FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 14, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:
Clare Cloyd
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612-760-5074

City of Saint Paul selects new consultant team to design and construct Mississippi River Learning Center

Local architecture and landscape architecture firms VJAA, TEN x TEN bring national reputations and significant river expertise to project

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The City of Saint Paul, along with the Great River Passage Conservancy, Mississippi Park Connection and the National Park Service, today announced they have selected architecture firm VJAA and landscape architects at TEN x TEN to lead a team to advance the new Mississippi River Learning Center. Their work on the next phase of this project includes completing design and construction documents, building on the schematic design and furthering the programming and engagement progress completed on the project to date.

"VJAA and TEN x TEN have proven throughout this project they appreciate the importance of the Mississippi River in our community," said Mayor Melvin Carter. "As a river city, the learning center will reconnect residents and visitors to our shores in new and exciting ways, bolstering our reputation as a national outdoor destination."

The local firms bring national reputations and extensive experience working on Mississippi River projects, including earlier phases of the River Learning Center as well as the Historic Fort Snelling at Bdote, the Minneapolis Rowing Club, Lilydale Regional Park, and the pre-design and concept design for Owámniyomni Okhódayapi. To create community and inform programming around the River Learning Center, they have tapped a variety of partners to round out the project team, including 106 Group, Forecast Public Art, NewPublica, Youth Environmental Consulting Group, LCC, Barr Engineering, and EOR. The design team will be joined by Full Circle Indigenous Design to continue the facilitation and engagement of Native American tribal leaders and organizations.

"The combination of local understanding and award-winning experience makes this design team the perfect group to bring the River Learning Center to life," said Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Director Andy Rodriguez. "Our community has envisioned this space for years, and the careful, thoughtful planning that comes next will be crucial in making it a reality."

Anchored by the National Park Service Headquarters, the River Learning Center will be a landmark national destination and a one-of-a-kind space situated at Hidden Falls-Crosby Farm Regional Park for environmental and cultural learning.

"We are thrilled to be working with VJAA and TEN x TEN on this final phase of design for the River Learning Center," said Katie Nyberg, executive director of the Great River Passage Conservancy. "Their commitment to environmental stewardship through physical spaces and experiences makes them the perfect partners for this transformative project."

Beginning this summer, the design team will test and refine the initial concept plan for the River Learning Center as a starting point from which to begin the design process, with the goal of having a final design and construction bid documents ready by December 2025.

"The River Learning Center will give residents and visitors unparalleled access to one of the world's greatest natural wonders," said Rep. Dave Pinto who represents the district for the future home of this project. "It represents an extraordinary opportunity not just for Saint Paul but for our entire region and state."

To learn more about the River Learning Center, visit greatriverpassage.org.

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Last Edited: August 14, 2024