BoatWorks Commons
A 1.7-acre site on the north shore of White Bear Lake sat idle for years until this ambitious public-private partnership brought the space back to life.
The BoatWorks Commons project redevelops a historical lakeside boat building facility with a mixed-use development, including 8,500 square feet of commercial and public space, 85 residential units, and 232 surface and structured parking spaces. Additionally, a large public green space and various pedestrian amenities connect the development to White Bear Lake and the Marina.
Kimley-Horn provided civil design, permitting, and construction phase services for the project, including the design of a stormwater reuse system for irrigation that exceeded Rice Creek Watershed requirements and provides a model for the city’s efforts to improve the White Bear Lake watershed. Our team also designed the Lake Avenue roadway improvements for the city, including enhanced pedestrian crossing, access to the lake, timber boardwalk, gazebos, pedestrian lighting, and the stormwater management system.
As part of the Lake Avenue Public Improvements, the public portion of the BoatWorks Commons project, Kimley-Horn comprehensively addressed the concerns of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), watershed district, City, and citizens into a cohesive lakefront solution. The Lakefront Promenade included the construction of a multi-purpose regional trail with timber bridge that crosses an infiltration feature, 700 LF timber boardwalk and deck at the lake edge, two pavilions, and vertical circulation from the pedestrian crossing to the lake edge.