Minneapolis Riverfront News
Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share? Contact us.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 8:57AM
Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam Tour - Fun, Free, Informative
Remember the dog in the animated movie "Up" that was immediately and frequently distracted by "Squirrel!"? Well, that's how I react to "Tour!"
I've wanted to tour the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam since moving to the Mill District two years ago, but our work schedules and packed weekends always seemed to take precedent over making time for the tour. So, when Mill City Commons organized a private tour for members earlier this month, I signed us up right away.
What a great way to spend an hour on a beautiful afternoon. From the vantage point of the Lock and Damn facility, we gained a whole new perspective of the river, falls, bridges and riverbanks. Our tour guide, Josh, provided a wealth of information, and we were able to get up close and personal with some of the powerful mechanics.
In addition to the history, facts and figures discussed during the tour, the US Army Corps of Engineers has a variety printed materials available to take home. Tours run through September, so if you haven't had a chance to enjoy one yet, there's still time this season.
Vote for Mill Ruins Park
From September 20 through October 12, 2011, local residents and people across the country are encouraged to vote for their favorite historic place from a diverse slate of 25 sites throughout the seven-county Twin Cities Area.
The winner of the public vote is guaranteed grant funds. The remainder of the $1 million in grants will be given to a number of the other sites after review by American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and an advisory committee. The committee, co-chaired by R.T. Rybak and Chris Coleman, mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, respectively, is composed of Twin Cities civic and preservation leaders.
Cast your vote for Mill Ruins Park here...
(voting results shortly after launch on 9/20/2011)
Constructed: 19th Century
Location: 103 Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN
About
Mill Ruins Park is located along the Mississippi River adjacent to St. Anthony Falls. The falls were the literal driving force behind the development of Minneapolis, providing power for lumber and flour mills. Minneapolis served as the Midwestern hub to transform wheat into flour and was known as the “flour capital of the world”. Although most of the mills are gone, their stone foundations and elaborate races that powered the mills survive on the Mississippi riverfront. Some of these have been exposed at Mill Ruins Park, but much more exists underground. The park is open year round, providing over 1.6 million annual visitors with access to the park and trails for recreational use, guided tours and programs, and large public events.
Need
The "Dig In!" project at Mill Ruins Park will engage people of all ages in a hands-on archaeological experience within the Milling District of St. Anthony Falls. The project will be an on-going public archaeological dig. Participants (who will be trained and supervised by professional archaeologists and field technicians) will help with excavation, documentation, and artifact processing. The project will provide people of all ages with the opportunity to actively engage in the preservation and enhancement of Minneapolis’ historic river resources.
Cast your vote for Mill Ruins Park here...
Day of the Dead / Dia de los Muertos Postcards on Display at the Open Book
Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) sponsored a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) postcard competition, and the 253 entries are now on display in the Open Book Lobby Gallery until November 6. The 4"x6" postcards incorporate a number of artistic methods, including collage, paint, drawing, printing, sewing, photography and digital imagery.
The below slide show will give you an idea of how diverse the entries are, but we strongly recommend you stop in (1011 Washington Avenue South) to appreciate this creative collection in person. It's wild!
Tonight - Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative Draft Report Presentations at MPRB
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Minneapolis Park and Rec Board, 2117 West River Road
With the change of seasons comes the prospect of a change of Upper Riverfront scene, as finance consultants HR&A and design team TLS/KVA return to Minneapolis, September 19-21, to present the Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative’s (MR|DI) draft report to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, MR|DI committees and the public.
HR&A, TLS/KVA and the MR|DI project team will jointly author the draft report, which is scheduled for release on September 20. In it, the authors will summarize the RiverFIRST vision for Upper Riverfront parks development, along with research, engagement and other steps taken to gather relevant information; detail recommendations for priority sites and projects, timing and funding; and suggest steps and structure for maintaining project momentum.
On Tuesday, September 20, the Minneapolis Park Board invites the community to join Advisory and Technical committee members to a 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. briefing on the draft report at Park Board headquarters. HR&A, along with TLS/KVA and Project Manager Mary deLaittre, will present to the MR|DI Steering Committee on Wednesday, September 21, beginning at 7:30 a.m., also at Park Board headquarters.
Minneapolis Park Board Commissioners will hear the MR|DI team’s formal presentation during the regularly scheduled board meeting on September 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the board room at Park Board headquarters. At that meeting, Park Board planning staff anticipate asking Commissioners to authorize a 45-day comment period on the MR|DI draft report. For timely information regarding news and developments, community members are encouraged to sign up for the e-newsletter at http://minneapolisriverfrontdevelopmentinitiative.com/newsletter or subscribe to the blog at http://minneapolisriverfrontdevelopmentinitiative.com/feed.
The Week Ahead in Mill City / September 19-25
Each Monday morning we provide an easy to reference list of events and activities for the week ahead in the Mill City neighborhood. Submit your events here...
Monday, September 19
John Hiatt and the Combo at the Guthrie
Next Generation of Parks 2011 Speaker Event: Projects of the RiverFirst Design Team
Tuesday, September 20
Surdyk's Scotch Tasting at Ginger Hop
Talk of the Stacks: Nuruddin Farah at Central Library
Nancy Paddock Publication Reading at the Loft
Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative Draft Report Presentations at MPRB
Wednesday, September 21
Happy Hour with a Preservationist: Special Tour of Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory
Simple Stocks Cooking Class at Local D'Lish
Minneapolis Park and Rec Board Meeting
Thursday, September 22
Spanish Wine Dinner at Spill the Wine
Midwest Photo Safari St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail Tours
Big Wine Tastings at Sorella Wine & Spirits
Friday, September 23
Farmers Market Feast Cooking Class at Local D'Lish
Central Library Book Store Fall Clearance Sale (9 days)
Big Wine Tastings at Sorella Wine & Spirits
Saturday, September 24
Minneapolis Beer Fest (near the Dome)
How'd They do That Workshop: Much Ado About Nothing
Gabriel James at The Southern Theater
Paws to Read at Central Library
Spotlight on Local Presses: Coffee House Press at Central Library
Minneapolis Riverfront Tour at Mill City Museum
Mill City Oktoberfest at Mill City Museum
Heart and Soul Gala for People Serving People
Sunday, September 25
Autumn Colors Paddle with Wilderness Inquiry
Minneapolis Riverfront Tour at Mill City Museum
Herb Garden Fun Cooking Class at Local D'Lish
Vikings and Detroit Lions at the Dome
FREEDOM Film at St. Anthony Main Theatre
Tonight - Next Generation of Parks 2011 Speaker Event: Projects of the RiverFirst Design Team
Time: 7:00pm
Where: U of M College of Design, Rapson Hall, 89 Church Street SE
Admission: Free
Their vision for a renewed and revitalized Upper Riverfront - focusing on water, health, mobility, and green economy - won them the Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition. Join us to hear Tom Leader, Sheila Kennedy, and Frano Violich of the bi-coastal urban and landscape design team, TLS/KVA, share project highlights from their other creative works outside of the Twin Cities and discuss the next phase of implementing their work on the much-anticipated RiverFirst project.
Click here to learn more about the Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition and TLS/KVA.
Co-presented by the Minneapolis Parks Foundation, the Walker Art Center, the University of Minnesota College of Design, and the American Association of Landscape Architects, Minnesota Chapter.
The Great Minnesota Pet Together Seeks Volunteers for October 1 Adoption Event
Although this event isn't in our neighborhood (it's at the MN Fair Grounds), we know there are a lot of pet lovers here who might want to do a few hours of volunteer service at this October 1 adoption event.
Download Great Minnesota Pet Together
Week 20 at the Mill City Farmers Market
With just four Saturdays remaining in the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market season, it's time to get serious with our shopping lists. The Market is a great place to pick up unique gifts - house warming, birthdays, hostess gifts, and of course Christmas.
Monster Halloween Store Opens on Washington Avenue South - Mill City Times Exclusive
It's never too early to start working on your perfect Halloween costume or party, and the Monster Halloween store is now open and ready to help. They're located at 1211 Washington Avenue South (next to Bobby & Steve's Auto World) and will be open daily 10:00am-10:00pm until November 7th.
The store features two levels stocked with decorations, makeup, accessories, props and costumes for both kids and adults.
Manager Hunter Duncan has plans to offer artist services for customers who want professionally applied makeup to complete their costume. We'll post a follow up article when the details are available.
Check out some of the cool items and large selection you'll find at Monster Halloween:
;)
There are separate changing rooms for men and women, so you can make sure the outfit that looks great on the hanger also looks great on you. The "Ladies Boodoir" is located on the upper level, and has 8 dressing rooms.
Reach them at 612-338-5161, or email info@gosota.com with any questions.
This Weekend in Mill City / September 16-18
Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis and across the Stone Arch Bridge in Old St. Anthony.
Friday, September 16
Saturday, September 17
Art, Politics and Censorship at The Soap Factory
Taste Twin Cities Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour (Starts at Gold Medal Park)
Judith Yates Borger Book Signing at Sorella Wine & Spirits
Childish Films at Central Library
Central Library Book Store Fall Clearance Sale (7 days)
Historic Main Street Tour at Mill City Museum
Second Story Reading: LGBT Panel & Reading (Featuring David Levithan) at the Loft
Sunday, September 18
Railroad History Tour at Mill City Museum
Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Dome
Weekend Brunch
Saturday & Sunday
Brunch at Spoonriver
750 South 2nd St (at Chicago Ave S)
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-436-2236
Reservations recommended
10:00am - 2:00pm
Saturday & Sunday
Brunch at the Aster Cafe
St. Anthony Main
125 SE Main Street
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-379-3138
Until 2pm.
Sunday
Brunch at Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-339-3388
brunch buffet 10am- 2pm Sunday
$12/person (kids 3 and under eat free, 4-12 years are 1/2 price!)
includes: eggs, bacon, french toast, hash browns, fresh salad and fruit, pastries, build your own omlette bar and more...
featuring absolut bloody bar for $5.
also offering fair trade coffee and full bar.
Tonight - Central River Forum: Focus on the East Bank
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Location: Mill City Museum
The developers of the Pillsbury A Mill will present their plans for this National Historic Landmark. The Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership convenes a quarterly forum in the Central Riverfront concerning issues shaping this area.
Central River Forum:
A Mill Outstanding in Our Nation: Shaping the Future of the Pillsbury “A” Mill and Main Street Southeast
Why is this site’s story so important to Minneapolis – and the nation? How can you help shape the future of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District? What are the pressure points in the development process? What are two developers planning to propose for the area?
Experts David Wiggins of the National Park Service and Brian Schaffer of the City of Minneapolis will highlight the big stories this place tells, and preview how and when you can most effectively inform public decision makers. Developers Dominium Apartments and Doran Companies will share their proposals for developing the area, including this National Historic Landmark.
Live Music at the Crooked Pint Ale House
Here are some upcoming acts at the newest live music venue in the area, the Crooked Pint Ale House:
9Tomorrows - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2011
Lynhurst - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011
SellOutStero - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
Tonight - "Seeing the Minneapolis Riverfront Photo Contest" Exhibit Opening Reception
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Mill City Museum, 704 South 2nd Street
A reception to celebrate the opening of the new exhibit “Seeing the Minneapolis Riverfront Photo Contest.” The reception will take place on Wednesday, September 14, from 6:00pm-8:00pm in the museum’s Mill Commons. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served and a cash bar will be available. Brief remarks will take place at 7:00. This event is free and open to the public.
As part of its "Greening the Riverfront" program series, Mill City Museum invited the public to submit striking images of the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis Riverfront. "Greening the Riverfront," funded by St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board, was a year-long series that highlighted how the Minneapolis Riverfront has been transformed from an industrial center into a catalyst for new ways of thinking about our relationship with nature.
The exhibit is runs through January 2, 2012.
Today - Grand Opening of WorkAround
From WorkAround:
You're Invited! Wednesday, September 14th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. we will be having our Grand Opening of WorkAround, a new coworking space in Minneapolis North Loop Neighborhood and the consolidation of the KnowledgeSphere Group of AdviCoach coaches as members of WorkAround.
Where:
WorkAround
210 North 2nd Street, Suite 101
Minneapolis, MN 55401
RSVP so we can have enough beer and dogs on hand
Come join us for hot dogs, beer, and networking with each other, our coaches and coworkers. An official ribbon cutting with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber will start off our event. We will have live music performed by Beck Shaheen.
To pull off this grand event, we are partnering with FINNEGANS and the FINNEGANS Community Fund to provide the beer and with Nate Beck of Natedogs for our hot dog meal. Both FINNEGANS and Natedogs are social entrepreneurs who are committed to giving back to those in need in our local communities. FINNEGANS mission is to create sustainable change for those affected by the cycle of poverty and gives back 100% of their profits to support their local priority partner, the Emergency Food Shelf Network. Natedogs mission: “Get a dog, Give a dog.”
To get your free beer and hot dog, bring a non-perishable food item for the Emergency Food Shelf Network or cash donation to the FINNEGANS Community fund. We will buy you a dog then Nate will give it back.
Both WorkAround, Inc. and KnowledgeSphere, Inc. are members of the Minnesota Keystone Program and have committed to giving at least 2% of our profits back to local charities.
Learn more about WorkAround and KnowledgeSphere Group of AdviCoach
Mill City Farmers Market September 11 Harvest Moon Dinner
Neighbors and friends of the Mill City Farmers Market filled the train shed Sunday night for the Harvest Moon Dinner. Attendees enjoyed a feast prepared by Chefs Heather Hartman and Nick Schneider, Cajun music, a colorful live auction, silent auction, raffle, and guest speaker Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie.
;)
Can't think of a better way to transition into the Fall season.
Repairs to 35W Bridge Memorial Almost Complete
A few minor tweaks are all that remain of repairs to the 35W Bridge Memorial. Notice the security cam set up my Minneapolis Police Department - good move!
