When undertaking its 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update, the City of Edina wanted to provide additional guidance for areas most likely to change and accommodate new growth. They preceded their comprehensive plan update with a series of small area plans for six locations. Plans cover all topics addressed in the comprehensive plan with detailed guidance on issues such as development type, scale, and intensity. Bolton & Menk is working on the small area plans and overall comprehensive plan update.

The Southdale area is larger and more complex and, therefore, has a more robust planning process. The multi-year effort focuses on reinventing this aging area as a vibrant, livable, mixed-use district. Planning is organized around a series of district systems, including public spaces and facilities, parks and open space, stormwater management, energy production and distribution, multimodal transportation, and high-quality design elements. Land use discussions explore the future of retail and office space.

Our multidisciplinary team has explored a range of topics over several years. Once complete, conversations and technical studies will be turned into a policy and implementation framework for the district – both as a regional destination and an important city element.