Get Ready for the 2019 Aquatennial - July 24 thru 27!

Click here for all 2019 Aquatennial events listing

NOTE: Residents should print this Resident parking pass for July 26 and 27 and put it in their windows so they will be able to easily get through to their building. The residents impacted will be those with parking access off of West River Parkway on either side of Portland and also any apartment building on 1st Street S (across from old Fujiya building).

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Here is a partial list of events - it's going to be a busy 4 days!

Life Time Torchlight 5K - Wednesday, July 24, 7:30 pm

Location: From Minneapolis Convention to Boom Island

Whether you are a dedicated runner or just someone who jogs from the couch to the fridge, the Life Time Torchlight 5K in Minneapolis is the fun run for everyone! Grab your family, friends and running shoes because the Torchlight 5K starts with a bang and ends with a brew. That’s right, Life Time Fitness’ legendary post-race party features musical entertainment and complimentary refreshments. Then take the NEW shuttle bus system back to the start area. It’s the party of the year that just happens to start with a run! The Torchlight 5K starts near the Minneapolis Convention Center and follows the Aquatennial’s CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade route down Second Avenue. From there, the course weaves to West River Parkway and offers up-close views of the mighty Mississippi, Stone Arch Bridge and St. Anthony Falls, Mill Ruins Park, and more, before finishing at Boom Island.

LifeTime Torchlight 5K After Party - Wednesday, July 24, 7:30 – 10 pm

Location: Boom Island, 724 Sibley St. NE

Celebrate Aquatennial at the Life Time Torchlight 5K After Party! Stop by Boom Island for beverages, music, activities and more as the sun sets on the Minneapolis Skyline and the torchlight hits full force. No need to be a runner to attend this event–it is open to the public, so you can participate whether you are one of the 5,000 Life Time Torchlight 5K racers or not.

Twin Cities River Rats Ski Show - Thursday, July 25, 7 pm

Location: West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway

Join the Twin Cities River Rats for a humorous, family-friendly water ski show on the Mississippi River. Watch high-flying stunts, fast-paced barefooting, graceful swivel skiing and even human pyramids courtesy of the talented Twin Cities River Rats crew. Bring beach towels or lawn chairs, and enjoy this free water ski show for the whole family along the banks of the Mississippi River – located just south of the Broadway Bridge. Click Here for more information on the Twin Cities River Rats.

Frey’s Fry Throwdown at Aquatennial - Friday, July 26, 12:00PM - 1:00PM

Location: Nicollet between 9th and 10th Streets

Minneapolis has a celebrated culinary scene, and it also has a mayor with a dynamically delicious name. Why not combine the two? The inaugural Frey’s Frey Throwdown at Aquatennial will combine our city’s food scene with our Official Civic Celebration. Mayor Jacob Frey will help Minneapolis celebrate our famed food scene with a fun event that highlights our city’s creativity. The event will offer a chance for eight Minneapolis restaurants to build a brand new French Fry-centric dish. Celebrity judges will help taste-test these dishes and collectively choose a winner. Join us Friday, July 26 from 12-1 pm on Nicollet between 9th and 10th Streets as we enjoy a fun lunch hour taste-testing Frey-tastic creations in downtown Minneapolis!

Alchemy 365 at Aquatennial - Friday, July 26, 6:00 PM – 6:40 PM

Location: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Join us at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (726 Vineland Place) on an early July evening to take in the weather and the atmosphere that comes with the Minneapolis Aquatennial. Celebrate summer in the City!

This class is free and open to all abilities. Check-in begins at 5 pm. Mats are not provided for this class. No pre-registration required, come early to reserve your spot.  Alchemy 365 combines yoga, strength, and conditioning into one class to change the body and renew the mind. Bring a yoga mat and water.

 

Aquatennial Yoga with Corepower Yoga - Saturday, July 27, 9 am and 10:15 am

Location: Boom Island, 724 Sibley St. NE

Join the Minneapolis community in celebration of the historic Mississippi riverfront with an all-levels CorePower Yoga class. From 9 to 10 am, explore one of CorePower’s most popular formats C2 + Yoga Sculpt in one class, followed by a 30-minute guided meditation from 10 to 10:15 am. Come for one or both to experience the incredible life-changing things that happen when you root an intensely-physical workout in the mindfulness of yoga. Bring your own mat and stay for giveaways after class! 

Aquatennial Pre-Fireworks Events - Saturday, July 27, 4 – 10 pm

Location: West River Parkway near Portland Avenue

Join the fun for the Aquatennial Pre-Fireworks events leading up to the Target Fireworks at 10 pm. Stop by for music, food and more as you await one of the nation’s top five annual fireworks shows. The fun includes live music, a kid’s zone, food trucks and more!

AquaJam - Saturday, July 27, 4 – 8 pm

Location: West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge 

An Aquatennial classic event is back! Join us for AquaJam, a legacy event that was a popular Aquatennial destination during the 1980s. This year’s event is taking place right along West River Parkway. Stop by and either take part or watch incredible skateboard just steps away from foods, beverages, shopping, live music and more. AquaJam is presented by Fulton Beer and Familia Skateshop.

Minneapolis Craft Market – Pre-Fireworks Festivities - Saturday, July 27, 4 – 10 pm

Location: West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge 

Minneapolis Craft Market is joining the fun of the 2019 Minneapolis Aquatennial festivities on the Mississippi Riverfront with the first annual Aquatennial Night Market. The marketplace will feature 50 local artists selling handmade goods including woodwork, jewelry, apparel, home goods and more. They’ll be joined by local record store Solsta Records with their Rockin’ Roller mobile record store and DJ bus. Find the market on Chicago Mall (Mill City Farmers Market site), a prime location for gathering with friends and enjoying the activities while waiting for the fireworks to start. Minneapolis Craft Market is a mobile marketplace highlighting independent artists and designers of the North. Founded in 2015, the market is hosted at venues throughout the Twin Cities more than 60 times per year and has an approved vendor roster of more than 1,000 local artists.

Target Fireworks Show - Saturday, July 27, 10 pm

Location: Along the Mississippi River in Downtown Minneapolis

Join the Minneapolis Aquatennial in celebrating another year with the Target Fireworks, considered one of the top five annual fireworks displays in the nation. Get there early! Space fills up pretty quickly at this beloved event along West River Parkway and on the Stone Arch Bridge. Bring sunscreen for the afternoon and bug spray for the evening. The best spots are between Gold Medal Park and the Third Avenue Bridge on West River Parkway. While you’re there: enjoy a show, tour or walk on the Endless Bridge at the Guthrie Theater, learn about Minneapolis’ history at the Mill City Museum, enjoy a morning at the Mill City Farmers Market or a leisurely afternoon at Gold Medal Park. Stop by Stone Arch Bridge and check out the skyline view from the Mississippi River. And tune into Go 96.3 to enjoy the simulcast of music set to the Target Fireworks display.

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

Editor's note - This is an ongoing series of updates as the North Loop Reconstruction and Pedestrian Improvements project.

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

The North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements Project consists of two separate projects:

1. A full street reconstruction along 3rd St N between 10th Ave N and 5th Ave N
2. A pedestrian improvement project generally bounded by 10th Ave N on the north, 1st Ave on the south, West River Parkway on the east, and 4th St N on the west

North Loop Reconstruction Updates

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

5th Ave N

• Continuing water work at 5th and 3th St N

7th Ave N

• Grading complete
• Gas work complete

8th Ave N

• Finished removing poor soils and backfilling
• Finished placing aggregate base, in preparation for paving the first lift of asphalt

9th Ave N

• Finished utility work
• Finished removing poor soils and backfilling
• Began placing aggregate base in preparation for paving the first lift of asphalt

3rd St N

• Continued water work between 8th Ave N and 5th Ave N

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

5th Ave N

• Continuing water work at 5th and 3rd St N (8th Ave N to 5th Ave N), there will be a temporary water shut off on the night on Sunday July 14, 2019. If your property is effected, a notice will be placed on the door of your property  48 hours’ in advance for impacted businesses, 24 hours’ in advance to impacted residences
• Starting the removal of poor soils -work will begin at 4th St N and move towards Washington, this work may impact traffic flow on 5th Ave N
• Starting storm sewer work

7th Ave N

• Tentatively planning on placing the first lift of asphalt 7-17 and 7-18
• If the first lift of asphalt is placed on 7-17/7-18, curb and gutter installation will follow

8th Ave N

• Tentatively planning on paving 7-17 and 7-18 at Washington and 8th Ave N (not the entire stretch, just the Washington end)
• If the first lift of asphalt is placed on 7-17/7-18, curb and gutter installation will follow at the intersection of Washington and 8th Ave N
• If the first lift of asphalt is placed on 7-17/7-18, curb and gutter installation will follow at the intersection of Washington and 8th Ave N
• Access to properties between Washington and 3^rd St N will partially reopen at Washington.

9th Ave N

• Finish placing aggregate base in preparation to place the first lift of asphalt at Washington and 9th Ave N
• Tentatively planning on paving 7-17 and 7-18 at Washington and 9th Ave N (not the entire stretch, just the Washington end)
• If the first lift of asphalt is placed on 7-17/7-18, curb and gutter installation will follow at the intersection of Washington and 9th Ave N
• Access to properties between Washington and 3rd St N will partially reopen at Washington.

3rd St N

• Isolated removals for water work only between 8th Ave N and 5th Ave N, there will be a temporary water shut off on the night on Sunday July 14, 2019. If your property is effected, a notice will be placed on the door of your property in 48 hours’ in advance for impacted businesses, 24 hours’ in advance to impacted residences
• Begin salvaging brick pavers, crews will start on the north ½ of 3rd St, all meters along 3rd St N are hooded between 5th Ave N and 10th Ave N in order to maintain two way traffic on 3rd St N

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

North Loop Pedestrian Improvements Updates

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

2nd St N NW Corner

• Crews were off the job from June 27 through July 8
• Started saw cutting on 1st St N at 2nd, 4th and 5th Aves N

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

2nd St N NW Corner

• 4th Ave N pour remaining concrete
• 5th Ave N pour remaining concrete
• 8th Ave N begin installing conduit for new pedestrian flasher system

1st St N

• 1st St N and 3rd Ave- Water work, 9 meters will be hooded between 2nd Ave N and 3rd Ave N to maintain two way traffic during the work.  The water work is expected to take less than two weeks. there will be a temporary water shut off on the night on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. If your property is effected, a notice will be placed on the door of your property in 48 hours’ in advance for impacted businesses, 24 hours’ in advance to impacted residences
• 3rd Ave N – NE corner will be removed
• 2nd Ave N -SW corner will be removed
• 1st Ave N – SW corner will be removed

4th Ave and W River Parkway

• SE corner will be removed
• Replacement work may begin

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

Miscellanious

Stakeholder Meeting -These meetings are informal, held biweekly and intended to offer residents and businesses on the job an opportunity to get construction updates, ask construction and access related questions.

Date/Time: July 24, 7:30 am to 8:30 am

Location:  Corner Coffee 514 N 3rd St #102, Minneapolis MN 55401

As always, feel free to contact myself (612-673-3365) or John Benjamin (651-443-1096) with any construction related questions or concerns.

Contact Information

Project Manager:

Stephanie Malmberg, stephanie.malmberg@minneapolismn.gov, 612-673-3365

Chief Field Inspector:

John Benjamin, john.benjamin@minneapolismn.gov, 651-443-1096

Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Program Newsletter

Excerpts from the July 11 City of Minneapolis office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy newsletter:

Welcome to the City of Minneapolis office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy newsletter. Here you will find information on program and partner related news and updates, opportunities, events and special announcements.

Sign up for the Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy newsletter at www.minneapolismn.gov/coordinator/arts.

Upcoming "Radical Playground" community events at The Commons

2019 Creative City Challenge winner "Radical Playground" will be hosting community events at The Commons this summer. Upcoming events include:

• Saturday, July 27, 3-6 p.m., Superhero Battle at The Commons
• Saturday, August 10, 3-5 p.m., International Indigenous People’s Day

Everyone is invited to immerse themselves in the interactive public art installation “Radical Playground,” now through August. The participatory art installation “Radical Playground” artists Candida Gonzalez and MaryAnne Quiroz invite participants to heal through play with whimsical interactive “alebrije”: animal sculptures inspired by dream creatures from the Caribbean, Mexico, the Pacific Islands and the indigenous cultures of Minnesota.

The artists intend “Radical Playground” to invite indigenous communities and communities of color to a space where they feel free to gather, to play, to heal. They want their project to bring a feeling of play, of free joy, of giving people’s bodies a break from stress and worry.

The Creative City Challenge is a program of the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy of the City of Minneapolis created in in collaboration with The Commons and Northern Lights.mn.

For information about these and other events happening at The Commons this summer visit The Commons website.

Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy office welcomes new arts program assistant

We are pleased to welcome Violeta Rotstein to the role of Arts Program Assistant for the Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy office, focusing on communications. When she isn’t in the office she is also a freelance illustrator/designer, with a BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Her design subjects consist mainly of community building, nature appreciation, and empathy. She calls Minnesota home as well as Argentina, where she immigrated from as a child. For the past five (5) years she has worked with non-profits and local design companies and is looking forward to getting more involved in city arts programming and using the arts to aide underserved communities.

Violeta can be reached at violeta.rotstein@minneapolismn.gov.

Making of the 'first' Somali-English comic book

Somali Artist, M. Hajji Ahmed, combined his love for visual art and storytelling to create a tangible manifestation of identity, struggle, and home for Somali children, teenagers, and even adults to enjoy, connect, and relate.

Ahmed believes that the most impactful way to touch a young person is through the creation and interpretation of visual art.

Read the full news item: Making of the 'first' Somali-English comic book.

Loring Park Art Festival July 27 and 28

Since 2000, Loring Park Art Festival has combined creative expression and community connectedness to surprise and delight all who attend. With beautiful ponds and formal gardens, Loring Park makes an idyllic spot to celebrate art, music, food and entertainment for two days each summer in downtown Minneapolis. 

The event features 140 visual artists selling original work, with something for everyone. Visitors will encounter strolling musicians, scheduled stage performances, engaging children's activities and adventurous culinary options.

Sign up for the Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy newsletter at www.minneapolismn.gov/coordinator/arts.

Peavey Plaza Grand Opening Celebration set for July 18

Peavey Plaza reopens with restored fountains and water features, new trees, enhanced lighting and improved accessibility

The revitalized Peavey Plaza will be unveiled by the City of Minneapolis on July 18 at 11:30am.

Highlights of the revitalization project include restoring the plaza’s fountains and water features, adding more durable and environmentally friendly paving materials, updating lighting and making design updates to ensure the plaza is compliant with the Americans with Disability Act. The City has a contract with the landscape architecture firm Coen+Partners and Global Specialty Contractors for the rehabilitation work. 

Historic Big Boy Steam Locomotive Coming to Union Depot July 18

Via a July 9 News Release

On Thursday, July 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Union Pacific’s historic Big Boy steam locomotive No. 4014 will stop at Union Depot to commemorate the transcontinental railroad’s 150th anniversary. Appearing with No. 4014 will be “Experience the Union Pacific Rail Car,” a multi-media walk-through exhibition that provides a glimpse into the past while telling the story of modern-day railroading. At this free event, visitors can enjoy food trucks, model train sets, local rail vendors and family activities. 

Twenty-five Big Boys were built for Union Pacific in the 1940s. Of the eight still in existence, No. 4014 is the only operating Big Boy and is the world’s largest steam locomotive. Following the railroad’s anniversary celebration in May at Promontory Summit, the newly restored No. 4014 returns to the rails for its “Great Race Across the Midwest” after leaving Cheyenne, Wyoming on July 8.

Union Depot is one of the few stops along Big Boy’s “Great Race” at which visitors can take photos in close proximity to the front of the engine, as it will be located on a non-active track. Visitors can also step up to see into the locomotive in a Dynamic Display and view the Promontory Experience Car. Union Pacific’s Steam Team will be on hand to answer questions. Metro Transit is offering free passes for rides to Union Depot for the event.

About Union Depot:

Union Depot is a regional multi-modal transportation hub and event venue in the heart of the Twin Cities. One of America’s great rail stations since its completion in 1926, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, beautifully restored in 2012, and certified LEED^® Gold in 2014. Union Depot offers a full complement of transportation services—including Amtrak^®, Jefferson Lines, Metro Transit, Greyhound, Megabus and Hertz—as well as parking and bike storage. Owned by Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority and operated by JLL, it’s an ideal setting for weddings, large events, meetings and more. Visit uniondepot.org for more information.

July 8 Statement from mpls downtown council President and CEO Steve Cramer

July 8 statement from mpls downtown council President and CEO Steve Cramer:

“Concern about public safety downtown is understandable given events so far this year. The people who live, work and visit there deserve better than what they too often experience at present.

“The business community remains committed to—and financially invested in—partnerships with law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and community outreach agencies to make downtown as safe as possible. We celebrate and support the many attractions, events and activities downtown has to offer.

“What is also needed at this critical juncture is greater police presence, and clear support for their efforts to root out drug activity, gun violence and intimidating behaviors.

“It is an article of faith for the mpls downtown council that downtown is a place for everyone who comes exhibiting and expecting in return respectful conduct. Upholding that standard must be an immediate priority to insure confidence in the days and weeks ahead.”

News from Minnesota Fringe

Image: 'Therukkothu' by Minnesota Tamil Sangam, 2016 Festival. Photographer: Ann B Erickson.

Tix, shows & passes now available

Visit minnesotafringe.org to preview all 135+ productions, 15+ venues, and 600+ performances. Create a log-in to select your faves and start building your schedule!

New multi-show passes

Daypasses are gone. New, improved discount passes are usable any day, any showtime, and even multiple patrons seeing the same show.

Want to Fringe-binge 7 shows in a row? Great. Want to treat your friend to 3 shows along the way? That's cool, too. Just buy a 10-show pass, and swipe your way to your artistic adventure. New multi-show passes are limited, so get yours while supplies last. Want to Fringe-binge 7 shows in a row? Great. Want to treat your friend to 3 shows along the way? That's cool, too. Just buy a 10-show pass, and swipe your way to your artistic adventure.New multi-show passes are limited, so get yours while supplies last.

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Your July scheduling guide

Here's a cheat-sheet for your July artistic adventuring. We've got a ton of ways to get involved including upcoming free events Beyond the Box and Family Fringe Previews. Want to learn more? Visit minnesotafringe.org/events for up-to-date deets.

July 8 & 15 Family Fringe Previews

See snippets for free

In partnership with Ramsey County Libraries, we're featuring FREE excerpts from the jury-curated Family Fringe lineup, July 8 & 15 from 6:30p-7:30p.

Learn more about these exciting samplings of this year's adventurous, family-friendly shows.

The Barbara Barker Center for Dance, home of the 2019 Family Fringe, has limited seating, so we recommend purchasing tickets in advanced.

July 11: Beyond the Box

Join us for a lunch-time adventure July 11 at 12n on Nicollet Mall.

Taiko Arts Midwest's Enso Daiko with live brush painting by Laughing Waters Studios will perform back-to-back with dancer-choregrapher Micah Chermak + Company.

Beyond the Box is a site-specific incubator in partnership with the Downtown Improvement District, Vibrant & Safe Downtown, and the Minneapolis Central Library.

Social Spotlight

Coming Up: World Fringe Day

On July 11th, we're joining a worldwide celebration of artistic expression and creative liberty. Share how you've been impacted as an artist, audience member, volunteer and/or staffer on social media tagging us (@MNFringe) and using the hashtag #WorldFringeDay. You'll be entered to win a free 5-show pass to the 2019 Festival Season!

News From Metro Transit

Excerpts from Metro Transit's July 2019 e-newsletter

State Fair Express – Let us get you there!

You go to the State Fair for the food, the animals, the rides and more! Getting to the "Great Minnesota Get-Together" on the bus is a fun, blue ribbon tradition, too.

Instead of driving, park your car for free and take a stress-free, non-stop, air-conditioned ride straight to the fairgrounds from one of 17 locations around the Twin Cities. Take a State Fair Express bus and you'll save on gas and parking costs. Plus, we'll drop you off and pick you up right outside the gates!

You can buy your Bus Bargain tickets online and on the app to save money over paying cash! Visit metrotransit.org in August to learn more. 

Service starts at 9 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends and Labor Day unless otherwise noted at all Metro Transit locations.

NOTE: We anticipate high usage at State Fair Express sites, so please plan accordingly. Ticket purchase does not guarantee a parking spot.

Overnight adjustments coming in August for METRO Green Line

Beginning Monday, Aug. 19, four METRO Green Line weekday trips between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. will be replaced with Green Line buses. This affects only Sunday through Thursday nights – Green Line trains will continue to operate 24-hour service on Friday and Saturday nights, similar to the METRO Blue Line.

The Green Line buses will operate as frequently as Green Line trains do today and stop near each Green Line station.

This change allows for safer and more timely maintenance along the Green Line. It will also provide more time to clean and maintain our light-rail vehicle and stations.

Schedules for these trips will be available at metrotransit.org beginning July 26.

Take a tour of public art on light rail this summer

Metro Transit is hosting free guided public art tours on the third Saturday of July, August, and September 2019. For each date, a tour will be offered on either the METRO Blue Line or  METRO Green Line (see list of dates below). The tours are roundtrip and last approximately two hours.

Learn more about Metro Transit's collection of public art! 

Tour dates:

July 20 (Green Line)
Aug. 17 (Blue Line)
Sept. 21 (Green Line)

Start time & location:

Blue Line tours: Meet at 10 a.m. at the 28th Avenue Station platform

Green Line tours: Meet at 10 a.m. at the Union Depot Station platform

RSVP Required! 

Visit here to RSVP for a tour and learn more!

Now is a great time to kickstart your career with Metro Transit. Right now, new bus drivers who start between now and July 29 will receive a $1,000 hiring bonus!

If you like working with people and want to make a difference in your community, come help us run our growing transit system!

APPLY NOW!   Get more info here.

Take Metro Transit to Upcoming Events!

July 5

• CONvergence Conference

July 6

• CONvergence Conference

July 12

• Basilica Block Party

July 13

• MN Orchestra – International Day of Music
• Basilica Block Party
• Minnesota Children’s Museum – Second Saturdays
• Red Hot Arts Festival – Stevens Square

July 14

• Vegan Invasion at Lake Monster Brewing
• Twin Cities World Refugee Day
• MN Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury
• Red Hot Arts Festival – Stevens Square

July 17

• St. Paul Saints vs. Kansas City T-Bones

July 19

• Lowertown Blues & Funk Festival

July 20

• Rondo Days
• Lowertown Blues & Funk Festival

July 21

• Open Streets Lake & Minnehaha

July 24

• Mpls. Aquatennial – Torchlight Parade

July 27

• Loring Park Art Festival
• Mpls. Aquatennial – Fireworks

July 28

• Loring Park Art Festival

Millers vs. Saints: A Streetcar Rivalry

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

Baseball runs deep in the Twin Cities. Currently, the Minnesota Twins and St. Paul Saints sit atop their respective divisions and are having historic seasons. They might be in separate leagues now, but there was a time when Minneapolis and St. Paul had one of baseball’s most heated rivalries. Since the 1890’s, various teams have used the nicknames Millers and Saints, but it wasn’t until 1902 when a minor league baseball league, the American Association, was founded with the Minneapolis Millers and St. Paul Saints being two of the eight inaugural teams.

The first iteration of the Minneapolis Millers started playing baseball in 1884, and from then until the first season of the American Association in 1902, they were in four minor leagues and one major league, the American League. However, before they could play a game in the American League, the Minneapolis team was abandoned for a team in Baltimore. The St. Paul Saints were also in multiple leagues before joining the American Association. The Saints, too, were one of the first members of the American League, but before the first major league season kicked off, the owner, Charlie Comiskey, moved the team to his childhood neighborhood in Chicago and changed their name to the Chicago White Stockings. So, technically the three World Series titles the White Sox have from 1906, 1917, and 2005 have roots in St. Paul.

On April 23rd, 1902, the longest lasting and most well-known iterations of the Minneapolis Millers and St. Paul Saints opened the first season of the American Association on the road in Ohio. The Millers shutout the Columbus Senators 5-0, and the Saints lost a close one to the Toledo Mudhens 8-7. As the years and decades rolled on, the rivalry between the two teams grew to become the hottest ticket in the cities. “Streetcar double-headers” were very common during the season, with the teams playing a game in the morning, the fans taking the Lake Street – Marshall Avenue trolley line to the next city over, and then watching an afternoon game.

The ballparks of the Millers and Saints were arguably as iconic as the teams themselves. Located on the block between Nicollet and Blaisdell Avenues and 31st and Lake Streets, Nicollet Park, home of the Millers, was built in 1896 and upgraded from wood to steel and concrete in 1912. Initially the ballpark was known as Wright Field, in honor of one of the founding fathers of baseball, Harry Wright. While the name was not the most creative, the local newspapers would have fun with it. A reporter noted a homerun during a game by saying the ball was “knocked by the right-fielder, across right field, out of Wright Field.” What a zinger. In 1955, the Millers won the American Association in their final year at Nicollet Park, and they played their last five seasons as a franchise at the new Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington.

Installation of lights at Lexington Park in 1937

Entrance to Nicollet Park in 1955 

The Saints played in the legendary Lexington Park, located between University and Fuller Avenues and Lexington Parkway and Dunlap Street. Opened in 1897, the wooden structure caught on fire in 1915 and was quickly replaced with steel and concrete. In 1937 both Lexington Park and Nicollet Park added lights to their stadiums, and on July 15th and 16th, the Millers and Saints played against each other for their stadium’s first night games. In the final game at Lexington Park 1956, the Saints defeated the Millers. The Saints would play their last four season in the new Midway Stadium, which later became the first home to the current iteration of the St. Paul Saints.

Willie Mays in a Millers jersey in 1951

Throughout the seasons both teams have seen many hall-of-famers come and go. The Millers were minor league affiliates to the Boston Red Sox and the New York Giants, and saw legendary players like Ted Williams, Willie Mays, and Carl Yastrzemski play for them and make their way up to the majors where they became some of the best outfielders to ever play the game. The Saints were affiliates to the Chicago White Sox and the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, and saw players like Lefty Gomez, Roy Campanella, and Don Zimmer grace the field at Lexington Park.

Roy Campanella rounding the bases after hitting a home run at Nicollet Park in 1948

The Millers-Saints rivalry was always intense, but their affiliations with the Giants and Dodgers only added fuel to the fire and raised the stakes for the streetcar double-headers. The two teams were beloved by everyone in the Twin Cities for sixty plus years, but the arrival of the Minnesota Twins was their ultimate demise. The Millers folded and the Saints moved to Omaha, but all good things must come to an end. The Twins have won the World Series two times, maybe three, ask me in four months, and the Saints have one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country in CHS Field. Minneapolis and St. Paul may not have the baseball rivalry they once had, but now is a tremendous time to be a baseball fan in the Twin Cities.

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About Michael Rainville, Jr.

A 6th generation Minneapolitan, Michael Rainville Jr. received his B.A. in History from the University of St. Thomas, and is currently enrolled in their M.A. in Art History and Certificate in Museum Studies programs.

Michael is also an intern at the Hennepin History Museum and a lead guide at Mobile Entertainment LLC, giving Segway tours of the Minneapolis riverfront for 6+ years.

He can be reached at mrainvillejr@comcast.net.

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Ave. reconstruction project, led by City of Minneapolis Public Works, will be reconstructed between 12th Street and Washington Avenue beginning Spring 2019. The project will reconstruct the pavement from building face to building face, including improvements to public and private utility infrastructure, and improved infrastructure for pedestrians, bicycles, transit, and vehicles.

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Latest Project News

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Utility work continues along the corridor.  The watermain mainline replacement work is completed and work is continuing on connections, tie-ins, hydrants, etc.  The sanitary sewer work continues at 8th street progressing towards 7th.  The sanitary sewer jacking work has begun at the intersection of 9th, this work will continue into late August.

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Work at the Gateway Development is progressing and Xcel Energy has begun their work at the intersection of 3rd in conjunction with the development work.

What's Coming Up 

Hennepin Ave will be closed 7/5 Friday this week to remove trees, benches, and planters.  This closure will be from 7th St to 10th St., 6am to 6pm.  This a one day closure on Friday only.

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The utility work zones and activity will continue approximately as is for the next couple weeks.

See Construction Update attached for more details on work and intersection restrictions/closures.

Hennepin_Update_Vol7.pdf

For more information on this project contact: 

Construction Manager, hennepinCM@minneapolismn.gov or 612-225-4049

www.hennepindowntown.com

The Southern Theater Announces the July Installment of Good Night at The Southern!

Via a July 2 News Release:

Dance and Music to Grace The Southern Stage at 7:30 pm on July 22nd

The July 22 installment of Good Night at The Southern will preview new works by four artists in the Twin Cities. The program features music artist PaviElle, choreographers Berit Ahlgren and Elena Hollenhorst, dance groups Wailing Babies + Kelvin Wailey, and dance company Rhythmically Speaking. PaviElle will be performing musical improv and debuting new music. Choreographers Berit Ahlgren and Elena Hollenhorst will show excerpts of the two works in Interlace, an evening of work at The Southern Theater August 22-24. At Least, At Last by Berit Ahlgren is a contemporary dance born out of many discussions with many women around many examples of gender-based violence. Elena Hollenhorst’s When We Met Under the Juniper Tree is a compilation of women's stories twisting together to explore themes of abrupt change, group dynamics, regeneration, and women's innate connection to the earth. Wailing Babies + Kelvin Wailey will collaborate to present 2/3 = 4/6, a piece about the ritual of settling in, putting down roots, and making do with what you’ve got. Rhythmically Speaking will present Feist(meist)er, one of the four works being presented in their reimagined annual summer production, The Cohort, running August 15-17 at The Southern. Join us at the bar starting at 6:30 for a local beer, glass of wine, pop, or a snack.

Tickets are Pay What You Can and are purchased at the door. All proceeds from this event will go to support the artists and The Southern Theater.

About Good Night at The Southern

Good Night at The Southern is a monthly series that highlights new ideas, works in progress and previews. It is an opportunity for artists and companies to share their upcoming work, and for audiences to get a first glance into what’s coming up in the Twin Cities arts scene. 3-5 companies or artists are selected for a different Monday night each month with performance genres ranging from theater, dance, music, spoken word, comedy and more.

This Saturday at Currie Park: Make Art for the Park - and Yourself

Youth of all ages are invited!

Screen-printing art activity at Currie Park on July 6

Make and take home your own print - and help create temporary and permanent artwork for Currie Park.

Join staff from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) at a special art-making event this Saturday, July 6, from 3 pm to 7 pm.  Just show up - no registration needed.

Youth will create prints using screens and ink, a centuries-old technique used around the world. 

Participants will take home their own prints, and the designs they create will be incorporated into temporary artworks at the park: along the wading pool fencing and for future construction fencing.

The screen-print designs will also help to inform a permanent artwork for the exterior of the future restroom building, to be constructed as part of the Currie Park Phase 1 Improvements project. Thanks to our partners, the Art in Public Places program at the City of Minneapolis, for funding the permanent artwork!

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About the Currie Park improvements project

• The plan includes a new splash pad and restroom improvement.
• It follows the master plan approved for Currie Park as part of the South Service Area Master Plan approved for all neighborhood parks in south Minneapolis in 2016. 
• Find out more on the Currie Park Phase 1 Improvements project page.
• Sign up to receive email updates on this project.

Sign up for New Adult Bags Leagues at The Commons this Summer!

Eight-week season launches in late July

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is excited to announce new adult Bags leagues at The Commons in Downtown Minneapolis this summer!

Bags, also known as cornhole, sack toss or bean bag, is a popular lawn game in which players take turns throwing square cloth bags at a raised board with a hole in the far end. A bag in the hole scores 3 points, while one on the board scores 1 point. Play continues until a team reaches or exceeds 21 points by means of cancellation scoring.

The new leagues are on Tuesday or Thursday nights beginning July 23 and 25. Two-person teams will compete during a seven-week regular season, followed by a championship round on Sept. 12, in which teams from both nights will play against each other to crown an overall champion.

Skip Happy Hour and enjoy some friendly competition outdoors this summer! Follow the link below to sign up:

Summer Adult Bags Leagues

When: Tuesday and Thursday nights, July 23 or 25-Sept. 12
Where: The Commons, 425 Portland Ave. S
Leagues: Two-person teams; no gender requirements
Season: Eight weeks scheduled, including championship round Sept. 12 
Cost: $100

Celebrate Summer: Hennepin County Fairs and Festivals on Display in Hennepin Gallery thru September 26

Via a July1 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Hennepin History Museum presents Celebrate Summer, an exhibit that highlights the history of our local summer fairs and festivals, at the Hennepin Gallery.

Come learn more about big events such as the Minneapolis Aquatennial, Twin Cities Pride, and the Minnesota State Fair, which can trace its roots to Hennepin County. You'll also learn about many of the smaller fairs and festivals in communities across our county that residents look forward to each summer.

The exhibit will display artifacts and images that span well over a century and present the many traditions that residents of this county celebrate each year.

The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Exhibit location and hours:

The Hennepin Gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Hennepin County Government Center, A-level, 300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis.

The exhibit is sponsored by and the gallery is a project of Hennepin County Communications.

Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.

Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at hennepin.us/stories.

Restaurant Week Summer 2019, July 14 - 19

Celebrate the best of Twin Cities dining with a week's worth of great deals in some of the Twin Cities trendiest and best restaurants from July 14 -19. Participating restaurants will serve two to three course, prix fixe menus for just $10 to $35 per person. (beverage, tax and gratuity not included) More Info

A Very Good June for Friends of the Mill District

Article by Claudia Kittock

It has been a very busy and very good June for the Friends of the Mill District. The community participation and support has been fabulous.

We started the month on June 8th with the Mill City Singers' 3rd performance at the Loring Park Music Festival. If you're interested, check out this video from the Festival (go to the 18-minute mark to see J.D. Steele and the Singers - the video ends with their final song).

On June 15th, the Friends held a book drive for YouthLink. Camille Burke organized the event and we are so thankful for her leadership and for the donations from the community. Because of these donations, we were able to take almost 2000 books to young people whose access to books is limited. What a wonderful day.

On June 22nd, we partnered with the Cedar Riverside community and Allina Free Bikes 4 Kidz program to help hand out 350 bikes. The Friends handed out bike locks and water bottles. It was an incredibly fun day with palpable excitement that began at 8 a.m. and the line started forming at 5:30 a.m. Those in line were fitted for a free bike, bike helmet, locks and water bottles. Almost 100 volunteers helped make everything go smoothly.

Friends of the Mill District board member, Jan Merchon

We love what we do. It is amazing to be part of this amazing community. Our neighborhood is stronger because of you and the ways you all help. Thank you for what you do. There is more to come. 

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About Claudia Kittock

Claudia is a resident of the Mill District. In addition to writing for Mill City Times, she is a founding Board Member of Friends of the Mill District. Claudia is the author of Health Through Chaos, mentors young adults at YouthLink, and has served on the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA).

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Contact: claudia@millcitymedia.org

Eleven Secures Construction Financing

Minneapolis’ first luxury condominium project designed by a world-renowned architect has secured financing. Eleven will be the first residential project in the city to be designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), based in New York City.

Luigi Bernardi of Arcadia LLC is serving as the project sponsor and co-developer and Ryan Companies is serving as co-developer, builder, and is partnering with RAMSA as the architect.     

Dougherty Funding LLC, whose team is led by Executive Vice President Murray Kornberg, has arranged Eleven’s construction financing with two of the largest condominium construction lenders in the country. Eleven’s financing represents the largest construction loan ever secured for a condominium project in the state of Minnesota. 

“Having two of the industry’s leading capital providers approve the largest loan ever for a ground up multi-family project in the state is a testament to the vitality of this project,” said Kornberg. “These lender’s participation in the project is a significant endorsement, and consistent with the response we are currently seeing from buyers and the community at large.  With the equity investment from the project sponsors already committed, the project has cleared one of the last hurdles before commencement of construction.” 

The 550-foot, 41-story Eleven tower will be Minneapolis’ tallest residential building. Eleven’s slim sculptural quality finds it origins in the Art Deco tradition. This familiar, slender, aesthetic can be seen in Minneapolis’ Rand and Foshay Towers, whose stepped-back crowns create strong silhouettes in the skyline. Eleven is similarly inspired by many of the pre-war residential buildings of New York and Chicago; long celebrated for being collections of homes in the city and sky.

“While the city of Minneapolis is home to many office towers, museums and theaters designed by world-class architects, Eleven is the first residential building that can claim that designation,” said Luigi Bernardi, president of Arcadia LLC. “Robert A.M. Stern Architects, along with an amazing group of Minneapolis firms, have ensured that every detail of Eleven will be best-in-class. Combining that attention to detail with the panoramic views of the Stone Arch Bridge, Gold Medal Park and Downtown Minneapolis - it’s easy to see why Eleven will be an icon for centuries to come.”

Soon to be a premier address in the Mill District, Eleven will typically have four units per floor, transitioning to two units per floor, and finally one unit per floor in the upper portion of the building. Each home includes a large private terrace which is at least 14 x 14 feet.  RAMSA, Ryan, and local firms Peterssen/Keller Architects and Martha Dayton Design and Sotheby’s International Realty have ensured the building interior is as thoughtful as its exterior. Amenities include a large landscaped terrace that will be unlike any other in the city including a 75-foot lap pool, a private motor court,  a 24/7 doorman, an expansive fitness suite, a multi-sport court, a library, a golf simulator, a children’s splash pad, retail space (ideally for a restaurant), a demonstration kitchen with dining, residential and guest parking, storage, and more. 

“This is a testament to the team we’ve assembled, the building they’ve planned, and the strength of the Minneapolis market,” said Mike Ryan of Ryan Companies. “We’re excited to get underway with this timeless addition to our skyline and city.” 

RAMSA has a highly regarded portfolio of work around the globe including single family homes, academic buildings, museums, and luxury towers. Their residential towers can be found in New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, L.A., Toronto, Vancouver, Shanghai, China, Taipei, Taiwan and - with the addition of Eleven - Minneapolis.

For reservation inquiries, contact Sotheby’s at (612) 340-9000.

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

Editor's note - This is an ongoing series of updates as the North Loop Reconstruction and Pedestrian Improvements project.

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

The North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements Project consists of two separate projects:

1. A full street reconstruction along 3rd St N between 10th Ave N and 5th Ave N
2. A pedestrian improvement project generally bounded by 10th Ave N on the north, 1st Ave on the south, West River Parkway on the east, and 4th St N on the west

North Loop Reconstruction Updates

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

5th Ave N

• Continuing water work at 5th and 3rd St N

7th Ave N

• Continue grading in preparation for placement of the first lift of asphalt
• Set up string line for asphalt paving
• Asphalt paving was cancelled and has not been rescheduled yet

8th Ave N

• Amended poor soils
• Finished utility work

9th Ave N

• Finished utility work

3rd St N

• Hydrant installation 8th Ave N and 5th Ave N

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

5th Ave N

• Continuing water work at 5th and 3rd St N
• May begin utility work

7th Ave N

• Finish water work
• Finish grading in preparation for placement of first lift of asphalt

8th Ave N

• Begin bringing in subbase and grading in preparation for placement of the first lift of asphalt

9th Ave N

• Amend poor soils between 3rd St N and the alley-NOTE exit and entrance on 9th Ave N will be off of Washington Ave today 6-28-19
• Begin bringing in subbase and grading in preparation for placement of the first lift of asphalt

3rd St N

• Isolated removals for water work only between 8th Ave N and 5th Ave N, there will be a temporary water shut off on the night on Sunday June 30, 2019. If your property is effected, a notice will be placed on the door of your property in 48 hours’ in advance for impacted businesses, 24 hours’ in advance to impacted residences

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

North Loop Pedestrian Improvements Updates

The Contractor will be holding off on opening any new intersections until after the 4th of July weekend

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

2nd St N NW Corner

• 2nd Ave N – finish sidewalk and place asphalt
• 3rd Ave N – nothing
• 4th Ave N – all but a few panels, ped ramp, finish 1sy ½ of driveway, base and bituminous
• 5th Ave N – sidewalk, ped ramp, finish 1st ½ of driveway, base and bituminous
• 7th Ave N – ped ramp, base and bituminous
• 8th Ave N – removed pole and foundation, installed curb and bituminous, some sidewalk

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

No work is anticipated for the week of July 1.

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

Miscellaneous

Stakeholder Meeting - These meetings are informal, held biweekly and intended to offer residents and businesses on the job an opportunity to get construction updates, ask construction and access related questions.

Date/Time:  July 10, 7:30am - 8:30am

Location:  Corner Coffee 514 N 3rd St #102

As always, feel free to contact myself (612-673-3365) or John Benjamin (651-443-1096) with any construction related questions or concerns.

Contact Stephanie Malmberg (612-673-3365) or John Benjamin (651-443-1096) with any construction related questions or concerns.

Artwork on Buses Highlights Connection Between Transit and Regional Parks

Large, colorful butterflies may give you a ride to a regional park this summer. Metro Transit has wrapped two 40-foot buses, dubbed Nature Connectors, with a beautiful painting created by Minneapolis muralist Greta McLain and created in her studio, GoodSpace Murals. The painting prominently features monarch butterflies.

The buses are now traveling on routes that lead to some of the region’s most popular regional parks – Minnehaha and Theodore Wirth in Minneapolis and Como and Lake Phalen in Saint Paul – as part of an effort to highlight the connection between transit and parks.

A map highlighting the routes that serve select regional parks can be found at metrotransit.org/parks. Temporary sidewalk clings featuring butterflies will mark the path between each park and select bus stops.

Check out this video to see how the wraps are applied to the buses.  

Millers Landing Community Blood Drive, July 10

Our neighbors at Millers Landing Senior Living invite you to the Millers Landing Community Blood Drive on Wednesday, July 10, 11:00AM - 2:00PM. They are located at 155 5th Avenue S in the Ceresota building across from MacPhail Center for Music. Participants receive a free T-shirt (while supplies last) and lunch.

Memorial Blood Centers is offering blood donors the chance to win Minnesota State Fair tickets! Donate and be automatically entered to win a pair of tickets. Visit MBC.ORG/FAIR for details. 

All blood types help save lives, and all blood types are needed - especially O negative (O-) and O positive (O+).