First round of tree planting, surface parking lot complete at Southdale Library

At the end of September, the Southdale Library project hit two more milestones: the first round of tree planting and the surface parking lot were completed.

Half of the trees planned for the site were planted on the south side near the recently completed stormwater basins. These trees were grown at the Hennepin County gravel-bed nursery and were transplanted by crews from Hennepin County’s Forestry team.

Other notable progress in the past month includes the completion of the stormwater basins. All basins are formed and the final basin holds water as designed after the recent heavy rainfall.

Progress photos

Image shows new construction, framed wall on left side, slanted overhanging framed roof at top of imageSouth second level façade envelope progressImage shows interior room framing on left side of photo and ceiling framing at top of photoInterior framing progressing Image shows building under construction on the left side of the image, materials include concrete, metal, and eventually glass. Approach to building coming from the left side of the image is dirt awaiting sidewalks and landscaping.North entry structureImage shows construction mockup that includes two small scale building stories using the same materials that are being used in the full scale building. This is done for testing purposes.Mockup continues to evolve in sequence of full scope installation

Image shows three workers in a large wide open green space planting a tree. Dark brown dirt and woodchips surround the tree.Workers plant trees on the south side of the site

Trees planted on the south side of the site
Image shows a storm water basin at the center holding water after a recent rainfall. Sidewalk and dirt at foreground, green grass surrounding stormwater basin in the center. Trees at the background.Completed stormwater basin holding water after recent heavy rainfall

Upcoming work

  • Entry canopies, curtain wall frames, and stairwells
  • Enclosing the building by winter
  • Roofing
  • Mechanical room equipment build out
  • Mechanical, sprinkler, electrical piping and infrastructure work
  • Major site work including site concrete, site lighting bases, and north half infrastructure
  • Commissioned art and early learning play elements selection/design
  • Furniture design, selection, and procurement

Project update

Interested in receiving future updates on the project? Visit the Southdale Library building project page.