Hopkins, MN

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

Kelly Kokaisel | 2010 | Design for Community

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.

THE SITUATION

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 DESIGN

Proposal 1 Pattern 25: Access to WaterThere 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

Proposal 2 Pattern 55: Raised WalkThe 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

Economic aspects that don’t work: Pattern 33: Night LifeThe 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.

PROP

OSED

DES

IGN

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