|
Mill
Ruins Park first historical landmark to use VERSA-LOK Retaining
Wall Systems
OAKDALE,
MN, DECEMBER 21, 2001 - Mill Ruins Park–located along the shores
of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minn.–recently became
the first historical landmark in the U.S. to use Weathered™
VERSA-LOK® Retaining Wall Systems.
Three
years ago, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board–continuing
in their mission to reclaim the land adjacent to the Mississippi
River–acquired Mill Ruins Park (formerly the old Minneapolis
flour mills), an area currently on the National Register for Historical
Places. Subsequently, the Board planned a three-phase renovation
of the area, including re-construction of canals, channels, and
surrounding landscapes.
The
first phase involved using segmental retaining walls to re-construct
a tailrace that currently channels water from the Mississippi downstream
alongside the partially excavated old flour mill ruins. Architect-of-record,
URS/BRW, searched for a segmental retaining wall system that would
ensure long-lasting durability while complementing the historical
surroundings.
"We
chose VERSA-LOK systems because it offered a similar color and texture
to the old limestone walls," said Bob Kost, senior associate
at URS/BRW. "But during the initial phase many other needs
popped up, including a parking lot wall and river inlet," said
Kost. "We found VERSA-LOK to be a very cost-effective solution
to those needs."
Mill
Ruins Park is the centerpiece of the revitalization of the Minneapolis
riverfront and historic West Side Milling District–once regarded
as the largest direct-drive waterpowered facility in the world.
Scheduled for completion in 2003, the finished Mill Ruins Park project
will include picnic areas, bike and walking paths, additional landscaping
and an Archaeological Educational Laboratory.
VERSA-LOK
Retaining Wall Systems–located in Oakdale, Minn.–has been
creating "Solid Solutions™" for commercial,
government and residential customers since 1987 by offering the
only solid, pinned segmental retaining walls on the market. By utilizing
well-constructed, long-lasting, solid concrete units that are environmentally
friendly and virtually maintenance-free, VERSA-LOK Retaining Walls
Systems provide unlimited design flexibility and unmatched structural
integrity.
For
more information on VERSA-LOK Retaining Wall Systems, contact Karl Bremer, at 800-770-4525 or visit www.versa-lok.com.
|
