The Artery is a bike, pedestrian and vehicle connection and community space on 8th Avenue S between a planned METRO Green Line Extension Light Rail Transit station and the City’s historic downtown.
Hopkins’ Planning and Economic Development department originally imagined the project, which was completed spring 2018 after nearly 10 years of planning, as a way to attract visitors to the downtown business district, provide access to the LRT station and fill a missing gap between two regional trails.
However, as the name suggests, the project turned into much more than a simple connection from point A to point B. The Artery features a wide designated cycle track, pedestrian and community spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy, and various art installations from both local and national artists.
Recognition
In 2018, the City received the Project of the Year Award from the Minnesota Chapter of the American Public Works Association for the Artery Project.
The Artery was named as a 2019 Great Street by the American Planning Association as part of its Great Places in America program. The program recognizes the streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces in the United States demonstrating exceptional character, quality, and planning. The Artery was one of only three Great Streets in the country designated in 2019. Learn more about the Great Street designation on the APA's website here.
