“1916…” the year echoes in the silent strength of this magnificent structure, the 1st Avenue Bridge. You might think it’s just another bridge, a way to get from here to there. But the 1st Avenue Bridge whispers stories of a bygone era. It’s a survivor, part of a grand project by the Chicago, Milwaukee and Saint Paul Railroad. They built these bridges, identical in their sturdy elegance, to separate the bustling city traffic from the rumble of the iron horse. Look closely – see the rounded arches of the piers, feel the strength of the reinforced concrete, cast in place over a century ago? These bridges were built to last. The 1st Avenue Bridge isn’t a lonely sentinel. It’s one of several, all sharing the same DNA of design. Notice the subtle details, the echoes of the Classic Revival style in the railings and parapet walls. Those recessed panels and pilasters speak of a time when even functional structures were adorned with artistry. The trains may be gone, their tracks replaced by the green ribbon of the Midtown Greenway. But the 1st Avenue Bridge stands proud, a testament to the enduring power of skillful engineering and a reminder of a time when Minneapolis was forging its path to the city it is today.
Parker Hannifin Hydraulic Pump and Power Systems Division
What if I told you the hydraulic power you use every day, from the machinery in a factory to the