What’s wrong with Nicollet Mall?

For starters, Nicollet Mall has gone 23 years without a facelift; its sidewalk heating system doesn't work anymore; and its granite pavers are too costly to repair and maintain.  That's according to a presentation given today to members of the Minneapolis City Council's Transportation and Public Works Committee.

The city is beginning the process of looking for redesign ideas for the more than 130-year-old, 12-block-long thoroughfare.  According to the report, the idea is to make the street more "green" and more durable.  The report lists a reconstruction budget of $30-40 million dollars.

Committee chair Sandy Colvin Roy suggested that future architects might want to start by taking the word "mall" out of the name.  "It is just so retro," said Colvin Roy. "Not retro enough to be cool."

What do you think?  Is Nicollet Mall in desperate need of a makeover?

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