Hennepin County Medical Center – Whittier Clinic

Location: 2810 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
Nominated by: HGA Architects and Engineers

The Hennepin County Medical Center’s (HCMC) Whittier Clinic project transformed a former brownfield site into a LEED-certified, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood clinic that reinvigorates the multi-cultural core of Minneapolis. Located near the intersection of Lake Street and Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis, the flagship clinic is a dynamic, colorful and “green” destination that encourages public interaction and celebrates the neighborhood’s rich ethnic and cultural diversity.

The 60,000-square-foot outpatient medical clinic, designed by Minneapolis-based HGA Architects and Engineers, replaced several abandoned industrial structures, which were anomalies in the otherwise pedestrian-oriented retail, commercial and residential district. Services include primary and specialty care, urgent care, physical therapy and pharmacy services.The redeveloped site is a full 3.11 acre city block. In addition to the clinic, the site includes urban plazas, public park spaces and rain gardens for storm water management.

To make this project possible, an extensive remediation of existing site contaminants was required. Site investigations revealed the presence of PAHs (polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons), PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), cadmium, lead and mercury. The site contamination was remediated by removing contaminated soils – 29,500 tons of soil – from the site. Excavated soil samples were screened for the presence of organic vapors using photoionization detector (PID) equipment and observation of odors, debris and staining. Approximately 1/3 of the site – or one acre – required remediation.

The project reflects the collaboration of numerous stakeholders – including HCMC leadership, neighborhood organizations and government agencies – working together to revitalize an important Minneapolis neighborhood. The project replaces abandoned industrial buildings with a service that enhances community health. Urban plazas, community parks and rain gardens have replaced the dilapidated structures, crumbling concrete and rusting chain link of the previous development. The project provides a safer, pedestrian-friendly environment that encourages social interaction.

Project Financing

$444,498 Minnesota DEED Contamination Cleanup & Investigation Grant
$76,854 Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund

Project Partners

• Hennepin Health Services / Hennepin County Medical Center
• Whittier Alliance
• Hennepin County Board of Commissioners
• Minneapolis City Council
• City of Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development
• City of Minneapolis City Planning Commission
• City of Minneapolis Development Review Department
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
• HGA Architects and Engineers
• McGough Construction
• Wenck Associates, Inc
• American Engineering Testing, Inc.
• Carl Bolander and Sons Co.
• MidAmerica, Inc. / Clean Harbors
• EnviroBate Metro / Mavo Systems
• Weidt Group
• Michaud Cooley Erickson
• NorthMarq
• United Properties