About the project

Franklin Avenue, between Hennepin Avenue and Lyndale Avenue South, was fully reconstructed to address aging infrastructure and upgrade safety of the pedestrian and bike connections. This project included a dozen bioretention basins and one larger underground detention basin to meet the City Stormwater Ordinance requirements and to create a complete street. Water from the road runs into the boulevard bioretention basins where it soaks into the ground. The basins are full of trees and native plants that create habitat and help soak up water and pollutants.  

• Type of green infrastructure: Bioretention Basins and Underground Detention 
• Completion date: 2022 
• Functions:
  • Removes trash and pollutants from the water 
  • Collects rainwater from the roads, sidewalks, and buildings and lets it soak into the ground 
  • Adds native plants and trees, creates pollinator habitat 
  • Reduces hardcover and greens the city 
  • Creates a community amenity  
  • Meets Stormwater Ordinance requirements