In what stands as a pioneering stride for sustainability, Highland Bridge's green stormwater infrastructure system has been awarded one of the three 2025 Project Excellence Awards by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), thus recognizing it as a national model for sustainable urban redevelopment. This first a project in Minnesota that highlights the advancing front of forward-thinking infrastructure tackling the multifaceted issues of climate change, urban growth, and water quality.
The sprawling 122-acre site in Minnesota's Saint Paul, once home to Ford's assembly plant, has been transformed into a hub of green infrastructure that not only houses mixed residential dwellings and business spaces but also incorporates an array of sustainable features. According to the City of Saint Paul, the Highland Bridge boasts a visible and functional stormwater system capable of treating an estimated 64 million gallons of rainwater annually, preventing 20 tons of sediment and 147 pounds of phosphorus from entering the Mississippi River.
Speaking to this environmental victory, Mayor Carter proudly claimed, "This award is a credit to all the people who showed up, shared ideas, and worked toward a shared goal," as reported by the City of Saint Paul. The collaborative efforts behind the project included teams from Barr Engineering Co., Ryan Companies US, Inc., and Confluence, among others. The Mayor highlighted the project as a reflection of the city's strength, inclusiveness, and readiness for the future.
Melanie McMahon, the interim leader of the city's planning efforts, outlined the transformative journey from an industrially burdened site to a zone of purity and vitality. "When we started, the land carried decades of industrial history, contamination, and untapped potential. Now, through intentional design and collaboration, it’s a place for clean water, parks, and thriving communities," McMahon told the City of Saint Paul, underscoring the project's transformative impact on the urban landscape.
Among the stormwater system's highlights, the landscaped area includes over a thousand new trees and natural plantings tailored for water efficiency. The ingeniously filtered stormwater contributes to the central water feature, revitalizing a recreated creek that journeys under Mississippi River Boulevard and arrives at Hidden Falls Regional Park. As reported by the City of Saint Paul, this feature endows both ecological renewal and community enjoyment, complemented by pedestrian and bike paths, and a public plaza with views of Hidden Falls.
Representatives from the project partnership received the accolade at the WEFTEC 2025 conference held in Chicago. The award not only situates Highland Bridge at the forefront of green redevelopment but also establishes a benchmark for the city's aspirations to lead with climate-responsive and equitable infrastructure.
To know more about the Highland Bridge's environmental vision, detailed information is accessible on the City of Saint Paul's news release. WEF, a cornerstone for water quality professionals, furthers its mission by recognizing and advancing notable endeavors in the water community, such as Highland Bridge's green stormwater infrastructure system.
