Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update and Tunneling Progress Update

Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis. This project is anticipated to be completed summer 2023.

The new tunnel is being constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River is being expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.

Project Map

Get an inside look of tunnel mining

CBS Minnesota recently released a story on the Minneapolis Central City Tunnel project. Check out the WCCO story to learn more about the project.

Latest Project News

2nd Ave

• Crews continue tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection.
  • The sidewalks remain open on both sides of the road.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 2nd Ave S intersection remains open.
  • 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Ave and 1st St S.
  • Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S remain open. There may be short-term access delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

Portland Ave

• Tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave continues from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection.
  • Pedestrian access is being maintained during this work. Please follow any posted detour routes.
  • There may be short, periodic traffic delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

Tunneling Progress

Long Term Closures/Restrictions

• The north westbound lane, bike lane, and parking lane remains closed on Washington Ave between Portland Ave and Park Ave. These closures will remain in place until the project is completed. This is necessary for the contractor to utilize the existing shaft to connect the existing tunnel to the new tunnel.
  • During this closure, pedestrians can still use the sidewalks along Washington Ave.
  • Crosswalks across Washington Ave and Portland Ave will remain open.
  • Bicyclists will share the traffic lane.
  • The existing left turn lane on Washington Ave at the Portland Ave intersection will temporarily become a left turn and through lane.
• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains restricted between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall. The contractor will resume tunneling from the existing tunnel to the new tunnel in fall 2022.
  • During these restrictions, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remains open.

• The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains restricted through the end of the project. The dewatering well and pumps are installed in this area.
  • Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of 4th Ave S.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 4th Ave intersection remains open.
  • Access to driveways off 4th Ave S remains open.

• The west sidewalk of Portland Ave south of Washington Ave will remain restricted to pedestrians around the dewatering well and pumps until the project is completed.

Coming Soon

Hennepin Ave

• Later this fall, crews will resume work at the Hennepin Ave site. They will continue tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave.

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews will soon resume work at the Mississippi River portal site expanding the existing storm tunnel. The parking lot and trail will be closed.

What to Expect

• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.
• Schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Stay Connected

Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

Posters for Parks October 22 Event Benefits Organizations and Communities

Posters for Parks is an annual show featuring limited-edition posters inspired by Minneapolis Parks. The event is a joint venture of LoveMplsParks and the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. Your poster purchase directly benefits the local community, with 50% designated for the Parks Foundation’s People for Parks Fund to protect and preserve the award-winning Minneapolis park system and 50% going directly to the artists.

Saturday, Oct. 22, 4-8pm / Royal Foundry, 241 Fremont Ave N

Tickets are free, register on Eventbrite - Posters $45 each

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Following the in-person show, the remaining stock will go on sale online beginning Monday, October 24 - only at PostersForParks.org.

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In 2021, Posters for Parks raised a record $36,000, which helped the Parks Foundation make community-based equity-aligned grants throughout Minneapolis in 2022, including Minneapolis Slow Roll, swimming lessons at Webber Natural Swimming Pool and Wirth Lake, and Afro Cardio/Yoga classes at North Commons.

Local Author: Anne Ursu

Article by Becky Fillinger

Our local Minneapolis author and educator Anne Ursu has been nominated for the prestigious literary Kirkus Prize. We talked to her about the award, teaching adult writers to find the magic in their craft, the causes she supports and her feline support system.

Anne UrsuQ:  You’ve been selected as a finalist for the 2022 literary Kirkus Prize for The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy. Our collective fingers are crossed that you win this month at the Austin TX awards ceremony! Did you feel like a ‘troubled girl’ growing up, like Marya your main character, who is sent away to conform and learn to accept secondary, obedient roles in society?

A:  Thank you so much. I tried very hard to please people when I was a kid, and I definitely felt off—like I was somehow too weird, too much. It felt like just being in the world was a troubled girl’s school. Marya is very much based on the way I felt and still feel. I am very glad to see her resonating with readers.

Q:  What will winning the Kirkus award mean to you?

A:  I am just so excited to be nominated. This book means a lot to me. It really is designed to help girls see their value in the world, and to have every kid examine what the stories power tells about itself and about them. It was an incredibly difficult book to write - with both an intricate world and a mystery plot line and it took a lot of drafts to get it right.

Q:  I love the fact that you took criticism of your work – you were called an "Obscure children's book author with three cats and a murderous rage.” by a Toronto Star reporter, and made that phrase part of your Twitter bio. Do you counsel your students to face criticism head on – learn from it – but don’t let it make you cower?

A:  I confess I would probably dismiss any book reviewer that described a book of mine having a murderous rage! That feels like the sort of comment that’s more about them than the book. This particular line was actually in reference to a joke I tweeted about a new Jonathan Franzen book that I found particularly sexist, and a book reviewer wrote a column about my comment and other such criticism that I found to be hilarious, especially as there was no murderous rage in my tweet. I don’t think book reviews themselves are really for the author; they can tell me what one person thinks of a book I wrote (for better or for worse), but that doesn’t help me with the next book. The way I get better as a writer is by reading a lot and by doing the hands-on work of revision, guided by my brilliant editor and readers, and this is what I counsel my students to do. That is the work that makes us grow as writers. 

Q:  I’ve read that you have three cats, an ‘ever-growing number of cats,’ and copious numbers of cats. How many felines make their home with you?

A:  It’s actually been holding steady at four for almost ten years. The e’er-growing part came when it went from three to four (one died and we ended up getting a bonded pair) but I like to keep the door open in case more find us! (Perhaps literally.)

Q:  You’ve been teaching at Hamline University's low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults program since 2008 and have probably inspired countless other nonstudents as well. You’ve been quoted as saying, “Magic allows us to live in the land of metaphor. There are so many more stories you can tell if you use magic.” Do you help your students learn to find their own form of magic in their storytelling?

A:  One of the wonderful things about teaching is students tend to come in with magic; you just have to help them harness it. I’ve worked with such incredible writers over the years and they’ve taught me so much about what fantasy can do. I highly recommend my former student and fellow Minneapolis resident Brita Sandstrom’s brilliant debut middle grade Hollow Chest as an example.

Q:  I admire you for creating a survey in 2018 that allowed professionals in the children’s literature industry to report on sexual harassment. You didn’t do it to expose individuals, but rather to allow a spotlight to shine on unspoken truths in the industry. Have you noticed that changes have happened – for the better – since you published your survey results? 

A:  A lot of conferences changed their codes of conduct and instituted other reforms. I was quite glad to see it. The conversation around sexual harassment also seemed to center on the perpetrators, but I really wanted to put the focus on the consequences to the people who were getting harassed. There were so many writers and artists who simply stopped creating and suffered severe mental health consequences; I wanted to focus the conversation on them in hope that would create some structural change.

Q:  Will you ever revive your popular sports blog about the Minnesota Twins called bat-girl.com?

A:  Unfortunately, no. It’s hard to maintain a baseball blog and be a mom! It was a wonderful experience though and I’m still friends with some of the people I met.

Q:  Do you have any book events scheduled – signings or readings – in our area? How may we follow your news?

A:  My website is anneursu.com. Watch for updates next year on my new book, which should be out in early 2024.

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For all the cat lovers out there, Anne has shared photos of her current feline family:

Hazel

Hex

Petra

Bartleby

Kolman & Reeb Gallery Announces November 3rd Opening of Color Finds Form: Paintings by David Moore, Jr.

 Color Finds Form: Paintings by David Moore, Jr.

November 3, 2022 - January 7, 2023 

Artist Receptions November 3 and November 5

Artist Talk December 1

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Kolman & Reeb Gallery is pleased to welcome emerging Minneapolis artist, David Moore, Jr., to the gallery for an exhibition of his abstract paintings. The show, Color Finds Form, opens with an artist reception from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on November 3, 2022, during the Northrup King Building’s monthly First Thursday. A second artist reception will happen on Saturday, November 5, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., during the second day of Art Attack, the Northrup King Building’s fall open studio weekend. Moore will talk about his show on December 1, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., during December’s First Thursday. The exhibit will run through January 7, 2023. Moore will donate his sales proceeds to The Minneapolis Foundation.

Moore, a retired theater artist and philanthropist, initiated his current series of paintings in 2017 after assembling everyday objects into an evolving tableaux: old fabric, bits of lumber, plumbing, packaging, ironwork, abandoned mechanical parts, toy soldiers, and plaster reproductions of iconic figures, including a large bust of Napoleon. “These arrangements often remind me of the scale models I built decades ago when designing stage settings for theatrical productions. I incorporates a ‘set’ from this detritus, and then transcribe what I see into paintings. In the activity of rendering, I’m always checking to see if what’s happening feels true to me. I have mishaps all the time, which are stimulating for their abstract results. As my spatial and visual experience has grown, so has my rendering of color.” All of Moore’s paintings are acrylic on canvas or on paper, matted and framed.

Still Life Southwest Corner 15

For three decades Moore worked professionally on the East Coast and in the Twin Cities in theater and performing arts, starting as a stagehand and later as manager and independent producer. He moved to the Twin Cities in 1987 to lead the Playwrights’ Center. In 1996 he formed 3 Legged Race New Theater & Performance, a multi-disciplinary company premiering more than sixty original works by rising and established artists from New York, Minnesota, and elsewhere. Of the hundreds of writers and artists he has supported many today number among the most recognized and influential in the field.

Since 2007 Moore has exhibited his visual work regionally in several group shows. Previous exhibitions include, Persistence of Vision, a two-person exhibit with the late Fred Larson, at the University of Minnesota, 2015; Armature at Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art in Minneapolis, 2017; and Searching High and Low, 2019, at The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis. In 2023 he will assist the University of Minnesota’s Quarter Gallery with an exhibition celebrating Fred Larson’s work, life, and influence.

A graduate of The Putney School, Moore earned an AB in Visual and Environmental Studies from Harvard College, initially studying scenic design before switching to drawing and painting with Dimitri Hadzi and Flora Natapoff.  t the Yale School of Drama, he studied dramaturgy and dramatic criticism under Richard Gilman, Leon Katz, Stanley Kauffmann, and Lloyd Richards, for whom he served as dramaturg for Yale Repertory Theatre’s world premiere of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. He has studied drawing and painting with Graham Nickson at the New York Studio School. At the University of Minnesota’s Department of Art, he has studied with Hartmut Austen, Meg Bussey, Sean Connaughty, Lynn Gray, Diane Katsiaficas, Alexis Kuhr, Joyce Lyon, Avigail Manneberg, and Clarence Morgan. Among Moore’s current mentors is the artist, Lisa Nankivil.

Still Life Southwest Corner 14

Moore is active in arts, education, and other nonprofit activities. He serves currently as a trustee of the Guthrie Theater, whose government affairs committee he chairs, and on the boards of the Walker Art Center, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Camargo Foundation. He is a member of the National Council for the American Theatre (Theatre Communications Group) and a former trustee of the Minneapolis College of Arts & Design and the Highpoint Center for Printmaking.

“We’re excited to open our doors to a pillar of our arts community, David Moore, Jr., who is also a thrilling, emerging artist,” says Anita Sue Kolman, co-founder and co-partner, of Kolman & Reeb Gallery. “The way in which David approaches painting is so intriguing and demonstrates that one can initiate a creative undertaking at any point in life and achieve success. We invite our gallery visitors and collectors to enjoy exploring David’s abstract works.”

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is located in Studio 395, Northrup King Building at 1500 Jackson Street NE. For more information, please visit kolmanreebgallery.com or call 612-385-4239.

Tenth Annual Cine Latino Film Festival, October 13-20, to Include Inaugural Bright New Voices Jury Competition

Article by Becky Fillinger

The 10th Anniversary Cine Latino Film Festival will be held October 13-20 at the MSP Film at The Main. The event is the Midwest’s largest showcase of the best new films from the U.S LatinX, Latin American and Iberian cinema. 

Hebe TabachnikWe talked to Hebe Tabachnik, Artistic Director for the festival, about what we can expect to see and experience at the festival, and her favorites from the twenty-five films to be screened. 

Q:  Please give us an overview of the Cine Latino Film Festival at MSP Film.

A:  This is the 10th Anniversary of the festival and we think it will ‘blow the roof off’ in terms of lively films featured, engaging filmmaker conversations and exciting parties to engage the Twin Cities’ growing Spanish-speaking populations and vast community of global cinephiles. This year's selection reflects that wealth of creativity, diversity and imagination that continues to make the region one of the richest filmmaking traditions in the world. We invite you to celebrate this milestone year with us as together, we continue fostering avenues of understanding, empathy, and respect through a shared love of film.

Q:  What is new this year?

A:  The festival will host for the first time the Bright New Voices Jury Competition, reflecting Cine Latino’s commitment to supporting and helping in the development of emerging voices of the region. This inaugural edition will feature eight debut features from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador and Spain. This year’s members of the jury will be: Juan Carlos Arciniegas - anchor and movie critic for CNN en Español's Ojo Crítico, Effie Brown - multi-award winning producer of Real Women Have Curves, Dear White People, and many others and Jayro Bustamante - Guatemalan director of the Oscar-nominated film Ixcanul, La Llorona, and many others.

Q:  Do you have favorite films from the line-up?

A:  This is a hard question to answer, but yes. Here are my picks:

ARGENTINA, 1985 Directed by Santiago Mitre, Argentina/USA, Fiction, 2022

Argentina, 1985 is inspired by the true story of Julio Strassera, Luis Moreno Ocampo and their young legal team of unlikely heroes in their David-vs-Goliath battle in which, under constant threat, they dared to prosecute Argentina’s bloodiest military dictatorship against all odds and in a race against time to bring justice to the victims of the Military Junta. It won the FIPRESCI Prize, 2022 Venice Film Festival and Audience Award at the recent San Sebastián Film Festival, and has been selected to represent Argentina at the Oscars.

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MY EMPTINESS AND I (Mi vacío y yo) - Directed by Adrián Silvestre, Spain, Fiction, 2022

French millennial Raphi (Raphaëlle Perez) struggles to find love, acceptance, and her place in a world not ready for the reality of being trans in this searingly honest, emotionally raw feature from writer/director Adrián Silvestre. Winner of the Maguey Award at FICG 2022 and the Outfest Grand Jury Special Mention Award for Performance in an International Feature. Raphaëlle Perez is scheduled to attend and present this film.

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SEDIMENTS (Sedimentos) - Spain 2021

This is a documentary about a group of six lively trans women who enjoy a scenic vacation in the Spanish countryside. It was during the shooting of this documentary that Adrián Silvestre, met Raphaëlle Perez and got inspired to do My Emptiness and I.

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THE PREACHER (El Rezador) - Directed by Tito Jara H., Ecuador/Colombia/Spain, Fiction, 2021

Veteran con artist Antancio di Felice meets his match when he befriends a girl with special gifts - as well as her equally unscrupulous parents - in this sharp new thriller from writer/director Tito Jara H. This is the film’s North American premiere! Tito Jara H. is scheduled to attend the festival to present the film.

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MIÚCHA, THE VOICE OF BOSSA NOVA - Directed by Liliane Mutti & Daniel Zarvos, Brazil/USA, Documentary, 2022

This is a lively, buoyant portrait of legendary singer/songwriter Heloïsa Buarque de Hollanda, a.k.a. Miúcha, who was taught to sing by the legendary Vinicius de Moraes, who was Chico Buarque’s sister, the longtime partner of fellow legend João Gilberto, and forever the self-made Voice of Bossa Nova. You’ll enjoy this one!

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FLY SO FAR - Directed by Celina Escher, El Salvador/Switzerland, Documentary, 2021

After serving ten years behind bars for her miscarriage, considered by her government to be an act of aggravated murder, Teodora Vásquez becomes a spokesperson for the other 16 Salvadoran women behind bars for the same “crime” in this story of sorority, resilience, and solidarity. Winner of the Ibero-American Grand Jury Prize, 2021 Seattle Int’l Film Festival. Director Celina Escher is scheduled to attend the festival to present the film.

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WALLS CAN TALK (Las paredes hablan) - Directed by Carlos Saura, Spain, Documentary, 2022

From the cave paintings of Altamira and Lascaux to the graffiti-covered walls of Barcelona, the new documentary from legendary director Carlos Saura (Cria Cuervos, Flamenco, Blood Wedding), takes us on a vivid and colorful trip through humankind’s timeless desire for expression and the massive stone canvases that make it possible. This is the film’s North American premiere! 

Q:  These films sound so wonderful. How do we purchase tickets and stay current on news about the festival?

A:  Purchase tickets here. We look forward to seeing you at the festival! Follow news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

All-Indigenous Team Creates Operatic Film to Honor Zitkála-Šá

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Perhaps you are unfamiliar with Zitkála-Šá? I’m going to venture a guess that most of us are unaware of this trailblazing person in U.S. history. Well, get ready to learn more. October 14 is the debut of an original film, Mináǧi kiŋ dowáŋ: a Zitkála-Šá opera (“My Spirit Sings” in Dakota), to honor her life and legacy. The work was born through a conversation between director/artistic producer Sequoia Hauck (Anishinaabe, Hupa) and Kelly M. Turpin, founder of the local company, An Opera Theatre (AOT). The project is produced and presented by AOT.

Sequoia (they/them) shared the following information about Zitkála-Šá and how this project will honor her.

Sequoia HauckThe question always is, why this project, why now? We created this and picked Zitkála-Šá because some people were unaware of her life and legacy; I didn’t even know who she was before this. We realized that if they knew of her, it was as the first Native person to write an opera, full stop. Yet I feel strongly that defining her by this one artistic act is short-sighted. To show her as a whole person is important, and doing so is a way of acknowledging that Native people are still here, will always be here, and will continue to be here. We just hope to celebrate Indigenous people and indigeneity from now until the end of time.

Zitkála-Šá, meaning Red Bird, was a Yankton Sioux Dakota writer, editor, translator, musician, educator, and activist. She wrote several works chronicling her struggles with cultural identity, and these were some of the first to bring Native American stories to the white majority culture. She performed in the Oval Office in 1900, premiered an opera in 1913, co-founded the National Council of American Indians in 1926, and is actually buried not far from JFK. She is noted as one of the most influential Native Americans of the 20th Century. Our creative team believes that her story should be more widely known and celebrated today and not be allowed to pass away over time.

Mináǧi kiŋ dowáŋ: a Zitkála-Šá (“My Spirit Sings” in Dakota) - the original operatic film debuts on October 14 at Water Works Park in Minneapolis. The following week, three more screenings will take place at Indigenous Roots Cultural Center. The underlying opera was created by an all-indigenous team.

Jaysalynn Western Boy (singing artist) in a still clip from the film shown walking next to the Birch Lodge at Prairie Island Indian Community

We made the creative decision to turn the opera into a film so that it will be easier to share this story with communities far beyond these Twin Cities premieres. We’re proud of the stunning cinematography, visual illustrations, and music that complement the operatic storyline. Additionally, almost a third of the libretto is translated and will be sung in Dakota because we are committed to preserving the language. As an indigenous team, we created this piece using our own process, not the linear, prescriptive ways Western culture dictates we should, so this is a truly unique expression of our culture, values, and way of being in community in more ways than one.

Zitkála-Šá’s writing and advocacy paved the way for contemporary Indigenous people. It continues to uplift Indigenous leadership, arts, and culture and underscores its important impact.  Our intention is that audiences will learn the inspiring ways in which Zitkála-Šá’s art and actions reflected her desire to leave the world a better place than the one she was born into and will leave feeling inspired to let others know about this important person and her powerful story. More background and info can be found at www.anoperatheatre.org.

Event Information: 

Water Works Park, 333 1st Street S 

- October 14, 7:30 pm (no tickets required) *ASL interpreted.

- Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and a picnic.

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Indigenous Root Cultural Center, 788 E 7th Street, St. Paul

- 75 pay-as-able tickets are available per show. Performances presented in English and Dakota with closed captioning and translations.

- October 21 and 22, 7 pm: A community festival with food and art vendors,  music, and artist roundtables and 8 pm screening.

- October 23, 4 pm Community festival, 5 pm screening *ASL interpreted.

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Artistic Team:

· Sequoia Hauck (Anishinaabe, Hupa), creative producer & director

· Lyz Jaakola (Fond du Lac Anishinaabe), composer

· Hannah Johnson (Anishinaabe-Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe), librettist

· Moira Villiard (Fond du Lac direct descendent), visual artist

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Cast:

· Adrienne Zimiga-January (Oglala Lakota)

· Emmy Her Many Horses (Sicangu and Oglala Lakota, Citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe)

· Jagger Ripley-Jaakola (Arikara/Anishinaabe/Santee descendant)

· Jaysalynn Western Boy (Bdewákhaŋthuŋwaŋ k’a Thíthuŋwaŋ/Thíŋta wíta oyáŋke) 

New Local Book: “When Minnehaha Flowed with Whiskey: A Spirited History of the Falls”

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

Above, Karen E. Cooper and the book cover of When Minnehaha Flowed with Whiskey: A Spirited History of the Falls. Graphic courtesy of Ice House MPLS

Front view of one of Robert E. Fischer's sand art works depicting Minnehaha Falls, courtesy of MNHSIn August of 2022, the Minnesota Historical Society Press published a book by Karen E. Cooper about the lively history of Minnehaha Falls, one of Minneapolis’ treasures. Cooper, once a resident of Minnehaha Parkway, is an avid collector of all things Minnehaha, including over 1,000 images of the falls and its surroundings. She has dedicated a great amount of time researching, studying, and giving tours about the history of the falls, its landscape, and the many people who have lived around and visited Minnehaha. This is evident in her new book. She leaves no stone unturned as she travels through time from the early 1800s when Fort Snelling was established through the beginning of the next century when the Minnehaha Park we all know and love was starting to take shape.

When Minnehaha Flowed with Whiskey is full of raucous, liquored-up stories that Cooper brings together to give readers a sense of what living in Minneapolis in the 19th century was like, the good and the bad. One of the stories I found particularly interesting is about sand art. While there are still many sand artist throughout the country today, that art form was very popular in the 19th century. One of the more popular sand artists was Andrew Clemens, who was born in Iowa and made breathtaking art that was coveted by many. In 1889, a dime museum in Saint Paul hosted a show featuring the work of Clemens, who also was on hand to showcase his work.

Back view of the same art piece, courtesy of MNHSMinnehaha Falls attracted many entrepreneurs and people who were trying to make a quick buck. Stands selling many types of souvenirs to the tourists at the falls were a common site in the later half of the 19th century, and one man decided to try his hand at making and selling sand art, perhaps inspired by the popularity of Andrew Clemens. That man was Robert E. Fischer, a onetime park policeman, park board member, and sand artist. Fischer learned the craft of sand art from a man by the name of Luther Melvin Hyde, also known as L. Mel. He would have attended the dime museum to witness Andrew Clemens create his art according to author Karen E. Cooper, and L. Mel in turn passed down his knowledge to Fischer.

Fischer claims to have created over 45,000 pieces in his day, including those of Minnehaha Falls that he sold as souvenirs. He eventually moved out west to create sand art of picturesque scenes around Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, using sand found in those locations. If sealed properly, sand art can last for a very long time. However, it can be difficult to track down those works of art that have stayed in a good condition. Fortunately, local institutions have acquired some of his work, such as the Minnesota Historical Society and the Hennepin History Museum, which put on an exhibition on Fischer’s work from March 20th, 2019 to May 31st, 2019 titled “Robert Emil Fischer: The Sand Man of Minnehaha Falls.”

The story of Robert E. Fischer and many others can be found throughout this fascinating, new book, When Minnehaha Flowed with Whiskey: A Spirited History of the Falls. Karen E. Cooper has done an outstanding job at compiling the remarkable history of Minnehaha Falls and its surroundings. Saying this book is a page-turner is an understatement. If you’re a local history buff, want a glimpse into Minneapolis past, or love taking strolls along Minnehaha Creek, this book is a must-have.

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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 a historic interpreter and guide at Historic Fort Snelling at Bdote and a lead guide at Mobile Entertainment LLC, giving Segway tours of the Minneapolis riverfront for 7+ years. Contact: mrainvillejr@comcast.net. Click here for an interactive map of Michael's past articles.

Quorum's 2022 National Coming Out Day Luncheon is October 14th, Featuring Keynote Speaker, Jack Jablonski

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Rebecca WaggonerNational Coming Out Day (NCOD) commemorates the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in October 1979. The first official celebration of NCOD was in 1988.  The day recognizes that homophobia thrives in silence and it is a time celebrate the history of the LGBTQ+ movement and its champions. Quorum, Minnesota's LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce, is holding its annual National Coming Out Day Luncheon on October 14. We talked to Rebecca Waggoner, Executive Director, about what to expect and how to get tickets.

Q:  Why is it important to still celebrate ‘coming out’?

A:  National Coming Out Day celebrations still matter because coming out and living your authentic truth still matters. Not just for me personally, but for all those who came out before me and will continue to come out after me. Coming out is an act of courage that needs to be celebrated and honored and is often a chance to stop hiding and start living. National Coming Out Day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are and who we love. We also come out to potentially help that person who is struggling with their sexual orientation or identity begin the journey to experience the joy of living their genuine and true self.

Q:  What can we expect at Quorum’s luncheon on October 14?

Jack Jablonski

A:  Every year Twin Cities Quorum hosts the National Coming Out Day (NCOD) Luncheon, the nation's largest event commemorating NCOD, with local and national leaders sharing their stories of coming OUT.

We know by honoring the stories of our community members, by listening, we build understanding. When we bring businesses to the table we build partnerships, we build allies, and we build a more beloved community.

This year Quorum is pleased to welcome Jack Jablonski as a keynote speaker. Eleven years ago, Jack brought Minnesotans together to pray for his swift and speedy recovery from a severe injury he incurred while playing hockey. As Jack continued along his path of recovery, he touched the hearts of countless Minnesotans with his perseverance and continued tenacity. Jack’s bravery in the face of unmatched adversity continues to impact the lives of many through the Jack Jablonski Foundation. We’re so pleased to welcome him home and hear his story of accepting himself and coming out proudly as a member of the LGBTQ community.

There are additional NCOD speakers too:

· Hildie Edwards, a trans actor/performer who advocates for affirmation and celebration of trans kids. (NOTE: She is 12 years old and adorable!)

· Chelsey Falzone, Minnesota Twins Manager of Youth Engagement

· Quinn Villagomez, Proud Transgender Latina broadcast journalist, LGBT media personality, host and MC

· Mike Marcotte, Executive Producer at KSTP-TV-Twin Cities Live

· B. Kyle, President/CEO, St. Paul Chamber of Commerce

Q:  What are the event details?

The Luncheon takes place Friday, October 14, 11:45am – 1:15pm, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1300 Nicollet Mall. Click here for Tickets.

Tickets - $60 members/$75 non-members

Vendor Tables - $150 members/$175 non-members (includes 1 Luncheon ticket)

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Q:  Any closing thoughts for our readers?

A:  We hope you will join us as our community celebrates the strength, courage and wisdom of LGBTQ+ and Allied people who have braved their own unique journeys to now live openly and authentically...and with pride.

Fall Street Sweeping Begins Tuesday, October 18

Excerpt from the October 6 City of Minneapolis e-news:

Crews are preparing to sweep streets across Minneapolis this month and November to clean the streets before winter. Street sweeping keeps leaves and debris out of the storm drains and from ending up in our lakes and rivers as much as possible.

Minneapolis Public Works will begin the big task of curb-to-curb street sweeping throughout the city Tuesday, Oct. 18.

During the four weeks of the comprehensive fall street sweep, crews will clean about 1,000 miles of city streets. To make sure crews can do the best job possible, temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance so streets will be clear of cars when they’re swept. The first signs will be posted Monday, Oct. 17, and sweeping will begin the next day. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed.

Learn more about street sweeping and how to stay informed. 

Third Avenue Bridge and Father Hennepin Bluff Park Projects Updates

Submitted by Doug Verdier

Excellent weather conditions enabled construction crews on both the Third Avenue Bridge and Father Hennepin Bluff Park projects to move along well.

The four tower cranes were removed from the bridge project a couple weeks ago, but smaller mobile cranes picked up the slack as additional concrete repairs on the bridge arches and one of the bridge bases continued. The photos that follow illustrate the sort of work being done in the past week.

Smaller and more mobile cranes were positioned in a variety of places on the bridge deck as needed for the work going on. Notice the red U-shaped steel device that is lowered by crane and inserted between spandrels to perform certain operations on the sides of the vertical spandrels and above where the lower section is inserted. Also visible in this image is the dried up spillway that has been created to permit work on the base of the pier above.

A closer look at the red platform being inserted between spandrels.

Temporary work platforms provide workers access to the underside of the bridge and arches so they can remove damaged concrete and make repairs. These also serve as the first layer of environmental protection, keeping debris from falling into the river while the contractors do their work. The area around the bridge pier base on the right in this photo is being prepared for a new reinforced concrete exterior to be constructed to a depth below the normal water line. Forms can be seen in place on a temporary crushed rock area surrounding the pier prior to being placed on the pier base over the steel reinforcing rods that have been put in place.

Meanwhile, at Father Hennepin Bluff Park, a variety of new trees are being planted as part of the overall landscaping plan.

With the new park outdoor pavilion nearing completion, a worker is putting mulch around the base of one of the many newly planted trees. More landscaping in this area continues. The side of the new performance stage is visible behind the worker planting the tree, while restrooms are in the back of the structure near the yellow door and worker in a yellow shirt.

New pathways are being installed throughout the park. This image shows a section of the path and a couple of new trees.

Unrelated to these two projects, but definitely worth sharing:

The brilliant red of the maple tree along Main Street near the iron bridge to Nicollet Island Inn jumps out at anyone passing by. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and even a couple vehicles stopped at the intersection to take photos. It’s a great relaxing place to just pause and enjoy nature and Fall in Minnesota.

Building Bridges of Communication: Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project

Article by Becky Fillinger

Jessica Belt Saem EldahrOn March 20th, 2003, U.S. forces invaded Iraq. The war and occupation came to an end when the last U.S. troops left on December 18, 2011. Over 4700 U.S. and allied troops died in the war and hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians were killed, the exact number is unknown. The Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project (IARP) was formed in 2007 to build bridges and a more peaceful and just world. We talked to Jessica Belt Saem Eldahr, Artistic and Programs Director, to learn more about the mission and programs of the organization.

Q:  Please tell us the history and impacts of the Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project.

A:  Early in the war, a group of colleagues and local peace activists, started IARP as a way to build bridges of communication, understanding, and support between the people of Iraq and the people of the U.S. Working with an Iraqi nonprofit Muslim Peacemaker Teams, the group started protesting the war, hanging art (carried in suitcases from Iraq) across Minneapolis in coffee shops, and funding water filters for Iraqi schools.  When the group realized the overwhelming level of destruction of Iraq’s infrastructure and the devastating toll on its society after years of sanctions, war, and continuing occupation, they decided to incorporate as a nonprofit organization. They knew this would be a long-term commitment to the people of Iraq. In 2009, IARP worked with the City of Minneapolis to nurture a resolution, unanimously passed by the Minneapolis City Council, to become Sister Cities with Najaf, Iraq. Since then, we  have coordinated numerous exchanges and educational programs between Americans and Iraqis as part of the Sister City relationship with Najaf. More than 50 Iraqis visited Minneapolis through the relationship, including artists, teachers, students, medical professionals, business professionals, and government officials.

Attendees at the 2022 Sister Cities Day learned about other cultures.

Over the years, the IARP community has humbly attempted to address the horrors and injustices of the US-led war and occupation of Iraq and its continued legacy in Iraq today. Through the Water for Peace program, thousands of Iraqi children gained access to clean water. The program also involved hundreds of Americans in personal exchanges with Iraqis, through letter and photo exchanges at churches, schools and other organizations across the country.  Now Humanitarian Projects for Peace, this project continues to make an impact in Iraq through the distribution of hygiene kits, Ramadan food baskets, restocking of the bookshelves at the University of Mosul library, and collaborations with Iraqi nonprofits who are meeting the needs of their community.

Iraqi Voices Lab

IARP's Iraqi Art Project, born out of carrying artworks in suitcases, presents Iraqi and American visual art, film, music, poetry, bookmaking, and theater, bringing Iraqi and American artists, storytellers, and audiences together in meaningful dialogue. Exhibits featuring Iraqi and Iraqi American artists have reached tens of thousands across the Twin Cities, rural Minnesota, and the Midwest. The Iraqi Voices Lab, which gives Iraqi refugees and immigrants in Minnesota an artistic platform to share their stories, has harnessed the power of art to create spaces for dialogue, combat rising xenophobia and Islamophobia, and provides the Iraqi Minnesotan community access to artistic platforms to express themselves as individuals and as a community.

In the spring of 2016, we established the People to People program to respond the prevalence of dangerous public rhetoric against Muslims, refugees, and immigrants. The People to People program facilitates cultural, language, professional and personal exchanges, creating spaces for Iraqis and the general U.S. public to meet and learn from one another. The program also celebrates, preserves, and shares the richness and complexity of Iraqi culture. These have included cooking classes, the first Iraqi cultural booth at the Festival of Nations, and events featuring Iraqi food, music, dance, and more.

IARP is an organization led by and for Iraqis and Americans learning and working together to live in a peaceful and just world.

Q:  Your projects are so commendable – do you have upcoming events?

A:  Yes!

• Afro-Iraqi Rituals: Stigma, Discrimination, and Resilience, October 8, 11:00am: Afro-Iraqis have been subjected to oppression, racism, and discrimination. This panel, co-presented by IARP and the Lotus Cultural Women’s League, explores the significance of Afro-Iraqi rituals and Afro-Iraqis’ resilience in facing stigmatization and discrimination in Iraq. Interpretation will be provided in English and Arabic. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

• From our friends at the Jungle Theater: King Gilgamesh & the Man of the Wild will open at the Jungle on December 31, 2022 and run through January 8, 2023.  A collaboration between Toronto-based musician/actor Ahmed Moneka and actor/writer Jesse LaVercombe with Chicago playwright and director Seth Bockley, this two-man epic reanimates the world’s oldest written narrative with maqam-style Iraqi music and 21st century biography, highlighting Moneka’s own exile from Baghdad. King Gilgamesh fuses highly physical theatre, soul-filled musical expression, ancient text and intimate storytelling, illuminating the tale’s eternal mysteries of mortality and the universal balm of friendship.  It’s a short run but something you won’t want to miss!

Q:  How may we stay up to date with your events and programs?

A:  Please follow us on social media, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You may also sign up for our newsletter through our website.

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