We thoughtfully shape landscapes that resonate with our evolving communities and support a more resilient and sustainable future.
Damon Farber Landscape Architects is a landscape architecture and planning studio with roots in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Since 1981, we have cultivated our practice to embody the expansive field that is landscape architecture. We approach our work through a process that is deeply collaborative, curious, and caring. Our studio was founded on the idea that the best solutions are created through teamwork. We strive to know more about the places we work in, the people we work with, and the communities we work for. We believe that landscape architecture can and should make the world a better place.
When it comes to the challenges of our communities and our planet, we lean in.
Software Used: AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, Lumion, Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite

 
Water Works, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Water Works is a new addition to Mill Ruins Park and the Saint Anthony Falls Historic District in Downtown Minneapolis. The park transformed an abandoned 2.5-acre site with commanding views of the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls to provide much-needed visitor amenities for the area. The design preserved existing historic resources within the cultural landscape into park amenities including outdoor dining, plazas, seating, circulation, picnic lawns, native gardens, and play. The site provides important ADA connectivity between the river and the adjacent downtown urban fabric. Historic mill walls were rehabilitated to create site features and frame spaces; a new pavilion was inserted into a gap in the historic mill walls to create the Owamni Restaurant, public restrooms, and a public meeting room. The landscape architects worked with Dakota linguists and artists, as well as the Owamni founders to interpret the cultural importance of the riverside location and develop a Dakota language learning site.

The Plaza at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN

Damon Farber Landscape Architects led the renovation of an existing 3.1-acre green roof plaza for the Minneapolis Convention Center with the goal of creating more usable and revenue-generating space and improving the sustainable initiatives within the landscape. The project transformed a turf landscape into a smaller usable green surrounded by native gardens. Graceful pathways provide access into the gardens for visitors and locals. The smaller central lawn accommodates public events. Expanding the use of the space, a deck was installed to facilitate reception and provide visitors with break-out space. Visibility into the plaza was improved on all edges for increased safety and monitoring. Public engagement included the neighboring multifamily buildings which have embraced the space as a public park.

325 Blake Road Redevelopment and Greenway, Hopkins, MN

The 325 Blake Road Redevelopment and Greenway project is a redevelopment of a 17-acre former industrial site, located along Minnehaha Creek in Hopkins. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, working in collaboration with their development partner, contracted with Damon Farber to lead a multi-disciplinary team in master planning, design of public spaces, and community engagement. The transit-oriented, water-centric plan provides new housing, community, and retail uses complemented by a public realm that includes integrated stormwater treatment, multi-use trails, nature play, creek access, picnicking, interpretation, public art, plazas, tree-lined streetscapes, and pedestrian-oriented woonerfs.

All Abilities Playground at Trane Park, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Envisioned as an all-ages and all-abilities park - this space brings together kids, families and friends, in a safe and accessible, inclusive play environment. Born from a need to accommodate kids with autism in a safe and secure park - members of the La Crosse Area Autism Foundation approached the city stating a need for a new type of park that addressed the needs of everyone. The project transforms a previously flat, grassy field into a dynamic park space carved into the landscape to provide embankment play, enhanced sightlines, and a play environment immersed in a native landscape. The gated park is surrounded by fencing - providing clear boundaries for children. The play equipment was exhaustively researched and carefully selected for its ability to accommodate people of all ages - including those with limited mobility and special needs. A children's theater anchors the park and is centered by an existing large white oak that was preserved throughout construction. Respite pods provide children with autism an escape from the activity if play becomes overwhelming. A looping trail circumnavigates the space providing adults the opportunity to walk around this beautifully landscaped park as their children play.