Pentagon Park, nestled in the heart of Edina, Minnesota, is much more than just a collection of office buildings and scenic streets. For locals and long-time Edina residents, this neighborhood tells a decades-old story of transformation, renewal, and the unique spirit that shapes the city. Whether you’re new in town or a curious visitor, Pentagon Park offers glimpses into Edina’s history, highlighted by distinctive landmarks, influential moments, and the community pride that endures to this day.
Origins: From Prairie Land to a Vision for Modern Edina
Long before Pentagon Park became the bustling business and residential hub that it is today, the area was typical of much of southern Minnesota: gently rolling prairie punctuated by a scattering of farms. The land was originally cultivated by early settlers in the mid-to-late 19th century, as Edina itself transitioned from a milling community centered around Minnehaha Creek into a desirable place to live just outside Minneapolis.
By the 1950s and ’60s, Edina was expanding rapidly, fueled by post-war growth and new suburban ideals. It was during this era that the land making up present-day Pentagon Park was acquired for new development, reflecting the Midwestern optimism of the times.
How Pentagon Park Got Its Name
The name “Pentagon Park” isn’t a product of military influence, as many might guess at first glance. Instead, it’s a nod to the original layout of streets and parcels at the heart of the neighborhood — a clever, pentagonal pattern designed for efficiency, visibility, and ease of navigation. The name captured local imaginations and quickly became the defining brand for the area’s office and mixed-use district.
Pentagon Drive, the curving street at the core of the area, is a clue to this naming origin. Over time, the pentagon shape became not just a feature of the map, but a symbol of Edina’s bold mid-century planning.
Key Milestones in Pentagon Park’s History
Pentagon Park has been shaped by several defining moments:
- 1960s: Foundation for Growth
- Development began in earnest, transforming once-empty land into a modern commercial hub.
- Several low-rise office buildings were erected along Pentagon Drive and Parklawn Avenue, providing much-needed workspace for local businesses.
- The creation of nearby parkways and easy highway access further cemented the area’s appeal.
- 1970s-1980s: Business and Community Rise Together
- With an influx of healthcare providers, legal offices, and corporate tenants, Pentagon Park began to thrive.
- The neighborhood became synonymous with Edina’s reputation as a regional center for commerce and innovation.
- Revitalization in the 2010s
- In recent years, Pentagon Park has undergone a renaissance thanks to committed city planning and private investment.
- Modernization of older buildings, the addition of green spaces, and mixed-use developments have revitalized the area, blending its historic roots with contemporary amenities.
Landmarks and Memories: What Makes Pentagon Park Distinct
While Pentagon Park is more office park than residential suburb, several spots and institutions stand out:
- Pentagon Park Office Complex
- Located primarily along Pentagon Drive, these distinctive mid-century buildings have seen generations of professionals pass through their halls.
- The complex’s layout — marked by garden-like courtyards and shaded walkways — harks back to a time when office spaces were designed for both productivity and natural beauty.
- Edina Promenade and Centennial Lakes Park (Adjacent)
- Though technically just outside Pentagon Park, these beautifully landscaped public spaces are local favorites.
- The Promenade’s wide, flower-adorned paths connect the Pentagon Park area with the vibrant shops and restaurants along France Avenue.
- Centennial Lakes Park is a jewel in itself, offering walking trails, paddle boating, and peaceful green space for all ages.
- Local Streets with a Story
- Streets like Parklawn Avenue, Metro Boulevard, and Pentagon Drive not only help define the neighborhood’s unique shape, but also serve as living records of Edina’s growth through the late 20th century.
Evolution and Community Spirit
Pentagon Park’s most recent chapter is perhaps its most exciting. As the neighborhood adapts to new ways of working and living, it is embracing its heritage while looking ahead:
- Sustainable Redevelopment
- Recent updates have included eco-friendly upgrades, bicycle-friendly paths, and more welcoming pedestrian zones.
- The addition of public art installations and local gardens pays homage to both the neighborhood’s roots and its forward-thinking residents.
- A Hub for Innovation
- Today, Pentagon Park supports a mix of medical, technological, and creative firms, reminding us that Edina’s long-standing entrepreneurial streak is alive and well.
- Connections With Community Life
- Despite its focus on business, Pentagon Park remains woven into the broader fabric of Edina, with nearby schools, libraries, and neighborhood parks keeping the human element front and center.
Celebrating What Makes Pentagon Park Special
Ask any longtime Edina resident, and you’ll hear that Pentagon Park, with its curious pentagonal layout and ever-evolving landscape, is more than just a dot on the map. It’s a living reminder of Edina’s willingness to dream big — to turn open prairie into a center for business, but also a place where people genuinely enjoy coming together.
Whether you’re tracing the curving lines of Pentagon Drive, relaxing at a courtyard café, or reminiscing about decades past, Pentagon Park welcomes you to be part of its story. For those who have watched it grow and change, it remains a proud symbol of Edina’s ambition, resourcefulness, and enduring charm.