue and groove and steel columns support the canopy. These materials will preserve the character of this historic district and provide a friendly and welcoming experience for park users.
Archeological Studies
An Archeological Literature Review and Archeological Study were completed in 2019. These efforts revealed the potential for subsurface historical cultural resources dating as far back as the 1850s. Portions of the proposed park improvements could impact these archaeological features.
Along Main Street, portions of two 19th century building foundations were discovered. This area could also contain additional historic and prehistoric features. As a result of these findings, construction activities will be monitored for the presence of any historical cultural features.