Minneapolis Planning Commission Approves Vikings Stadium Design

The new home of the Minnesota Vikings got one step closer to reality Monday night.

According to the Star Tribune, the Minneapolis Planning Commission gave its blessing for the stadium's design plans, despite some sharp criticism from one of the commission members:

"Six of eight commissioners present for the vote at Monday’s meeting approved the plan; one — mayoral candidate Dan Cohen — opposed it, while another member — Liz Wielinski — abstained.

"Cohen criticized the fast-track nature of the project, which won legislative financial approval in May 2012 after years of lobbying and politicking."

The stadium design features lots glassy, translucent elements. Final design documents are note complete yet, according to the Strib.

The design plans will now go before the city’s zoning and planning committee next week before going to the full city council for a vote Aug. 30, the newspaper reported. In addition, the team and the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) must sign off on final lease and development agreements, which is expected at the authority’s Aug. 23 meeting.

A groundbreaking has been tentatively planned for October this year. The chief contractor on the project is Golden Valley's Mortenson Construction.

The new stadium is scheduled to open in time for the 2016 NFL season. The MSFA, which currently owns the Metrodome, or Mall of America Field, will own and operate the new stadium.

Related:

• Vikings Stadium Contract Goes to Mortenson Construction
• Deadline Approaching for Vikings Stadium
• Golden Valley Construction Firm Attends Vikings Stadium Meeting

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