Birthplace of Barr Engineering Co.

The “twin” cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul remain home base for almost half our firm’s employees. Here, it’s all about the water. The Mississippi River threads between the cities, and a constellation of lakes and streams offers residents abundant opportunities for recreation and socializing. Sailing, kayaking, picnicking, skating, skiing, and ice fishing are all a part of the culture. While water may be the Twin Cities’ hallmark, residents also cherish the metro area for its bikeability, thriving theater and music scenes, top-flight museums, and seven professional sports teams. Nearly 100 craft breweries serve as neighborhood gathering spots, while inventive chefs offer fresh takes on global cuisines—many earning recognition from the James Beard Foundation.

Our imprint

Barr’s imprint can be found throughout the metro area—in industrial and commercial facilities as well as public spaces—but our history is most entwined with the area’s water resources. Over the past six decades, our engineers and environmental scientists have partnered with municipalities, public agencies, watershed districts, nonprofit organizations, and the University of Minnesota to improve water quality, restore streams and wetlands, and reduce flooding.

Serving our clients and community

Water or not, we’re here to solve problems for all sorts of clients: those who generate power, refine petroleum, manufacture goods, mine sand and aggregates, or transport people and products. We’re also here to solve community problems. Our employee-owners are active in volunteer activities—particularly helping build homes with Habitat for Humanity—and support a wide range of educational, technical, and social programs. We couldn’t be prouder to help make the Minneapolis–St. Paul area a superb place to live and work.