As a community mental health center with more than half of its clients coming from low-income families, Washburn Center for Children is a critical safety net for the community – no child or family is turned away for financial reasons. Washburn Center for Children had outgrown their prior facility due to fast growing demand for their services, and therefore built the new facility out of necessity.
The project faced a great deal of environmental challenges associated with contaminated fill soils. There was also lead-based paint and asbestos-containing materials related to the former building foundations. In addition to the contamination, the site had structurally poor soils that required extensive piling and deep foundation support work. A high water table and the close proximity of Basset Creek necessitated intensive waterproofing design and construction dewatering considerations.
The redevelopment of this property is part of the Basset Creek Redevelopment Plan and is helping to transform a distressed area of Minneapolis. The site sat vacant for years prior to Washburn Center for Children purchasing the property and turning it into a vibrant, health-focused center for children and families. Washburn Center for Children’s facility is one of the first redevelopment projects in this area, which will hopefully spur further development.
Washburn Center for Children was nominated as a finalist for aMinnesota Brownfields ReScape Awardand aEnvironmental Initiative Award.
