2. THE AREA
Hopkins is a dynamic community of over 17,000 residents located just 13 minutes west of the Twin
Cities. Founded rich in tradition and growth, Hopkins offers the advantages and conveniences of a
large city but yet the security of a small town.
3. Hopkins current development is
focused on commercial and
residential construction projects.
Future development is proposed to
construct more commercial buildings,
expand Shady Oak Road, one of the
main North South thoroughfares, and
finally for construction for a light rail
connection into main street
downtown Hopkins from downtown
Minneapolis. This light rail project
has huge potential for sustainable
development in Hopkins.
THE SITUATION
4. Proposal 1
Pattern 25: Access to Water
There is a stream, Nine Mile Creek, that runs through
Hopkins, and is pretty much the only body of water
accessible by residents within the small city of
Hopkins. There is not, however, many good access
points to it.
Solution:
There is a community garden situated next to the
creek, and this could be invested in to make it more
attractive and inviting to the community. There is a
park here that could be used as a bike share station,
as there are many bike trails nearby. This would also
be a good place for the farmers market, which is
currently held in a parking lot.
THE DESIGN
5. Proposal 2
Pattern 55: Raised Walk
The city of Hopkins is essentially divided into 2 areas, a
north and a south, by Highway 3, otherwise known as
Excelsior boulevard. All of the commercial district is
north of the highway, yet most of the poorest housing
(and those without cars) are on the south, forcing them
to walk across the busy street, often with small
children.
Solution:
A raised walk over this road would allow people to
travel freely into the business area and home again, by
bike or foot, without being disrupted by the traffic.
THE DESIGN
6. Economic aspects that don’t work:
Pattern 33: Night Life
The night life in the commercial area of Hopkins is pretty
boring. The bars are dives, there are few good eating
establishments, and therefore most people go out of
the city for night life. Back during the condo boom, the
city built many new condos above the restaurants and
bars on the main strip. These residents make it
difficult to bring in a bustling nightlife scene.
Solution:
Bring in trendy young hotspots that incorporate organic
food and beverages, live music, dj’s, and dancing.
Focus on artisan boutiques rather than boozy dives.
THE DESIGN
8. These are just a few ideas that could add some real tangible improvements
to the overall well being and prosperity of the city of Hopkins, MN. More can
be generated with the help of A Pattern Life, by Christopher Alexander.
THANK YOU