Barr collaborated with a large design team that included landscape architects, fountain designers, historic-preservation consultants, and lighting designers to renovate Peavey Plaza in downtown Minneapolis. We designed the power supply and controls in the fountain’s mechanical room, electrical distribution, and lighting-control systems. We also assisted with power-distribution improvements for outdoor stage areas as well as electrical modifications necessary for a wintertime, public ice-skating rink.
We also designed a stormwater-management system using structural soil (compacted soil under pavement that allows for root growth) to intercept runoff before it drains into the fountain and pervious pavement. The structural soil will provide a better growing environment for new and existing trees. Our structural engineers designed new steel and concrete structural components (including cast-in-place concrete retaining walls, precast deck, and steel framing to support the fountain) and evaluated the condition and integrity of existing concrete structural elements for revised loading conditions.
Since the plaza is on the National Register of Historic Places, all project work was required to meet strict historic preservation requirements. The design needed to be harmonized with the site’s existing features, altering them as little as possible. Construction was completed in 2019.