Franklin Avenue Station Renovation

Franklin Avenue Station Renovation

The Franklin Avenue Station renovation project is part of the Renew the Blue system restoration initiative and will help ensure the METRO Blue Line remains a safe, reliable, and affordable transit option for many years to come.  

What’s being done?

Planning has begun for a major renovation of the METRO Blue Line’s Franklin Avenue Station. Franklin Avenue Station is located in the heart of south Minneapolis and had an average of 1,000 daily boardings in 2024 with dependable all-day activity since its opening in 2004.

Purpose

The purpose of the project is to provide more reliable, safe, and consistent access between the platform and improve the overall customer experience.

We will achieve this by improving:

  • Cleanliness
  • Station comfort
  • Station visibility
  • Wayfinding/signage
  • Lighting
  • Feelings of personal safety 

Renovations will reduce the daily resources needed to keep the station in good condition by supporting staff with enhanced on-site maintenance equipment.

Project Scope

This renovation will include both elevator towers, stairs, and all platform elements (shelters, canopy, benches, etc.). The use of durable, energy-efficient materials will help extend the life of the station and increases sustainability. Also, look for new signage for improved wayfinding to connections. We're working to assure the station's design reflects the neighborhood and people it serves.

Timing

Design began in Fall 2025, and construction is scheduled to begin February 2027, lasting through December 2027.

Graphic of Project Timeline

Outreach Activities

Thank you to everyone who attended the March 18 Franklin Avenue Station Phase 2 Open House to share their time, perspectives, and feedback on the design concepts. Community input is an important part of shaping the future of the station. If you weren't able to join the March 17 Open House, view the presentation and learn more about the project:

View a recording of the March 17 Virtual Open House 

Surveys

Have you seen the latest Phase 2 Franklin Avenue Station Designs? Updated design concepts for the Franklin Avenue Station Renovation are now available, and we invite community members to review the designs and share feedback to help inform the next phase of the project! Please provide your opinions by taking the survey before April 16.

Take the Phase 2 Survey 

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the Franklin Avenue Transit Station Phase 1 renovation survey and share your feedback. We appreciate the insightful input provided by our community members, who play a vital role in shaping this project. The survey is closed, and our team is currently reviewing responses and conducting data analysis. We anticipate completing this by the end of January 2026 and will provide detailed updates at that time. 

Please stay tuned for updates and next steps as we continue to move the project forward.

Franklin Fact Sheet - ENGLISH.pdf 

Franklin Fact Sheet - SPANISH.pdf  

Franklin Fact Sheet - SOMALI.pdf

Engagement Summary - Phase #1

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Franklin Avenue Station Phase 1 Engagement Survey. The results have been reviewed, and the project team is now sharing a community engagement summary that highlights key themes and feedback. This input will guide next steps as the design process continues.

Franklin Avenue Station Phase 1 Engagement Summary

Open House Recap - Phase 2 (coming soon)

On March 18, we welcomed nearly 50 community members to our open house at the Minneapolis American Indian Center to learn more about the upcoming Franklin Avenue Station Renovation project. Community was able to share meaningful feedback around station's Phase 2 design concepts which include accessibility ramp placements, stair lighting, decorative signage, and additional insights that will play an important role in shaping the next phase of this project.

We appreciate and thank everyone who took the time to participate, ask questions, and share their priorities as we work toward creating a safer, more welcoming, and more accessible station for all. 

Latest design for Franklin Avenue Station

After reviewing the public's feedback, mobility uses in the station area, and consideration for future development plans by current property owners near the station, Metro Transit will be moving forward with “Concept 3.” This option best meets the project priorities as it: 

  • Improves the existing northeast ramp and makes a connection to Cedar Avenue 

  • Redesigns elevators near the existing locations 

  • Adds a ramp to the west, likely on the southwest side of the station, which will connect to 17th (further visioning with neighboring property and community is needed) 

  • Includes pedestrian improvements such as an expanded sidewalk under the bridge, continued consideration of a mid-block crossing, and 

  • Provides improved customer experience on the platform-level through modernized layout and a canopy spanning the customer area. 

The MTPD/Staff Facility near the northwest corner of the station will be designed and built under a separate contract. Opportunities for art, cultural place-keeping and community-identity will continue to be a part of outreach and incorporated into the station design. Multiple options for the new ramp (providing access to the west) will be shared in upcoming community engagement.  

A diagram showing the preferred alternative which includes elevators in the same locations as today, a ramp in the northeast corner that goes to Cedar and the bus stop and a ramp concept in the southwest corner which meets 17th.

Project Contact

Kevin Murray
Community Outreach Specialist
[email protected] 

Get involved! We will incorporate community input for this project. We want to hear from you! Help shape a station that serves you better.

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