Elk River, MN

Miller Dunwiddie developed a unique master plan for a new shopping center for one of the last undeveloped parcels along the Highway 169 corridor. The 18 acres of largely treeless land is surrounded on three sides by low density residential development. A plaza will be serve as a public gathering area to relax in while shopping or enjoy a meal outdoors.

Focusing on a high level of retail design and public amenities, MDA developed a solution that includes 100,000 square feet of space broken into seven buildings. Site layout minimizes auto movement by locating parking at the center of the site surrounded by generous sidewalks. This streetscape is further enhanced by landscaping with native plantings, pedestrian scale lighting, benches, and decorative paving. Larger site amenities, designed to establish a "Northwoods" theme, include timber pergolas, arbors, and a timber and steel clock tower at the visitor's plaza.