MORNINGSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD FLOOD RISK REDUCTION

Client

City of Edina

Location

Minnesota

Cost

$12.5 million (total)

Completion Date

2023

2024 Project of the Year
Environmental Category

American Public Works Association
Minnesota Chapter

2025 Grand Award
Engineering Excellence Awards

American Council of Engineering Companies of Minnesota

2025 First Runner-up People's Choice Award
Engineering Excellence Awards

American Council of Engineering Companies of Minnesota

2025 National Recognition Award
Engineering Excellence Awards

American Council of Engineering Companies

Low-lying, landlocked areas make Edina’s Morningside neighborhood prone to flooding—a risk that could grow as climate change brings more intense storms to the region. The city partnered with Barr to reduce neighborhood flood risk while enhancing existing community amenities. Barr helped the city evaluate a wide range of infrastructure options through modeling and cost-benefit analysis, and the city chose a solution centered on its popular Weber Park.

CREATING BEAUTIFUL MITIGATION

Weber Pond revitalized

Flood-conveyance swale with wildflowers

Popular footpaths rebuilt

Habitat restoration

Reconfigured ballfields

Flood storage in the pond will be maintained by a pump station equipped with level-control pumping technology.

Using a cellular connection, the station collects real-time weather data to anticipate flood-storage needs and adjust the pond’s water level accordingly.

If a large storm event is forecasted, this smart infrastructure will automatically lower the pond to accommodate stormwater.

Map overview of the Morningside neighborhood project site showing water flow paths activated during heavy rain. The predictive pumping station continually monitors water levels and draws down Weber Pond in anticipation of a storm, reducing flood risk for surrounding homes and buildings.

ENGINEERING A MORE RESILIENT ENVIRONMENT

The Morningside project has increased neighborhood flood resilience, reducing the flood risk for over 160 homes and buildings, while enhancing Weber Park—without aggravating flood risk to any resident.

32 million gallons

Weber Pond can now store 150 percent more water than before the project

Over 2,500

Native trees and shrubs were planted, replacing invasive and disease-prone species.

167

Homes and other buildings now have reduced flood risk.

9,000

Native perennial plants were installed and nine acres were seeded to create diverse habitats.

Barr developed the final infrastructure design and construction plans, assisted with construction bidding and permitting, and provided construction observation. Construction of the Morningside Flood Infrastructure Project was completed in 2023.