50th & France - Strategies for Easier Wayfinding

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The 50th & France Business District is visited by customers from nearby neighborhoods and far away communities. Some visitors have difficulty navigating from the parking garages to their destination.

Wayfinding improvements are sought to improve the walkabilty and friendliness while still retaining the local character and charm. A variety of strategies will be considered including:

  • Naming convention for pedestrian walkways and plazas
  • Directional signs
  • New directories and maps
  • Public art and other placemaking elements
  • Improved online and mobile phone tools

Ideas and suggestions from the community are essential to make this effort effective, unique and long-lasting.

Suggestions shared by April 30th will be considered in the recommended strategies.

The 50th & France Business District is visited by customers from nearby neighborhoods and far away communities. Some visitors have difficulty navigating from the parking garages to their destination.

Wayfinding improvements are sought to improve the walkabilty and friendliness while still retaining the local character and charm. A variety of strategies will be considered including:

  • Naming convention for pedestrian walkways and plazas
  • Directional signs
  • New directories and maps
  • Public art and other placemaking elements
  • Improved online and mobile phone tools

Ideas and suggestions from the community are essential to make this effort effective, unique and long-lasting.

Suggestions shared by April 30th will be considered in the recommended strategies.

  • Project Kick Off - March 2025

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    Consultant Selection

    The consultants at HKGi were selected after a competitive search for experienced local professionals to deliver this work. The team at HKGi includes Sarah Evenson, Jeff Miller and Leilen Farias . They will be responsible for preparing a Pedestrian Wayfinding Strategy for the 50th & France Business District. In addition to new signage, this strategy will also include placemaking elements like public art that can be effective in wayfinding.

    HKGi's study will focus on the commercial areas in Edina only. It is anticipated that some strategies can be adapted for future implementation in the Minneapolis portion of the business district. This initiative is funded with fees collected from Edina's 50th & France businesses and a grant from Hennepin County. The project is overseen by Edina's Economic Development Division.


    Kickoff Walking Tour

    The consultants at HKGi toured the business district for several hours to become acquainted with the sidewalks, alleyways and parking locations. They toured the front doors, back doors and short cuts.

  • April Update: Two Focus Groups

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    In early April, two focus groups were held with local business and property owners. The consultant team prepared a handout to show maps of the business district and examples from other business districts. The handout was used to spark ideas and conversation. These initial discussions identified some problem areas and several suggestions for improvements.

    We still need more ideas and suggestions!

Page last updated: 02 May 2025, 12:59 PM