Once defined by industrial buildings and silos, the former Upper Harbor Terminal site is being transformed into a vibrant destination where restored natural landscapes, public gathering spaces, and innovative stormwater features are woven together along the Mississippi River. The redevelopment will bring new housing, businesses, entertainment venues, trails, and a 20-acre riverfront park to North Minneapolis. At its core, a district stormwater system will blend habitat restoration, public amenities, and aesthetic features to create a more accessible and ecologically connected riverfront.
Since 2019, Barr has provided planning and design assistance for the redevelopment. Working with Perkins & Will, we're supporting the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board with civil, stormwater, and ecological design; environmental, geologic, and geotechnical investigations; and permitting for the new park.
Working closely with public agencies, developers, and the community, Barr helped conceptualize the district stormwater system and advance phased components to final design. The project combines bioinfiltration basins, underground treatment and storage infrastructure, new stream and wetland features, and public open spaces that manage runoff while supporting long-term environmental goals. The system captures and treats stormwater from the entire redevelopment and from 70 acres of adjacent neighborhoods. Treated stormwater is reused for irrigation and a signature stream feature running through the park.
Barr led the design of nearly a mile of Mississippi River shoreline restoration, including riverbank regrading, removal of fill and debris, and installation of native vegetation to stabilize the shoreline and improve wildlife habitat. Additional project elements include park grading, ecological restoration, and a river overlook. Combined with the stormwater system, these elements blend clean water, recreation, and native habitat into a cohesive riverfront experience.
Construction began in 2022 with shoreline restoration and continues in phases across the redevelopment. Stormwater-system construction began in 2024. The park opened to the public in 2026, representing the largest addition to the Minneapolis park system in recent history. The Upper Harbor redevelopment now helps protect the Mississippi River, restores habitat, supports climate resilience, and creates a welcoming connection between North Minneapolis and its riverfront.
