From left to right: Hennepin County Administrator Jodi Wentland, Former Hennepin County Administrator David Hough, Hennepin County Board Chair Dr. Irene Fernando, Hennepin County Library Director Scott Duimstra, City of Edina Council Member Kate Agnew, City of Edina Mayor James Hovland, Hennepin County District 5 Commissioner Debbie Goettel, Hennepin County District 6 Commissioner Heather Edelson, City of Edina Council Member Carolyn Jackson, and City of Edina Council Member Julie RisserHennepin County officially broke ground on the long-anticipated redevelopment of Southdale Library on October 3, marking the beginning of a transformative project that blends community, creativity, and sustainability.

A vision years in the making

The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the Southdale Library site near York Avenue South and West 70th Street in Edina, celebrated the start of construction on a facility that will house both the new Southdale Library and a reimagined Edina Art Center. The project has been in development for over a decade and reflects extensive community engagement and inter-agency collaboration.

Remarks from Hennepin County Commissioners and leadership, along with City of Edina officials, emphasized the importance of the new space as a hub for learning, creativity, and connection. A ceremonial shovel-turning symbolized the shared commitment to innovation and inclusion.

"We are building more than a library. We are building a place where people will come to feel seen, supported and inspired,” said Hennepin County Commissioner Heather Edelson. Hennepin County and library leaders break ground at Southdale Library groundbreaking celebration

Scott Duimstra, Hennepin County Library director, addresses groundbreaking attendees

Designing for the future

The new facility will feature:

• A light-filled atrium designed for both library and arts events
• Improved layout that will invite visitors to explore the collection and relax in the quiet, vibrant space
• Studio spaces and flexible classrooms for art programming on the second floor
• Outdoor plazas that will invite families to read, play, and explore in nature
• Flexible meeting rooms that will be available for everything from after school homework and tutoring to community gatherings
• Sustainable features including geothermal energy, solar panels, and native landscaping that manage 95% of annual rainfall
• A trailhead connection to the Nine Mile Creek Trail, enhancing pedestrian and cyclist access
• And more

A home for creativity

The Edina Art Center, which has served the community for nearly 50 years, will find a new home within the library. The updated space will support a wide range of media and continue to foster intergenerational creativity and connection.

Looking ahead

Construction is anticipated to continue for the next few years. Library services will remain available at alternate locations during the project.

Project updates

Interested in receiving future updates on the project? Subscribe to the Southdale Library email list or visit the Southdale Library building project page.