Maple Grove Public Works Building Triples in Size

Maple Grove is planning for years of growth as the public works facility is expanding its facility on Forestview Lane. The expansion gives the city more space to store equipment and staff more space to work. 

“Right now things are little cramped,” Maple Grove Director of Public Works Ken Ashfeld said. “We store equipment in every nook and cranny in the city and there still isn’t enough room. We have to keep some of it outside and that really cuts into the longevity our equipment.”

Aside from storing all equipment indoors, here are several other highlights of the addition:

• More room will allow for new salt brining equipment, which is the most recent tool used to de-ice the roads.

• Expansion will fit the long-range needs for Maple Grove for the next 30 years.

• The city expects to add another 60 miles of road as it fully develops, which will lead to a need for more equipment. This new facility is built to accommodate that need.

• The side of the new building that faces a neighborhood has a unique facade. Wire baskets filled with rocks give the outside a different look.

• The building will be 188,000 sq. ft when it's complete, roughly three times its current size.

• There are several energy saving elements are built into the design, according to the city, such as "clerestory windows to minimize lighting needs and mechanical operators for air handling."

• The project cost is about $15 million. 

• Construction started in April 2011 and should be finished by March of 2012.