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Minneapolis Riverfront News

Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share?  Contact us.

Wednesday
Jan042012

Breaking - MN Executive Office Suites, LLC Purchases 1st Floor Commercial Space at the Carlyle

MN Executive Office Suites, LLC, will be opening professional executive offices at The Carlyle in approximately April 2012.

The Carlyle is a condominium skyscraper in downtown Minneapolis, on Third Avenue South between First and Second Streets.  The Carlyle stands one block from the Mississippi River and the Third Avenue Bridge.

At the time the Carlyle was built, an approximately 3000 sq. ft. space was planned for commercial or professional use.   The interior of this space has not yet been occupied or completed.

Recently, MN Executive Office Suites, LLC, purchased The Carlyle’s professional space.

MN Executive Office Suites, LLC, engaged Blumentals Architecture, Inc., to design executive office space at The Carlyle location.  The design opens to an inviting reception area and includes eight separate professional offices with stunning floor to ceiling windows, a paralegal office, and a kitchenette and conference room.  MN Executive Office Suites, LLC, and Blumentals are seeking to complete construction in a “green” and environmental manner.

Weber & Nelson Law Office, PLLC, is one of the professional businesses that will be located in the new office space.  Other executive offices will be available for lease, and virtual office arrangements will also be an option.

Michael J. Weber is the President and Chief Manager of MN Executive Office Suites, LLC, and Nancy Lee Nelson is Vice President.  Michael also is the founder of Weber & Nelson Law Office, PLLC, where Nancy serves as a Partner.

The professional office space is situated on The Carlyle’s street level, at the corner of Third Avenue South and Second Street South.  The location is nearby skyway access, the U.S. and Hennepin County courthouses, and the light rail system.

The Carlyle received a Pillars of the Industry award, named Best Condominium High Rise in the U.S. in the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB’s) 2009 showcase of designs and trends.  Developed by Opus Northwest Construction, The Carlyle has panoramic views of the Stone Arch Bridge, Mississippi river, St. Anthony Falls and Downtown.

More information about The Carlyle:

http://www.emporis.com/building/the-carlyle-minneapolis-mn-usa

http://www.humphreys.com/pdf/Pillar_Awards.pdf

Contact Michael J. Weber at 612-825-6052 for more information.

Tuesday
Jan032012

A Big List - Local Businesses We Patronized in 2011

Sanctuary 4th Anniversary Party

When we have the option to frequent a local business, we do.  Always.  We love walking the neighborhood, leaving our car in the garage, and supporting the small businesses that help make the Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront such a great place to live.

Zen Box Izakaya

We spent the past week looking back on our activities throughout 2011 and came up with an 'A to Z' list of businesses we patronized in 2011 - all within walking distance of our Mill District home.  They're all worth checking out, so give them a try and support our community!

501 Fit / 501 Spin - http://www.501fit.com/

Aloft - http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/property/overview/contact.html?propertyID=3074

Aster Cafe - http://aster-cafe.com/

Bibelot - http://www.bibelotshops.com/index.php?view=store_locations&store_id=3

Bierbrauer Chiropractic - http://www.bierbrauerchiropractic.com/

Bobby & Steve's - http://www.bobbyandstevesautoworld.com/minneapolis.html

Bulldog, The - http://www.thebulldognortheast.com/

Caribou - http://www.cariboucoffee.com/page/1/our-locations.jsp

City Garden Flower Mill - http://www.citygardensflowermill.com/

Core Power Yoga - http://www.corepoweryoga.com/locations/minnesota/minneapolis.aspx

Crooked Pint Ale House - http://crookedpint.com/

D'Amico & Sons / Mill City Museum - http://www.damicoandsons.com/frame.asp?s=location&ss=minnesota&ft=i&sss=mp

Depot, The - http://www.thedepotminneapolis.com/

Dunn Bros - http://freighthouse.dunnbros.com/

Grumpy's - http://www.grumpys-bar.com/downtown/index.html

Guthrie Theater - http://www.guthrietheater.org/

Keegans Irish Pub - http://keeganspub.com/

Kindee - http://www.kindeethairestaurant.com/

Level Salon - http://www.level-salon.com/

Look + See - http://lookandseeeyecare.com/

MacPhail Center for Music - http://www.macphail.org/

Maxwell's - http://www.maxwellsbar.net/

Men's Dept. - http://www.mensdept.com/

Mill City Commons - http://www.millcitycommons.org/homepage

Mill City Farmers Market - http://millcityfarmersmarket.org/

Mill City Market Grocery & Deli - http://millcitygrocery.com/

Mill City Museum - http://www.millcitymuseum.org/

Open Book Coffee Gallery - http://www.openbookmn.org/coffee_gallery.aspx

Pacifier - http://store.pacifieronline.com/

Real Ghost Tours - http://www.realghosttours.com/

Sarpinos - http://www.gosarpinos.com/pizza-delivery/downtown-minneapolis/?r=2

Sanctuary - http://www.sanctuaryminneapolis.com/

Sawatdee - http://www.sawatdee.com/locations.htm

Sorellas - http://www.sorellawines.com/

Spill the Wine - http://www.spillthewinerestaurant.com/

Spoonriver - http://spoonriver.com/

Wasabi - http://wasabimn.com/

Wilde Roast Cafe - http://www.wilderoastcafe.com/

Zen Box Izakaya - http://zenboxizakaya.com/

1st Trip to Wilde Roast DSC02759

Monday
Jan022012

2011 Mill City Flashback - Crown Hydro Update

The latest news on the Crown Hydro project proposed for Mill Ruins Park on the Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront:

Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board (MPRB) Response to Crown Hydro FERC Termination Letter Response

View more documents from Mill City Times

 

Crown Hydro Response to FERC Termination Letter

View more documents from Mill City Times

 

FERC Termination Letter to Crown Hydro

View more documents from Mill City Times

 

Monday
Jan022012

2011 Mill City Flashback - Mill City Farmers Market September 11 Harvest Moon Dinner

Neighbors and friends of the Mill City Farmers Market filled the train shed Sunday night for the Harvest Moon Dinner.  Attendees enjoyed a feast prepared by Chefs Heather Hartman and Nick Schneider, Cajun music, a colorful live auction, silent auction, raffle, and guest speaker Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie. 

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

k DSC00821

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

z DSC00497

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

z DSC00486

Can't think of a better way to transition into the Fall season.

Monday
Jan022012

2011 Mill City Flashback - "Seeing the Minneapolis Riverfront" Photo Contest Winners on Display at the Mill City Museum

Congratulations to the 18 winners below whose work will be displayed in the Mill City Museum’s Mill Commons from August 25, 2011 through January 2, 2012.

Join us on Wednesday, September 14th from 6:00-8:00pm for a free public reception celebrating the exhibit and photographers. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served and a cash bar will be available.

Photo contest jurors were looking for striking images of the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis Riverfront that show the relationship between people and the environment past and present, what that relationship has meant to different people in different times, and the positive and negative consequences of our use of the land and waters. Ideal photographs convey a sense of place of the Minneapolis Riverfront and address the way people use the riverfront and its resources.

Below, a sampling of the works:

Seeing the Minneapolis Riverfront

Seeing the Minneapolis Riverfront

Seeing the Minneapolis Riverfront

Seeing the Minneapolis Riverfront

Seeing the Minneapolis Riverfront

Seeing the Minneapolis Riverfront

Seeing the Minneapolis Riverfront

Seeing the Minneapolis Riverfront

Seeing the Minneapolis Riverfront

Monday
Jan022012

2011 Mill City Flashback - Day of the Dead / Dia de los Muertos Postcards on Display at the Open Book

Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) sponsored a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) postcard competition, and the 253 entries are now on display in the Open Book Lobby Gallery until November 6.  The 4"x6" postcards incorporate a number of artistic methods, including collage, paint, drawing, printing, sewing, photography and digital imagery.  

The below slide show will give you an idea of how diverse the entries are, but we strongly recommend you stop in (1011 Washington Avenue South) to appreciate this creative collection in person.  It's wild!

 

Monday
Jan022012

2011 Mill City Flashback - 35W Bridge Pretty in Pink

The 35W Bridge was pink Friday night to kickoff the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk held on Saturday morning.

 

Monday
Jan022012

2011 Mill City Flashback - HUGE Turn Out for 2011 Turkey Day 5K

It was a perfect Thanksgiving morning for the 2011 Turkey Day 5K (unlike last year's single digit temps and blowing snow), with over 12,000 runners, walkers, wheelers and pets participating.

2011 Turkey Day 5K

2011 Turkey Day 5K

2011 Turkey Day 5K

2011 Turkey Day 5K

Turkey Day 5K 2011

2011 Turkey Day 5K

Monday
Jan022012

2011 Mill City Flashback - Minneapolis Beard & Moustache Club Meeting at Grumpy's

The first-ever open meeting of the Minneapolis Beard & Moustache Club took place December 2 at Grumpy’s, 1111 Washington Avenue South.  Michael Johnson, who you may recognize from Sorella Wine and Spirits, hosted the event.  We popped in for a few pictures:

Minneapolis Beard & Moustache Club Inaugural Meeting 12/2/2011

Minneapolis Beard & Moustache Club Inaugural Meeting 12/2/2011

Sunday
Jan012012

2011 Mill City Flashback - 35W "Rainbow Pride" Bridge Lights [Photos] [Video]

It was spectatular.  Kim and I attended the lighting ceremony (see video at the bottom) and snapped a few photos.

35W Rainbow Pride Bridge k DSC03684

35W Rainbow Pride Bridge k DSC03682

35W Rainbow Pride Bridge k DSC03691

35W Rainbow Pride Bridge k DSC03693

35W Rainbow Pride Bridge k DSC03695

35W Rainbow Pride Bridge k DSC03694

35W Rainbow Pride Bridge DSC03684-T

Sunday
Jan012012

2011 Mill City Flashback - First Ever Indoor Mill City Farmers Market

It was great to see neighbors and vendors converge at the Mill City Museum yesterday morning for the first ever indoor Mill City Farmers Market.

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

Added bonus - members from Light of the Moon Band provided festive background music.

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

2011 Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

Sunday
Jan012012

2011 Mill City Flashback - Street Performers in Front of the Guthrie Theater [Video]

Sunday
Jan012012

2011 Mill City Flashback - ArtAndes Weaver at Mill City Farmers Market

Watching Master Weaver Wilber Quispe is mesmerizing.  He will be weaving at ArtAndes Mill City Farmers Market space Saturdays through July.

 

Sunday
Jan012012

2011 Mill City Flashback - A Special Place for a Special Evening in the Mill District of Minneapolis

We recently visited Sanctuary for the second time in as many months, this time to celebrate our 17th Wedding Anniversary.  The Sanctuary is a cozy 20 table resaurant located 1 block from the Guthrie Theater in the Mill District of Minneapolis at 903 Washington Ave. South.

An A+ Atmosphere

Instant relaxation best describes how we feel settling into our booth - The fireplace, the stone wall running the entire length of the restaurant, lights turned down low, and music that sets the mood yet fades into the background.   This place just gives off a good vibe.

Minnesota Nice with a Sprinkle of Sophistication

Or should I say sophistication with a sprinkle of Minnesota nice?  Whatever, the Sanctuary seems to have perfected the art of making their guests feel special.  Starting with 5-Time award winning maitre de, and Sanctuary Partner Michael Kutscheid, the staff treat service as both a profession and art form - warm, welcoming, knowledgeable with, yes, just the right amount of "sophistication" to make our experience special.

Our Meal Was as Delicious as it was Beautiful

Chef Patrick Atanalian, a native of Marseille, France, and once named Best Mad Genius Chef by City Pages, stopped by our table to say hi and extend his best wishes on our anniversary.  After enjoying a cocktail, we were ready to savor the flavor.  Chef Patrick and his team served us a work of art that surprised, and delighted our taste buds.

ginger beer potato soup finished with garlic chili creme fraiche

dayboat sea scallops, hangar 1 chipotle vodka eggnog sauce, shishito peppers, asian pear and red tobiko caviar

certified black angus beef, speck ham risotto, black truffle ketchup sauce, jalapeno confiture

Follow Sanctuary on Twitter or Facebook to stay on top of special events and new additions to their menu.

Sunday
Jan012012

2011 Mill City Flashback - Gypsy Mania Trio at Mill City Farmers Market

Sunday
Jan012012

2011 Mill City Flashback - Nichola Miller at the Mill City Farmers Market

Nichola Miller had people groovin' at the August 6 Market.

Mill City Farmers Market August 6, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market August 6, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market August 6, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market August 6, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market August 6, 2011

These adorable little girls didn't break out in dance, but Nichola had their undivided attention.

Mill City Farmers Market August 6, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market August 6, 2011

Sunday
Jan012012

2011 Mill City Flashback - Light of the Moon Band at Mill City Farmers Market

We thoroughly enjoyed the music of Light of the Moon Band at the June 4 Mill City Farmers Market. 

 

Sunday
Jan012012

2011 Mill City Flashback - Central River Forum 9/15/2011 [Video]

The developers of the Pillsbury A Mill presented their plans for this National Historic Landmark. The Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership convenes a quarterly forum in the Central Riverfront concerning issues shaping this area.

Central River Forum:
A Mill Outstanding in Our Nation: Shaping the Future of the Pillsbury “A” Mill and Main Street Southeast

Why is this site’s story so important to Minneapolis – and the nation?  How can you help shape the future of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District? What are the pressure points in the development process?  What are two developers planning to propose for the area? 

David Wiggins of the National Park Service highlighted the big stories this place tells, and previewed how and when you can most effectively inform public decision makers. Developers Dominium Apartments and Doran Companies shared their proposals for developing the area, including this National Historic Landmark.

Sunday
Jan012012

2011 Mill City Flashback - Sanctuary Celebrates 4 Year Anniversary with Neighborhood Party [Video]

Normally closed on Sundays, Sanctuary welcomed friends and neighbors on August 28 to celebrate 4 years at the 903 Washington location.

Chef Patrick Atanalian served up a fantastic feast, and along with Naomi, Roger, Michael and staff, made sure everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  DJ Shannon Blowtorch outdid herself with the music.

OMG, I think we broke the Fun-O-Meter, check out the video:

Best viewed in full screen mode

Sanctuary 4th Anniversary Party

Sanctuary 4th Anniversary Party

Sanctuary 4th Anniversary Party

 

Sunday
Jan012012

2011 Mill City Flashback - The Zen Box Izakaya Experience

Zen Box Izakaya(602 Washington Avenue South) is now open, and it was so worth the wait!  From the moment you walk in and are greeted with a cheer of “Irrasaimase!” (“Welcome!”), until you leave to chants of “Arigato gozaimashita” (“Thank you very much for coming!") - it's a wonderful experience.

Zen Box Izakaya

Zen Box Izakaya

Many people know owners John and Lina Goh (below) from their popular lunch-only skyway location.   Per Lina, "We are very blessed with a group of loyal fans whom embraced us from the beginning when we came from San Francisco to open Zen Box Japanese Eatery in the skyway. They are one of the reasons why we opened the second location, so that they can also share their love for good food with their friends and family."

Zen Box Izakaya

She added, "We simply love to eat, and love to share with others our passion for Japanese comfort food. We believe that Food brings people together and good food comes from the heart."

We started off with Japanese beers exclusive to Zen Box - Asahi and Hitachino Ginger.  Zen Box has created their own version of pub nibbles, Buckwheat Soba Sticks, lightly fried for a crispy texture and seasoned with sea salt.

Zen Box Izakaya

Our server, Heidi, recommended four items for our first visit, starting with the Crab Croquettes with Spicy Mayo ("Big Brother" Kani Korokke on the menu) and Tuna Poke', a melt-in-your-mouth marinated raw tuna with Poke' dressing.   Both were absolutely delish.

Zen Box Izakaya

Zen Box Izakaya

Next, the Zen Box Short Ribs.  The flavor reminded me of a steak grilled to perfection - mmmmm.

Zen Box Izakaya

Finally, the Chicken Kara-Age (Crispy Chicken) with Kamikaze Sauce.  Words can't describe the incredible delicate crunch - I don't recall having anything like it.  Again, the accompanying sauce was delicious.

Zen Box Izakaya

In addition to creating a relaxing atmosphere and wonderful food, John and Lina have assembled a staff who share their passion.   Beyond the lively greeting at the door (which immediately sets a "feel good" tone), the servers are attentive, helpful and genuinely excited to discuss the menu and make suggestions. 

Zen Box Izakaya

Zen Box Izakaya

Zen Box Izakaya

So now the dilemma we're faced with is what to have on our next visit.  While there are many tasty items on the menu, we'll be tempted to order the same four dishes again - they were just soooo good.

Per Lina, most of the lunch and dinner menu items are available for take-out, with the exception of the Ramen dishes.  They are currently working on a take-out menu.

You can reach Zen Box at 612-332-3936, and follow them on Facebook.  Check their website for the lunch and dinner menus.