Architects and State Fair Organizers Preview Plans for Fairgrounds' North End

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Fairgrounds North End Complex Birds Eye Schematic

ST. PAUL, MINN. (04/14/2016)(readMedia)-- At this morning's meeting of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society board, governing body of the State Fair, architects from Cuningham Group previewed renderings and a model of the new complex to be built on the north end of the fairgrounds in '17 or '18. The future of food and agriculture will be the overall theme of the area, along with space for traveling exhibits, an outdoor amphitheater for performing arts and a large plaza that will incorporate a variety of ag education and entertainment features. The new permanent complex will be located along the northern edge of the fairgrounds.

"The future of food and agriculture is quite literally the future of humanity," said Jerry Hammer, State Fair general manager. "Many factors are contributing to change on a global level, and it's our job to show where we're headed. Land use, natural resource availability and population growth are creating massive challenges, but they're also driving innovative new ways of producing food, and we'll shine a light on all of it."

"The convergence of humanity and nature are the design motivation for the north end," said project designer Andrew Tisue. "Rooted between how people experience architecture and the agricultural process, this distinct neighborhood will be a canvas for immersing fair visitors in the stories of the future of agriculture and the arts."

The 2016 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 25 - Labor Day, Sept. 5. Visit mnstatefair.org for more information.

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world, attracting nearly 1.8 million visitors annually. Showcasing Minnesota's finest agriculture, art and industry, the Great Minnesota Get-Together is always 12 Days of Fun Ending Labor Day.