Eagan Approves Plazas, Bridge For 'Viking Lakes' Development

EAGAN, MN — Plazas, trails, a land bridge and other site features were detailed and approved by the Eagan City Council July 18, for the "Viking Lakes" development in northeast Eagan. The plan details additional features to be included in the previously approved development concept for the Minnesota Vikings and Twin Cities Orthopedics property.

This amenity plan required specific approval by the Council before additional building permits could be issued at the site, according to city officials.

Included are several plaza areas to serve as transition spaces between the office areas and the stadium and practice fields. One plaza is described as several "tiered" areas that work with the site’s topography to transition visitors down what would otherwise be a 25-foot drop. Plan documents indicate the plazas provides places for people to walk, sit, play and interact.

Other plaza areas detailed, will accommodate larger gatherings or serve as entryways to various locations within the development. (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Minnesota Patch, click here to find your local Minnesota Patch. Also, follow us on Facebook , and if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Features also include looping trails and a land bridge for pedestrian access between the future eastern development of the site and the stadium and plaza and provide access to two lakes within the site. Plans anticipate future kayak, canoe and skiing possibilities in this area, according to a news release.

Architectural renderings depict the land bridge as an area for potential player tributes and recognition, art installations, and other attractions with heavy landscaping. The bridge is sited on the route of the former Northwest Parkway.

A future phase of this plan also includes an approximately 6,000 square foot, two-story Skol Pavilion for events, food and beverage service, recreational equipment rental facilities and outdoor gathering areas. This is intended to be constructed in a later development phase.

Images via Minnesota Vikings