rich0661

As I drove by the Midtown Global Market, turned into the parking lot, and then found a parking spot, cars and people were all around. A lot of people were moving around the area, including many bicyclists and walkers. I felt the energy, more so kinetic energy, as I approached the Global Market. The market showed potential for change. The surrounds were under construction and in the process of being revamped. Many construction workers were moving through the site which disrupted the flow around the market. Multiple forms of energy were coming from a variety of people with multiple backgrounds – enthusiastic, willing to try new things, as well as a few angry onlookers. As I was walking along the site people were very curious as to what the market was offering. When reviewing the way people approached the site many commuters were flowing through the two bus transfers with a few people coming from the small amount of bike parking on site. The Global Market’s construction took a lot of energy from many different laborers and engineers. As you will see in the vertical mixed use diagram the development is more than a market.

Within the development it will include retail, midtown greenway, Allina Commons, Chicago Lofts, Midtown Exchange apartments, and also an area for Hennepin County. When all areas of the market are complete there will be a variety of people within the site which will change the feel of the market. The overall development took about 12 years to be build, with many years of debate.

I do believe the area for the greenway should have more attention. Why weren't more bike racks placed on site if they are opening it up as a biker friendly area? When all construction is complete will the area flow as they would like?