The Minneapolis North Loop: An Analysis of Redevelopment Opportunities and Challenges Confronting Potential Expansion of a District Energy System

Abstract

The scope of this work is to identify optimal strategies to maximize the utility of district energy for the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC). To that end this research provides a literature review outlining the smart practices from district energy facilities throughout the world. That literature review suggested that implementation of district energy is best undertaken during redevelopment. Additionally, primary source interviews uncovered several underlying issues that affect the future of district energy in the North Loop neighborhood. First, zoning is the enforcement arm for the city’s master plan. Therefore the focus of this work shifted to understanding planning processes and redevelopment possibilities in the North Loop. Second, it was brought to light that redevelopment in the North Loop on the whole is limited, but the most optimal location for future redevelopment is in the Lower North Loop. The following factors were uncovered throughout this work that affect potential redevelopment efforts in the North Loop neighborhood.