Woods, Groves, Center: Three Character Zones

651 Nicollet Mall

Nicollet’s 12-block long design is conceptually divided into three character zones: the Woods, the Groves and the Center. Nicollet gradually transitions from being the greenest at the ends in the “Woods” to the most urban in the middle at “the Center”.

The Woods, between Grant and 12th St. and Washington and 4th St., have the most vegetation with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees accompanied by mostly native lower-growing grasses and perennials which strengthen the connections from Nicollet to Loring Park and the Mississippi Riverfront. The Center, between 6th St. and 8th St., creates a new heart in the most urban and busiest transit intersection of the Mall that focuses activity and provides a place for the public to gather and participate in a variety of informal and programmed events, festivals, performances and markets. The Groves, between 12th St. and 8th St. and 4th St. and 6th St., provide significant greenery and seasonality without the congestion of planters and edging, and offer a series of tightly spaced “woodland groves” where people can move and sit among the trees.

The three zones are further reinforced by distinctive cast-in-place concrete paving with custom stencils to help signal arrival and provide a unique identity for Nicollet. The Woods stencil is a mix of leaves that showcase Minnesota native species to provide a softer and more park-like environment. The Center stencil is a more abstract, urban and modern basket weave pattern that compliments the Art and Light Walk. The Groves stencil is an array of branches that provide a more natural texture and grain to an otherwise urban environment.

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