Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) to be featured on the History Channel tonight, April 17

The Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) will be featured on the premier episode of the History Channel's newest show, America's Wake-Up Call.  Tune in tonight, April 17 at 9:00pm (CST) to the one-hour show that looks at America's infrastructure and the toll that time has taken on it.  Host Timothy Galarnyk, a safety inspector with more than 35 years of experience, sets out to explore the condition of infrastructure in cities throughout the U.S. – uncovering projects and structures that are deteriorating and finding examples that are working.
 
HERC and several other Hennepin County projects, including the construction of the Lowry Avenue bridge and the Hennepin County Transportation Department's use of technology for projects such as snowplowing and traffic signal timing, are featured as examples of how proactive decisions and well-maintained facilities can ensure the safety and efficient operation of our infrastructure.

Turmoil at the Southern Theater

Financial troubles at the Southern Theater were recently reported in the Star Tribune and on MPR.  The McKnight Foundation asked for the return of $300,000 due to concerns of mismanagement.

Countdown to May 7 Opening Day at the Mill City Farmers Market!

Hurray! Only 3 weeks until the May 7 Opening Day at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market!

Each Saturday until opening day, we'll continue to post pictures and videos from the 2010 MCFM to help get you in the mood...

 

See you there! :) 

Signs of Spring in the Mill District

Aaaaaaaah - take a deep breath in, and slowly let it out.  Feel the warm sun on your face.  These past few days have been heaven, and we had a chance to catch some welcome signs of Spring in the neighborhood:

 

The 10-day forecast isn't quite as pretty a picture, but at least the long winter is now just a bad dream that we finally woke up from.

Aloft Senior Sales Manager Featured in Minnesota Meeting + Events Spring 2011 Issue

Gina Kilchenman, Aloft's Senior Sales Manager, is featured in the Spring 2011 Edition of Minnesota Meetings + Events.  Click here to read Rebecca Felix's article.

Next Step in the New Design Guidelines for the St. Anthony Falls Historic District

A number of concerns and suggestions were voiced at the April 6 'Development of New Design Guidelines for the St. Anthony Falls Historic District' public meeting held at the Mill City Museum.

Below, Brian Schaffer, Senior City Planner for the City of Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), conducted the meeting. 

Historic District Design Guidelines are a local policy and regulatory tool used in decision-making to evaluate alterations and new development within the historic district.  The current Design Guidelines for the district were adopted by the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission in 1980.  In the three decades since the existing guidelines were adopted, the district has seen dramatic change.  Access to and interaction with the falls and the river has evolved, infrastructure has been added, project plans have been developed and realized, and the understanding and knowledge of the historic resources in the district have increased.

Brian compiled the feedback given during the meeting, which he'll present at the April 25 Public Workshop (location TBD).   During the April 25 meeting, attendees will define and discuss topics and issues that the new Guidelines should address.   Anyone who would like to voice their opinions regarding development of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District is encouraged to attend the April 25 Workshop.

An added bonus (but unrelated) to attending the April 6 meeting was this unique view from the Mill City Museum's 6th Floor Conference Room:

Nicollet Mall Closed for Repaving Approximately 4 Weeks

Beginning at 9:00am on Monday, April 11, Nicollet Mall will close for repaving.  This project is expected to last four weeks.

During the project, buses will be detoured as follows:
 
Buses will travel on Hennepin Avenue between Washington Avenue and 11th/12th Streets, using Lasalle and 11th/12th Streets between Grant and Hennepin. Board northbound buses on Grant at LaSalle or at any stop on Hennepin.
 
Board southbound buses on Nicollet at Grant or at any stop on Hennepin.
 
Note: On the North end of their trips, Route 18 buses will travel on Washington to Marquette to 1st Street North to Hennepin. They will not serve 3rd Street.
 
For questions, contact:
Renee Allen, Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, First Precinct
renee.allen@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
612-673-5163

Spoonriver Chefs Show "The Human Do.ing" How to Cook Healthy

By now most people have heard about Blue Cross Blue Shield's campaign with Scott, “The Human Do.ing”, who has been getting in shape while being on display at the Mall of America. 

Recently, Brenda Langton and Sarah Jean of Spoonriver visited Scott and showed him how to incorporate a variety of healthy foods into his diet.

It's Wine Week at Sanctuary!

Through April 16, buy one glass of wine and get a second glass for 10¢!

Sanctuary, 903 Washington Avenue South, is featuring two outstanding wines you will not want to miss!  The Ferrari Carano story is a classic tale where an Italian Ferrari fell in love with an American Carano and settled in California.  Their babies?  Truly outstanding wines!  We're featuring these two: 

Ferrari Carano Cabernet Sauvignon ~ rich and jammy $12
Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc ~ crisp, balanced and refreshing $9

Sanctuary serves these wines at excellent prices normally, but during wine week, you can enjoy these two at a steal!

Update on Pillsbury A Mill Complex

Here's a linkin case you missed Jennifer Bjorhus' April 7 Star Trib article regarding possible new life for the Pillsbury A Mill Complex (plus the interesting reader comments).

Countdown to May 7 Opening Day at the Mill City Farmers Market!

Finally - Spring is really here, and we're only 4 weeks away from the May 7 Opening Day at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market!

Every Saturday until opening day, we're posting pictures from the 2010 MCFM to help get you in the mood...

See you there! :D

Water Power Park Opens Today, April 7

Experience the power of the mighty Mississippi River as it flows over St. Anthony Falls!

Water Power Park is accessible from Main Street just across from St. Anthony Main, and provides the closest possible approaches to the falls.

 

West River Parkway Will be Closed April 7 - 8 Between 22nd Avenue and Fourth Street.

The Central Corridor Project Office has changed the format of the construction updates for West Bank and East Bank in Minneapolis.  These two updates are now combined into one update for the area to provide information in a more complete format.  Construction on one can affect travel to the other bank.

Updates are sent out every Friday. Schedules subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances! Check here frequently for updates. 

West Bank Overview
Click here for an overview of 2011 work planned on the West Bank, including the Washington Avenue Bridge.

Minneapolis Animation                   
Click hereto view an animation of LRT along Washington Avenue to Stadium Village.

30 Days of Biking

There was a 30 Days of Biking articlein the April 5 Star Trib Variety section.  We watched from our balcony as that group gathered atop Gold Medal Park for their Kick Off Ride this past Friday night:

Delicious Mill City Farmers Market Spring Preview Party at Spoonriver

Last night Brenda Langton, along with her Spoonriver and Mill City Farmers Market (MCFM) staffs and select vendors, hosted a Spring Preview Party at Spoonriver.  Seeing familiar faces from the Market and sampling yummy food, combined with the early evening sun, helped put the unusually long winter behind us.

The place was packed, and if you weren't able to attend, here's what you missed:

 Above, Brenda with Spoonriver Chef, Heather.  Below, Jeffrey started us off with an intoxicating concoction.

Above, Jesse Haas, MCFM Assistant Manager, and Aaron Reser, MCFM Market Manager, greeted guests. Below, attendees enjoying themselves:

Below, Spoonriver Chef Heather describes the delicious, colorful salad she created for the Preview Party.

Spoonriver Chef Stephanie skillfully whipped up buttermilk crepes with goat cheese, herbs and chioggia beets:

 Josh Resnik of Wild Idea Buffalo Company served buffalo brisket hash with mashed potatoes:

Steven Read of Shepherd's Way Farms provided samples of Big Woods Blue, Shepherds Hope and Friesago cheeses:

Zoie Glass (below, left) of Lucille's Kitchen Garden gave me a crash course in ways to enjoy their gourmet jellies.

 Lesley Powers of Bliss Gourmet Foods served up several varieties of granola.  (It doesn't matter which flavor you choose - it's all delish.)

Fereidoon (Fred) Golchin of French Nugget offers a guilt free pleasure comprised of 100% dark chocolate, almonds, honey and raisins:

Even if you missed the party, you can still become a Friend of the Market and donate any amount towards the sustainability of the Mill City Farmers Market.  Don't forget to mark your calendar for Saturday, May 7 - Opening Day! :)

Mill District Business Spotlight: Aloft and wxyz bar

Aloft Minneapolis, the hip, 155-room hotel located at 900 Washington Avenue South, opened in the Mill District on August 8, 2008.  It is part of the Starwood family, and guests earn Starpoints with each stay.

Jenai Sele, Sales & Social Media Manager, (below) took a break from her busy schedule to give us a tour and provide insight on what makes Aloft not only a great choice for lodging, but for neighborhood events as well.

A native of Grand Forks, Jenai has been with Aloft since moving to Minneapolis two years ago.  She held positions at the front desk and as Sales Coordinator prior to her promotion this January to her current position.

Below, the wxyz bar and lounge area look out onto the courtyard.   You can just hang out, or shoot a game a pool, play shuffleboard or other games.

The wxyz bar has a tasty selection of appetizers, including (but not limited to) pizza, burgers, quesadillas and tator tots.  Happy hours are 5p-7p and 10p-Midnight.

While Aloft doesn't offer room service, their "re-fuel" station - including sandwiches, salads, fruit, snacks, etc. - is open 24 hours.

Other amenities include:
 - 24-hour access to workout facility
 - Pool open 6a - 10p
 - Sundry shop
 - Free shuttle within a 5-mile radius
 - On-site washer and dryer
 - Meeting room facility for up to 75, with in-house food and beverage service and full AV package.

Click here for additional amenities.

There are adjoining rooms available, and this property has one suite with a King bed and full living area including dinette (with a downtown view, of course).  The rooms are comfortable and designed efficiently.  Lack of bathroom counter space is my number one beef with hotels, so I was really impressed with the ample counter space here.

Aloft offers an $89/night "condo" rate for guests of Mill District residents.  A Nice Ride station was recently installed on Washington on front of the hotel.

Sample events that both Mill District residents and hotel guests can enjoy:

- Friday night DJ's spin from 9:30pm-1:30am.

- New in March, 2011 - guests can show their room key at the Guthrie ticket desk for 50% off the price of a select shows.

- A popular offering started in 2010, Aloft's package deal including a BBQ followed by a show at the Guthrie. 

- Returning April 4 - live music every Wednesday night.  Weather permitting, it's in the courtyard.  If the weather isn't nice, it's in the lounge area.

- In addition to corporate meetings, Aloft also hosts special events. For example, Fashion Week is coming up, and there will be a Runway Show on April 8. 

With all the picturesque spots for wedding photos in our neighborhood, it not surprising that Aloft is popular with wedding parties.  Starting in May, they average up to 3 wedding couples per week.

Jenai loves technology and social media.  Follow Aloft on Facebook and Twitter.

Final note, and it's rather embarrassing, I've always pronounced the name "AY-loft" - it's actually ah-loft.  Dah.

The Benefits of Being a Mill City Commons Member - An Ongoing Series

Earlier this year Dave and I became members of Mill City Commons.  We joined for a number of reasons, including the ability to attend interesting member-only events, meet fascinating people, and to have more of a hands on role in helping with their various fundraising activities. 

Unfortunately, our schedules prohibit us from attending as many events as we'd like.   For example, last week more than 30 members enjoyed hearing New York Times columnist and PBS News Hour contributor David Brooks talk about his latest book, The Social Animal.

This week members will have the opportunity to attend two educational and interesting tours. 

The first will provide a first hand look at how emergency 911 operators and police and fire dispatchers perform during a tour of the Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center.  The second is a tour of the Goldstein Museum of Design's latest exhibit, Smart House, Livable Community, Your Future.  This exhibit explores the housing trend of aging in place.  Mill City Commons is sited at the exhibit as an innovation village supporting this trend.  Included will be the premier screening of "Smart House, Livable Community," a tpt production based on the exhibition.

To learn more about Mill City Commons, please visit the website, or contact Linnea at 612-455-3329 or linneatweed@millcitycommons.org.

Up to 40% off Over 2,600 Wines at Sorella's thru April 16

We stopped by Sorella Wine & SpiritsFriday night for some Blue Moon, and literally had to wade through the crowd of customers who were enjoying the in-store wine tasting and Spring Wine Sale.

 

You can follow Sorella on Twitter and Facebook.

Hennepin County Commissioner Updates

April 1 e-newsletter Board updates from Jan Callison, Hennepin County Commissioner:

FY2012 Federal Funding Requests Approved:

- Hennepin County Medical Center: $500,000 for family medicine residency educational facilities and equipment;
- NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center: $18 million for North Minneapolis Community Wellness Center;
- 911 Dispatch Center:  $3.5 million for technology;
- Juvenile systems integrations:  $700,000 for technology to move critical data electronically between justice partners;
- Electronic data and information sharing:  $900,000 for develop,ent and enhancement;
- Minneapolis Interchange:  $21 million for project development; 
- Southwest Transitway:  $1 million for environmental studies and project development
- I-35W and Lake Street:  $6 million for road and transit access from Lake Street<<Nullam felis>>

March 29, 2011:

- A policy to ban use of tobacco products on all county property was approved.  All county sites must be completely tobacco-free by December 31, 2011.
- Victory Memorial Drive re-dedication is scheduled for June 11.  This year is the 90th anniversary of the World War I memorial which recently underwent a $6 million restoration and renovation.
- County commissioners return pay and encourage employees to take special leave without pay to help address county budget deficits.
- Approved the use of the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) exterior walls for an artistice light projection display highlighting processes from within the facility that convert waste to energy.  The light display is part of the Northern Lights' Northern Spark Art Festival June 4-5
- The board, acting as the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA), approved Kimle-Horn and Associates, Inc. to conduct the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Bottineau Corridor for transitway development.
- The board accepted a $347,548 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to continue providing intensive case management services for multi-problem, chronic shelter-using families.
-The board approved an agreement with Project for Pride in Living Enterprisses, Inc. (PPL) and The Network for Better Futures to help increase reuse/recycling efforts while providing job training and living-wage jobs for hard-to-employ individuals.
- The board re-appointed or appointed several residents to citizen advisory boards.

For video and minutes of County Board meetings: Hennepin County website.   

Nice Ride is Back!

Well, at least the parking station is, but the bikes can't be far behind... Last night an 18-bike Nice Ride station was installed in front of the Aloft on Washington Avenue South.

Spring is finally here! :)