Writer: Eleana Teran
2 min read July 2023 — As the spotlight turns towards the rapidly changing landscapes of urban planning and development, an emphasis on sustainability, community involvement and housing affordability has become increasingly important. Thought leaders shared their perspectives at the recent Invest: Minneapolis-St. Paul 2022-2023 Launch Conference, providing a comprehensive analysis of our cities’ current state and promising prospects.
Moderated by Jennifer Christiaansen, managing director & principal at Perkins&Will, the panel, titled ‘Sky’s the limit: The changing considerations around development and how that impacts the state’s economic development,’ served as a dynamic hub of rich and insightful discussions on the regeneration of downtown areas and the future direction of urban development. The panelists included Patrick Seeb, executive director of Destination Medical Center; Anne Behrendt, CEO & principal of Doran Companies; Tim Carl, chief executive officer and design principal at HGA; and Steve Cramer, president & CEO of Minneapolis Downtown Council.
At the heart of the conversation was the importance of public-private partnerships, as highlighted by Seeb. Despite the challenges that such collaborations often present, he made a compelling case for their crucial role in the transformation of cities like Rochester. “Mayo Clinic recognizes that they cannot accomplish their goals alone, nor do they wish to. They value partnerships, which is why the DMC initiative was established,” he noted, reflecting on how partnerships are key to achieving grand visions for urban spaces.
He highlighted the importance of community engagement in the DMC initiative, a lesson other communities can adopt. He stated, “It involves engaging the community through co-design processes and tapping into the diverse voices within while remaining committed to a grand vision.”
Adding to Seeb’s points, Behrendt drew attention to the nuances of the housing market. She stressed the importance of understanding the diversity within the rental market and its role in catering to various housing needs. In her words, “We should not lump all rental housing together but rather understand the diverse needs it serves.” She highlighted the built-for-rent market, which caters to various housing needs and groups, including first-time homebuyers who may prefer renting over buying. “The whole community, built for rent, fosters a sense of richness and unity similar to what we see in multifamily buildings,” she added.
On the topic of carbon footprint in architecture and construction, Tim Carl, chief executive officer and design principal at HGA, emphasized the need for a holistic design approach. “We are now incorporating three intersecting lenses into our design considerations: sustainability, resilience and community diversity,” said Carl.
Carl mentioned the AIA 2030 Challenge, a commitment made by the architectural community to reduce the built environment’s carbon footprint substantially by 2030. He also underscored the importance of considering both the embodied and operational carbon in buildings to achieve a comprehensive design approach that meets expectations and needs.
As discussions around sustainability persisted, the conversation pivoted towards repurposing downtown space, a topic introduced by Steve Cramer, president & CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council. The successful conversions of office towers into hotels and apartments in Minneapolis highlighted the city’s potential for transformation and growth. He stated, “First, these conversions would be closer to the core of downtown, allowing us to expand our residential population. Second, these projects are often costly, necessitating public assistance,” underlining two significant aspects of such transformations.
Jennifer Christiaansen concluded the session with a positive note, stating that the MSP community has the potential to lead the way and set an example for other cities. The diverse, insightful perspectives from the panel underline the future of urban development that is sustainable, inclusive and innovative. With the right public-private synergy, evolving housing trends and a keen focus on sustainability, the urban landscape continues to transform for the better.
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