TC Sidewalks had a great idea involving taking the 18 layover north of the new library and turning it into a park, thus expanding Gateway Park from First St. to Fourth St. along Nicollet Mall. I think it would be perfect, providing the block directly east of the library is developed into something involving retail. It's right on the border of the North Loop and Downtown. With a large apartment building (albeit with a horrible setback and ugly street-level parking lot) and a brand new condo project directly west of the new library, a Whole Foods with residences and retail northwest, and the Mall to the east, that lot would serve as an ideal place for a park, making a true gateway. Who knows, maybe with that many people around, the Mall might actually be able to attract an actual retail magnet!
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