Loring Greenway is an urban walkway that connects Nicollet Mall with Loring Park, the city park that gives its name to the Minneapolis neighborhood ranked 2nd most livable by Twin Cities METRO magazine. If you aren't familiar with it you might not even realize it's there... but this urban walkway gets heavy use by thousands of people every day.
One entrance is across the street from the Berger dandelion fountain on the western edge of Loring Park. It meanders past condos, townhouses and apartments as it makes it way through gardens, fountains, and a playground on its way to Nicollet Mall... across the street from Westminster Presbyterian Church where a Paul Granlund sculpture bursts forth.
Designed by noted landscape architect M. Paul Friedberg, it is very fitting that Peavey Plaza, which he also designed, is on the corner less than a block away. The design creates a plaza parkway over LaSalle Avenue. I love the bustle of the city contrasted with the peaceful canopy of trees and a quiet residential feel. Many people may not even realize this part of the city is even here... quiet, shaded townhomes just steps from Nicollet Mall?!
It makes me wonder if this walkway might have been part of the inspiration for the Edina Promenade. Both are wonderfully walkable, passing by condos and townhomes as they connect a city park with commercial districts. Both are also areas that appeal to young buyers and Baby Boomers alike.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Loring Park Realtor