Friday Morning - Mississippi River Forum: "Hold the Salt, Please: Chloride Pollution in our Waters"

Mississippi River Forum: "Hold the Salt, Please: Chloride Pollution in our Waters"

Friday, January 30, 8 – 9:30 am

McKnight Foundation, 710 Second Street South, Suite 400

Happy winter, Minnesota! We seem to love (hate?) our extreme weather here, and our public works crews make it possible even to bicycle through the nastiest of wintry conditions. But many Minnesotans don’t realize that road and sidewalk salt is polluting our waters. When snow and ice melt from roads, parking lots and sidewalks, the salt we apply to those surfaces goes with it, washing into our lakes, streams, wetlands and groundwater. It takes only one teaspoon of road salt to permanently pollute 5 gallons of water. Once in the water, there is no way to remove the chloride that comes from salt; at high concentrations, chloride can harm fish and plant life. In the heart of a cold Minnesota winter, come share a cup of coffee and pastry—and learn how road salt is impacting our water resources, what we can do about it and how the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is addressing the issue. Presenters Brooke Asleson and Rachel Olmanson are Watershed Project Managers with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Light breakfast provided. Free. RSVP to lark_weller@nps.gov. (Please be prepared to sign in at McKnight's front desk and get a visitor pass.)

Local Employment Opportunities

Zen Box - Host/Hostess

Oliive & Co. - Web Developer, Graphic Designer

Webster School - If you are interested in working at Webster, please join Ginger Kranz, Webster Principal, for a hiring information session. Learn more about the vision for the school, the opportunities, and the role of and expectations for staff.

Wednesday, January 28th, 4:00-5:15, at the Davis Center, 1250 W. Broadway, Conference RoomS1-433 (south tower, first floor).

OR

Thursday, January 29th, 4:15-5:30, at Ramsey Middle School, corner of 50th & Nicollet, (enter through the door off of the 50th street parking lot).

Historic Hollywood Theater Project Takes Step Forward

The Community Development Committee approved a Legacy Grant for restoring the historic Hollywood Theater last week.

Download staff report...

Minneapolis Parks Foundation Names R.T. Rybak and Liz Hawn to 20-member Board of Directors

Minneapolis, Minn. – On January 13, 2015, the Minneapolis Parks Foundation named Liz Hawn and R.T. Rybak to its 20-member Board of Directors. Hawn, a community leader and philanthropist, and Rybak, former Minneapolis Mayor and Executive Director of Generation Next, assumed their three-year Directorships at the Parks Foundation’s annual meeting, when community leader Sue Bennett was also elected Chair of the Board.

“Liz and R.T. bring expertise in city-building and philanthropy, coupled with an extraordinary commitment to community development and equity, as well as a deep love for Minneapolis and our parks,” says Bennett. “We are pleased that they bring these qualities to an already enthusiastic and visionary Board of Directors, and together we are ready to expand our impact on Minneapolis Parks through an expanded mission, renewed community partnerships, and resolve to support our parks through meaningful advocacy and philanthropy.”

Rounding out the Parks Foundation’s full 20-member Parks Foundation Board of Directors are: Stuart Ackerberg, CEO, Ackerberg Group (Secretary); Mark Addicks, General Mills; Daniel Avchen, CEO, HGA Architects (Past Chair); Dorothy Bridges, Senior Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis (Treasurer & Chair-Finance Committee); Robert Bruininks, President Emeritus, University of Minnesota (Chair-Development Committee); John Crosby (Vice Chair-Development Committee); Caren Dewer, Executive Director, Urban Land Institute Minnesota; Tom Evers, Executive Director, Minneapolis Parks Foundation; Tom Fisher, Dean, University of Minnesota – College of Design, Joseph Gibbons, First Vice President, Boyd, Bencini, Gibbons & Associates – Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management (Chair-Governance Committee); Shawntera Hardy, Director, Fresh Energy; Sarah Harris, Managing Director, University of Minnesota Foundation-Real Estate Advisors (Vice Chair); Mary McCarthy; Tom Paul, Chief Consumer Officer, UnitedHealthcare; Thomas Pohlad, General Manager, Porsche of Minneapolis; Connie Remele; Paul Reyelts, Retired CFO, Valspar Corp.; Tene Wells, Principal, Tene Wells Consulting. Liz Wielinski, President of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and Jayne Miller, Superintendent of Minneapolis Parks, remain ex officio Directors.

The Minneapolis Parks Foundation, which partners with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, is an independent 501c3 dedicated to community investment in the nation’s top park system. The Parks Foundation’s signature projects are the RiverFirst Initiative and Water Works, two design-based adaptive reuse parks projects on the Minneapolis riverfront, and the Next Generation of Parks Lecture Series. Beginning in 2015, the Parks Foundation will also provide key philanthropic support for park enhancements in our neighborhood parks, with a special attention to under-resourced communities; invest in pilot programs and activities that provide new opportunities for people to better connect to each other and our city through their parks; and champion the value of parks and the Minneapolis Parks System through community conversations around national and international park trends and engage volunteers in community-wide, high-impact volunteer activities.

For more information or to support our work, please visit MplsParksFoundation.org.

# # #

Major Funding for MPF is Provided By:

The McKnight Foundation | The Minneapolis Foundation | General Mills

George Family Foundation| Curtis L. Carlson Foundation

--
Janette Aldrich Law
Director - External Relations
MINNEAPOLIS PARKS FOUNDATION
4800 Minnehaha Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55417

PHONE 612-822-3407

Sunday - Caring for Water: Photography of Cordelia Pierson

First Congregational Church and Cordelia Pierson present:

Caring for Water: Photography of Cordelia Pierson

On exhibit January 4 - February 22, Fellowship Hall

Public reception: Sunday, February 1, 11 am-12:30 pm

500 Eighth Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

You are welcome to a reception on February 1 from 11:00 to 12:30 for Caring for Water, a photography show open until Feb. 21 in the church's Fellowship Hall. Photographer Cordelia Pierson selected 15 photos – several from the Mississippi in Minneapolis. Representatives from nonprofit environmental groups working on water issues have been invited to share informally some ways people can help care for Minnesota's waters: Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, Sierra Club, and Friends of the Mississippi River.

Thursday Night - The State of the Ward and Third aWards at Nye's

Time:   6:30pm to 8:30pm

Location:  Nye's Polonaise Room, 112 East Hennepin

Please R.S.V.P by calling 612-673-2203 or emailing zack.farley@minneapolismn.gov.

Join Council Member Jacob Frey for his 1st annual State of the Ward Address and Third aWards.  Awards will be given for Leader of the Year, Local Business of the Year, Neighborhood Project/Initiative of the Year and Youth Leader of the Year.
 
“The Third aWards is a time to recognize our amazing residents and small business owners that help make the Third Ward a spectacular place.” Council Member Jacob Frey.

The State of the Ward and Third aWards will take place Thursday, January 29, 2015 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Nye's Polonaise Room, 112 East Hennepin. Please R.S.V.P early by calling 612-673-2203 or emailing Zack at zack.farley@minneapolismn.gov

Encore Apartments Moving Forward?

Sherman Associates launched a website, and put up a sign on the property at 9th Ave S & 2nd St S last week.  While not a guarantee the luxury apartments will be built, it's at least a small step forward.

[Pic of the Week] Dark Water

[Reader Pic] Guthrie & Gold Medal

From reader Eric Rach at www.facebook.com/ericrachphotography

[Video] Minneapolis After the Lock - Unlocking New Opportunities

More than 200 people packed the Mill City Museum to learn about the future of the Minneapolis Riverfront after the closing of the Upper Lock at St. Anthony Falls, which will be no later than June 10 of this year.  The Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership convened an expert panel to explore the possibilities.  We've broken the event video into sections, followed by the entire event with a running time 1:29:02.

Whitney Clark, Executive Director, Friends of the Mississippi River

Whitney delivers an impassioned plea to faithfully implement the Above the Falls Master Plan, protecting it from being eroded by private interests to the detriment of the common good:

John Anfinson, Superintendent of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, National Park Service

John explains how the St. Anthony Falls Locks failed to live up to hopes for economic viability, and the invasive carp threat were just the final trigger for closure:

Thomas Meyer, Principal, MSR Architecture

Tom recaps key moments in recent history of the Central Riverfront, culminating in the lock closure:

Nan Bischoff, Project Manager/FERC Coordinator, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Nan details the logistics of the lock closure, shares possibilities for the future, and gives an update on hydro projects at St. Anthony Falls:

Janna King, President, Economic Development Services Inc.

Janna King shares details of economic impact of the lock closure:

Public Comments & Questions

The public forum portion of the event:

Jacob Frey, Minneapolis City Council Member, Ward 3

Jacob highlights the future potential of the Minneapolis Riverfront in opening remarks:

The Full Event - 1hr 29mins Running Time

Event Description

Hosted by the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership - When barge traffic ends, river management practices such as dredging will change. The closure will also have an environmental and economic impact on the entire river in the city of Minneapolis. What are the opportunities that the lock closure will bring to the river and riverfront in terms of recreation and development? How does this closure fit into the Central Riverfront Master Plan?

These questions and others were addressed. Panel speakers were:

- John Anfinson, Superintendent, Mississippi National River & Recreation Area, National Park Service

- Nanette Bischoff, Project Manager/FERC Coordinator, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers

- Thomas Meyer, Principal, MSR Architecture, Interiors and Urban Design

- Janna King, President, Economic Development Services, Inc.

- Moderator: Kathleen Boe, Executive Director of the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership

According to Federal law, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will close St. Anthony Falls Upper Lock no later than June 2015 primarily to stop the spread of invasive carp into the Upper River. Such a spread has the potential to inflict destruction on lakes and rivers throughout Minnesota, effectively destroying water recreation throughout the state.

Tonight - Downtown 2015 - Project & Priorities for the Year Ahead at Mill City Museum

Schedule:
 - 5:45pm DMNA Board Meeting
 - 7:00pm Public Forum: Downtown 2015 - Project & Priorities for the Year Ahead

Location: Mill City Museum, 704 South 2nd Street

Joint Event of the Mill District Neighborhood Association & the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association 

DMNA Board Meeting Agenda:

5:45 pm
  Call to order and introductions
5:50 pm
  Consideration of agenda
5:52 pm
  Consent Agenda
   Consideration of December 4, 2014 Board meeting minutes
   Consideration of December Neighborhood Coordinator Report
5:55 pm
  Financial Update
6:00 pm
  Guest Presentations / Speakers
   Presentation by Webster School Principal Ginger Kranz (15 min)
   Introduction of NCEC 5th District Commissioner Kenya McKnight (10 min)
   Introduction of Toni Newborn, Assistant Director of the Minneapolis Civil Rights   Department (10min)
6:35 pm
  Old business / new business / other business
   Consideration of sending DMNA representation to the Minneapolis Downtown Council Annual Meeting on Tuesday, February 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Hilton Minneapolis (cost $50)
   Continued discussion regarding the Minneapolis Downtown Council’s Greening Minneapolis Task Force
   Update on outreach and collaboration with other downtown organizations
6:40 pm
  Strategic Thinking / Planning Discussion
  Future Meeting Topics - Board or Community Forum
   Consideration of continued sponsorship of the Mill City Farmers Market
   Presentation by Tom Hoch, President and CEO of the Hennepin Theatre Trust and incoming Chair of the Minneapolis Downtown Council regarding the Hennepin Cultural District Branding Campaign
   Presentation by Zan Associates regarding the Nicollet Avenue Streetcar Study
   Hoodstarter.com presentation by Justin Ley
   Introduction of Jack Goldenberg, new owner at Sorella Wine & Spirits
6:45 pm
Adjournment - Community Forum starts at 7 p.m.

A Public Forum: Downtown 2015 - Project & Priorities for the Year Ahead

Following the board meeting, at 6:45 p.m., there will be a joint neighborhood forum hosted by the DMNA and the Mill District Neighborhood Association. The title of the forum is “Downtown 2015 Projects & Priorities.”  This will be the first of a series of forums hosted by the neighborhood groups in 2015.

Guest speakers include the following:
◾Jacob Frey, 3rd Ward City Council Member, Co-Host / General overview of downtown, projects, priorities
◾Tom Evers, Exec. Director Minneapolis Parks Foundation / Downtown Riverfront, Water Works Park
◾Tony Barranco or Mike Ryan, Ryan Co. / Downtown Development look ahead, “The Commons”
◾David Wilson, Accenture / Downtown Public Realm projects, Nicollet Mall Redesign
◾Kjersti Monson, Director of Long Range Planning CPED / Downtown Development and the Downtown Public Realm Steering Committee

Each panelist will give a 5 minute presentation, which will be followed by a panel discussion & audience Q&A session. Please invite your neighbors and friends to attend this great event.

The next DMNA Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 16, 2015, at 5:30 p.m., at the Mill City Museum.

Should the Minnesota Vikings install bird safe glass at their new stadium? Mill City Times Reader Poll

The danger to birds posed by the new Vikings stadium has turned into one of the most passionate debates of the new year.  What do you think - is this an important ecological issue or sour grapes by Vikings haters?

Share your views on the Mill City Times reader poll...

In the News - January 12, 2015

Riverfront neighborhoods in the news last week:

OLDEST BAR ON OLDEST STREET CLOSES, WILL REOPEN

http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/the-oldest-bar-on-the-oldest-street-closes-will-reopen

DID YOU KNOW HENRY FONDA ATTENDED U OF M?

http://www.minnpost.com/stroll/2015/01/microsotan-henry-fonda-wore-himself-out-while-u-m-student-20s

DEVELOPER EXPLAINS 80 STORY TOWER

http://www.startribune.com/business/288099651.html

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT TABBED FOR DOWNTOWN EAST PARK

http://www.startribune.com/business/288102541.html

A NEW LIFE FOR FADED NICOLLET MALL

http://www.startribune.com/opinion/editorials/287382431.html

ENSURING THAT THE "COMMONS" LIVES UP TO IT"S NEW NAME

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/287354931.html

NEW CHIEF HAS BIG IDEAS FOR TWIN CITIES' ONLY NATIONAL PARK

http://www.startribune.com/local/east/287393341.html

MINNEAPOLIS HIT $2 BILLION IN 2014 CONSTRUCTION

http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/287379801.html

W. RIVER PARKWAY MAY REOPEN NEXT FALL

http://www.startribune.com/local/blogs/288083921.html

Superior Plating Task Group Meeting 5:30pm on Wednesday January 21, 2015 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church

From NIEBNA:

Lennar Multifamily is ready to show us the design for the redevelopment of the former Superior Plating site. Therefore, the 3^rd meeting of the Fifth Superior Plating Task Group (SPTG5) is called as follows:

5:30pm – 7:00pm

January 21, 2015  (Wednesday)

Lourdes Church  (Note change of venue from Ginger Hop!!)

Agenda is attached; as always, details will also be available at the NIEBNA web site (www.niebna.com).

The conceptual design package for the project is available at https://lennar.box.com/s/hgm62wnahtntf3fouw6ehjmjfrhmuvbj – this is what we will be talking about.

Also, I expect that the Task Group will consider a formal resolution regarding support for the proposed design at this meeting.

Please contact me with any questions and/or comments.

Regards,

Victor

__________________________

P. Victor Grambsch

President

Nicollet Island – East Bank Neighborhood Association (NIEBNA)

George Henry Hotel Project - 300 Washington Avenue North / From January 6 HPC Meeting

Download Staff Report, including site plan (20MB)

Alex Haecker, on behalf of 300 Washington Ave LLC, has applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to rehabilitate the existing building, convert it into a hotel with associated retail and restaurant space, and construct a one-story rooftop addition. The building at 300 Washington Avenue North is a contributing property in the Warehouse Historic District.

Staff recommendation: The Department of Community Planning and Economic Development recommends that the Heritage Preservation Commission adopt staff findings and approve the Certificate of Appropriateness to allow the rehabilitation of the existing building located at 300 Washington Avenue North, conversion into a hotel with associated retail and restaurant uses, and the construction of a rooftop addition in the Warehouse Historic District, subject to the following conditions:

1. By ordinance, approvals are valid for a period of two years from the date of the decision unless required permits are obtained and the action approved is substantially begun and proceeds in a continuous basis toward completion. Upon written request and for good cause, the planning director may grant up to a one year extension if the request is made in writing no later than January 6, 2017.
2. By ordinance, all approvals granted in this Certificate of Appropriateness shall remain in effect as long as all of the conditions and guarantees of such approvals are observed. Failure to comply with such conditions and guarantees shall constitute a violation of this Certificate of Appropriateness and may result in termination of the approval.
3. Any cleaning methods, masonry repair, or other alterations shall not harm the ghost signs on the west elevation of the building.
4. A more detailed masonry plan, signed by an engineer, shall be submitted to CPED for approval prior to issuance of a building permit.
5. Facade cleaning methods that are considered to be gentle, non‐abrasive methods such as a low pressure (100 psi or less) water wash shall be used.
6. Mortar joints shall only be repointed where there is evidence of a moisture problem or when a substantial amount of the mortar is missing.
7. Mortar joints shall be cleared with hand tools. The use of electric saws and hammers to remove mortar can seriously damage the adjacent brick and are inappropriate.
8. Replacement mortar shall duplicate the original mortar’s composition, color, texture, joint width, and joint profile.
9. When patching an area of historic brick wall, the new brick and mortar shall match the original brick and mortar in material, color, profile, dimension, and texture.
10. Any use of chemical treatments to remove paint or tar staining requires an agreement with CPED to test a small area, review the results, and develop an agreed upon process to complete the cleaning.
11. A material sample or specification sheet for replacement glazing for the rehabilitated windows and the glazing of the replacement windows shall be submitted to CPED for approval prior to the issuance of a building permit.
12. Original wooden loading doors on the 3^rd Avenue North façade and the north vacated alley façade shall be retained in place and preserved.
13. The guardrail for the rooftop deck shall be set back at least 15 feet from the building edge of the Washington Avenue façade.
14. The proposed rooftop patio canopy is not approved. No canopies or similar structures of significant height shall be constructed between the rooftop addition and the building edge.
15. The height of the rooftop addition shall be limited to one story and shall not exceed 14 feet in height measured from the structural roof deck of the existing building. The height includes stair and elevator penthouses and rooftop mechanical equipment proposed on top of the addition.
16. Only one primary exterior material and one color shall be utilized on the proposed rooftop addition.

******************

Article in The Journal

ERIC BEST : The Journal : January 9

North Loop is one step closer to seeing a new hotel development in the vacant Jackson Building.

The Heritage Preservation Commission approved plans Jan. 6 for a 126-room hotel, dubbed The George Henry Hotel project, which includes space for a roughly 6,000-square-foot restaurant and bar for the historic building at 300 Washington Ave N.

The Journal reported in August 2014 that Tim Dixon of Milwaukee-based Fe Equus Development is planning a boutique hotel concept for the 5-story, 117-year-old building since closing on it in July.

The city’s staff report shows updated plans for the project submitted by Alex Haecker of AWH Architects, which include a one-story rooftop addition for hotel amenities, a 3,150-square-foot rooftop deck and an outdoor pool. The building would also include space for retail on the first floor, meeting rooms and an atrium through its core.

The plan focuses on restoring historical elements of the building, which was designated on the National Register of Historic Places within the Minneapolis Warehouse Historic District in 1989. This historic rehabilitation includes replacing dozens of missing and broken windows, repairing the building’s crumbling masonry and other elements. Haecker, who is on the HPC and was recused from voting, specializes in historic building rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, according to his website. 

CPED staff recommend a number of conditions to the plan, mainly guiding masonry repair and the rooftop addition.

Dixon told the Journal he expects to break ground early this year and that construction will take 12 to 14 months. Plans indicate that developers will pursue federal and state historic tax credits for the project. 

Opinion / Endorse the St. Anthony Falls Regional Park Master Plan

By Laurie Zenner and Michael Bleck

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) recently published a Master Plan for the St. Anthony Falls Regional Park, which includes both the east and west Mississippi river fronts from Plymouth Avenue to the 35W Bridge. We wholeheartedly endorse the plan and urge it to be adopted and implemented.

Read more:

Mark Your Calendars / January 19 & 22

January 19 at the Mill City Museum

Downtown 2015 - Project & Priorities for the Year Ahead

Joint Mill District & Downtown Neighborhood Associations Event

A Public Forum

3rd Ward Council Member Jacob Frey leads an expert panel in taking a look ahead at 2015.  Bring your questions and opinions on Downtown priorities and projects.  The event starts at 7:00PM and includes audience Q&A.

**************************

January 22 at the Mill City Museum / 6:00PM - 7:30PM

Minneapolis After the Locks - Unlocking Opportunities

Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership

The lock is scheduled to be closed in June 2015.  Its closure will change river management practices and have an environmental and an economic impact far beyond the Falls and the local area.  The Forum is designed to help us better understand both the immediate and longer-term consequences of the closure and to hear ideas about how the site and the river can be used in new and different ways.

Mill City Times Newsletter / 12/22/2014

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. “

- Anne Frank

[PHOTO] PIC OF THE WEEK

Mill Ruins in Mid Air

https://www.flickr.com/photos/millcitytimes/15444429364/in/set-72157648773188916

[PHOTO] READER PIC

The Other Side of the Stone Arch Bridge (Kim Rinde)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/millcitytimes/15447106043/in/set-72157649102100600

Have a photo to share? Send it to dave@millcitymedia.org – or post it to our Facebook page http://Facebook.com/MillCityTimes

BREAKING: TRADER JOE'S COMING TO DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS

Mill City Times Exclusive - Trader Joe's is coming to Downtown Minneapolis! We've confirmed through two independent sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations that agreement has been reached for a Trader Joe's grocery store in the planned Thresher Square project in the Mill District/Downtown East neighborhood of Minneapolis:

http://millcitytimes.com/news/breaking-trader-joes-coming-to-downtown-minneapolis.html

[VIDEO] ST. ANTHONY FALLS REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN OVERVIEW

Watch video of the area being planned for and hear from Committee Chair Ted Tucker and some of the committee members.  Another community service video produced and directed by Peter Zenner:

http://millcitytimes.com/news/video-st-anthony-falls-regional-park-master-plan-overview.html

SYMPHONY HYDRO DEAD IN THE WATER?

The first two government agencies to weigh in have both submitted letters to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) last week opposing the Symphony Hydro proposal to build a hydroelectric facility in the soon to be closed Upper St. Anthony Falls lock:

http://millcitytimes.com/news/symphony-hydro-dead-in-the-water.html

[VIDEO] BIRD LOVERS, VIKINGS STADIUM OPPONENTS LOSE BID TO STOP DOWNTOWN PARK AT PARK BOARD MEETING

A coalition of bird advocates and Viking Stadium opponents turned out in force at the December 17 meeting of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) to oppose the the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Minneapolis and the MPRB for MPRB ownership and leaseback to the City of the planned park in Downtown East Minneapolis adjacent to the new Vikings Stadium.  Watch the passionate (some misguided, some spot on) pleas from advocates and the contentious discussion between MPRB Commissioners, who eventually voted to approve the MOU:

http://millcitytimes.com/news/video-bird-lovers-vikings-stadium-opponents-lose-bid-to-stop.html

[VIDEO] THE METROPOLITAN BUILDING / MILL CITY HISTORY

28 minutes of unedited color video of the Metropolitan or Northwest Guaranteed Loan Building of Minneapolis taken in August of 1961, months before it was demolished:

http://millcitytimes.com/news/video-the-metropolitan-building-mill-city-history.html

TONIGHT - SOUNDS OF BLACKNESS AT THE GUTHRIE

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS – A MUSICAL FANTASY / Minnesota’s three-time Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness returns with its 36th Anniversary performance. The Night Before Christmas – A Musical Fantasy is a contemporary adaptation of the beloved poem “A Visit From St Nicholas.” This family-friendly musical production brings Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph the Rappin’ Reindeer to life in hilarious song and dance as they learn the true meaning of Christmas. The music ranges from R&B/Hip-Hop to Jazz, Blues and Gospel and features Sounds of Blackness singers and band in show-stopping, roof-raising songs and scenes:

http://millcitytimes.com/news/tonight-sounds-of-blackness-at-the-guthrie.html

IN THE NEWS

FROM WAYFINDING TO THE ART WALK: A LOOK AT THE LATEST DESIGNS FOR THE $50 MILLION REMAKE OF NICOLLET MALL

http://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2014/12/wayfinding-art-walk-look-latest-designs-50-million-remake-nicollet-mall

LIVING WITH THE MISSISSIPPI: THE BOHEMIAN FLATS

http://riverlife.umn.edu/2014/12/living-with-the-mississippi-the-bohemian-flats/

REPAIR COSTS FOR MINNEAPOLIS BRIDGES COULD TOP $130 MILLION

http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/286518861.html

MORTENSON SEES 31-STORY TOWER FOR OLD NICOLLET HOTEL SPOT

http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/286033681.html

10 DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS THAT WILL TRANSFORM MSP IN 2015

http://www.thelinemedia.com/features/10developmentprojects12102014.aspx

PARENTS PUSH TO MAKE DOWNTOWN FAMILY-FRIENDLY

http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/parents-push-to-make-downtown-family-friendly

---------------------------------------

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

[PHOTO] PIC OF THE WEEK

History in the Window:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/millcitytimes/16027022745/in/set-72157648773188916

[PHOTOS] READERS PICS

Vikings Stadium at Sunset (from reader Will Bracken):

https://www.flickr.com/photos/millcitytimes/15841165209/in/set-72157649102100600

SORELLA WINE & SPIRITS CLOSING DECEMBER 31

http://millcitytimes.com/news/sorella-wine-spirits-closing-december-31-new-owners-format-t.html

CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS LAUNCHES OPEN DATA PORTAL

http://millcitytimes.com/news/city-of-minneapolis-launches-open-data-portal.html

TOYS FOR TOTS DROP OFF AT BIBELOT SHOP

http://millcitytimes.com/news/toys-for-tots-drop-off-at-bibelot-shop.html

SCENES FROM THE DECEMBER 13 MILL CITY FARMERS MARKET

http://millcitytimes.com/news/scenes-from-the-december-13-mill-city-farmers-market.html

IN THE NEWS - PROPOSALS FOR REDEVELOPING THE NICOLLET HOTEL BLOCK

http://www.startribune.com/blogs/285620231.html

http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/285689811.html

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/blog/real_estate/2014/12/downtown-minneapolis-nicollet-hotel-block-duval.html

http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/developers-reach-for-the-sky-in-nicollet-hotel-block-proposals

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/27624167/minneapolis-considering-proposal-to-build-tallest-building-in-city

[PHOTO] PIC OF THE WEEK

Gigantic Head:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/millcitytimes/15776653247/in/set-72157648773188916

[PHOTOS] READERS PICS

Before the Storm - Pillsbury "A" Mill (Chelle Stoner):

https://www.flickr.com/photos/millcitytimes/15936639906/in/set-72157649102100600

NYE'S IN THE NEWS

http://millcitytimes.com/news/photos-nyes-in-the-news-last-week.html

MPRB TO OWN DOWNTOWN EAST PARK AFTER ALL

http://millcitytimes.com/news/mprb-to-own-downtown-east-park-after-all.html

MILL CITY HISTORY

http://millcitytimes.com/news/1805-lieutenant-zebulan-pike-negotiates-a-treaty-with-the-da.html

45-DAY COMMENT PERIOD OPEN FOR CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI RIVERFRONT REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN

http://millcitytimes.com/news/45-day-comment-period-open-for-central-mississippi-riverfron.html

REFLECTING ON THE RIVER

http://mplsparksfoundation.org/2014/12/01/reflecting-on-the-river/

THE FILM SOCIETY OF MINNEAPOLIS ST. PAUL'S DECEMBER LINEUP

http://millcitytimes.com/news/the-film-society-of-minneapolis-st-pauls-december-lineup.html

 [VIDEO] MINNEAPOLIS TOPS IN THE NATION IN NATIONAL NIGHT OUT PARTICIPATION

http://millcitytimes.com/news/minneapolis-tops-in-the-nation-in-national-night-out-partici.html

WATER WORKS PARK ON MPR

http://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/11/24/daily-circuit-water-works-park

[DOWNLOAD] A-MILL HYDRO PROJECT / FISH ENTRAINMENT AND MORTALITY STUDY

http://millcitytimes.com/news/download-a-mill-hydro-project-fish-entrainment-and-mortality.html

LA RIVE CONDOMINIUMS BECOMES ENERGY INDEPENDENT

http://millcitytimes.com/news/la-rive-condominiums-becomes-energy-independent.html

NEW NORTH LOOP SHOP FOCUSES ON MANUFACTURERS

http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/new-north-loop-shop-focuses-on-manufacturers

NEW LUNCH SPOT DOWNTOWN

http://millcitytimes.com/news/new-healthy-lunch-spot-opens-downtown.html

NEW PROGRAM FOR ADULTS 55+ FROM MACPHAIL CENTER FOR MUSIC - MACPHAIL MUSIC FOR LIFE!

http://millcitytimes.com/news/macphail-music-for-life-offerings.html

OUR LADY OF LOURDES' FAMOUS FRENCH MEAT PIES NOW AVAILABLE

http://millcitytimes.com/news/our-lady-of-lourdes-famous-french-meat-pies-now-available.html

MILL CITY TIMES PHOTOS HIT THE ONE MILLION VIEWS MARK

http://millcitytimes.com/news/our-flickr-photos-hit-the-one-million-views-mark.html

[PHOTO] PIC OF THE WEEK

"Dancing Lights" -  (American Academy of Neurology Water Feature)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/millcitytimes/8019289828/in/set-72157648773188916

NEW 4TH ST. TO 35W NORTH RAMP OPENS

http://millcitytimes.com/news/new-4th-st-to-35w-north-ramp-opens.html

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[Video] The Metropolitan Building / Mill City History

28 minutes of unedited color video of the Metropolitan or Northwest Guaranteed Loan Building of Minneapolis taken in August of 1961, months before it was demolished.

Tonight - Sounds of Blackness at The Guthrie

Monday, December 22

Time: 7:30pm

Location: Wurtele Thrust Stage, Guthrie, 818 South 2nd Street

Sounds of Blackness

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS – A MUSICAL FANTASY

Minnesota’s three-time Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness returns with its 36th Anniversary performance. The Night Before Christmas – A Musical Fantasy is a contemporary adaptation of the beloved poem “A Visit From St Nicholas.” This family-friendly musical production brings Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph the Rappin’ Reindeer to life in hilarious song and dance as they learn the true meaning of Christmas. The music ranges from R&B/Hip-Hop to Jazz, Blues and Gospel and features Sounds of Blackness singers and band in show-stopping, roof-raising songs and scenes.

This is a must-see performance during the holiday season at the Guthrie Theater.