Third Avenue Bridge Reopening Rescheduled to Summer 2023

October 4 Third Avenue Bridge project update from MnDOT:

We have disappointing news. After assessing the overall project schedule and work to be completed, we are unable to reopen the bridge in fall 2022 without creating safety issues for the public and construction crews.

The Third Ave. Bridge is now anticipated to reopen to motorists, buses, and people walking and bicycling in summer 2023. Until then, you will need to continue using alternate routes across the river.

Construction crews are working quickly to complete additional concrete repairs on the bridge arches and to respond to other challenges that have impacted the project’s timeline, including high river water levels and material delays.

Join us for a virtual public meeting

The Third Ave. Bridge project team is hosting a virtual public meeting at 5 p.m. on Tue, Oct. 11 to provide a project update and answer questions.

Mark your calendar, visit the project meetings webpage to register in advance, and share the meeting information with family, friends, coworkers and others who are interested in the project.

Submit your questions ahead of time to connect@thirdavebridgeclosure.com.

More about this project

The historic Third Ave. Bridge over the Mississippi River near St. Anthony Falls opened in 1918 and needs significant repairs. The bridge carries Third and Central avenues, which are part of Hwy 65.

Construction began in May 2020 and is anticipated to be complete in summer 2023. The bridge is fully closed to traffic through summer 2023. Motorists, transit riders, and people walking and bicycling will need to use alternate routes across the river during this time.

For more information, visit the project webpage. To contact the project team email connect@thirdavebridgeclosure.com or call the project hotline at 612-547-7968. 

IDA Presents Downtown Achievement Awards Recognizing Excellence in Urban Place Management

Via an October 3 press release from mpls downtown council:

The International Downtown Association recognized the mpls downtown council with the Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for its resourceful approaches related to Mpls Downtown reanimation. A jury of peer professionals reviewed, deliberated and evaluated all entries in the 2022 Downtown Achievement Awards. The Award of Excellence acknowledges an excellent response to an urban place management challenge, demonstrating application of industry knowledge and exceeds the jury criteria. 

Mpls Downtown reanimation was among 23 qualified entries in the category of Marketing, Communications and Events which IDA identifies as one of the seven professional urban place management practice areas. This category features unique organizational approaches and projects in the areas of branding, public relations, marketing strategies and communications plans.

“We have an extraordinary downtown here in Minneapolis, helping people return to play and return to work continues to be an important part of our shared work,” mpls downtown council vice president external relations Leah Wong said. “Together, our collective reanimation efforts have focused on invitations to join us downtown, meeting people where they are, and amplifying the experiences and people within our downtown community.”

The mpls downtown reanimation effort brought dozens of public, private and nonprofit leaders together from diverse backgrounds and work sectors to invite people back downtown and encourage community members to participate in downtown’s evolution. The work began in late 2020 and continues today. It features print, digital and television ads along with activation strategies that work together to welcome people downtown and offer converging events while they’re here. This work featured 65 partners and added up to more than 1 billion impressions across platforms.

“The mpls downtown council has demonstrated skillful application of urban place management principles with their Mpls Downtown reanimation: collective action project,” said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. “The Mpls Downtown reanimation should serve as a framework to all member communities within IDA.”

Washington, DC-based IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. The mpls downtown council is the urban place management organization representing the interests of property owners in Minneapolis.

Message From Council Member Rainville: Update on 2nd St. Traffic Calming Barriers

With the removal of the traffic calming barriers, I am asking for your help and advice as we continue to keep the Mill District safe.

1-If the illegal behavior returns, please call 911. You do not have to endure the poor conduct of a few. The police will respond to 911 calls and the documentation of the calls will help the police in understanding the patterns of the livability issues you are facing.

2- Please email my office with suggestions on the future design of 2nd Street South. I will pass them onto Public Works as they prepare for a public meeting on the new design of 2nd Street South. The street will be updated in 2023. I know several residents of Riverwest Condos have suggested a one way for 1st street South….please pass on all ideas for both street improvements to michael.rainville@minneapolismn.gov . The public meeting will be in November and as soon as I confirm the date with Public Works, I will publish it.

3- You are invited help welcome the new Commissioner of Public Safety, Dr. Cedric Alexander on Thursday 10/13 6:00pm at the Depot Hotel. Dr, Alexander will give a brief update on his new dept that oversees Fire, Police, 911, the Office of Emergency Management  and the Office of Neighborhood Safety. His update will be followed by Q&A session for you.

4-On Monday representatives from the Guthrie and Gold Medal Park met with 1st Pct Inspector Billy Peterson and myself to listen to the Inspectors ideas on improved safety for tier areas. We discussed at length his ideas on lighting and cameras. The Inspector offered common sense solutions for increased public safety and the Guthrie, Gold Medal Park and my office will be following up to implement those suggestions.

Thank you, 3rd Ward Council Member Michael Rainville.

Part 2: Community Members Receive AIA Minnesota Collaborative Achievement Awards

Dan Collison

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Dan Collison and Meghan Elliot are the recipients of this year’s AIA Minnesota Collaborative Achievement Award. They both have contributed much to the quality of our downtown physical environments, and they work collaboratively – which is the main criteria for the award. Our interview with Meghan Elliot was published October 1, and today we turn our attention to Dan Collison, Director of Business Development & Public Affairs for the Midwest at Sherman Associates.

Q:  Congratulations on receiving the 2022 AIA Minnesota Collaborative Achievement Award! You’ve headed nonprofits, you are a minister, a great photographer and videographer, and do wonderful business development work. Were you surprised to have your many contributions acknowledged by an architectural association?   

A:  I was surprised, and yet feel honored to have been nominated by a cadre of architects who have both mentored me and collaborated with me and others across sectors on several downtown Minneapolis pro bono efforts over the last decade. I think they were inclined to nominate me because I have worked relentlessly, especially during the pandemic, to leverage all of my roles and skills to discern design solutions for not only the built environment and land use, but also public policy and community advocacy for downtown Minneapolis.

Q:  The award committee noted your creative, sustained, and passionate service to the future of Minnesota communities.  Could you tell us what you’re proudest of in working for the betterment of our communities? 

A: Many colleagues and friends have seen my “card trick” over coffee or at a business happy hour or lunch. For almost eight years I have carried four business cards in my wallet: First Covenant Church of Mpls, East Town Business Partnership, NūLoop Partners and the Minneapolis Downtown Council-Downtown Improvement District. Each of these wonderful organizations has meant so much to me and are ultimately to be applauded for any and all accomplishments. For me personally, these are my favorites:

First Covenant Church: The East Town Apartments took more than five years and a lot of sweat and tears to bring 169 affordable units of housing to downtown and Elliot Park that now are home to nearly 300 new residents in the neighborhood. 

East Town Apartments, 618 S 9th Avenue

East Town Business Partnership: Navigating community convenings and partnerships while $3 billion in re-investment took place over six years of time. This brief video I filmed and produced tells the story of the relationships behind the scenes:

NūLoop Partners: The North Loop Root District organizing effort, taking place over three years with nearly 100 leaders from 50+ organizations and companies seeking to advance a holistic redevelopment framework for the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market area. This three-minute video nominated for an award by the American Institute of Architects tells the story: 

The Minneapolis Downtown Council-Downtown Improvement District: The Chameleon Shoppes retail accelerator program advances diverse and locally owned small businesses in currently vacant retail. This multi-year effort was and still is herculean and beautiful. In the beginning I would say to myself and the pro bono leaders – “this project has a high chance of failure and a small chance of wild success.” I am so thrilled to have celebrated dozens of small moments of wild success! You can hear and see it in the voices and smiles of small business owners featured in this three-minute overview video:

Q:  I’ve followed you for a couple of years and have noticed how you see projects through to completion.  The awards committee noticed the same and called that out in giving you the award. Would you please tell us about the challenges in seeing complex projects through to completion? 

A:  The four projects listed above are the best examples of the vision, efforts, and follow through to completion on very large and complex projects requiring cross sector leadership and investment. Each project was wildly different than the other and yet the longitudinal time arc and developmental process of moving them from beginning to completion share a few common throughlines: 1) Noticing a serious and problematic gap or need in the downtown sector. 2) Gathering a host of stakeholders and thought leaders to map out issues and opportunities. 3) Creating a starting strategy framework and ultimate desired outcome for the project. 4) Implementing all strategies and aspirations with as much adaptability and relentlessness as I could summon in myself and draw out of others.

Q:  What’s new on your horizon? How do we follow your always exciting news?   

A:  As of May 2022, I have been so pleased to join George and Chris Sherman, and the entire team at Sherman Associates to be their Director of Business Development & Public Affairs for the Midwest. Our corporate office has been and will continue to be in downtown Minneapolis at the historic JI Case Building. So, my passion and advocacy for the continued vibrancy and growth of an inclusive downtown will continue without disruption. And, now I have the privilege of working with many other cities and city centers across Minnesota and the Midwest to bring new housing and community impact projects that are for “all ages and all incomes.” Sherman Associates is a development firm with heart and purpose. I am really enjoying advancing those attributes while building out new relationships and project ideas with so many wonderful people in so many places. Mill City Times readers can follow me on LinkedIn. And, if people are interested in my videography efforts around human interest stories, they can connect with my YouTube Channel and my professional profile website.

Let’s stay in touch Mill City Friends!

October 1 Trip to the Mill City Farmers Market

We picked up some new things to try from the October 1 Mill City Farmers Market: Coffee from Café Palmira (they sell whole bean and ground), Skyr from Shepherd's Way Farm, and rigatoni pasta from Sunrise Flour Mill.

Chef Jenny Breen prepared a meal using in-season ingredients, including two of my favorites - delicata and butternut squash.

If your attention is turning to soup with the change of the season, be sure to pick up a few containers of broth from Superior Provisions. I've used almost of their varieties, and loved every one.

* * * Remember: October hours are 9AM to 1PM! * * * 

Part 1 - Community Members Receive AIA Minnesota Collaborative Achievement Awards

Meghan Elliot

Article by Becky Fillinger, Photos provided

Meghan Elliot and Dan Collison are the recipients of this year’s AIA Minnesota Collaborative Achievement Award. They both have contributed much to the quality of our physical environments, and they work collaboratively – which is the main criteria for the award. We spoke to them both, with today's focus being on Meghan Elliot, Founder and Principal of New History.

Q:  Congratulations on winning the AIA Minnesota 2022 Collaborative Achievement Award. The jurors noted your  creative, sustained, and passionate service to the future of Minnesota communities, as well as your collaborative work with a wide variety of partners to accomplish goals that advance the profession. Even within your company, you collaborate with many professionals. Could you tell us more about your integrated team approach to building reuse?

A:  Our mission is to leverage history to unlock the economic, community, and cultural value of buildings and sites. We believe that the built environment embodies those stories that tell us where we came from, who we are, and where we are going. We act as a resource for our clients, our clients’ clients, and the broader professional community. I created New History to be a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary team, with team members who are empowered to help their clients and projects. Every team member has a depth of knowledge in one or more of the many complex aspects of building reuse: we collaborate internally and externally to solve challenging problems in order to increase the use and viability of the buildings and sites around us. I am excited to see my team at New History grow well beyond what I initially created based on the core values, systems, and professional practices that I started.

Switch House, 514 2nd Street SE. The iconic Soap Factory builidng was transformed into a unique business, retail, and health hub using Minnesota’s state historic tax credits.

Hosmer Library, 347 E 36th Street, is a local landmark and designated in the National Register of Historic Places. New History provided historic preservation consulting and design guidance.

Q:  Your website tells us that use is the best form of preservation. Please tell us more about this idea.

A:  All unused buildings are eventually lost – either by demolition, deterioration, or neglect.

As an industry, we practice a materials-based preservation, rather than people-based preservation. The practice of historic preservation is based on the retention of specific materials: physical materials and architectural features are considered “historic” if they represent a building’s historic significance – which generally means that they date from a specific period in time. But we evolve faster than our buildings… we change when and where we work, how we communicate, our family lifestyles, and our expectations for climate and temperature control. In order for buildings to stay relevant, they need to change with us. The guidelines for preservation seek to minimize physical change. There is often, if not always, a tension between historic preservation design guidelines and ongoing use. For me and New History, the stories that a building tells - and will tell in the future - are lost without ongoing use.

To put it simply: use it or lose it!

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  Please follow me and my company on LinkedIn, Twitter, two Instagram accounts: newhistoryconsultants, liveleijona and our websites: New History and Revitalize MN.

Yoga at Peavey Plaza, October 4, 11 and 18

Green Minneapolis hosts these events, free and open to all!

YWCA Minneapolis Yoga on the Plaza

FREE yoga classes at Peavey Plaza (weather permitting). Bring a water, mat and towel. Members and nonmembers are welcome to attend. Nonmembers that attend receive a FREE three-day trial fitness pass to any of our three fitness locations. Plus, join YWCA Minneapolis as a member for just $15! Registration recommended.

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Tuesday, October 4 from 5:30-6:30pm. Register here.

Tuesday, October 11 from 5:30-6:30pm. Register here.

Tuesday, October 18 from 5:30-6:30pm. Register here.

Mayor Frey Nominates Brian O’Hara for Police Chief

Excerpt from the September 29 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

Photo: David Joles, Star Tribune

Mayor Jacob Frey has nominated Newark Deputy Mayor Brian O’Hara to serve as the next Minneapolis chief of police.

In 2001, O’Hara joined the Newark Police Department as a police officer, rising through the ranks to become a captain in 2016. In 2021, he was appointed as the public safety director for Newark overseeing more than 1,960 employees comprising 996 sworn police officers, 611 firefighters and 346 civilian employees and a budget that exceeded $200 million. In that role, O’Hara enhanced the collaborative working relationships among federal, state and local partners.

As former captain of the Newark Police Department’s Consent Decree & Planning Division (2017-2020), O’Hara has worked extensively with the Department of Justice on the 2016 consent decree between the U.S. and the City of Newark. O’Hara facilitated the implementation, monitoring and compliance of all consent decree requirements, which included the development of all policies and procedures on police reform, promotion of constitutional policing, transparency and accountability throughout the department, and overseeing the development of all public reports, surveys and assessments regarding the effectiveness of the department’s reforms. All of these efforts were designed to shift the Newark Police Department’s culture.

When he was promoted to deputy chief of the Accountability, Engagement & Oversight Bureau, O’Hara continued to promote accountability within the department, measuring the effectiveness of the department’s reform work and overseeing the Internal Affairs unit.

The mayor’s nomination will be submitted to the full City Council at its meeting Thursday, Oct. 6, for consideration and referral to the relevant committee.

Link to September 29th news conference.

September 28 Bridge 9 Improvement Project Update

Bridge No. 9 was constructed in 1922 by the Northern Pacific Railroad to carry freight over the Mississippi. The City of Minneapolis acquired this bridge in 1986 and converted the bridge to a pedestrian use bridge in 1999. The bridge currently provides a Mississippi River crossing for the Dinkytown Greenway bike trail.

Beginning in July 2022, the City of Minneapolis started making repairs and improvements to Bridge 9, Pier 5.

Latest project news

Construction Update Meeting (online meeting)

Virtual monthly project stakeholder meetings will be held at 9:30 am the 1st Thursday of each month using Microsoft Teams. Please use the link below to join the meeting.

Join on your computer or mobile app

Click here to join the meeting

Or join by entering a meeting ID Meeting ID: 213 161 635 706 Passcode: KyceBr

Or call in (audio only)

+1 612-428-8778,,6668421#   United States, Minneapolis

Phone Conference ID: 666 842 1#

These meetings help us to give you more detailed information about work progress on a monthly basis and to have discussion on any concerns or questions you have about the project. Please send an email or give a call to the project engineer if you have difficulty using the link above.

If no one joins the meeting within 15 minutes the meeting will end, but you can still contact the meeting coordinator via phone or email:

Rich Revering, Design Team Project Manager; 612-718-8412 or Richard.Revering@Bolton-Menk.com

Schedule

Construction activities for Pier 5 repairs started in July 2022. The scheduled completion date is December 1, 2022. The contractor is currently anticipating substantial completion by the end of October 2022.

Traffic Impact

West River Parkway is scheduled to be open for vehicular traffic subject to occasional one-way traffic w/ flaggers during certain equipment and material loading operations. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic are open to traffic, with pedestrians sharing the bike path through the project area.

Current work

For the month of September, the following construction operations were performed: Forming and pouring pier wrap foundations and four lifts of pier wrap. The wrap is a thick layer of reinforced concrete to contain and strengthen the pier to extend its useful life. Current work involves preparing the pier cap and forming for the final lift of concrete.

Coming up

For the month of October, the following construction operations are scheduled: Complete final concrete pours and finishing work, grading and placement of riprap at the base of the pier, and turf establishment and site cleanup.

Stay Connected

For more details and to sign up for email updates please visit the Bridge 9 Improvement project webpage.

Project Engineer: Petru Vizoli, 612-673-2368, Petru.Vizoli@minneapolismn.gov

Owámni: Falling Water Festival, October 8 at Water Works / Mill Ruins Park

Owámni is what the Dakota called the area at St. Anthony Falls. It means “whirling or falling water” in the Dakota language, making it an appropriate name for this festival along the Mississippi River. This free, family-friendly event, is co-presented by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board to celebrate indigenous Minnesota culture with music, art, food, and more!

Learn more: Facebook - Website

DMNA 2022 Annual Meeting is October 24 at The Depot

The Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) 2022 Annual Meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 24. This year’s event will take place at The Depot Renaissance Hotel, 6-8pm, in the Hiawatha Room.

The DMNA is requesting anyone who plans to attend to register to assure they can appropriately plan for refreshments and seating.

Elections to the Board of Directors will take place at this meeting. There are four seats up for election this year; three with three-year terms; and one with a two-year term. You must live, work or own property in the Downtown East or Downtown West neighborhoods to be eligible for a seat on the board. If you have an interest in running for a seat on the DMNA Board, please submit your application via this link.

2022 Volunteer of the Year Award

The DMNA Board will also be giving out the 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award at the Annual Meeting. The Volunteer of the Year Award is the highest honor offered by DMNA. It began to honor an individual who has advanced the mission of the DMNA to promote the common good and general welfare of the residents, businesses, and employees of Downtown Minneapolis.

Any individual who lives, works, or owns property in Downtown East or Downtown West that advances the mission of the DMNA through their volunteerism or advocacy is eligible. Generally, current board members and current employees are not eligible. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the staff and board of directors. Recipients are chosen by a small group comprised of the DMNA board and committee leadership. Candidates offered by October 15 will be considered. Please submit your nominations via this SurveyMonkey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DMNA2022Volunteeroftheyearaward.

Mara Restaurant and Bar Opens for Lunch and Mid-Afternoon Dining on October 3rd

Photos: Eliesa Johnson, Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis

Starting Monday, October 3, Mara Restaurant and Bar is opening its doors for lunch (Monday - Friday, 11a - 2p) offering welcoming hospitality and elevated, expedited service with a menu of Mediterranean dishes available à la carte and in a 2-course prix-fixe option. Mid-day meals are also now available at the bar with a menu starting at 2pm, daily. Debuting for lunch and brunch is a decadent Dessert Cart featuring a curated array of sweets. For a limited time, complimentary valet parking at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis will be available for those dining at Mara before 2pm, Monday - Friday.

“After leaving New York City to move back home, I missed cooking lunch for people on a daily basis and interacting with our guests throughout the day,” says Chef Gavin Kaysen. “Seeing people return to work downtown and feeling the energy of our community going out again and connecting over a table of food is a beautiful thing. It’s been our plan to open for lunch at Mara and we’re looking forward to serving our guests.”

Grilled Picanha Steak

Dessert Cart

Inspired by the revival of entertainment in downtown Minneapolis and the return of hybrid work for many, the lunch and bar menus at Mara are thoughtfully prepared to feature dishes that go beyond a grab-and-go experience while still being mindful of time. The lunch menu features a variety of salads, sandwiches, and entrées. A prix-fixe option includes 2-courses (either an appetizer and entrée or entrée and dessert, $32 per person).

The full bar food menu will now be available at 2pm daily. Mara Assistant General Manager and Sommelier Paul Hennessy has curated the beverage list to feature wines by-the-glass. At the bar, Beverage Director Adam Witherspoon offers a list of balanced NA cocktails alongside the regular cocktail list cocktails and beer (draft and bottle).

Take the New Survey on Improvements at Riverside and Bohemian Flats Parks; September 29th Open House

Detail showing Riverside Park and Annie Young Meadow, from the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park master plan. Bohemian Flats Park, not pictured, is to the northwest along the river.

Plus, all are welcome at the open house this Thursday, September 29, 6:00 to 7:30pm

Everyone's invited to take a new survey about improvements coming to Riverside Park. Results will be used to help prioritize improvements to be constructed next summer, based on funding for the current project.

Options for improvements are guided by the 2019 Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan (note: some improvements, such as the picnic facilities in Annie Young Meadow, have already been constructed). 

Open House, September 29, 6pm-7:30pm, Brian Coyle Community Center, 420 15th Avenue

• Join project staff and consultants from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB), along with Cedar-Riverside community members
  
  
• Discuss upcoming Riverside Park improvements, including a playground, wading pool and other amenities
  
  
• Learn about the savanna landscape restoration planned for Bohemian Flats Park
  
  
• All are welcome to attend and give feedback!

More information and Updates

Visit project page for Riverside & Bohemian Flats Parks Improvements

Subscribe to email updates on this project

Project contact

Tyler Pederson, Design Project Mgr, Planning Division, Minneapolis Park and Rec Board

612-499-9084 | tpederson@minneapolisparks.org

Olio Vintage Announces October 1 Store Opening in Northeast Minneapolis

New shop features a collective of local vintage brands

Olio Vintage has announced the opening of its new Northeast storefront on Saturday, October 1, at 21 5th Street NE.

Olio Vintage is a unique collective of specialty vintage retailers brought together under one roof in Northeast Minneapolis. The shop is home to a vintage-made-modern world of clothing, accessories, housewares, local handmade items and other fascinating gems. Olio will debut with a collective of four vintage brands: Black Nvni, SALTY, Rosella Vintage and in-house brand, Olio Vintage. The owners of the four brands first met through doing vintage popups around the Twin Cities, and this storefront marks each brand’s first foray into brick-and-mortar. The storefront will also feature a different rotating vintage vendor each month as well as an ever-changing assortment of handmade goods by local maker favorites.

Olio Vintage is excited to join the bustling St. Anthony neighborhood in Northeast Minneapolis, where it resides on the same block as fellow vintage shops The Golden Pearl Vintage, FindFurnish and Twelve Vultures - making the area a true destination for vintage shopping.

Get a first look at Olio Vintage during its opening weekend on Saturday, October 1, and Sunday, October 2 (11am–6pm both days) and enjoy complimentary refreshments and snacks while you shop. The store’s regular hours begin the following week: Thursday­–Monday from 11am–6pm daily. Follow @olio.mpls on Instagram for the latest news and updates.

The team behind Olio Vintage is busy preparing their new Northeast location at 21 5th Street NE.

Founded in October, 2022 by longtime vintage seller Carrie Martinson, Olio Vintage is a unique collective of specialty vintage retailers brought together under one roof in Northeast Minneapolis, as well as a brand of vintage housewares, clothing and accessories. Visit the shop to discover a vintage-made-modern world of clothing, accessories, housewares, local handmade items and other fascinating gems. More information can be found at @olio.mpls on Instagram.

Olio’s values center around sustainability, diversity, inclusivity, individuality and community:

• Sustainability: Wearing vintage inherently helps us move away from fast fashion by bringing unworn, well-made, timeless pieces back into rotation.
• Diversity: The diversity of Olio’s goods is matched only by the diversity of its vendors. There is truly something for everyone in this charming and welcoming retail space—a witty and fun brand that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
• Inclusivity: Olio believes that vintage is for everyone—every age, every gender and every body.
• Individuality: Olio endeavors to empower individuality and self-expression and provide its customers with ways to express themselves through our one-of-a-kind collection of time-tested and sustainable vintage items that can’t be found anywhere else.
• Community: Olio is passionate about helping other small local businesses and neighbors build a stronger and more vibrant community.

Established in 2019 by Ian Szymczak, SALTY was born out of a lifetime of seeking and cherishing the singular pieces one can find shopping second hand. SALTY finds great inspiration in nature, sex, art & space and is primarily focused on providing high quality masculine presenting garments for all genders, bodies and income levels. The transfer of joy that occurs between vintage curator and a client finding a piece they will adore for decades is a privilege and truly the greatest motivator for what SALTY does. Learn more at @saltymplsvintage on Instagram.

Black Nvni (pronounced NAH-vee) offers a curated collection of ethically obtained vintage couture, modern couture, and vintage statement clothing from around the world. Proudly owned and operated by queer, black and indigenous editorial stylist Kenosha “Kenny” Washington. Black Nvni is the answer for those who seek a luxurious, head-turning, and sustainable alternative to the fast fashion of the moment. Kenny loves the details in garments, such as decorative stitching, garment construction, embellishments, and the manipulation of fabrics. In the current climate of “fast fashion,” it can be difficult to find well-constructed, stand-out garments. Since fashion is cyclical, Kenny turned to the fashion of the past to be the best dressed in the room. Learn more at www.blacknvni.com

Rosella Vintage is a collection of timeless, nostalgic, thoughtfully curated vintage clothing and accessories for every body, from every era. Rosella was founded in 2021 by fashion writer, stylist and longtime vintage collector Jahna Peloquin. Utilizing her editor’s eye and stylist instincts, Jahna carefully hand-selects each piece with an emphasis on style, good design, quality construction and natural fabrics, in sizes XS–4X. She believes in wearing vintage in a modern way by mixing eras and styles for a personalized look that’s authentically you. Rosella can be found in person at pop-ups around the Twin Cities area including the Minneapolis Vintage Market, Olio Vintage, and coming soon to rosellavintage.com. Learn more at @rosella.vintage on Instagram.

Be That Neighbor Fundraiser to Feature the Steele Family, October 20, at MacPhail

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

 An Evening with the Steele Family Fundraising Event for Be That Neighbor

October 20, 7:00–9:00 PM at MacPhail Center for Music

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Curious about the yoga at Gold Medal Park? Heard about the fantastic neighborhood Mill City Singers? You probably didn’t know they are two of the popular programs of Be That Neighbor, a local nonprofit group. We talked to Claudia Kittock, Co-Founder and Executive Director, about the organization’s areas of focus and the upcoming Steele Family fundraiser at the McPhail Center for Music. 

Claudia KittockQ:  Claudia, before you tell us about your upcoming fundraising event, please tell us more about Be That Neighbor.

A:  Be That Neighbor is a small neighborhood charity. We create programs to connect neighbors. All of our programs are offered free of charge. The board is an all-volunteer board and all the money that is donated goes directly to programs. Our only goal is to connect neighbors to each other through programs we fund. We know that through those connections, communities flourish. When you sing with someone, when you do yoga in the park with someone, or when your young people learn about theater through a program at the Guthrie Theater, connections are made, and they make us all stronger. 

Q:  Your fundraising event happens in October this year – please tell us about the event and what programs are funded by the event?

A:  Once a year, we hold a fundraiser and are honored that the Steele family will be performing this year. MacPhail Center for Music has generously donated Antonello Hall for this concert at 7:00p on October 20th. The Steeles will be singing for approximately 90 minutes and there will be a video presentation about the Sallie Steele Birdsong scholarship as well as introducing several of the recipients. If you have never seen the Steeles perform, you won't want to miss a minute of this. If you are familiar with the music of the Steeles, you know that it is impossible to leave one of their concerts without feeling happier and singing a tune! They transmit their joy to the audience, and it is an incredible experience. Tickets for the benefit are $125 and are tax deductible. Purchase tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/h9smcbw9.

Be That Neighbor depends on the kindness and the generosity of our donors.  I can say it even plainer – our charity needs your help. Every dollar donated goes directly to the salaries of the professionals that lead our programs, which include the Mill City Singers, Yoga in the Park, the Sallie Steele Birdsong Scholarship (which provides free music lessons for young people who come from families unable to afford those lessons), and a new partnership with the Guthrie Theater to provide arts programming that will allow juniors and seniors in high school to study acting at the Guthrie and receive high school and college credit. So, purchasing a ticket to our fundraiser serves a multitude of purposes, and will provide you with an unbelievable evening of music and laughter. Please tell your friends and family.

We are so grateful for the community support. With your help, these programs will continue.

Q:  How may we follow your news and perhaps join one of your events?

A:  You can follow Be That Neighbor on Facebook and through the Be That Neighbor weekly newsletter. Simply email me at cjkittock@gmail.com and ask to be included. We would love to welcome you to our events! And again, please consider attending our fundraiser on October 20.

Tickets for the benefit are $125 and are tax deductible. Purchase tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/h9smcbw9

Shopping Basket from the September 24 Mill City Farmers Market

The September 24th Mill City Farmers Market was bursting with produce and other fresh items. We're trying out some new things for this first time this week, including the Pancake & Waffle Mix from Baker's Field Flour & Bread, Fruit Syrup from Twin Cities Berry Co., and Soap Rocks from Blugirl Soapworks. I love those little miniature gourds available this time of year - cute for decorating! :)

Public's Assistance Requested to Locate Vulnerable Adult Missing Since 9/22 Afternoon in the Mill District

This young man is a vulnerable adult and hasn't been seen since 3pm yesterday in the 500 block of 2nd Street S. If you have any information at all, please call the number below.

Watershed Spa and Baths to Host September 29 Launch Party

Communal bathing and spa location is first of its kind in the Twin Cities

Watershed – the first-to-market bathing and spa destination in the Twin Cities - is set to open. Spa services are already available, and construction of the baths is complete. Communal bathing, steam rooms, and sauna will be offered in the very near future, pending final permits.

The Watershed team is co-hosting a joint celebration and open house with next-door neighbor, Spoke & Weal Salon, on September 29th from 6-8 pm. Guests are invited to roam about both spaces and enjoy live music, complimentary food and beverage offerings, and chances to win giveaways. This event is free and open to the public, RSVP’s are requested. Watershed and Spoke & Weal are located in Switch House (the former Soap Factory building), 514 2nd Street SE. Switch House is also a party co-host.

Taking inspiration from the timeless tradition of communal bathing, Watershed has a mission to provide restorative healing in a communal setting. The spa and bathhouse embrace an inclusive, whole-systems approach designed to infuse every step of the bathing ritual and spa experience with clean, positive energy to optimize healing and promote vibrancy.

Honoring its historic location in southeast Minneapolis in the Switch House, Watershed taps into the energy of the riverfront. Founder Nell Rueckl explains the inspiration behind the name, ”A watershed moment is a turning point, a time when important change happens,” she says. “We are at a moment in history when we need deep healing for ourselves, our communities, and our planet.”

The spa consists of 11,000 square feet on two levels. At 4,500 square feet, the main floor is devoted to comprehensive holistic spa treatments, including bodywork (prenatal, cupping and shiatsu, Thai, craniosacral, reflexology, energy work + reiki, chakra balancing), facials, acupuncture, and vibrational sound therapy. 

The bathhouse adds 6,500 square feet, which includes communal bathing with a soaking pool, a cold plunge, a steam room, and a cedar sauna. The space also includes a “Recharge Garden” area specifically designated for reflection and relaxation. In short, Watershed is a holistic healing environment unparalleled in the Upper Midwest.

Watershed is the realization of founder Nell Rueckl’s long-held dream to bring communal bathing to the Twin Cities. A true pioneer and leader in the healing community, Rueckl is the founder of Spot Spas in Minneapolis, creator of Nell’s Remedies, and the visionary behind Watershed Spa. After years of research, she is thrilled to welcome people to participate in the bathing ritual and experience the expansive services. Rueckl designed an urban wellness center, offering a robust menu of various modalities, many of which are not typically found in traditional spa settings.

Nell Rueckl forged her career at Horst’s renowned Aveda Destination Spa in Osceola, Wisconsin, and Kabuki Springs in San Francisco and is recognized within the Minnesota spa industry as having attained the highest level of mastery. She brings her years of experience and team of expert practitioners to this unique new location. 

Wonder Valley Face Oil is one of the products you'll find among Watershed's retail offerings.“I have been very intentional in my work to create a space where every human can feel safe, calm, and welcomed so that they may heal and be rejuvenated through the bathing ritual,“ she says. The communal experience is central to her vision: “Participating in community allows us to become more whole as individuals. This experience is magnetic and creates a continually regenerative source of energy. It’s transformational at every level.” 

Watershed also has a designated retail area and carries a carefully curated selection of the cleanest, greenest, most sustainably-packaged skincare, wellness, and beauty products, including Arcona, Botnia, Wonder Valley, and Watershed’s own line of salt scrubs, body butters, and a bespoke Watershed Spa scent, available as a fragrance or luxe body oil. Guests will also find artwork by community-based artists and makers.

Membership options and passes areavailable on the Watershed website. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.

-  -  -  -  -  Spoke & Weal  -  -  -  -  -  

Founded in 2013 by Jon Reyman and Christine Thompson with a mission to build and maintain a culture that promotes wellness, strives for excellence, and fosters creativity, Spoke & Weal is a full-service salon known for dry cutting, custom dimensional hair color, keratin, extension, and styling services.

Originally launched in San Francisco, the brand now has award-winning salons in Los Angeles, New York City, Palo Alto, Chicago, Boston, and Nashville. The Spoke & Weal team is thrilled to introduce its new location in the historic Switch House building in SE Minneapolis. Instagram: @spokeandweal

Minnesota Dance Theatre Continues 60th Season Celebration October 13-15 at the Southern

Minnesota Dance Theatre (MDT) returns to the Southern Theater for the first time in a decade as it continues the celebration of its 60th Season. The spotlight will shine on the Artistic Voices of Minnesota’s Elayna Waxse and Alexander Hille, two esteemed choreographers who have created work for and performed with MDT. The dance concerts will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 13-15. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased here.

 

Three evocative pieces will be performed in the 90-minute show, including The Four Seasons with choreography by Waxse, featuring the compositions of famed Argentinian Tango composer Astor Piazzolla. Lush and atmospheric with movement elegantly matched to the music, The Four Seasons was first performed with VocalEssence in 2021.

 

Polaris also features Waxse’s choreography and music by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw. With an all-female cast, Polaris is both poignant and timely, offering a poetic reflection on human possibility.

In Divided We Fall, a solo piece choreographed by Hille, acclaimed dancer Martin Gore brings an intensity to the physically investigative and daring work. Hille said, “This work is about not accepting one’s circumstance, and remembering the battle is not one that must be confronted alone.”

Lise Houlton, Artistic Director, said, “We are grateful to have such immense talent in Minnesota. And we’re honored to present the artistry of two such thoughtful and rich choreographers who offer nuanced depth and meaning to their work, bringing an added dimension to the dance experience.”

September 21 Third Avenue Bridge Project Photos by Doug Verdier

Submitted by Doug Verdier, who continues to document the Third Avenue Bridge refurbishment project.

Work continues on many areas of the Third Avenue Bridge project. This past week saw an excavator scooping up crushed rock from the riverbed below the Horseshoe Falls. The rock apparently had been deposited by the river and falls flow over the past several years and had formed something like a peninsula out into the stream. Once the rock was piled into mounds, it was scooped up by a clamshell attached to a crane and lifted to the bridge deck above. The excavator also was lowered and raised to and from the work site by crane. An interesting operation to watch over a few days.