Japs-Olson Minnehaha Creek Preserve Enhancement
Overview
In 2013, MCWD worked with the Japs Olson Company, a large printing business and major employer in St. Louis Park, to develop a solution for treating the site’s stormwater after its expansion. Japs-Olson is right in the heart of the Minnehaha Creek Greenway, a series of projects undertaken by MCWD and a host of partners to rehabilitate Minnehaha Creek through its most degraded stretch in Hopkins and St. Louis Park. The District offered to let Japs-Olson send its stormwater for treatment on MCWD owned sites along the Greenway and in exchange, Japs Olson gave MCWD nearly four acres of its property along Minnehaha Creek. Japs Olson also agreed to pay for moving a pipe that sent polluted stormwater directly into Minnehaha Creek and divert it to MCWD’s new facility, providing even more treatment than required.
By working with Japs-Olson to treat stormwater and facilitate the company’s expansion, MCWD was able to convert industrialized land back to a natural landscape in a way that saves both parties money and helps each achieve their goals. Trails now run through the property linking Excelsior Boulevard to the Minnehaha Preserve Trail System and connecting Japs-Olson’s employees and community members to a valuable natural amenity.
Project Timeline
Planning Phase
Planning Phase
2015 — Japs-Olson approaches MCWD about company expansion
December 2015 — surveys conducted to determine feasibility
Winter 2016 — feasibility completed
Design Phase
Design Phase
January 2016 — Design phase begins
January 2017 — Final design approved
Construction Phase
Construction Phase
Spring 2017 — Construction begins
Summer 2017 – Construction complete
Project completion
Project Completion
Summer 2017 — Project completed
By the Numbers
3.6
acres
of restored wetland and upland
25
pounds
of phosphorus kept out of the creek every year
100+
New trees
shrubs, and native plants
150
new jobs
created by business expansion
Project Highlights
- Stormwater treatment features to improve water quality in the creek
- Expanded parking opportunities for Japs-Olson employees
- Remediation of a contaminated site
- Additional flood storage created
- Invasive buckthorn and preventative ash tree removal
- Pollinator habitat enhancement
- New access point for the Minnehaha Preserve
Partnership
In 2013 the Japs Olson Company, a large printing business and major employer in St. Louis Park, let the City and MCWD know that it was planning to expand its facility into the neighboring lot, which sits along Minnehaha Creek next to the MCWD’s recently-restored Minnehaha Preserve. MCWD worked with the company to find a solution that benefited everyone.
Funding
Project Cost: $297,000
Funding for this project was provided by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.
