Lighting was the number one priority of stakeholders and the custom light pole style takes its influence from theater sets. The streamlined pole design doesn’t compete with or detract from the historic buildings. The three arms on the light pole allow the bikeway, sidewalk, and street to have focused lighting that benefits public safety – lighting surfaces, rather than space.

The curb around the planters will protect the planter bed and the railings from being damaged by maintenance or snow removal equipment, and the railings keep people and animals from walking on the plants. The railings also have lighting embedding into them and are angled to reflect the street lighting.

Planting larger trees will increase the green impact of the project right away, which was one of the top three priorities of stakeholders. Planters significantly increase the amount of green in the corridor, making the street attractive during the day and when there is no activation. An irrigation system will be installed to provide the best opportunity for the plants and trees to survive and thrive in the urban environment.

Tree grates are larger and “heel proof” – this allows trees to get as much light and air as possible, which helps them to thrive, while remaining compatible with sidewalk café and high pedestrian areas. The image shows an example of a sidewalk cafe placed between the sidewalk and bikeway so that the through pedestrian walkway is maintained while still providing outdoor space for restaurants in the corridor.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles were used to design a parking lot fence that is open and does not produce hidden areas, but also creates a visual screen as pedestrians walk down the street, resulting in a cleaner and more uniform edge to the street at the surface parking lots.

Enhanced bus stops will be constructed as part of the street reconstruction project, and will include larger shelters, heat, lighting, and real-time signing. The bus stop areas will use the same lights, furnishings, and tree grates to maintain a consistent feel along Hennepin Avenue.