The Interchange design highlights open, flexible public spaces that bring together transit and urban culture into a one-of-a-kind transit station that enhances commuters’ experience and promotes stronger neighborhoods. The Interchange will include an urban neighborhood plaza, with areas available for neighborhood bars and eateries, cultural and entertainment spaces and community events. This unique urban area will hold natural, recreational and entertainment spaces, including the Great Lawn. In the winter, steam from the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center will melt snow and ice from walkways, paths and stairs.

The Great Lawn will be the heart of the Interchange. The Great Lawn will be a large green ‘stage,’ providing new opportunities for large pre-game events, community concerts, seasonal events, as well as a space for individual activities. The Great Lawn will create valuable green space and a new park for downtown, and provide 250 new parking spaces underneath.

An amphitheater and informal seating area will form The Cascade. The Cascade will be a flexible open space that will provide all year long entertainment and recreation opportunities, including a place for an informal lunch meeting between friends, street fairs or clients or an impromptu concert arena.

Opening in the spring of 2014, the Interchange will be a bustling urban park, transit station and neighborhood gathering space. The Interchange will be a one-of-a-kind destination for the region.