FAQs
Where is the bridge located?
This will be located at the northern edge of 5146 Eden Ave – the vacant site that formerly housed Edina’s Public Works facility. This site has been vacant for ten years. The bridge will be behind Jerry’s, Walgreens, Starbucks and Hilltop.
When will the bridge be built?
The sitework began in 2021. The bridge and sidewalk will be completed by Fall 2022.
Who is paying for this work?
This new public infrastructure is being paid for with incremental property taxes collected from the Grandview 2 TIF District. TIF funds are also being used to improve the public infrastructure along Eden Ave and Brookside Rd.
Why is a bridge needed here?
The public parking garage behind Jerry’s Foods is not convenient for employees or customers of the businesses east of the railroad tracks. The new bridge is intended to create a safe, attractive and convenient route for pedestrians to cross the railroad tracks without conflicts with cars and trucks.
Why isn’t a full road bridge (for cars, trucks & pedestrians) being built here?
A full roadway-style bridge was originally envisioned. Due to the topography on the west side of the tracks, this early concept was scaled back. The cost to regrade the western areas would have required reconstruction of portions of the Grandview Parking Structure, Jerry’s office building and Walgreens drive-thru. The cost of this work made a full road unfeasible.
Does the railroad allow this type of bridge over the train tracks?
Yes. The City staff has been communicating with the railroad. The new bridge will maintain a 21-foot clearance between the train tracks and bridge. The bridge will also be enclosed with “fencing” that is ten feet tall and prevents a 2-inch sphere from passing through. The public art is being installed to soften the aesthetics of a plain fence that meets the railroad's safety concerns.
What is happening at the old Public Works site?
The vacant site is owned by the Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority. A new concept consisting of a 90-unit housing co-operative, new restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining and a new public park was presented to the Planning Commission and City Council for input in January 2022. This type of concept will be more fully explored in 2022. The new public park is intended to be built immediately next to the new bridge and sidewalk.
Why include public art on this bridge?
One of the Seven Guiding Principles for Grandview is to “create an identity and unique sense of space …”. The inclusion of public art is intended to make the bridge uniquely attractive when viewed from the exterior. The art is also intended to make a memorable experience for people that walk across the bridge. A combination of light and shadow is intended to create a playful, changing experience.
Who selected the artists for these concepts?
The Edina HRA engaged St. Paul-based Forecast Public Art to manage the artist selection and design visioning process. Forecast identified three up-and-coming Minnesota-based artists with diverse backgrounds and broad range of artistic skills.
What’s next in the design selection?
Once a concept has been selected, the artist will work with City staff and contractor to refine the design to satisfy the safety, structural, material and budget constraints. The final art design will be based on the early conceptual direction presented in these three concepts.