Grandview Pedestrian Bridge

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Consultation has concluded


An early rendering of the Grandview pedestrian bridge. (Note: this is not one of the proposed design options.)

The City of Edina is requesting the public's feedback for decorative options for a new pedestrian bridge in the Grandview District. These preliminary concepts were prepared by three different artists in response to focus groups consisting of Edina residents, nearby property owners and nearby employees.

This survey will be open from Feb. 28-March 13, and the winner of the popular vote will be recommended to the Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority (the property owner) for confirmation.

Once the artist and general design is selected, it will be further refined to fit the context of the area and to be constructible.

Below are the three preliminary concepts - each has two images along with an artist statement. (To view larger versions of each image, right-click and select "Open Image in New Tab"). Scroll to the bottom - voting takes place under the "Survey" tab at the bottom of the page.


Concept 1: Plants for a sense of place

 Artist Statement: 

This design features a series of panels with designs of plants native to Minnesota. Each metal panel will feature a cutout of a different native plant, accompanied by its common name. From a distance, the irregular panels will catch the eye of passers-by, and encourage them to come closer and walk on the bridge in order to see all the details of the artwork. The panels would range in size in squares and rectangles, and I imagine they will be inside the structure of the walkway so that people on the bridge get the best view of them.

In the focus group's the idea of place-based artwork and green space came up frequently. Learning about native plants deepens one’s sense of place, and my hope is that this can function both as a beautiful piece of artwork and a learning tool. 


Concept 2: Community, flow and connection

Artist Statement: 

The concept for this piece focuses on interpersonal connection. Community, walkability, and flow appeared to be the primary ideas that people in Edina wanted to focus on for this new bridge, so I centered the design around that. This bridge will connect one piece of land to another, and the various shapes, sizes, and interconnections of hands in the design represent people connecting to one another in the community. This is especially fitting for the current climate in a post-Covid world, where people are finally being allowed to make connections with one another again. I hope for this design to make the bridge that kind of place for community and relating with one another. 

When creating on the final design for the bridge, the community could be invited to create templates of their hands of all sizes, kids, adults, elders... which could be included in the final design. The metal forms would be inside and outside of the bridge structure for an interesting view from afar and an immersive view from within. 


Concept 3: Horse, Wind, Clover and Bridge


Artist Statement: 

My concept consists of four large panels with cutouts of abstract shapes, fitting together like a puzzle. Each shape represents the history of the area: Horse, Wind, Clover and Bridge. The Horse shape is Dan Patch – the horse the railway was named after. The Wind represents the horse running forward, a concept of changing times. The Clover is Edina’s city symbol and represents its long heritage. Lastly, the Bridge is the last transformation of the area, the present.

I have decided to keep the design the same on each side, but the views will be the opposite of each other. Symmetry is important to me. During the focus groups, I learned about Edina’s history and heritage. There was an emphasis on elegance and green space – in which, I chose to use lines, swirls and floral elements. There was also a desire for interesting shadows. To achieve this, I wanted to make sure the light coming through between the shapes is just as important as the shadows being cast by the shapes. Even though the designs are on four different panels, I wanted the negative space to move among the designs and give the illusion it is seamless.


An early rendering of the Grandview pedestrian bridge. (Note: this is not one of the proposed design options.)

The City of Edina is requesting the public's feedback for decorative options for a new pedestrian bridge in the Grandview District. These preliminary concepts were prepared by three different artists in response to focus groups consisting of Edina residents, nearby property owners and nearby employees.

This survey will be open from Feb. 28-March 13, and the winner of the popular vote will be recommended to the Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority (the property owner) for confirmation.

Once the artist and general design is selected, it will be further refined to fit the context of the area and to be constructible.

Below are the three preliminary concepts - each has two images along with an artist statement. (To view larger versions of each image, right-click and select "Open Image in New Tab"). Scroll to the bottom - voting takes place under the "Survey" tab at the bottom of the page.


Concept 1: Plants for a sense of place

 Artist Statement: 

This design features a series of panels with designs of plants native to Minnesota. Each metal panel will feature a cutout of a different native plant, accompanied by its common name. From a distance, the irregular panels will catch the eye of passers-by, and encourage them to come closer and walk on the bridge in order to see all the details of the artwork. The panels would range in size in squares and rectangles, and I imagine they will be inside the structure of the walkway so that people on the bridge get the best view of them.

In the focus group's the idea of place-based artwork and green space came up frequently. Learning about native plants deepens one’s sense of place, and my hope is that this can function both as a beautiful piece of artwork and a learning tool. 


Concept 2: Community, flow and connection

Artist Statement: 

The concept for this piece focuses on interpersonal connection. Community, walkability, and flow appeared to be the primary ideas that people in Edina wanted to focus on for this new bridge, so I centered the design around that. This bridge will connect one piece of land to another, and the various shapes, sizes, and interconnections of hands in the design represent people connecting to one another in the community. This is especially fitting for the current climate in a post-Covid world, where people are finally being allowed to make connections with one another again. I hope for this design to make the bridge that kind of place for community and relating with one another. 

When creating on the final design for the bridge, the community could be invited to create templates of their hands of all sizes, kids, adults, elders... which could be included in the final design. The metal forms would be inside and outside of the bridge structure for an interesting view from afar and an immersive view from within. 


Concept 3: Horse, Wind, Clover and Bridge


Artist Statement: 

My concept consists of four large panels with cutouts of abstract shapes, fitting together like a puzzle. Each shape represents the history of the area: Horse, Wind, Clover and Bridge. The Horse shape is Dan Patch – the horse the railway was named after. The Wind represents the horse running forward, a concept of changing times. The Clover is Edina’s city symbol and represents its long heritage. Lastly, the Bridge is the last transformation of the area, the present.

I have decided to keep the design the same on each side, but the views will be the opposite of each other. Symmetry is important to me. During the focus groups, I learned about Edina’s history and heritage. There was an emphasis on elegance and green space – in which, I chose to use lines, swirls and floral elements. There was also a desire for interesting shadows. To achieve this, I wanted to make sure the light coming through between the shapes is just as important as the shadows being cast by the shapes. Even though the designs are on four different panels, I wanted the negative space to move among the designs and give the illusion it is seamless.

Consultation has concluded

Have questions about the design concepts or the project in general? Let us know!

  • Share I love the friendly sentiment behind #2, but the first thing my nasty brain imagined when I saw all the waving hands was the potential for a vandal to come along and remove four of the fingers on some of them, leaving only a prominent middle finger waving at everyone. Has there been any discussion as to how to prevent vandalism on this, or any, bridge design? Or, at the very least, which would be the easiest/least expensive to clean up in the case of vandalism? on Facebook Share I love the friendly sentiment behind #2, but the first thing my nasty brain imagined when I saw all the waving hands was the potential for a vandal to come along and remove four of the fingers on some of them, leaving only a prominent middle finger waving at everyone. Has there been any discussion as to how to prevent vandalism on this, or any, bridge design? Or, at the very least, which would be the easiest/least expensive to clean up in the case of vandalism? on Twitter Share I love the friendly sentiment behind #2, but the first thing my nasty brain imagined when I saw all the waving hands was the potential for a vandal to come along and remove four of the fingers on some of them, leaving only a prominent middle finger waving at everyone. Has there been any discussion as to how to prevent vandalism on this, or any, bridge design? Or, at the very least, which would be the easiest/least expensive to clean up in the case of vandalism? on Linkedin Email I love the friendly sentiment behind #2, but the first thing my nasty brain imagined when I saw all the waving hands was the potential for a vandal to come along and remove four of the fingers on some of them, leaving only a prominent middle finger waving at everyone. Has there been any discussion as to how to prevent vandalism on this, or any, bridge design? Or, at the very least, which would be the easiest/least expensive to clean up in the case of vandalism? link

    I love the friendly sentiment behind #2, but the first thing my nasty brain imagined when I saw all the waving hands was the potential for a vandal to come along and remove four of the fingers on some of them, leaving only a prominent middle finger waving at everyone. Has there been any discussion as to how to prevent vandalism on this, or any, bridge design? Or, at the very least, which would be the easiest/least expensive to clean up in the case of vandalism?

    Mary S. asked about 3 years ago

    The decorative elements are intended to be laser cut from thick sheets of metal. Vandalism is always possible, but precautions will be taken in the final design of the artwork to reduce the potential for vandalism and injury. Also, security cameras were recently installed in that area which may deter vandalism.

     - Bill Neuendorf

  • Share I liked the comment about using botanical names for each species. To acknowledge the land we are on and native plants, I think adding the plant name in the Dakota or Ojibwe languages would be a great idea. I would love to learn some of the original languages while I walk across the bridge. on Facebook Share I liked the comment about using botanical names for each species. To acknowledge the land we are on and native plants, I think adding the plant name in the Dakota or Ojibwe languages would be a great idea. I would love to learn some of the original languages while I walk across the bridge. on Twitter Share I liked the comment about using botanical names for each species. To acknowledge the land we are on and native plants, I think adding the plant name in the Dakota or Ojibwe languages would be a great idea. I would love to learn some of the original languages while I walk across the bridge. on Linkedin Email I liked the comment about using botanical names for each species. To acknowledge the land we are on and native plants, I think adding the plant name in the Dakota or Ojibwe languages would be a great idea. I would love to learn some of the original languages while I walk across the bridge. link

    I liked the comment about using botanical names for each species. To acknowledge the land we are on and native plants, I think adding the plant name in the Dakota or Ojibwe languages would be a great idea. I would love to learn some of the original languages while I walk across the bridge.

    Alora Szell asked about 3 years ago

    Thanks for the suggestion. If this is the selected concept, we are happy to consider including native american terms and other details that reflect the history and context of this area.

     - Bill Neuendorf

  • Share Where is the bridge located? on Facebook Share Where is the bridge located? on Twitter Share Where is the bridge located? on Linkedin Email Where is the bridge located? link

    Where is the bridge located?

    Mjaorhyn asked about 3 years ago

    This new bridge will be located at the northern edge of 5146 Eden Avenue - a vacant site that formerly was used by the Edina Public Works Department. The bridge will span over the railroad tracks. The sidewalk that leads to the bridge will be near the drive-thru for Starbucks.

    Businesses on the western end of the bridge include: Jerry's Foods, Jerry's Hardware, Paragon Pilates, Shoppe 5101 Salon, Walgreens, and Edina Liquor.

    Businesses on the eastern end of the bridge include: Starbucks, Hilltop, Great Clips and Banfield Pet Hospital

    If you visit the site this spring, you will see a sloped hill with new retaining wall. In the future, a new public park or public green space is anticipated to be constructed adjacent to the new bridge.

     - Bill Neuendorf

  • Share How is this project funded? on Facebook Share How is this project funded? on Twitter Share How is this project funded? on Linkedin Email How is this project funded? link

    How is this project funded?

    Lori B asked about 3 years ago

    The new pedestrian bridge and related infrastructure project is funded with incremental property taxes (TIF) collected in the Grandview 2 TIF District. This type of public improvement was conceived in the 2012 Grandview Development Framework.

    The construction contract was awarded to Pember Companies in June 2021. The total project cost is $2,783,609. This includes earthwork, retaining walls, sidewalks, stairways, street lights, landscaping, utilities and the bridge. The cost of the bridge itself is $401,200. The contractor did not break out the cost of the safety fencing and decorative panels; those elements are included in the cost of the bridge.

    -Bill Neuendorf

  • Share From the designs, you don't get a good idea of where this bridge will be located. Can a more in depth drawing be added to specifically note what other buildings are nearby, etc ? on Facebook Share From the designs, you don't get a good idea of where this bridge will be located. Can a more in depth drawing be added to specifically note what other buildings are nearby, etc ? on Twitter Share From the designs, you don't get a good idea of where this bridge will be located. Can a more in depth drawing be added to specifically note what other buildings are nearby, etc ? on Linkedin Email From the designs, you don't get a good idea of where this bridge will be located. Can a more in depth drawing be added to specifically note what other buildings are nearby, etc ? link

    From the designs, you don't get a good idea of where this bridge will be located. Can a more in depth drawing be added to specifically note what other buildings are nearby, etc ?

    SherBear asked about 3 years ago

    This new bridge will be located at the northern edge of 5146 Eden Avenue - a vacant site that formerly was used by the Edina Public Works Department. The bridge will span over the railroad tracks. The sidewalk that leads to the bridge will be near the drive-thru for Starbucks.

    Businesses on the western end of the bridge include: Jerry's Foods, Jerry's Hardware, Paragon Pilates, Shoppe 5101 Salon, Walgreens, and Edina Liquor.

    Businesses on the eastern end of the bridge include: Starbucks, Hilltop, Great Clips and Banfield Pet Hospital

    If you visit the site this spring, you will see a sloped hill with new retaining wall. In the future, a new public park or public green space is anticipated to be constructed adjacent to the new bridge.

     - Bill Neuendorf

  • Share Is it possible to either expand the focus group or consider a 4th design? These are not aesthetically pleasing and from the comments I’m reading, I’m clearly not the only one that feels this way. Currently we are simply picking the least terrible option. #2 is creepy! Please consider more options and a focus group that actually all live in Edina so they are invested in the Edina community long-term. These options make it seem as though this is a joke. on Facebook Share Is it possible to either expand the focus group or consider a 4th design? These are not aesthetically pleasing and from the comments I’m reading, I’m clearly not the only one that feels this way. Currently we are simply picking the least terrible option. #2 is creepy! Please consider more options and a focus group that actually all live in Edina so they are invested in the Edina community long-term. These options make it seem as though this is a joke. on Twitter Share Is it possible to either expand the focus group or consider a 4th design? These are not aesthetically pleasing and from the comments I’m reading, I’m clearly not the only one that feels this way. Currently we are simply picking the least terrible option. #2 is creepy! Please consider more options and a focus group that actually all live in Edina so they are invested in the Edina community long-term. These options make it seem as though this is a joke. on Linkedin Email Is it possible to either expand the focus group or consider a 4th design? These are not aesthetically pleasing and from the comments I’m reading, I’m clearly not the only one that feels this way. Currently we are simply picking the least terrible option. #2 is creepy! Please consider more options and a focus group that actually all live in Edina so they are invested in the Edina community long-term. These options make it seem as though this is a joke. link

    Is it possible to either expand the focus group or consider a 4th design? These are not aesthetically pleasing and from the comments I’m reading, I’m clearly not the only one that feels this way. Currently we are simply picking the least terrible option. #2 is creepy! Please consider more options and a focus group that actually all live in Edina so they are invested in the Edina community long-term. These options make it seem as though this is a joke.

    Amanda (Edina resident) asked about 3 years ago

    Two Focus Groups of Edina residents and Edina stakeholders were convened to begin this creative process. The majority of participants are Edina residents. The other stakeholders own or manage popular businesses in the immediate vicinity of the bridge. The ideas expressed by the Focus Groups were used as inspiration for each of these preliminary concepts.

     The final design will NOT look like any of these three preliminary concepts. These are merely the starting point to set the direction.

     Based on the popular vote and confirmation of the HRA Board, the artist and the general design concept will be selected. At that point, the artist will get to work refining the design. The City will use this webpage to provide updates and collect input along the way. We welcome community input to shape the final design.

    - Bill Neuendorf

  • Share I don’t understand why this is necessary given the many other more pressing issues in Edina. Why don’t we put the money back into the schools rather than charging more in taxes to residents? Why don’t we fix the terribly hard water? on Facebook Share I don’t understand why this is necessary given the many other more pressing issues in Edina. Why don’t we put the money back into the schools rather than charging more in taxes to residents? Why don’t we fix the terribly hard water? on Twitter Share I don’t understand why this is necessary given the many other more pressing issues in Edina. Why don’t we put the money back into the schools rather than charging more in taxes to residents? Why don’t we fix the terribly hard water? on Linkedin Email I don’t understand why this is necessary given the many other more pressing issues in Edina. Why don’t we put the money back into the schools rather than charging more in taxes to residents? Why don’t we fix the terribly hard water? link

    I don’t understand why this is necessary given the many other more pressing issues in Edina. Why don’t we put the money back into the schools rather than charging more in taxes to residents? Why don’t we fix the terribly hard water?

    Erin asked about 3 years ago

    This type of east-west connection over the railroad tracks was one of several public improvements identified by the group of residents who prepared the 2012 Grandview Development Framework (see page 32). It is intended to improve the connectivity in the area and to encourage better use of the existing public parking facility behind Jerry's Foods.

    The "City of Edina" and the "Edina School District" are two independent government agencies with two different groups of elected officials and two separate budgets. The funds used to construct these public improvements cannot simply be given to the schools or used to address hard water.

    - Bill Neuendorf

  • Share Hello! I would like to know is there was there a public request made for submissions? Are these artists from Edina? Thank you! on Facebook Share Hello! I would like to know is there was there a public request made for submissions? Are these artists from Edina? Thank you! on Twitter Share Hello! I would like to know is there was there a public request made for submissions? Are these artists from Edina? Thank you! on Linkedin Email Hello! I would like to know is there was there a public request made for submissions? Are these artists from Edina? Thank you! link

    Hello! I would like to know is there was there a public request made for submissions? Are these artists from Edina? Thank you!

    JG asked about 3 years ago

    Forecast Public Art was engaged to manage the selection process for the decorative elements of the new pedestrian bridge. A general call for proposals was not applied in this project due to the time constraints to meet the 2022 construction schedule. In order to shape a design that reflects community identity instead of an artist’s personal aesthetic, Forecast selected three emerging artists who have a history of effectively incorporating community perspectives into their designs.

     The artists participated in two focus groups consisting of Edina residents and nearby property owners and employees to hear suggestions, ideas and context of the new pedestrian bridge. This project is a unique opportunity to consider diversity, equity, and inclusion in public art. Most public art projects are not accessible for emerging artists and because this is a design concept commission, there was an opportunity to engage new artists. Each of the artists is from the Minneapolis- Saint Paul metro area. One works in Edina. All three artists are women and two of the three are artists of color. 

    - Tricia Heuring and Bill Neuendorf

  • Share Love the concept for the native plants! I would encourage including the botanical names of each species since common names can refer to multiple species, including non-native plants. on Facebook Share Love the concept for the native plants! I would encourage including the botanical names of each species since common names can refer to multiple species, including non-native plants. on Twitter Share Love the concept for the native plants! I would encourage including the botanical names of each species since common names can refer to multiple species, including non-native plants. on Linkedin Email Love the concept for the native plants! I would encourage including the botanical names of each species since common names can refer to multiple species, including non-native plants. link

    Love the concept for the native plants! I would encourage including the botanical names of each species since common names can refer to multiple species, including non-native plants.

    KatzeKitty asked about 3 years ago

    Thanks for the suggestion. If this is the selected concept, we can definately try to include the formal botanical names to clarify the common names.

     - Bill Neuendorf

  • Share All three designs --if painted--seem to require high maintenance. on Facebook Share All three designs --if painted--seem to require high maintenance. on Twitter Share All three designs --if painted--seem to require high maintenance. on Linkedin Email All three designs --if painted--seem to require high maintenance. link

    All three designs --if painted--seem to require high maintenance.

    zebra asked about 3 years ago

    You are correct. Painted panels would require more maintenance and are NOT in the budget.

    In order to eliminate or reduce future maintenance costs, the decorative elements on the bridge will be 2-dimensional metal panels. The specific type of metal (stainless steel or cor-ten steel, for example) will be determined based on the intricacy of the final design.

     - Bill Neuendorf