The Depot
Minneapolis, MN

Located in the historic Mills District of Minneapolis, the Milwaukee Road Depot was a derelict turn of the century rail station surrounded by surface parking lots. Damon Farber Associates led the site design for what is now a successful adaptive reuse of the site. The depot has been renovated into a conference center and ice skating facility. Two hotels, a water park, a courtyard, entry plazas and three levels of below ground parking have enhanced the site to become a hub of activity in the city.

Damon Farber Associates molded the rich past of the site with the needs of the present using a palette of native plant materials and hardscape elements that recall the railroads’ glory days in a historically appropriate manner.

Oaks, Maples and Locust trees frame views to and from the structures at the perimeter while Maples, Aspen and Pincherries adorn the spaces at the core. Cast iron fountains, large planters, decorative fencing and ornamental lighting combine to recall the rich history of the site.