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Garland Commons
Project type
Affordable
Location
Maple Grove, MN
Site Size
205,000 SF
+/- 5.5 Acres
Collaboration
Velair Development
Miller Hanson Architects
The Garland Commons Apartments in Maple Grove is a dynamic 160-unit, 205,000 SF senior living community designed to provide a resilient and attractive residential environment. Our team supported this 4-story development through integrated surveying, civil engineering, and landscape design services. By combining technical site preparation with a refined aesthetic vision, we ensured the property functions efficiently while establishing a modern public image within this growing community.
The primary challenge of the project involved the seamless integration of robust infrastructure and emergency access requirements into a resident-focused site plan. We had to coordinate complex utility and grading requirements to accommodate a designated fire truck turnaround and streetscape elements while maintaining high-performance pedestrian connectivity. This required a carefully balanced site layout that met stringent municipal safety standards without compromising the communal experience for senior residents.
To address these constraints, our technical solution utilized an on-site NURP pond with a filtration bench to provide effective water quality treatment and stormwater management. We engineered the site’s foundation to support essential infrastructure while incorporating sustainable irrigation systems to manage long-term maintenance. This infrastructure-heavy approach ensures the development integrates into the surrounding neighborhood while meeting all environmental and safety standards for the city.
The landscape design plays a central role in establishing the community’s identity, featuring a central patio with an adjacent playground to encourage multi-generational gathering. We specified a palette of layered planting beds containing hardy trees, shrubs, and perennials selected for their ability to thrive in the local climate. These green spaces are finished with cedar mulch to promote plant health and maintain a high-end visual appeal throughout the changing seasons.
The result is a sophisticated residential campus that balances high-performance infrastructure with an elevated outdoor experience. By coordinating surveying and civil engineering with thoughtful landscape architecture, we delivered a cohesive environment that serves as a benchmark for modern, senior-focused urban living.
















