Historic Walker Lake Revitalization Plan

When the City of St. Louis Park were looking for ways to revitalize the Historic Walker Lake area to attract more visitors and promote economic growth, SRF worked with the City to develop a future area plan focused on potential development opportunities for the notable neighborhood. As a member of the consultant team, SRF’s contribution was related to mobility system options and parking availability (bike share, car share, micromobility share). As a forward-thinking community, the City of St. Louis Park appreciated the opportunity to be leaders on mobility.

SRF worked with our consultant partners to develop a scalable plan that outlined design considerations for the built environment and mobility management considerations that could be worked into all programs for future development improvements in this historic neighborhood. SRF developed mobility realm design options and parking strategies/policies that set this area up for ultimate success. Our work included:

• Baseline area and district context
• History of the Walker Lake Streetscape Plan
• Redevelopment context
• Mobility perspective (i.e., pedestrian, bicycle, micro-mobility, transit, car options)
• Parking supply and demand needs assessment for all mobility options, including car services
• Community engagement strategy and facilitation

As a result of the plan, the City has rezoned Historic Walter Lake district as neighborhood mixed use. A set of design guidelines was also developed for property owners and developers for redevelopment, infill, and new development. The revitalization efforts have successfully attracted over 100 businesses to the district, including restaurants, salons, pet stores, fitness studios, and clothing boutiques and public art installations have enhanced the district’s aesthetic appeal.