Media Coverage
Sustainable: Lake Street project to use aquifer heating, cooling
Finance & Commerce
Press Release
Aquifer thermal energy storage will heat and cool buildings at the former U.S. Bank site, with the potential to serve other developments in the area.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Ever-Green Energy announced today that it will lead the development and implementation of a low-carbon district energy system at the redevelopment site at 2800 East Lake Street in Minneapolis, formerly a branch of U.S. Bank.
“We are thrilled to be working with Ever-Green Energy on this transformational redevelopment,” said Taylor Smrikárova, project leader from Redesign, Inc. “A forward-thinking, low-carbon energy system is a massive part of our vision for this site, and we are excited to see how it will come to life.”
U.S. Bank donated its branch property to nonprofit community development corporation Redesign, Inc., which is partnering with architectural design firm 4RM+ULA to redevelop the property into affordable housing, commercial and outdoor retail spaces, nonprofit services and arts and cultural destinations. Their goals are to increase density, add public amenities and reduce environmental impacts in the community, while centering BIPOC voices in the process.
“We are creating a new model for equitable development, which involves planning in partnership with and for community,” said James Garrett Jr., partner at 4RM+ULA. “Reducing our impact on the environment is one more way in which we can put community first, and this system allows us to do that.”
An essential component of the site’s reduced environmental impact comes from a planned district energy system that is designed to be low-carbon. Ever-Green Energy is leading the development and implementation of this system, which will use aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) along with heat pumps to heat and cool buildings, with the potential to serve other developments as they are constructed in the area. Each of the buildings on the site will be fully carbon neutral once coupled with renewable electricity.
“The plans for this redevelopment are groundbreaking and so is the technology that will heat and cool it,” said Ken Smith, Ever-Green Energy’s CEO. “We are honored to be part of this project and look forward to seeing the impact it has on the surrounding community for decades to come.”
This is the first time ATES will be used for an urban system in the United States and serves as the most practical option for decarbonization, given the small footprint of the site. Test wells will go in this summer, with design and permitting happening through summer 2024. Actual wells are anticipated to go in fall of 2024, with the system up and running in 2025.
Underground Energy is also contributing to the ATES design.
###
About Ever-Green Energy
Ever-Green Energy works across sectors to advance and operate energy systems with a deep commitment to financial and environmental stewardship. Ever-Green is one of the only firms in North America whose portfolio and services include utility ownership, operations and management, engineering, business planning, and community engagement. The Ever-Green Energy team applies its depth of knowledge through every step of a system’s development and advancement, working collaboratively to implement viable solutions that make energy systems more resilient. Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Ever-Green Energy operates and manages energy and water systems in California, Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. For more information, visit ever-greenenergy.com.
About Redesign, Inc.
Seward Redesign is a nonprofit community development corporation established in 1969. We are dedicated to improving the Seward and Greater Longfellow neighborhoods of South Minneapolis. The organization provides comprehensive community development services inclusive of housing and commercial real estate development, infrastructure advocacy and small business development.
About 4RM+ULA
4RM+ULA designs for the ever-evolving 21st century city. We believe in celebrating existing structures and improving engagement and communication between clients and community. We integrate emerging technologies and construction practices, continually seeking innovative, artful ways to improve the quality of life for our community. We bring award-winning design and development through mutually beneficial partnerships that positively impact the community through creative, high-quality, environmentally conscious design and engagement.