Case studies for stormwater treatment trains
This site is under construction. Anticipated completion date is July, 2015.
Treatment Train Case Studies
Heritage Park, Minneapolis
In the ultra-urban setting of Minneapolis, space for stormwater infrastructure is at a premium in urban retrofit projects such as Heritage Park due to demand for affordable housing intensity and physical constraints. Stormwater from the site before redevelopment was collected through a large underground tunnel system and discharged without pre-treatment directly to the Mississippi River. The challenge at this 145-acre redevelopment site was to incorporate stormwater amenities into the overall site design and best utilize the limited space available.
Project summary
- Location: Minneapolis
- Landscape Setting: Urban
- Drainage Area: ~400 acres
- Project Area: 145 acres
- Project Timeline: 2001 to 2007
- Project Cost: $225 million ($75 million infrastructure; $150 million housing)
- More Information: City of Minneapolis
Background
The Near Northside neighborhood of Minneapolis was originally developed in the late 19th century on land characterized by low-lying swamps, tributary springs, upland seepage and surface runoff areas associated with Bassett Creek. Several generations built low-income housing on wetland and floodplain areas that had been filled and drained in the early 20th century. The early single-family structures failed due to these unstable conditions and were replaced by higher-density rowhouses in public housing projects. These also experienced differential settling of structures, utilities, streets and sidewalks over time due to the poor soil conditions.