Light walk will be focal point for redesigned Nicollet Mall

Landscape architect James Corner unveiled a new concept for the Nicollet Mall redesign Thursday night stunning light and art walks for Nicollet between 6th and 8th streets.

The new design for the central stretch of Nicollet replaces an earlier concept featuring glass staircases descending from the skyway linking the IDS to Macy's. Businesses, Metro Transit and city leaders raised concerns about the logistics of the staircases, prompting the design team to consider alternatives.

The light walk will feature a trellis of tilted mirrors on the east side of the mall, Corner said. When people walk under the mirrors headed north on the mall they will see their reflection and those of passersby; going south they will see reflections of the sky.

At night the light walk will resemble a starry sky that could change colors, imitating the Northern Lights.

The west side of the street will include mature trees, street furniture and an art walk with spheres lit at night with distinctive patterns. Corner said there's talk of collaborating with the Walker Art Center to curate art installations in storefronts and perhaps a large art piece could be suspended over 7th Street.

The blocks will also have diverse activities, such as bocce ball in the summer, curling in the winter and community gatherings.

The goal is to transform the blocks from rather drab spaces to the most vibrant section of Nicollet, Corner said.

The designer and other project leaders briefed the community on the project at the Hyatt Regency.

The $50 million project has secured $21.5 million in state bonding and $3.5 million from the City of Minneapolis. A plan to assess businesses for the remainder of the project's cost will be finalized early next year.

The goal is to complete the Nicollet Mall renovation by the end of 2016. The entire mall, from Washington Avenue to Grant Street, will be redone with more durable paving materials, new trees, enhanced lighting and public art. It will also be renovated to be streetcar ready, project organizers said.

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Light walk will be focal point for redesigned Nicollet Mall