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New Skywalk Will Connect Greysolon to Medical District Parking Ramp

[Duluth, MN] - A new skywalk extension will connect key businesses in downtown Duluth. The new segment connects the Greysolon Plaza to the Medical District Parking Ramp which is located directly behind the Sheraton Hotel. The skywalk connection was incorporated as part of an agreement between the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) and George Sherman Properties when the Sheraton Hotel was under consideration. 

Crews started site preparation earlier this summer. This first phase included constructing steel and concrete supports for the skywalk and preparing the Greysolon connection. Crews will start constructing pieces of the skywalk today Monday, November 29, 2010. Finished components will be hoisted piece by piece into place over 3^rd Ave East. The work will require crews to close off 3^rd Ave East from the alley behind the Greysolon up to First Street for about a month, thereby diverting all traffic and Duluth Transit Authority buses during the street closure.    

“This is a great example of public-private partnerships coming together to make investments that benefit the community. The DEDA is committed to strengthening and building upon our community partnerships,” said Brian Hanson, Executive Director of DEDA.     

The skywalk will be installed with a gradual incline connecting the mezzanine level of the Greysolon Plaza to the skywalk level of the Medical District parking ramp. The cost of the 250 foot skywalk is $1.6 million.  

"Sherman Properties is excited to be working with the City of Duluth on this next critical phase of the downtown skywalk system. The skywalk is a public asset that contributes to the continued development of downtown Duluth," said Richard Hicks, Vice President of Construction with Sherman Properties. 

The estimated completion date is late January to mid February.