Roper New Minneapolis light rail route threads through strange concrete wasteland

Minneapolis is set to welcome light-rail passengers along a route that traverses an industrial landscape dominated by a concrete recycling site. The Bassett Creek Valley station, with projections of just over 300 daily riders, underscores the area's lack of immediate development despite the city's investment in the nearly $3 billion project. Historical efforts to revitalize the Linden Yards site for office and housing have stalled, primarily due to poor soil conditions that require expensive construction methods. City officials had previously granted exclusive development rights to Ryan Cos. , but uncertainty regarding the light-rail timeline hindered progress.

The Van White Memorial Bridge, which opened in 2013, enhances connectivity between neighborhoods but does not resolve the surrounding area's development challenges. The city has opted to renovate its impound lot rather than relocate it, complicating future opportunities for Linden Yards. Current city leadership has not engaged in public discussions about the site's potential, raising concerns among local advocates. The future of Linden Yards remains uncertain as the light-rail project nears completion.