The city of Eden Prairie presented its Spirit of Eden Prairie Award for the second year during the Tuesday, Nov. 1, Eden Prairie City Council meeting.
Eden Prairie News
November 2, 2016
Patty Dexter
The city of Eden Prairie presented its Spirit of Eden Prairie Award for the second year during the Tuesday, Nov. 1, Eden Prairie City Council meeting.
“The award recognizes significant investments and enhancements property and building owners have made that contribute to the overall vitality, accessibility and sustainability of the community,” according to a city report.
“Three property categories are eligible for nomination: Single-Family Residential, Multi-Family Residential, and Industrial/Commercial/Office. Nomination criteria include improvements such as enhanced accessibility, exceptional landscaping, sustainable features, lighting, signage or exterior upgrades.”
Eden Prairie residents Marilynn and Tom Torkelson received the award for the Single-Family Residential category and Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies was given the award in the Commercial/Industrial/Office category.
The Torkelsons improved their shoreline on a shallow pond through native plantings and installing a rain garden, according to the city.
“The nominator noted that the Torkelsons’ rain garden is ‘often shown as an example to others wanting their own rain garden.’ The property also includes many pollinator-friendly native plants and educational signage about their ‘bee safe yard,’” the report said.
Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies was recognized for the recent renovation and expansion of its Eden Prairie headquarters at 6889 Rowland Road. CEO Christine Morse and Facilities Manager Shawn Kinniry (pictured above) were present to accept the award on behalf of the organization. The project included “thoughtful design around sustainable materials and a healthy workplace,” the city said.
The nonprofit has applied for LEED Platinum certification for its expansion. During the project it reused or recycled more than 95 percent of materials from the original site; and installed solar panels on the roof to provide electricity to the building. The building’s features also include geothermal systems to heat and cool the facility a greywater drop irrigation system and protection of the adjacent wetland through native plantings, installing permeable pavers and constructing an extensive rain garden, according to the city. — Patty Dexter
Full article available on Eden Prairie News
