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U.S. Dept. of Transportation announces 2005 Environmental Excellence Award
4/13/2005
On April 13, 2005, The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration announced it has awarded the 2005 Environmental Excellence Award to North American Properties for their efforts at SouthWest Station in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The property provides a unique pedestrian friendly, transit oriented , environmentally sensitive development at the gateway to the city of Eden Prairie.. The 21 acre site situated near two major freeways includes a transit station, park and ride facilities, restaurants, retail businesses, offices and condominiums. The ideal location of the station and high level of transit service results in the elimination of 1,630 single occupant vehicle trips per day and a carbon monoxide emissions reduction of 474 kilograms per day according to the Federal Highway Administration. Environmental concerns were integrated into the project by providing for a community park and trail system through the surrounding natural areas while ensuring that the design of the facility minimized the time it took for transit vehicles to enter and exit the site. The final design includes an exclusive bus-way entry and exit tunnel, which is designed for easy access to and from the adjacent freeway interchanges. This is the first of its kind in the state of Minnesota.
The work of North American Properties and partnering organizations including the Metropolitan Council, SouthWest Metro Transit Commission, city of Eden Prairie, Knutson Construction, LSA Design, Inc., Ernst Associates, Walker Parking Consultants, Kirk Program Management, and RJM Construction is an example of how government agencies and private organizations can work together on transportation goals to support a healthy natural environment. The award will be presented on April 22, 2005.
North American Properties is now selling studios, flats and Townhomes at Southwest Station Condominiums priced from the $120's to the low $400's.
Congratulations to our Dallas/Minneapolis team for this impressive accomplishment! It is yet another testament to our mission of improving the quality of the communities in which we serve. Great work!
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