Matt Mundinger has created a design portfolio and master plan for redeveloping the Minneapolis riverfront area. The portfolio includes a historical review of the area from 1830 to present day, outlining the evolution from Native American spiritual site, to sawmilling and flour milling hub, to period of decline and recent revitalization. The master plan proposes recreational amenities like a performance space, dining areas, habitat restoration, flexible event spaces, observation decks, and footbridges to enhance public access and enjoyment of the riverfront.

1. Matt Mundinger
Design Portfolio
Indesign
Photoshop
Illustrator

2. MPLSWaterworks
Book Chapter
Indesign
Photoshop
Illustrator

3. Historical Review
Historical Review Current Land Use Open Space Systems Visual and Sectional analysis Water Issues Ecologies of Site Ecologies of the Larger Context Past Master Plans and Projects Cultural Events PrecedentsMap of the Site
1883 - Stone Arch Bridge
completed to support
railroad shipping
1885 - Final expanded
waterpower canal system
completed
1910 - Last sawmill shuts
down
1965 - Last flour mill shuts
down
1963 - St. Anthony Falls
lock and dam system
completed
1930 - Gradual relocation
of flour mills begins
1998-2003 - Mill Ruins
Park excavation/opening;
Mill City Museum opening
1 9 7 2 - M i s s i s s i p p i /
Minneapolis plan begins
gradual redevelopment
1838 - Franklin Steele
stakes claim to Falls and
surrounding land
1848-58 - First dam and
waterpower systems
completed
Key EventsTimeline

4. Early History
1830 - 1860
St. Anthony Falls was historically a place of deep spiritual significance for
the Dakota Indians. As the land was acquired or taken by the United States
government, speculators were attracted to St.Anthony falls. In 1838 Franklin
Steele staked his claim to the land surrounding the falls. He installed the
first dam in 1848, and early waterpower systems were installed by 1858.
Sawmills opened up on both banks to collect and process logs floated
downriver from Northern Minnesota.
1) This 1847 painting by Henry Lewis shows an early view of St. Anthony
Falls.
2) 1848 painting by Seth Eastman of the falls as seen in the 1820s.
3) St. Anthony Falls in the late 1850s.
4) 1850s development along the west bank. The area was home to
residents, a hotel, retail businesses and sawmills.
5)This suspension bridge, built in 1855, was a key connection point between
the East bank village of St. Anthony Falls and the West bank village of
Minneapolis.
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5. Early Mill Era
1860 - 1880
Sawmilling continued to expand dramatically during this period. Mills
and platforms were constructed over and along the Mississippi to harness
waterpower and collect logs. Networks of chutes and canals were built
along the East and West river banks to collect and transport lumber. Milling
increased the pace of erosion in the falls; logs floating downriver would
crash against and break off large chunks of limestone. To reduce damage,
the Army Corps of Engineers constructed a concrete dike along the river
banks and a wooden apron over the falls.
1) The network of platforms built by sawmills over and around St. Anthony
Falls.
2) A milling structure built over the falls to take advantage of waterpower
and collect lumber.
3) Log chutes built along the Mississippi River to transport lumber.
4) The wider context around the falls. Sawmills attracted new business and
population and helped grow the city of Minneapolis.
5) Streetscape along theWest bank circa 1870s.
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6. Engineered Falls Era
1880 - 1900
During this era, development along the river began to increase dramatically.
Wood sawmills were joined by larger stone and concrete flour mills.
An underground network of canals provided hydropower for business
expansion further from shore, and by the 1890s there were 24 major flour
mills along the falls in addition to existing flour mills. To support increased
shipping, railroad track was laid throughout the district and the Stone Arch
Bridge was constructed.
1) The Pillsbury A mill and surrounding river environment as seen in the
1880s.
2) An 1885 river canal with platforms. Stone arch bridge in background.
3) By the 1890s, rail tracks have been added to the sides of canals to support
increased production and shipping.
4) The Stone Arch Bridge was constructed in 1883 to accomodate increased
rail travel.
5) Extensive hydropower canals increased warehouse expansion further
from shore.
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7. Industrial Era
1900 - 1930
The riverside sawmilling industry peaked around 1900 and steadily declined
until the last sawmill in the area closed in 1910. However, continued
technological developments allowed flour mills and transportation lines to
continue to expand. These expansion efforts led to the creation of massive
industrial complexes consisting of milling warehouses, grain elevators for
storage, and rail lines for shipping and transportati0n.
1) A downtown view from 1910 shows the industrial milling complexes that
continued to develop during this time period.
2) Additional bridges were built to accomadate increased shipping and
traffic.
3) Industrial development and buliding expansion along the Mississippi in
1907.
4) The original wooden apron built over the falls was replaced by a concrete
spillway, seen here around 1908.
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8. Period of Decline
1930 - 1960
Throughout this period, the milling distict along the West bank deteriorated
steadily. Beginning around 1930, milling companies began relocating to
Buffalo and Kansas City in search of cheaper operating costs and lower
shipping tariffs. New milling technologies and sources of power allowed
companies to relocate away from the river as well. By 1948, most milling
warehouses had been either abandoned or torn down, and during the 1950s,
the area was one of the worst skid rows in the city.
1) With the relocation of the milling industry, spaces began to be
repurposed. In this photo from 1935, the Mississippi has transformed into a
swimming spot.
2, 3, 4) Railroad routes also became less frequent during this period. Once
crowded tracks and waterways have fallen silent.
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9. Reconstruction
1960 - 1990
The St. Anthony Falls area experienced a period of transition during these
years. In 1963, the lock and dam system was completed, making this
section of the river navigable for large boats. The only flour mill remaining
in the district during this period, General Mills, relocated in 1965. In 1971,
the St. Anthony Falls Historic District was listed on the National Register of
Historic Places, and the following year the Mississippi/Minneapolis plan was
introduced to spur public and private development in the area, and slowly
the district began to be adapted to new uses.
1) Construction of the upper lock and dam around 1960.
2) Construction of the lower lock and dam in the early 1960s.
3) The Mississippi River and the abandoned Stone Arch Bridge in 1987.
4) In 1985, a space has been repurposed as a parking lot to support early
residential, office, and retail redevelopment.
5) Flooding of the Mississippi River in 1975 shows that the river landscape
continues to experience change.
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10. Revitalization
1990 - present
Today, the riverfront milling district is a vibrant and attractive area of the
city. Steady improvements and public and private investment have resulted
in a vibrant multi-use area. The site supports office space, residential
condos, parks, entertainment, and other uban amenities.
1) The riverfront as seen today. Pictured are condos, office and business
space, and the Mill City Museum, which was built into the former Washburn
A mill and opened in 2003.
2) The Stone Arch Bridge was restored and reopened in 1994. It now
features pedestrian and biking paths.
3) Many former milling warehouses have been converted to office and
residential space.
4) Riverfront mill ruins were excavated beginning in 1998. Mill Ruins Park, a
public park celebrating the history of the riverfront, was opened in 2001.
5) The Guthrie Theater, located along the riverfront and opened in 2006,
is an important entertainment destination for the Twin Cities community.
Gold Medal Park, a public park opened in 2007, sits South of theTheater.
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11. MPLS Riverfront
Redesign
Indesign
Photoshop
Illustrator

12. Minneapolis Riverfront Recreation Park
Master Plan
Matt Mundinger - LA 5201
1) Performance space, for theater events, under-bridge movie screenings, and art installations
2) Dining, special event and reception area
3) Dense, well-managed habitat for native plants and wildlife. Primarily cottonwood and shrubs
4) Flexible area suited for parking, farmers markets, performances, etc.
5) Observation deck where visitors can engage mill ruins; 5 firepits and seating areas built into wall
6) Fuji-Ya building reopened as restaurant with a lower patio and public space with reception areas, restrooms,
storage
7) Flexible area suited for parking, farmers markets, performances, etc.
8) Lawn game area during warm months, featuring horseshoes, croquet, cornhole. Flooded in winter to create a
public ice rink
9) Public picnic area
10) Footbridge crossing Mississippi river
11) Public space containing 5 firepits
12) Dense native shrub plantings and wildlife habitat with trees remaining small to avoid view obstruction

13. Minneapolis Riverfront Recreation Park
Grading and MovementThrough the Site
Matt Mundinger - LA 5201
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14. MPLS Riverfront
Redesign Model
Laser Cut Using Illustrator
Linework