Congratulations to  Toole Design Group for an Honor Award in the Design – built category for the Capital City Bikeway Jackson Street Reconstruction.

The Jackson Street reconstruction project is the first constructed phase of the Capital City Bikeway in downtown Saint Paul, MN. As one of the city’s most important public realm improvement projects in recent history, it sets the standard for innovative green streets, bikeway design, storm water management, placemaking, and wayfinding in the City’s urban core.

Jackson Street’s design responds to the City’s request for an inviting urban streetscape that encourages economic development, prioritizes pedestrian and bicycle movement, and connects to regional trails beyond. The improvements include an elevated urban bikeway and separated pedestrian facility, with lush landscaping and decorative paving material that introduces a pleasant, people-scaled experience.

Stormwater runoff is captured and treated on-site via a combination of bioretention facilities and porous pavement. This beautifully redesigned streetscape promotes a rediscovery of downtown, encourages physical activity, and provides a new and memorable City experience.

The jury comments that “This should serve as a model for how bikeways are designed, not only to be a functioning part of our infrastructure but also celebrated parts of the urban environment.”