Celebrate Law Enforcement Week at the 1st Precinct Open House, May 17

Inspector Mike Kjos and the entire MPD First Precinct Staff cordially invite you to the 1st Precinct Open House.

Date:  Tuesday, May 17
Place: 19 N 4th Street
Time:  11:00am - 2:00pm

There will be interactive outdoor displays from the Bomb Squad, Canine, Horse Patrol, S.W.A.T. and the Minneapolis Fire Department along with information from many City Departments and other Law Enforcement Agencies

Join us for a snack and to learn more about your Minneapolis Police Department.

For questions, contact:
Renee Allen, Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, First Precinct
renee.allen@minneapolismn.gov
(612) 673-5163

Tickets Still Available for August 20 Wilco Show on Hall's Island

Via an April 18 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Parks Foundation:

The Minneapolis Parks Foundation is proud to be First Avenue‘s non-profit partner for its second must-go summer concert at Hall’s Island. Wilco headlines this year’s show, along with special guests Kurt Vile + the Violators.  

First Ave put on one of the most talked-about events last summer with its first concert at Hall’s Island featuring 2015’s it-band Alabama Shakes. More than 8,000 people enjoyed awesome music at one of the most incredible (but not yet developed) sites in Minneapolis – right on the Mississippi River and with an incredible sunset view of downtown. Last year, tickets sold out in something like two hours; this year tickets are still on sale (as of March 15, anyway). Don’t miss out!

As First Ave’s non-profit partner, the Minneapolis Parks Foundation receives a percentage of proceeds. Last year’s show raised near $12,500 for MPF! Thank you, First Ave, for your generous support and for bringing the awesome to the Minneapolis upper river.

More Info

Franklin Avenue Bridge Construction Update

Via an April 15 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

While construction activity on the Franklin Avenue Bridge continued through the winter, much of the work was under the deck and out of site of those traveling across the bridge.

Starting this Monday, April 18, crews will begin some work on the bridge deck. As a result, motorists should expect some shifting of traffic lanes this month. The first change will occur on Mondaymorning. Flaggers will be onsite as crews move existing concrete barriers to create the proper work area. Additional orange traffic drums and delineators will also be used to help guide traffic.

Please be aware of crews working on site and allow for extra time to travel across the Franklin Avenue Bridge.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

We will share more about the 2016 construction work and schedule for the Franklin Avenue Bridge in future messages.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact us at franklinbridge@hennepin.us or 888-474-8929.

More information is available at www.hennepin.us/franklinbridge.

Preservation Alliance of Minnesota Partners with the Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home

Via an April 15 e-newsletter from the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota (PAM):

The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota is a proud partner of the Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour, which is Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1. If you haven’t seen a printed Home Tour Guide yet, you can download a PDF from www.MSPHomeTour.com. 

PAM’s mission is to lead and inspire people to connect with historic places, promoting community vitality. As a statewide organization that provides information and services to homeowners, professionals, and communities, PAM is pleased to be collaborating in the Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour, an annual, urban celebration of real homes, real people, real ideas for home improvement and rehabilitation.

Find out more about the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota at www.mnpreservation.org or on Facebook. Click here to sign up for PAM’s e-news list and receive messages about upcoming classes, tours, and activities.

Parkway Closures for Saturday, April 16

The following roads will be closed for the Hot Chocolate 5K/15K on April 16 from 7:30am-1:00pm:

SE Main Street, West River Parkway, East River Parkway, St. Anthony Parkway

Highway 55 Ramp to 7th Street in Minneapolis Closing April 18-May 2

Via an April 14 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

Highway 55 ramp to Seventh Street in Minneapolis closing April 18-May 2

Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced that motorists will be unable to access Seventh Street from northbound Highway 55/Hiawatha Avenue beginning April 18 at 1 a.m., weather permitting. The ramp will remain closed through May 2.

Vehicles intending to access Seventh Street from Highway 55/Hiawatha Avenue will be detoured to Third Street and Fourth Avenue. 

Traffic entering downtown Minneapolis from westbound I-94 will continue to use the existing ramp to Fifth Street during construction.

During the closure crews will continue to reconstruct a new westbound I-94 bridge/ramp to Seventh Street in downtown Minneapolis. Additional work includes installing a traffic signal system and making accessibility improvements for pedestrians at the intersection of Seventh Street and 13th Avenue.

The work is part of a larger project that includes realigning the existing westbound I-94 exit to Fifth Street by constructing a new section of ramp that will redirect traffic exiting westbound I-94 to Seventh Street instead of Fifth Street.

This project is a collaborative effort of the city of Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. For more information or to sign up for email project updates, visit the project page.

Minneapolis Bike Week 2016: May 16 - 22

Every May, communities across the country participate in National Bike Month, a coast-to-coast celebration of cycling. 

Minneapolis Bike Week 2016, May 16th to the 22nd, is a series of events and activities promoting all types of bicycling with a focus on encouraging those who do not normally ride to give it a try.

Groups organize and host a diverse range of events and activities throughout the week including group rides, classes, commuter pit stops, free breakfasts, celebration locations and much more.

Celebrate bicycling in the city with fun, free events and activities for all types of riders. Click on each day below to check out what's happening!

- Monday, May 16 Fix It Day

- Tuesday, May 17 Go By Bike Day

- Wednesday, May 18 Nice Ride Day

- Thursday, May 19 Women’s Day

- Friday, May 20 Bike to Work Day

- Saturday, May 21 Small Business Day

- Sunday, May 22 Family Bike to Parks Day

Dining Out for Life® is Thursday, April 28

This year, hundreds of restaurants in the Twin Cities, Duluth and Mankato are participating in Dining Out for Life® by donating a percentage of their April 28 proceeds to The Aliveness Project.

Founded in 1985, The Aliveness Project is a local nonprofit organization and community center providing on-site meals, food shelf options, integrative therapies, and vital services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS throughout Minnesota.  75% of their members live in poverty and depend on them for daily meals.

In our downtown and riverfront neighborhoods, participating restaurants include (but are not limited to) Haute Dish, J.D. Hoyt's, Sawatdee, Wilde Cafe and Spirits, Day Block, Kramarczuk's, The Bulldog, Red Cow, Red Stag Supperclub, Republic Seven Corners, Ginger Hop and The Draft Horse.

Intersection of Hennepin Avenue and Fifth Street Closed This Weekend

Via an April 8 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

Beginning Friday evening, the intersection of Hennepin Avenue and Fifth Street in downtown Minneapolis will close so crews can replace a rail in the METRO tracks. These two streets will reopen by 5 a.m., Monday, April 11.

Hennepin Avenue will close at 7 p.m., Friday, April 8, between Fourth and Sixth Streets. Local access to businesses will be allowed.

Fifth Street north of the tracks, which is one way, will close from Marquette Avenue to Hennepin Avenue North. Fifth Street south of the tracks will remain open from Marquette to Hennepin. All traffic on the south portion of Fifth Street will be required to turn left on to Hennepin. Fifth Street will also close from Hennepin to First Avenue North. Drivers should follow posted detours.

This is one of many construction projects that will affect traffic in Downtown this year. To help drivers know about all of the current and upcoming work, the City has mapped these projects. Links to the maps are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/publicworks/traffic.

Parkway Closures for Saturday, April 9

The following parkways will be temporarily closed on Saturday, April 9, for  Goldy's Run 10 Mile from 7:30am-Noon:

SE Main Street, West River Parkway, East River Parkway

Click here for the course map and additional event info.

Mill City Museum Announces Mill City Live Summer Concert Lineup

The Mill City Museum recently announced the lineup for its annual summer concert series, Mill City Live. Attendees with be able to enjoy outdoor concerts with local artists every Wednesday in August, starting at 6:00pm in the museum’s dramatic Ruin Courtyard.

This year’s artists are:
• August 03: Black Market Brass
• August 10: Dan Israel
• August 17: Salsabrosa
• August 24: Jelloslave
• August 31: Maurice Jacox

United Properties, JMI Realty and Greystar Unveil New Design for Gateway Development in Downtown Minneapolis

United Properties and new development partners JMI Realty and Greystar unveil new design for Gateway development in downtown Minneapolis

Iconic five-star hotel involved in project design as discussions continue

MINNEAPOLIS (April 6, 2016) — United Properties and its new project partners, JMI Realty and Greystar, unveiled a new design for the mixed-use Gateway development at Third Street and Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis at a Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association meeting last night.

The project is still in the concept planning stages but will soon move forward to the City of Minneapolis review and approval process, which is expected to take place during the remainder of 2016.

Changes that were unveiled on Tuesday include:
• The tower has expanded to 35 floors, which will result in a total building height of approximately 530 feet, including a new architectural spire.
• The approximately 164 luxury apartments will have an average size of 1,700 sq. ft.
• The top two floors will be comprised of penthouse units.
• JMI, the hotel partner, is targeting a 300-room, five-star hotel that will include meeting space, a 10,000-sq.-ft. state-of-the-art ballroom, luxury amenities and 7,500 sq. ft. for a world-class restaurant.

“Our hotel partner, JMI, is in active discussions with Four Seasons and we believe they would be a great fit for this project,” said Bill Katter, president and chief investment officer for United Properties. “While the discussions are ongoing, we are doing all that we can as a development team to make this the most attractive site for a five-star hotel like Four Seasons to enter the Twin Cities market. This would be a stunning addition to Minneapolis – and one that we believe would be warmly embraced by the community.”

Katter added that the overall project would be “a tremendous addition to the City of Minneapolis and a major leap forward for the north side of Nicollet Mall.”

The Gateway development additionally incorporates street-level retail and three levels of below-grade parking for up to 575 vehicles. It will be connected to the greater Minneapolis skyway system through the Minneapolis Central Library, and is a key link between the Minneapolis Central Business District (CBD) core and the transition to the Warehouse District/North Loop across Hennepin Avenue.

JMI Realty, a national hotel developer, and Greystar, a leader in the investment, development and management of rental housing properties, are well-known firms with successful projects on both U.S. coasts.

“We are very pleased that, along with our new project partners, we have been able to bring this project forward with a stunning new design that can fulfill the iconic vision we shared with the City of Minneapolis when we were selected in 2015,” said Katter. “Our new partners JMI Realty and Greystar have brought forward an outstanding mixed-use project that increases the stature of Minneapolis as a world-class city.”

“We are excited to be a part of this fantastic, skyline-changing, mixed-use development,” said Greg Clay, president of JMI. “A five-star hotel with 'super luxury' residential units will expand an already impressive cultural and culinary scene, and will provide an option that does not exist today. This project has the potential to be a true landmark and THE gateway to downtown.”

“Greystar is excited about the opportunity to collaborate with United Properties and JMI on this best in class iconic mixed-use development in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Bounded by Hennepin, Washington and Nicollet Mall, this site is a true Gateway location as a connection of the CBD to the warehouse district and riverfront, and enjoys unparalleled access to many of the City's most notable cultural, business, entertainment and recreational assets,” said Gary Wallace, managing director of development for Greystar. “For those seeking the excitement of living in the bustling Minneapolis' CBD, we look forward to pursuing a high-quality residential development complemented by the services and experience of a five-star hotel.”

The Gateway project team includes:
• United Properties, the Twin Cities leading developer;
• Greystar, the nation's largest operator of apartments;
• JMI Realty, a national luxury hotel developer; and
• ESG Architects, principal design firm.

The project's general contractor will be selected in the near future.

About United Properties
Formed in 1916, United Properties acquires, develops, manages, finances and disposes of the company’s real estate investments, which includes nearly 50 office, medical, industrial, mixed-use and retail assets in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Colorado. United Properties also provides development services for the retail, residential, office, medical and industrial sectors. In addition to a large presence in the Minneapolis-St. Paul market, United Properties’ Denver office develops retail, office and industrial buildings. For more information, visit www.uproperties.com or follow on Twitter at @unitedpropertie.

About Greystar
Greystar is a leading, fully integrated real estate company offering expertise in investment management, development, and property management of rental housing properties globally. Headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina with offices throughout the United States, Europe, and Latin America, Greystar is the largest operator of apartments in the United States, managing approximately 410,000 units in over 130 markets globally. Greystar also has a robust institutional investment management platform dedicated to managing capital on behalf of a global network of institutional investors with over $12 billion in gross assets under management including $3.9 billion of developments underway. Greystar was founded by Bob Faith in 1993 with the intent to become a provider of world class service in the rental housing real estate business. To learn more about Greystar, visit www.greystar.com.

About ESG
Elness Swenson Graham Architects (ESG) is an award winning design firm with a national practice in urban residential, hospitality, workplace environments, higher education, branding and graphic design. Since the company’s founding over three decades ago, ESG has helped clients create environments for community, business, and leisure by providing holistic, creative solutions to complex problems. The company’s mission is to enrich the built environment beyond architecture and buildings; to deliver the superior, the timeless, the memorable and the unique; and to design environments that capture the human spirit and uplift our lives. Headquartered in Minneapolis where the firm enjoys a leadership position in redevelopment, ESG was recently recognized with the American Institute of Architects Minnesota (AIA-MN) Firm Award for “innovation in urban residential mixed use design.” www.esgarch.com

MacPhail Spotlight Series: Taiko Drums to J-Pop, April 16

Mischa Santora, Artistic Director the Spotlight Series at MacPhail Center for Music, discusses the next Spotlight Series performance, Taiko Drums to J-Pop, taking place Saturday, April 16.

The MacPhail Spotlight Series showcases the exceptional talents of MacPhail teaching artists and special guests, providing an intimate listening experience in MacPhail’s state-of-the-art Antonello Hall.

Traffic Alert - Hennepin-Lyndale Reconstruction Update

Via an April 1 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

Traffic Alert - Hennepin-Lyndale Reconstruction Update

The repaving of one of Minneapolis’ busiest thoroughfares begins Monday, April 4. Crews are reconstructing the intersection of Hennepin Avenue and Lyndale Avenue, just west of Loring Park, between Franklin Avenue and Dunwoody Boulevard. Hennepin-Lyndale will have lane closings, but most of the construction area will remain open to traffic during this work.

Beginning Monday, April 4, the inside two lanes of Hennepin-Lyndale will close to traffic until later this summer, and drivers will use the outer lanes. Once the inside two lanes are reconstructed, traffic will move to those lanes and the outer lanes will close for reconstruction. All lanes are expected to open to traffic by December.

The one major street closing associated with this project is the section of northbound Hennepin Avenue from Franklin Avenue to its merger with Lyndale Avenue, which closes late Sunday night and will remain closed for approximately two months. However, the onramp to eastbound Interstate 94 from that closed section of northbound Hennepin Avenue will stay open throughout construction.

Also, the intersections of Oak Grove Street and Groveland Avenue will close periodically, with some of these closures lasting up to 30 days at a time. However, these two cross streets will never be closed at the same time, and detour routes will be posted.

Pedestrians and bikes will be allowed to cross Hennepin-Lyndale throughout construction, with detours posted. Bus routes will also be maintained, but changes may be made to accommodate construction. 

Once the work is complete, Hennepin-Lyndale will have improved traffic flow and a smooth driving surface. Other enhancements will be made as well, including better lane designations and improvements to bicycle and pedestrian crossings. To learn more about this project and to sign up for updates, go to www.hennepinlyndaleproject.com.

Cynthia Froid Group, The Film Society of MSP and Mill City Commons to Host 2 Private Screenings During the April 7-23 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival

The Cynthia Froid Group, along with The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul and Mill City Commons, will host two special free private screenings during The Minneapolis St Paul International Film Festival, which runs April 7 - 23.

RSVP with attendee names and screening choice(s) by April 8th and April 15th, respectively, to the Cynthia Froid Group at admin@cynthiafroid.com or 612-279-8215.

Monday, April 11, 1:00pm at St. Anthony Main Theatre
“O Samba,”  North American Premiere
Director Georges Gachot attending
A reception will follow the film in the River Room at the Aster Cafe.
North American premier! This Brazilian film guides us into the world of samba, not only a dance, it is also word, language, text, lyrics or, simply said, a way of life.

Monday, April 18, 1:00pm at St. Anthony Main Theatre
“Minnesota 13: From Grain to Glass” World Premier
Local Filmmakers Norah Shapiro and Kelly Nathe attending
A reception will follow the film in the River Room at the Aster Cafe.
Explore the history of an elite moonshine produced in the heart of Minnesota during Prohibition, and the attempts of a new micro-distillery to resuscitate the brand as a premium whiskey.

Parking available at meters on Main Street and 2nd Street SE, or in the parking ramp behind the theater on 2nd Street SE.

  

April 24 Dame It! to Celebrate Local Women Chefs and Raise Funds for Urban Roots and Others

Sunday, April 24, 2:00pm-5:00pm at Loring Social, 1629 Hennepin Avenue South. Tickets

Les Dames d'Escoffier's upcoming event, Dame It!, will spotlight local women chefs and raise funds for culinary students and the youth gardening project, Urban Roots (you may have purchased produce from them at the Mill City Farmers Market).

Featured chefs at Dame It! include Carrie Summer and Lisa Carlson of Chef Shack; Brenda Langton of Spoonriver; Michelle Gayer of Salty Tart; Jamie Malone of Scena Tavern and Brut; Kylene and Mel Gust of GYST; Anna Christoforides of Gardens of Salonica, and Kim Bartmann of Barbette, Pat's Tap, and Bryant Lake Bowl.

Amy Thielen of the Food Network's "Heartland Table" and author of the bestselling "The Midwestern Table" is the guest host. The silent auction will feature a ride along in the Chef Shack food truck, private chef-prepared dinners, and much more.

Open Streets Downtown Scheduled for July 10; Planning Meeting is April 6

Open Streets Downtown returns this summer.  Attend this information session to learn how your organization or business can participate:

Wednesday, April 6th, 2:00pm - 3:00pm at The Freehouse, 701 N Washington Avenue #101

Better Beer Society University - Beer 101: 9 Week Course at Republic Seven Corners

Wednesdays, March 30 – May 25, 7:00pm – 8:00pm, at Republic Seven Corners, 221 Cedar Avenue South.

Beer 101 is a Program Orientation course aimed at educating students on the fundamentals of beer, as well as the industry that creates and supports it. This course offers students a well-rounded base knowledge and deep appreciation for beer, its elements and the brewing process. Students will learn about beer history and geography while further developing their palates through tasting and building common beer vernacular. Classes also will explore the business side of the industry, from understanding Minnesota beer laws to service industry and best practices.

This 9-week course will include tasting flights, supplies, as well as access to industry experts all in an intimate setting. Space is limited, and there is only one course offered this spring term, so students are encouraged to enroll immediately to guarantee their seat. $99.

Information and registration

Spots Open on the Minneapolis Bicycle Advisory Committee

Via a March 23 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will appoint three people to serve two-year terms on the Minneapolis Bicycling Advisory Committee.

Applications due by April 29

Applications are now being accepted for open positions on the Minneapolis Bicycle Advisory Committee (MBAC). The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) will appoint three at-large members to serve two-year terms on the MBAC. The selected committee members will represent park interests and serve terms beginning June 1, 2016 and expiring May 31, 2018. 

Those interested in serving on the MBAC should submit an application by 4:30 pm Friday, April 29, 2016. Applications are available on the MPRB website or by calling customer service at 612-230-6400.

About the Minneapolis Bicycling Advisory Committee

The role of the Minneapolis Bicycle Advisory Committee is to promote both commuter and recreational bicycling, advocate for bicycling infrastructure improvements and encourage safe riding and public involvement in bicycling issues throughout our city.

The committee functions as an advisory body to the Mayor, City Council, and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The 29-member roster contains one appointee from each of the city's 13 wards, three appointees selected by MPRB and 13 staff members from various public agencies.

Read More

Minneapolis Downtown Council Offers $5,000 Reward For Information About Recent Downtown Assault

Via a March 22 Press Release from the Minneapolis Downtown Council:

MINNEAPOLIS (March 22, 2016) — The Minneapolis Downtown Council (MDC) announced today that in collaboration with CrimeStoppers it is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an individual who assaulted a St. Patrick’s Day Parade participant last Thursday in Downtown Minneapolis.

The incident took place near the intersection of 5^th Street South and Marquette Avenue South at approximately 8:15 p.m. Anonymous tips can be called in to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or text your tip to the number 274637 (CRIMES). All tips to CrimeStoppers are anonymous and eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

“This was a particularly senseless, reckless and illegal action,” said Tom Hoch, Minneapolis Downtown Council Board Chair. “The victim had enjoyed participating in the parade with his family and was plainly and simply sucker-punched without provocation. This, despite a strong presence of Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and Metro Transit Police throughout downtown, and within sight of where the incident occurred. There were numerous youth serving agencies mobilized that evening. Shockingly, these deterrents did not prevent did not prevent this irresponsible act, and the individual must be identified and held accountable.”

“The Minneapolis Downtown Council is offering this reward because someone knows who engaged in this unlawful conduct,” said Steve Cramer, President & CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council. “We ask them to come forward. As a community, we must agree to define such behavior as outside the bounds of what we will accept. We simply won’t tolerate it, nor will we cede our streets to such brazen acts.”

About the Minneapolis Downtown Council:

Founded in 1955, and one of the oldest central business associations in the nation, the Minneapolis Downtown Council (MDC) is a membership-based entity that works to create an extraordinary downtown. The MDC’s collaborative developments of Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan was designed to help downtown businesses, community leaders and citizens build on downtown assets and implement future goals. For more information, please visit DowntownMpls.com.