urbanMSP

In essence they seem to be replacing 835 surface lot spaces with 880 ramp spaces. So 45 additional spaces. And the $51.67 a month user fee will increase.

Regarding HCMC, will closing Park and Portland make it any harder for ambulances to cross the river? And won't travel to any destinations to the east, west or south be completely unaffected? It seems like the only place that'd experience slower ambulance response would be the Mill District, and the ...

the ideal location of the ramp is on the other side - bounded by Chicago Ave, 6th Street, and Carew Drive.

The MSFA is already planning a 560-space ramp on that block.

So how do you envision Ryan closing this deal with no ramp? Would they ask Wells Fargo employees to commute to the office Disneyland-style?

By the way, in case anyone missed it, on this page under Schematic Designs, there are PDFs with high res images of absolutely everything related to the stadium, including the Ryan development, plaza designs, landscape designs, sun studies, parking options, road alterations, drainage…you name it. htt...

The Vikings Hall of Fame will be inside the stadium. You can see it in the drawing on page 4.

http://www.minneapolismn.gov/www/groups ... 108657.pdf

I'm sure this is by design to preserve views, provide for vendors/activities, and even media presence.

That may have been part of it. The views will be awesome for sure. But I think primarily they just need plenty of room to accommodate tens of thousands of people as they exit those massive doors.

Most of you will find this interesting. The drawings...

http://www.minneapolismn.gov/www/groups ... 108657.pdf

There's a lot of insight in this article, written by a member of the Stadium Implementation Committee. Here's a key quote: "It’s important to note that there was no committee like this one when the Metrodome was built. In fact, the visionaries, who probably met at the Minneapolis Club, didn’t w...

The NBA routinely holds its All Star Game in non-NBA venues. The 2010 game was at Cowboys stadium. It's also been at the Silverdome, Hoosierdome and Astrodome.

Anyone else think it's crazy the design options show dedicated turn lanes to southbound Portland Ave if Portland ends up severed between 4th and 5th Streets? Wouldn't southbound Portland still be used by people driving to 4th so they could either leave downtown or find a parking ramp by the stadium...

The hall of fame will definitely be in the building. Bagley confirms this in an interview from yesterday. And as with any museum, the gift shop should be adjacent. It's logical to locate them at the northwest corner where the majority of foot traffic is. http://www.kare11.com/news/article/1026470/24...

Regarding why the roof isn't entirely transparent, is it possible that the architects wanted to intentionally create shade in the seating bowl? That way we can choose seats based not just on sightlines but also on sun exposure. At an MLS game in late July, seats in the shade will be mighty comfy.

Anyone have a clear understanding of where this proposal actually stands? Still many more hoops to jump through?

There's at least one major bug to be fixed. As far as I know, Wells Fargo has yet to agree to this scheme.

Grass would indeed be cool, but I'm guessing they'll opt for the more durable and economical fake turf. Then again, they're trying to lure an MLS team, and MLS prefers grass.

I'm pretty sure this building has the largest main entry of any enclosed structure on planet Earth. We probably shouldn't worry about folks using skyways too much.

I think it's absolutely brilliant. Looks a bit like a ship. Echoes the Walker Art Center a bit. Has literally the largest clear roof on planet Earth. The north side is where the parking ramp will be. It's not pictured but it'll be there. Also, on the "prow" where the picture of Adrian Pete...

Thanks for the thoughtful responses to my rather snidely worded question. Good info.

That same outer lane is 11' wide at all times for the school children.

Look, I get that narrow lanes exist. I just wonder if it's absolutely necessary to further squeeze vehicles on downtown's only major east-west artery. Instead why can't we narrow the sidewalk "chatting" space outside the cafe? Or would that result in bloodied, maimed, screaming hipsters?