County board OKs agreements for development around Target Field Station

The Hennepin County Board, Regional Rail Authority and Housing and Redevelopment Authority on Tuesday approved final agreements with United Properties, the Minnesota Twins and Metro Transit for development around Target Field Station, a new multi-modal facility located west of the Minneapolis ballpark.

The agreements clear the way for a second platform for light-rail transit, a public plaza connecting to the ballpark promenade, a "Great Lawn" amphitheater, a 289-stall parking ramp, retail space and a landscaped area suitable for future development, county officials said in a press release.

The station is scheduled to open May 17. Eventually, Target Field Station will connect about 500 trains arriving and departing daily via the Metro Blue Line (Hiawatha), the Metro Green Line (Central Corridor) and the Northstar Commuter Rail. The Metro Green Line (Southwest) and Blue Line (Bottineau) extensions will bring additional rail service and connections to the region, county officials said.

“The various lines and transit modes that converge on Target Field Station, coupled with 81 game days each year, makes this a dynamic and exciting space,” said Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, adding that the station pacts will yield an estimated value of $20 million to the county.