Metro Green Line LRT – Strategic Stormwater Solutions for Transit-Oriented Development

The City of Saint Paul retained SRF’s team of water resource design experts and a public artist to develop a unique stormwater and green infrastructure plan to assist the Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis in meeting their goals for transit-oriented development (TOD), new parks and open spaces, and enhanced livability along the Green Line Light Rail Transit line, which links the downtowns of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

The SRF team performed both technical studies and policy development for the project. The feasibility of implementing shared, stacked-function green infrastructure along the Green Line LRT was investigated to meet stormwater treatment requirements, while also facilitating increased redevelopment densities. The SRF team worked with a stakeholder advisory committee comprised of two watershed management organizations; Minneapolis and Saint Paul public works, planning and parks departments; the University of Minnesota; and two non-profit organizations. SRF also conducted developer focus groups to better understand the full range of issues and opportunities associated with shared, stacked green infrastructure (SSGI). Project goals also included incorporating public art and developing a replicable tool for other developing transit corridors within the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

This complex urban redevelopment study required an innovative synthesis of policy, engineering, design issues, and numerous competing interests into a comprehensive and cohesive vision. The study provided a clear, concise development guide with a replicable approach that serves as a critical tool for elected officials, developers, and agency staff to help meet their goals for creating vibrant, green, and sustainable spaces along the Green Line. SRF led this challenging process and brought numerous stakeholders to consensus on a wide range of issues. More importantly, the study and its process started a meaningful dialogue between agencies, cities, and developers that continues to evolve.