St. Louis Park, MN
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The City of St. Louis Park has been working with the residents, businesses and property owners of the Historic Walker Lake district for the past few years to find ways to revitalize the area, engage the community and attract visitors. These efforts include a small area plan, new street design, branding and an activation plan.
Latest update
In January 2021, the Historic Walker Lake district was rezoned to MX-2, neighborhood mixed use, which allows for small-scale, mixed-use buildings with a combination of commercial, light industrial, and residential uses. The area is also subject to the adopted Historic Walker Lake Design Guidelines.
Walker Lake Business Association
- The Walker Lake Business Association was established in 2019.
- President - Tim Fisher (Raul Revere Masonic Center)
- Vice president - Spencer Johnson (Sota Clothing)
- Treasurer - Lani Varela (Vinna Fitness)
- Secretary - Alex Brose (SLP Nutrition)
- The association meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at varying locations within the district.
Small area plan
In October 2018, the city completed a small area revitalization plan and design guidelines for the district. The process included many opportunities to gather input from area businesses, property owners and neighbors.
Historic Walker Lake Small Area Revitalization Plan posted June 11, 2019.
Activation plan
In November 2016, the city was awarded a Moving the Market Grant from Hennepin County to help reactivate the Walker/Lake business area. With these funds, city staff worked with the businesses, high school and community members in the district to promote and rejuvenate the area neighborhood and businesses.
With the help of a focus group the area has been branded as "Historic Walker Lake".
The St. Louis Park Historic Walker-Lake Activation Plan was written to identify placemaking activities for the area and easy to implement steps to take over time to generate more activity in the area. This fall the city will install wayfinding elements, including street sign toppers and banners, with the remaining grant funds.