One of the major impacts of expansion work at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport has been to the single-family residential areas adjacent to the airport. Increased noise from a new runway has made it essential to re-envision the eastern edge of the City of Richfield. These challenges gave rise to opportunities for development that serve the City’s future and help to mitigate the problems caused by the airport expansion. JLG Architects’ masterplan for the area was based on several major ideas that address the City’s needs and wants. The masterplan establishes neighborhood centers focused on housing, work opportunities, shopping, and recreation – all within walking distance and physically layered to reduce airport noise. With new walking links between activity areas and parks and recreation, JLG was able to reinforce the positive identity of Richfield through the comprehensive development of sidewalks, roadways, signage, and monuments.
Eastgate Apartments
Owatonna, Minnesota
