urbanMSP

The parking ramp on the south side of 49 1/2 was mocked mercilessly by Chuck Marohn during his walkabout. Justifiably. And it will be replaced by this is what I'm reading?

But I LOOOVE parking in that ramp, for free. Though I'm usually able to get a space in the surface lot next to it.
(true confession)

Strib article on the redevelopment on 49 1/2.
http://www.startribune.com/plaza-housin ... =n&clmob=y

Screenshots taken from the Dec 20th agenda.

49 1/2 street proposal in Edina by Eric Anondson, on Flickr
49 1/2 street proposal in Edina by Eric Anondson, on Flickr
49 1/2 street proposal in Edina by Eric Anondson, on Flickr

Wow, this looks amazing. Right now, that entire ring of 49th 1/2, 51st, and Halifax feel like a service ring road around 50th and France itself -- the Duke Dr to their West End Blvd. (No offense, 50th & France.)

Anyway, I love this proposal, which firmly seats 49th 1/2 as a part of the district.

I liked that one proposal had a walkway with a staircase/ped ramp on the eastern part of the "ramp lot" north of 49 1/2th connecting up the the neighborhood to the north. One thing 50th & France really needs is a commitment to making it easy to get to by foot from the surrounding neighborhood (the other being zoning for density more than just in the core of the district), even if it's just a few small connections. In any case, even if I don't agree with the city spending so much money expanding free parking options, this site design was the best of all the options presented, and I'm really hopeful for that public plaza in the center of the block.

The DQ on 50th/Drew apparently closed down last weekend. Sounds like the land owner(s) got a nice offer.

I used to work there. It was pretty fun.

Wonder what will replace it...

I kinda like those parking ramps for some reason.

Wonder what will replace it...

Tasty Freeze

Finance and Commerce had a bit more about the developers. It's personal for them, they live very close to it.

http://finance-commerce.com/2017/01/dev ... a-project/

What about bike access on 49 1/2 Street? Would it be safe & comfortable if the speed limit were simply reduced to 20 mph? Do we need bike lanes or cycle tracks?

This entire area is ripe for a 20 MPH speed limit. What's fascinating is that 49 1/2 and 50th St already feel to have a <30 design speed.

Yes, except for the 2 lanes going east on 49 1/2 Street. I wonder if 2 lanes are even needed? The turn lane isn't really needed since only a few cars ever go straight (into a parking lot) or right (they'd have taken 50th Street), and the traffic light is optimized for left turns since the opposite parking lot doesn't have a green when 49 1/2 does. So get rid of the turn lane.

What about bike access on 49 1/2 Street? Would it be safe & comfortable if the speed limit were simply reduced to 20 mph? Do we need bike lanes or cycle tracks?

It's a low-speed/calm street -- although it seems a little zippier when it goes around the curve to Halifax. However, it's got 6700 ADT. Even at 20 mph, that's a lot for a timid cyclist to share with cars. As long as it remains a major ramp location for 50th & France, I think some sort of segregated facility is needed.

Pretty kewl:

http://finance-commerce.com/2016/12/edi ... ance-site/


I especially like the 40-foot tall hipster chick who looks fussy, yet inquisitive.

I especially like the string of bulbus crossing from building to building. It's artistic yet, still it's mocking other places that use above ground powerlines. I relish that tremendously.

The proposed name change for this block is Market St...

I like 49 1/2 St better, as there aren't many "__ 1/2 St" streets in the cities

If you want 1/2s, Uppers, and Lowers... move to Downtown Lakeville where the downtown street grid was adjusted to the Dakota County system in the 1980s. Upper 206th St West sounds so charming compared to Maple Street or whatever...

My parents live right by 43 1/2 street in SLP

This looks good! Glad to see them making this street into something.