The Interchange Urban Design Guidelines are complete! The guidelines are a set of design standards that have been created to:

• Ensure the site is designed in a manner consistent with the community vision

• Provide for successful public open spaces

• Establish the look and feel of the project as it fits into the surrounding neighborhoods

The public is invited to attend a public hearing for the Interchange draft Environmental Assessment, starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the Metro Transit Fred T. Heywood Office Building, 560 Sixth Ave. N., Minneapolis.

The Environmental Assessment is being conducted by the Federal Transit Administration, in cooperation with the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority. A short presentation outlining the initial findings of the Environmental Assessment will take place at 5:15 p.m. and will be followed by the public hearing. The public hearing provides individuals with an opportunity to formally enter comments about the project’s draft Environmental Assessment into the public record.

Hennepin County has taken two major steps towards funding, design and construction of a major multi-modal transportation hub, known as The Interchange, adjacent to Target Field. The Interchange Project Office is excited to announce the release of two Requests for Proposals (RFPs). On December 23, 2011, a design-build RFP was released to four pre-qualified teams. On January 4, an RFP was issued to solicit private interest in development opportunities at the project site.