Gold Medal Park - Second Street and 11 th Avenue South
Photo by Michael Mingo, courtesy of Oslund and Associates
In 2006, the City spurred the development of an 8-acre public park along the Mississippi Riverfront through a unique public-private partnership involving the City, a private foundation, and the Guthrie Theater. The park provides an expansive swath of green space in the historic Mill District neighborhood and creates vital connections to the nearby Mississippi River.
In late 2005, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of the City-owned Riverfront East parcel located at 11 th Avenue and 2 nd Street South. A park/recreational amenity was among possible development options included in the RFP. In spring 2006, the City selected a proposal from the McGuire Family Foundation for the development of a public park and negotiated a lease for the City’s portion of the land with the newly formed Park Development Foundation. The Guthrie Theater is also leasing its portion of the park land to the Foundation.
Construction of the park began in the fall of 2006 and was completed by spring 2007, with the grand opening held in May 2007. The Park Development Foundation funded construction of the park and is responsible for ongoing operations and maintenance during the lease term.
Highlights of Gold Medal Park include:
- Over 300 mature, large-caliper trees planted.
- A landscaped 32-foot high observation mound, with a spiral walkway leading to the top, provides sweeping, panoramic views of the Mississippi River and architectural and cultural landmarks in the area—the Stone Arch Bridge, the Guthrie Theater, and the Gold Medal Flour sign.
- Undulating pathways leading through the park mimic the flow of the river and lead park-goers to and from the Riverfront.
- A long stretch of linden trees lining the 2 nd Street boulevard creates a natural border for the park and provides a pleasant pedestrian walkway to the Guthrie Theater.
- The park has helped leverage and support nearby residential developments and is a key attraction in the burgeoning Mill District neighborhood, which includes the Guthrie Theater, Mill City Museum, Mill City Farmers Market, MacPhail Center for Music, and the Chicago Avenue Mall.
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Developer: |
Park Development Foundation |
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Landscape Architect/Designer: |
Oslund and Associates |
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Development Objectives: |
Development of an 8-acre public park, providing a large swath of green space in the historic Mill District neighborhood and creating vital connections to the nearby Mississippi Riverfront. |
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Construction Costs: |
Approximately $3 million privately financed by the Park Development Foundation for planning/design, environmental assessment/mitigation, and construction of the park. |
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Operations and Maintenance: |
Approximately $100,000 - $175,000 annually, funded and provided by the Foundation. |
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City Investment: |
$3 million for land acquisition and site clearance. The City is leasing its portion of the park land to the Foundation (10-year lease term). |
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Other Partners: |
The Guthrie Theater Foundation is leasing a portion of the park land to the Foundation (10-year lease term). |
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Construction Began: |
Fall 2006 |
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Construction Completed: |
Spring 2007 |
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Contact: |
CPED Project Coordinator: |
Updated: August 30, 2011
Last updated Oct. 28, 2011