Project Location

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
1 Theodore Wirth Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55405

Project Manager

Allison Dahlin
Phone: (612) 230-6480
Email: adahlin@minneapolisparks.org

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Status

Current Phase: Pre-Construction
Anticipated Construction: Spring – Fall 2024

New Utility Buildings Coming to the Garden

Two new utility/storage buildings will be constructed at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden. These new storage buildings will be located just outside the fenced boundary of the garden and will be […]

Project delayed due to Construction Costs

Bids for the building addition to the visitor center at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden were received in December 2021.  Due to construction costs, this work is on hold.  Other […]

Proposed design for Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden Improvements available online

Public hearing set for Nov. 6, 6 pm in Board Room at Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Headquarters

Proposed design for improvements to Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden debut at Open House on October 8

Results of community engagement and proposed concept design will be shared at Wirth Pavilion, 5-7 pm on Oct. 8

One week left to weigh in on upcoming improvements to Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden

Results of community engagement and proposed concept design will be shared during event on October 8.

New Utility/Storage Buildings

  • Design: Summer/Fall 2023
  • Bidding: Winter 2023
  • Contracting Time: Spring 2024
  • Construction: Spring – Fall 2024

Visitor Center Building 

  • Engagement & Analysis of Findings: Summer/Fall 2019
  • Concept Plan Approval: Winter 2019
  • Design Development: Winter 2020
  • Design/Construction delay due to high construction costs: 2021
  • Construction: TBD

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Upcoming Meetings

There are no upcoming meetings scheduled at this time.

This improvements project is based on recommendations for Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden & Bird Sanctuary (EBWG) from the Theodore Wirth Park Master Plan adopted in 2015: main entry access and path improvements and enhancements to buildings & facilities (bridge/boardwalk improvements from the master plan were completed in 2019).

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) staff developed a concept plan for improvements, informed by community engagement in and around the garden during summer/fall 2019.

The concept plan includes:

  • Restroom expansion designed for equitable access
  • Demolition of the existing tool shed, which currently also serves as office space
  • New tool shed to be built outside of the current fence line
  • Expansion to the Visitor Center
  • A new front entrance area that could include accessible paths, seating, plantings, etc.

2019 Concept Plan Information

The concept plan is a vision for the future and the images do not reflect the actual improvements that will be constructed:

MPRB’s 2020 Capitol Improvement Program (CIP) includes funding to begin this next phase of improvements. This phase of work will include the addition to the Visitor Center. Construction is slated for fall of 2021 to be completed in spring of 2022.