River views, parks & trails, light-rail transit, ball fields, tennis courts, a golf course and even a neighborhood bar.
The Fort Snelling Upper Post occupies 141 acres of very prominent, yet nearly-invisible real estate. The 28 buildings are hidden from view by the 62-55-5 freeway tangle and silenced by a relentless cycle of takeoffs and landings from the adjacent MSP International airport.
In 2006, the Upper Post was named one of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in the country. This year, state funding was used to "mothball" most of the historic structures, stabilizing them for a few years to allow a more permanent solution to be designed. Prepared in part by Miller Dunwiddie Architecture, a set of Open Space and Landscape Development Guidelines has also been developed.
Have Clock, Will Travel
-
[Image: From *The Hunt For Red October*, via Quora].
There’s a throwaway line in *The Hunt For Red October* where a submarine
navigator jokes, “Give me a s...
4 years ago
2 comments:
What needs to be developed is a sound vision why this geographical, historical and architectural gem is in need of our saving. So far, it has gone on literally deaf (airplanes, government) ears or has not had loud enough, united voices. A plan to bring private incentive (i.e TIF) can help put together players that have an interest. Until then, it seems, the best we can do is take great pictures of ever evaporating buildings and memories of why we built them. Its the best piece of strategic land the region has to offer. That's why they put the fort there in the first place.
Please share more of your photos.
Thanks for your suggestions. More photos of the Upper Post (not taken by me) can be seen at a new exhibit in the Hennepin County Government Center.
"Half Past Midnight—Will the Upper Post Be Saved?" runs November 3 through 24, 2008, and is accessible during building hours of 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Hennepin Gallery, Hennepin County Government Center
A Level
300 South Sixth Street
From Preserve Minneapolis:
An exhibit-opening event will be held Wednesday, November 5 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with guest speakers at 5:30. Scheduled speakers include Peter McLaughlin, Hennepin County Commissioner, and Bonnie McDonald, Executive Director of the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota. They will give updates on preservation and redevelopment plans for the Upper Post. Light refreshments will be served.
Post a Comment