Primary navigation

    Capitol Mall Design Framework

    The Capitol Mall Design Framework is a design process that will create a Capitol Mall that is MORE WELCOMING FOR MORE MINNESOTANS. The Design Framework lays out a multi-phase implementation strategy and a series of design guidelines to be used as a decision-making tool moving forward. Public engagement for the Capitol Mall Design Framework built upon previous engagement work by the CAAPB. 

    Fall 2024 Update: CMDF Implementation Begins (Phase 1A)

    CAAPB and the Department of Administration, working in collaboration with several public agency partners, have been busy in 2024 since Board approval of Phase 1A improvements in May 2024. Implementing a mandate to increase shade and canopy, the grounds will see approximately 188 new trees on the Upper and Lower Mall and in and near Cass Gilbert Memorial Park. A new flag plaza is under construction honoring the eleven federally recognized Tribes in Minnesota - the first segment of a new commemorative circle envisioned by the community-based design process earlier in 2024 (see Design Charrette below). The investments are the first steps in implementation of a larger Phase 1A+1B that will seek renewed legislative provision in 2025, which will enable further upgrades in safety, comfort, activity, accessibility, and sustainability of the Capitol Mall.

    Minnesota’s Capitol Mall Design Framework Final Updates

    The CAAPB authorized the final edits to the full 177-page Framework document. The edits are detailed in the September 24, 2024 Board Packet. Watch the final presentation here.

    The Design Framework was developed with the goal of making the Capitol Mall more welcoming for more Minnesotans. To represent Minnesota's great diversity, the design team has collaborated with thousands of community members across the state over the last five months. After an extensive initial analysis in late 2023, the team led a 4-day design session with 75 community members, hosted two online surveys with 2,425 responses, held 13 pop-ups across the state, hosted focus groups and a state-wide virtual workshop, and attended countless meetings with community groups, state agencies and others to gather design input.

    “We are excited to share the Capitol Mall Design Framework, which is the result of many voices, and the hard work of the project team. These changes represent a shared vision for the Capitol Mall, one that prioritizes accessibility, sustainability, and inclusivity. The Capitol belongs to all Minnesotans and this effort speaks to the heart of that.” says Lt. Governor Peggy Flannagan, the chair of the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board.

    For more information, please visit the project website at https://mncapitolmall.engage.sasaki.com/.

    The website is available in English, Hmong, Somali and Spanish.

    Design Charrette

    CAAPB hosted a successful Design Charrette at the Minnesota History Center! Thank you for participating!

    The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAPB) hosted a four-day intensive design process, which included meetings with over 75 Minnesotans providing input on how the Capitol Mall can better serve Minnesotans in the future. Participants included legislators, State of Minnesota staff, neighborhood and community leaders, members of the local community and greater Minnesota. Interpretation in Spanish and Hmong was provided during the meetings. CAAPB and Sasaki staff also participated in meetings with MIAC (Minnesota Indian Affairs Council) staff and Tribal Leaders through the Governor’s Office weekly call. 

    This series of meetings mark a significant milestone in the ongoing process to develop a new Capitol Mall Design Framework. Major themes brought forward are related to increasing the vitality of the Capitol Mall and surrounding community, creating resilience to future economic and environmental changes, and increasing the inclusivity, comfort and accessibility of the Capitol Mall.

    Prior to the meetings, community input was gathered at pop-ups in the surrounding neighborhood, meetings with technical staff and neighborhood leaders, and through a statewide online survey which received 1,283 responses.

    Minnesotans are invited to visit the project website at https://mncapitolmall.engage.sasaki.com/ to learn more about the project and provide input.

    Agency Contact: Peter Musty | peter.musty@state.mn.us

    Materials

    1. Monday, February 5th, 2024 -- MN CMDF Charrette Focus Group Kick-Off Presentation PDF
    2. Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 -- Capitol Mall Community Charrette: Background Information YouTube Video
    3. Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 -- Capitol Mall Community Charrette: Pin-up YouTube Video
    4. Thursday, February 8th, 2024 -- Capitol Mall Community Charrette: Final Pin-up YouTube Video
    5. Thursday, February 8th, 2024 -- MN CMDF Charrette Focus Group Recap Presentation PDF
    6. Friday, March 1st, 2024 --
    back to top