Yoga at Peavey Plaza, October 4, 11 and 18

Green Minneapolis hosts these events, free and open to all!

YWCA Minneapolis Yoga on the Plaza

FREE yoga classes at Peavey Plaza (weather permitting). Bring a water, mat and towel. Members and nonmembers are welcome to attend. Nonmembers that attend receive a FREE three-day trial fitness pass to any of our three fitness locations. Plus, join YWCA Minneapolis as a member for just $15! Registration recommended.

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Tuesday, October 4 from 5:30-6:30pm. Register here.

Tuesday, October 11 from 5:30-6:30pm. Register here.

Tuesday, October 18 from 5:30-6:30pm. Register here.

Mayor Frey Nominates Brian O’Hara for Police Chief

Excerpt from the September 29 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

Photo: David Joles, Star Tribune

Mayor Jacob Frey has nominated Newark Deputy Mayor Brian O’Hara to serve as the next Minneapolis chief of police.

In 2001, O’Hara joined the Newark Police Department as a police officer, rising through the ranks to become a captain in 2016. In 2021, he was appointed as the public safety director for Newark overseeing more than 1,960 employees comprising 996 sworn police officers, 611 firefighters and 346 civilian employees and a budget that exceeded $200 million. In that role, O’Hara enhanced the collaborative working relationships among federal, state and local partners.

As former captain of the Newark Police Department’s Consent Decree & Planning Division (2017-2020), O’Hara has worked extensively with the Department of Justice on the 2016 consent decree between the U.S. and the City of Newark. O’Hara facilitated the implementation, monitoring and compliance of all consent decree requirements, which included the development of all policies and procedures on police reform, promotion of constitutional policing, transparency and accountability throughout the department, and overseeing the development of all public reports, surveys and assessments regarding the effectiveness of the department’s reforms. All of these efforts were designed to shift the Newark Police Department’s culture.

When he was promoted to deputy chief of the Accountability, Engagement & Oversight Bureau, O’Hara continued to promote accountability within the department, measuring the effectiveness of the department’s reform work and overseeing the Internal Affairs unit.

The mayor’s nomination will be submitted to the full City Council at its meeting Thursday, Oct. 6, for consideration and referral to the relevant committee.

Link to September 29th news conference.

September 28 Bridge 9 Improvement Project Update

Bridge No. 9 was constructed in 1922 by the Northern Pacific Railroad to carry freight over the Mississippi. The City of Minneapolis acquired this bridge in 1986 and converted the bridge to a pedestrian use bridge in 1999. The bridge currently provides a Mississippi River crossing for the Dinkytown Greenway bike trail.

Beginning in July 2022, the City of Minneapolis started making repairs and improvements to Bridge 9, Pier 5.

Latest project news

Construction Update Meeting (online meeting)

Virtual monthly project stakeholder meetings will be held at 9:30 am the 1st Thursday of each month using Microsoft Teams. Please use the link below to join the meeting.

Join on your computer or mobile app

Click here to join the meeting

Or join by entering a meeting ID Meeting ID: 213 161 635 706 Passcode: KyceBr

Or call in (audio only)

+1 612-428-8778,,6668421#   United States, Minneapolis

Phone Conference ID: 666 842 1#

These meetings help us to give you more detailed information about work progress on a monthly basis and to have discussion on any concerns or questions you have about the project. Please send an email or give a call to the project engineer if you have difficulty using the link above.

If no one joins the meeting within 15 minutes the meeting will end, but you can still contact the meeting coordinator via phone or email:

Rich Revering, Design Team Project Manager; 612-718-8412 or Richard.Revering@Bolton-Menk.com

Schedule

Construction activities for Pier 5 repairs started in July 2022. The scheduled completion date is December 1, 2022. The contractor is currently anticipating substantial completion by the end of October 2022.

Traffic Impact

West River Parkway is scheduled to be open for vehicular traffic subject to occasional one-way traffic w/ flaggers during certain equipment and material loading operations. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic are open to traffic, with pedestrians sharing the bike path through the project area.

Current work

For the month of September, the following construction operations were performed: Forming and pouring pier wrap foundations and four lifts of pier wrap. The wrap is a thick layer of reinforced concrete to contain and strengthen the pier to extend its useful life. Current work involves preparing the pier cap and forming for the final lift of concrete.

Coming up

For the month of October, the following construction operations are scheduled: Complete final concrete pours and finishing work, grading and placement of riprap at the base of the pier, and turf establishment and site cleanup.

Stay Connected

For more details and to sign up for email updates please visit the Bridge 9 Improvement project webpage.

Project Engineer: Petru Vizoli, 612-673-2368, Petru.Vizoli@minneapolismn.gov

Owámni: Falling Water Festival, October 8 at Water Works / Mill Ruins Park

Owámni is what the Dakota called the area at St. Anthony Falls. It means “whirling or falling water” in the Dakota language, making it an appropriate name for this festival along the Mississippi River. This free, family-friendly event, is co-presented by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board to celebrate indigenous Minnesota culture with music, art, food, and more!

Learn more: Facebook - Website

DMNA 2022 Annual Meeting is October 24 at The Depot

The Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) 2022 Annual Meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 24. This year’s event will take place at The Depot Renaissance Hotel, 6-8pm, in the Hiawatha Room.

The DMNA is requesting anyone who plans to attend to register to assure they can appropriately plan for refreshments and seating.

Elections to the Board of Directors will take place at this meeting. There are four seats up for election this year; three with three-year terms; and one with a two-year term. You must live, work or own property in the Downtown East or Downtown West neighborhoods to be eligible for a seat on the board. If you have an interest in running for a seat on the DMNA Board, please submit your application via this link.

2022 Volunteer of the Year Award

The DMNA Board will also be giving out the 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award at the Annual Meeting. The Volunteer of the Year Award is the highest honor offered by DMNA. It began to honor an individual who has advanced the mission of the DMNA to promote the common good and general welfare of the residents, businesses, and employees of Downtown Minneapolis.

Any individual who lives, works, or owns property in Downtown East or Downtown West that advances the mission of the DMNA through their volunteerism or advocacy is eligible. Generally, current board members and current employees are not eligible. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the staff and board of directors. Recipients are chosen by a small group comprised of the DMNA board and committee leadership. Candidates offered by October 15 will be considered. Please submit your nominations via this SurveyMonkey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DMNA2022Volunteeroftheyearaward.

Mara Restaurant and Bar Opens for Lunch and Mid-Afternoon Dining on October 3rd

Photos: Eliesa Johnson, Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis

Starting Monday, October 3, Mara Restaurant and Bar is opening its doors for lunch (Monday - Friday, 11a - 2p) offering welcoming hospitality and elevated, expedited service with a menu of Mediterranean dishes available à la carte and in a 2-course prix-fixe option. Mid-day meals are also now available at the bar with a menu starting at 2pm, daily. Debuting for lunch and brunch is a decadent Dessert Cart featuring a curated array of sweets. For a limited time, complimentary valet parking at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis will be available for those dining at Mara before 2pm, Monday - Friday.

“After leaving New York City to move back home, I missed cooking lunch for people on a daily basis and interacting with our guests throughout the day,” says Chef Gavin Kaysen. “Seeing people return to work downtown and feeling the energy of our community going out again and connecting over a table of food is a beautiful thing. It’s been our plan to open for lunch at Mara and we’re looking forward to serving our guests.”

Grilled Picanha Steak

Dessert Cart

Inspired by the revival of entertainment in downtown Minneapolis and the return of hybrid work for many, the lunch and bar menus at Mara are thoughtfully prepared to feature dishes that go beyond a grab-and-go experience while still being mindful of time. The lunch menu features a variety of salads, sandwiches, and entrées. A prix-fixe option includes 2-courses (either an appetizer and entrée or entrée and dessert, $32 per person).

The full bar food menu will now be available at 2pm daily. Mara Assistant General Manager and Sommelier Paul Hennessy has curated the beverage list to feature wines by-the-glass. At the bar, Beverage Director Adam Witherspoon offers a list of balanced NA cocktails alongside the regular cocktail list cocktails and beer (draft and bottle).

Take the New Survey on Improvements at Riverside and Bohemian Flats Parks; September 29th Open House

Detail showing Riverside Park and Annie Young Meadow, from the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park master plan. Bohemian Flats Park, not pictured, is to the northwest along the river.

Plus, all are welcome at the open house this Thursday, September 29, 6:00 to 7:30pm

Everyone's invited to take a new survey about improvements coming to Riverside Park. Results will be used to help prioritize improvements to be constructed next summer, based on funding for the current project.

Options for improvements are guided by the 2019 Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan (note: some improvements, such as the picnic facilities in Annie Young Meadow, have already been constructed). 

Open House, September 29, 6pm-7:30pm, Brian Coyle Community Center, 420 15th Avenue

• Join project staff and consultants from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB), along with Cedar-Riverside community members
  
  
• Discuss upcoming Riverside Park improvements, including a playground, wading pool and other amenities
  
  
• Learn about the savanna landscape restoration planned for Bohemian Flats Park
  
  
• All are welcome to attend and give feedback!

More information and Updates

Visit project page for Riverside & Bohemian Flats Parks Improvements

Subscribe to email updates on this project

Project contact

Tyler Pederson, Design Project Mgr, Planning Division, Minneapolis Park and Rec Board

612-499-9084 | tpederson@minneapolisparks.org

Olio Vintage Announces October 1 Store Opening in Northeast Minneapolis

New shop features a collective of local vintage brands

Olio Vintage has announced the opening of its new Northeast storefront on Saturday, October 1, at 21 5th Street NE.

Olio Vintage is a unique collective of specialty vintage retailers brought together under one roof in Northeast Minneapolis. The shop is home to a vintage-made-modern world of clothing, accessories, housewares, local handmade items and other fascinating gems. Olio will debut with a collective of four vintage brands: Black Nvni, SALTY, Rosella Vintage and in-house brand, Olio Vintage. The owners of the four brands first met through doing vintage popups around the Twin Cities, and this storefront marks each brand’s first foray into brick-and-mortar. The storefront will also feature a different rotating vintage vendor each month as well as an ever-changing assortment of handmade goods by local maker favorites.

Olio Vintage is excited to join the bustling St. Anthony neighborhood in Northeast Minneapolis, where it resides on the same block as fellow vintage shops The Golden Pearl Vintage, FindFurnish and Twelve Vultures - making the area a true destination for vintage shopping.

Get a first look at Olio Vintage during its opening weekend on Saturday, October 1, and Sunday, October 2 (11am–6pm both days) and enjoy complimentary refreshments and snacks while you shop. The store’s regular hours begin the following week: Thursday­–Monday from 11am–6pm daily. Follow @olio.mpls on Instagram for the latest news and updates.

The team behind Olio Vintage is busy preparing their new Northeast location at 21 5th Street NE.

Founded in October, 2022 by longtime vintage seller Carrie Martinson, Olio Vintage is a unique collective of specialty vintage retailers brought together under one roof in Northeast Minneapolis, as well as a brand of vintage housewares, clothing and accessories. Visit the shop to discover a vintage-made-modern world of clothing, accessories, housewares, local handmade items and other fascinating gems. More information can be found at @olio.mpls on Instagram.

Olio’s values center around sustainability, diversity, inclusivity, individuality and community:

• Sustainability: Wearing vintage inherently helps us move away from fast fashion by bringing unworn, well-made, timeless pieces back into rotation.
• Diversity: The diversity of Olio’s goods is matched only by the diversity of its vendors. There is truly something for everyone in this charming and welcoming retail space—a witty and fun brand that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
• Inclusivity: Olio believes that vintage is for everyone—every age, every gender and every body.
• Individuality: Olio endeavors to empower individuality and self-expression and provide its customers with ways to express themselves through our one-of-a-kind collection of time-tested and sustainable vintage items that can’t be found anywhere else.
• Community: Olio is passionate about helping other small local businesses and neighbors build a stronger and more vibrant community.

Established in 2019 by Ian Szymczak, SALTY was born out of a lifetime of seeking and cherishing the singular pieces one can find shopping second hand. SALTY finds great inspiration in nature, sex, art & space and is primarily focused on providing high quality masculine presenting garments for all genders, bodies and income levels. The transfer of joy that occurs between vintage curator and a client finding a piece they will adore for decades is a privilege and truly the greatest motivator for what SALTY does. Learn more at @saltymplsvintage on Instagram.

Black Nvni (pronounced NAH-vee) offers a curated collection of ethically obtained vintage couture, modern couture, and vintage statement clothing from around the world. Proudly owned and operated by queer, black and indigenous editorial stylist Kenosha “Kenny” Washington. Black Nvni is the answer for those who seek a luxurious, head-turning, and sustainable alternative to the fast fashion of the moment. Kenny loves the details in garments, such as decorative stitching, garment construction, embellishments, and the manipulation of fabrics. In the current climate of “fast fashion,” it can be difficult to find well-constructed, stand-out garments. Since fashion is cyclical, Kenny turned to the fashion of the past to be the best dressed in the room. Learn more at www.blacknvni.com

Rosella Vintage is a collection of timeless, nostalgic, thoughtfully curated vintage clothing and accessories for every body, from every era. Rosella was founded in 2021 by fashion writer, stylist and longtime vintage collector Jahna Peloquin. Utilizing her editor’s eye and stylist instincts, Jahna carefully hand-selects each piece with an emphasis on style, good design, quality construction and natural fabrics, in sizes XS–4X. She believes in wearing vintage in a modern way by mixing eras and styles for a personalized look that’s authentically you. Rosella can be found in person at pop-ups around the Twin Cities area including the Minneapolis Vintage Market, Olio Vintage, and coming soon to rosellavintage.com. Learn more at @rosella.vintage on Instagram.

Shopping Basket from the September 24 Mill City Farmers Market

The September 24th Mill City Farmers Market was bursting with produce and other fresh items. We're trying out some new things for this first time this week, including the Pancake & Waffle Mix from Baker's Field Flour & Bread, Fruit Syrup from Twin Cities Berry Co., and Soap Rocks from Blugirl Soapworks. I love those little miniature gourds available this time of year - cute for decorating! :)

Public's Assistance Requested to Locate Vulnerable Adult Missing Since 9/22 Afternoon in the Mill District

This young man is a vulnerable adult and hasn't been seen since 3pm yesterday in the 500 block of 2nd Street S. If you have any information at all, please call the number below.

Watershed Spa and Baths to Host September 29 Launch Party

Communal bathing and spa location is first of its kind in the Twin Cities

Watershed – the first-to-market bathing and spa destination in the Twin Cities - is set to open. Spa services are already available, and construction of the baths is complete. Communal bathing, steam rooms, and sauna will be offered in the very near future, pending final permits.

The Watershed team is co-hosting a joint celebration and open house with next-door neighbor, Spoke & Weal Salon, on September 29th from 6-8 pm. Guests are invited to roam about both spaces and enjoy live music, complimentary food and beverage offerings, and chances to win giveaways. This event is free and open to the public, RSVP’s are requested. Watershed and Spoke & Weal are located in Switch House (the former Soap Factory building), 514 2nd Street SE. Switch House is also a party co-host.

Taking inspiration from the timeless tradition of communal bathing, Watershed has a mission to provide restorative healing in a communal setting. The spa and bathhouse embrace an inclusive, whole-systems approach designed to infuse every step of the bathing ritual and spa experience with clean, positive energy to optimize healing and promote vibrancy.

Honoring its historic location in southeast Minneapolis in the Switch House, Watershed taps into the energy of the riverfront. Founder Nell Rueckl explains the inspiration behind the name, ”A watershed moment is a turning point, a time when important change happens,” she says. “We are at a moment in history when we need deep healing for ourselves, our communities, and our planet.”

The spa consists of 11,000 square feet on two levels. At 4,500 square feet, the main floor is devoted to comprehensive holistic spa treatments, including bodywork (prenatal, cupping and shiatsu, Thai, craniosacral, reflexology, energy work + reiki, chakra balancing), facials, acupuncture, and vibrational sound therapy. 

The bathhouse adds 6,500 square feet, which includes communal bathing with a soaking pool, a cold plunge, a steam room, and a cedar sauna. The space also includes a “Recharge Garden” area specifically designated for reflection and relaxation. In short, Watershed is a holistic healing environment unparalleled in the Upper Midwest.

Watershed is the realization of founder Nell Rueckl’s long-held dream to bring communal bathing to the Twin Cities. A true pioneer and leader in the healing community, Rueckl is the founder of Spot Spas in Minneapolis, creator of Nell’s Remedies, and the visionary behind Watershed Spa. After years of research, she is thrilled to welcome people to participate in the bathing ritual and experience the expansive services. Rueckl designed an urban wellness center, offering a robust menu of various modalities, many of which are not typically found in traditional spa settings.

Nell Rueckl forged her career at Horst’s renowned Aveda Destination Spa in Osceola, Wisconsin, and Kabuki Springs in San Francisco and is recognized within the Minnesota spa industry as having attained the highest level of mastery. She brings her years of experience and team of expert practitioners to this unique new location. 

Wonder Valley Face Oil is one of the products you'll find among Watershed's retail offerings.“I have been very intentional in my work to create a space where every human can feel safe, calm, and welcomed so that they may heal and be rejuvenated through the bathing ritual,“ she says. The communal experience is central to her vision: “Participating in community allows us to become more whole as individuals. This experience is magnetic and creates a continually regenerative source of energy. It’s transformational at every level.” 

Watershed also has a designated retail area and carries a carefully curated selection of the cleanest, greenest, most sustainably-packaged skincare, wellness, and beauty products, including Arcona, Botnia, Wonder Valley, and Watershed’s own line of salt scrubs, body butters, and a bespoke Watershed Spa scent, available as a fragrance or luxe body oil. Guests will also find artwork by community-based artists and makers.

Membership options and passes areavailable on the Watershed website. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.

-  -  -  -  -  Spoke & Weal  -  -  -  -  -  

Founded in 2013 by Jon Reyman and Christine Thompson with a mission to build and maintain a culture that promotes wellness, strives for excellence, and fosters creativity, Spoke & Weal is a full-service salon known for dry cutting, custom dimensional hair color, keratin, extension, and styling services.

Originally launched in San Francisco, the brand now has award-winning salons in Los Angeles, New York City, Palo Alto, Chicago, Boston, and Nashville. The Spoke & Weal team is thrilled to introduce its new location in the historic Switch House building in SE Minneapolis. Instagram: @spokeandweal

Minnesota Dance Theatre Continues 60th Season Celebration October 13-15 at the Southern

Minnesota Dance Theatre (MDT) returns to the Southern Theater for the first time in a decade as it continues the celebration of its 60th Season. The spotlight will shine on the Artistic Voices of Minnesota’s Elayna Waxse and Alexander Hille, two esteemed choreographers who have created work for and performed with MDT. The dance concerts will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 13-15. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased here.

 

Three evocative pieces will be performed in the 90-minute show, including The Four Seasons with choreography by Waxse, featuring the compositions of famed Argentinian Tango composer Astor Piazzolla. Lush and atmospheric with movement elegantly matched to the music, The Four Seasons was first performed with VocalEssence in 2021.

 

Polaris also features Waxse’s choreography and music by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw. With an all-female cast, Polaris is both poignant and timely, offering a poetic reflection on human possibility.

In Divided We Fall, a solo piece choreographed by Hille, acclaimed dancer Martin Gore brings an intensity to the physically investigative and daring work. Hille said, “This work is about not accepting one’s circumstance, and remembering the battle is not one that must be confronted alone.”

Lise Houlton, Artistic Director, said, “We are grateful to have such immense talent in Minnesota. And we’re honored to present the artistry of two such thoughtful and rich choreographers who offer nuanced depth and meaning to their work, bringing an added dimension to the dance experience.”

Sherman Associates Acquires Full City Block for $400 Million Redevelopment

Delivering multifamily, retail, restaurant, office, and more along Washington Avenue

Sherman Associates has acquired a full city block at the southwest corner of South Washington Avenue and 3rd Avenue South (kitty-corner to Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot) for its next development project named Harmonia, located at 255 2nd Avenue South. Sherman’s concept includes three buildings that deliver a 10-story, mixed-income mid-rise apartment; a 20+ story, market-rate high-rise apartment; and a 25+ story, mixed-use high-rise building on the site.

Sherman’s vision for investing $400 million on the 2.43-acre block will provide further connection of the Mill District and the North Loop to the Central Business District. The Harmonia development will provide multifamily, retail, restaurant, and the potential for office, condominiums, or hotel to the block. The concept includes a feature restaurant plaza and amenity courtyard at the center of the three proposed buildings.

A vacant 550,000-square-foot office building currently on the site will be demolished to position the block for redevelopment. This represents approximately 10% of the vacant office space in the Central Business District.

Sherman plans to repurpose the existing underground foundation walls for the Harmonia development, reducing the environmental impact of site excavation for the new development’s underground parking requirements and providing almost 1,000 parking stalls.

“The Harmonia project will create a dynamic and interactive hub for people of all incomes to experience the vibrant center of downtown Minneapolis,” said Chris Sherman, president of Sherman Associates. “Between this project and our proposed Northstar East project, we are removing close to 1 million square feet of excess and underutilized office space.”

Construction on the three buildings is estimated to start in the fall of 2023, with estimated completion in early 2026. ESG Architecture & Design is the architect on the project. Sherman is renowned for transforming communities with its mixed-use developments, which deliver a variety of housing types along with retail, office, and hospitality amenities that stimulate healthy neighborhoods, and plans to do just that on this full city block.

The name Harmonia pays tribute to Harmonia Hall, a Victorian Gothic building that stood on a portion of the site from 1884 to 1962. Harmonia Hall was designed and occupied as an auditorium by the Harmonia Singing Society, an organization formed by Minneapolis’ German community, which hosted concerts, charity benefits, and cultural events until 1899. Over time, the building housed a theater, a business college, a state bank, a printer, a book bindery, a hotel, and other various commercial businesses before its demolition in 1962. 

Shopping Basket from the September 17 Mill City Farmers Market

Vibrant and delicious pretty much sums up the food we get every Saturday at the Mill City Farmers Market. This week's non-food items were candles from Kobi Co. :)

September 19 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via a September 19 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis.

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

Project Map

Get an inside look of tunnel mining

The Star Tribune recently released a story on the Minneapolis Central City Tunnel project. Check out the Star Tribune story to get an inside look of what tunnel mining looks like underground.

* * Latest Project News * * 

Eastern sidewalk along Nicollet Mall between Washington Ave and 3rd St N

• Crews have finished removing the scaffolding and extra equipment in the area and the site has been cleaned up.
  • This sidewalk has reopened to pedestrians, but a portion of it will be narrowed around the dewatering well and pumps. This will remain in place until the project is completed.

 2nd Ave

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

 Portland Ave

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

* * Long-term closures/restrictions * * 

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

• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains restricted between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall. The contractor will resume tunneling from the existing tunnel to the new tunnel in fall 2022.
  • During these restrictions, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remains open.

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

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

* * What to expect * * 

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

* * Suspended sites through summer 2022 * * 

Hennepin Ave

• Tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave will resume fall 2022 at this site.

Mississippi River Portal

• Minor activities will periodically occur at the Mississippi River portal site through Summer 2022. Work will resume fall 2022.

* * Stay connected * * 

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

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

Weekly Events at Peavey Plaza Sept. 19-24

Green Minneapolis is excited to host these events, free and open to all!

YWCA Minneapolis Yoga on the Plaza

Tuesday, September 20 from 5:30-6:30pm

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Flow into summer with FREE yoga classes at Peavey Plaza (weather permitting). Bring a water, mat and towel. Members and nonmembers are welcome to attend. Nonmembers that attend receive a FREE three-day trial fitness pass to any of our three fitness locations. Plus, join YWCA Minneapolis as a member for just $15! Registration recommended.

James Sewell Ballet

Wednesday, September 21 at 6-7:30pm

James Sewell Ballet transforms dance, artists, and audiences through rich collaboration, education, and equitable opportunities. The company’s innovations in expanding the boundaries of ballet and its playful-elegant aesthetic have earned it consistent accolades over its 33 year history.

MNspin Musician of the Week: TWAIN

Thursday, September 22 from 12-1pm 

TWAIN is a hip-hop recording artist from Minneapolis, by way of Chicago. A seasoned music maker, songwriter and lyricist, his sound strikes a balance of timeless and contemporary hip-hop energy, autobiographic tales, and wordplay purists can appreciate. He founded and curated the indie concert series A NIGHT OVER SOUTH in 2016, and TWIN CITIES MUSIC LOUNGE in 2018. His latest music project Midwest Mayor released near the end 2021.

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For a complete calendar of Peavey Plaza Performing Arts Series, visit greenminneapolis.org/events.

Gamut Gallery Announces COACTION, October 22-November 19

Featuring: Ashlea Karkula, Bill Crane, Derek Meier, HML, Janice Essick, Jeremy Jones, Joli Grostephan, Jonas Specktor, Kramer Hegenbarth, Lucy Picasso, Michael Engebretson, Nora Rickey, Phoebe Mol, Presley Martin, Simone Needles, W. S. Norton

COACTION / October 22nd – November 19th

Coaction is a group exhibition curated by Derek Meier of Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, showcasing creative dialogues and accessibility within the arts. Manifesting themes of collaboration and material exchange, Gamut Gallery partners with Interact Center to host this event. The group exhibition features work from eight multidisciplinary Interact artists alongside eight artist instructors. Together, the collective exhibits individual pieces and joint works, showcasing creative dialogues and accessibility within the arts. Through paintings, sculpture, drawing, fiber arts, and written word, Coaction offers the viewer a glimpse into Interact Center’s artist community and its combined energies. One collaborative pairing features the work of artists W. S. Norton and Jonas Specktor as they individually respond through painting to the other’s poetry. The collection of paintings and written word will be bound in an artist book on display for Coaction.

"Interact artists selected for this exhibition have a longstanding, dedicated studio practice within our organization. The curation of each collaborative pairing was centered on selecting artists who engage in similar mediums or subject matter utilizing different approaches, creating a visual conversation that extends through the process," states Derek. "Coaction continues Interact’s mission to have the work of these artists shown in the same light as other professional artists within the same market."

Since opening their doors a decade ago, Gamut’s mission has been to foster a community that spans all disciplines, lifestyles, and backgrounds.

PUBLIC OPENING NIGHT: Saturday, October 22nd, 4-9 PM

$10 day of the event - $7 pre-sale / FREE for Members

•  4-6 PM Low volume for those with auditory sensitivities
•  6-9 PM DJ Set by Buddah Jankey

Follow Gamut on Facebook and Instagram for further details and information regarding the event. 

City Announces New Neighborhood Traffic Calming Process

Now available: A new way to request traffic calming and the new Neighborhood Traffic Calming process.

The City has a new process for considering community requests for neighborhood traffic calming. Our goal is to maintain a fair, transparent, and equitable process.

In the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Report September 2022 you will find:

• Details about the new process
• An application form
• An updated toolbox
• Information about how we rank the applications, and
• A timeline for the annual process

Anyone can apply for neighborhood traffic calming, including residents, property owners, business owners, and neighborhood or business organizations. To have a traffic calming request considered for installation in 2023, you need to submit an application by November 1, 2022. There are two ways to submit an application:

• Fill out the online traffic calming application. 
• Fill out and print the Traffic Calming Application, and send it by email or US Mail.

You can call 311 if you need any help filling out the application or email traffic.calming@minneapolismn.gov with any questions.

Note that we anticipate many more requests than the City will be able to fund in 2023, but this process will help us fairly and effectively use the funding we do have available to make streets safer. We plan to continue the process each year so we can address more and more requests over time.

Additional information is available on the City's traffic calming webpage.

Construction Begins on New Graco Park Along Northeast Minneapolis Riverfront

A view of a gravel beach across from Hall's Island and an open field that will become Graco Park. Taken from the Plymouth Avenue Bridge in October 2019.

Mississippi East Bank Trail will be temporarily rerouted along Sibley Street NE and the former 10th Avenue NE while site is graded and prepared for park construction next year

Construction just began on Graco Park, a new Northeast Minneapolis riverfront park across from Hall's Island, just north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge!

The first phase of work to build the new park involves building a flood barrier and grading the site to prepare it for park construction next year. Some of the soil used for this work will be repurposed from the Upper Harbor Terminal site, where another new riverfront park is under construction in North Minneapolis.

Mississippi East Bank Trail will be rerouted along Sibley Street NE and the former 10th Avenue NE through at least the end of the year. Please stay away from areas under construction. Trail users and truck and vehicle drivers are advised to slow down and look out for each other while the trail reroute is in place.

An agreement that allows part of the trail to be temporarily rerouted on Graco Inc. property, located next to the future Graco Park, was approved on Sept. 7, 2022. In 2018, Graco Inc., a leading manufacturer of fluid handling equipment, and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) reached a series of agreements that will result in this new park. Read the “2018 Agreements” section below for details.

Graco Park Details

Graco Park is expected to open in 2024. When it’s complete, it will feature:

• A multiuse building with public restrooms, community space and a Spark’d Studios location
• Native habitat restoration and stormwater management features
• The Mississippi East Bank Trail realigned through the park, with safety upgrades at the intersection of Plymouth/8th Avenue NE and Sibley Street NE
• Gathering spaces, walkways and river access

Graco Park Final Concept

Future phases could include additional park elements as funding becomes available:

• Picnic shelters
• Watercraft rental
• Additional park or future vendor building
• A trail under the Plymouth Avenue Bridge that connects to Boom Island Park
• Hall’s Island river overlook

2018 Agreements

On Oct. 17, 2018, the MPRB and Graco Inc. reached several agreements on the development of a riverfront park adjacent to Hall’s Island in northeast Minneapolis.

Included in the agreements:

• The Graco Foundation donated more than $3 million to the MPRB to fund a new park named “Graco Park.”
• Graco gave an easement for the Mississippi East Bank Trail to the MPRB for free and the parties ended legal proceedings related to the easement.
• The MPRB sold 2.2 acres located next to Graco’s Riverside production facility to Graco at a fair market value of $1.1 million.
  • This land is part of a 3.55-acre section of the 11-acre site, dubbed “Parcel D,” which was purchased by the MPRB without state regional park funding.
  • When the site was acquired in 2010, the MPRB, City of Minneapolis and Metropolitan Council all agreed that Parcel D would not become parkland and planned to instead use Parcel D for a public-private partnership of some kind.
• Graco funded flood protection constructed on Parcel D and prepaid park dedication fees for Parcel D.

The contributions from Graco will allow the new riverfront park to be constructed much earlier than it could have through traditional park funding mechanisms.

Minneapolis’ Iconic IDS Center to Host 50th Anniversary Ceremony on September 22

Event to feature remarks from community officials and performances from local music groups, special giveaways and more

IDS Center, the iconic centerpiece of downtown Minneapolis, today announced that, in partnership with mpls downtown council (mdc), it is hosting a special ceremony on Thursday, September 22, in celebration of the IDS Center’s 50th anniversary.

IDS Center and mdc invite the Minneapolis community to partake in the ceremony and enjoy the thoughtfully crafted schedule of events in celebration of the property’s golden anniversary. The event will take place in the Crystal Court, Minneapolis’ central gathering place, from noon – 2:00 p.m., and will feature:  

• Remarks from Mayor Jacob Frey, Council Member Lisa Goodman and IDS Center General Manager Deb Kolar on the building’s significance and the important role it plays in the Minneapolis community and defining the city’s skyline.

• Performances by Nunnabove, Sounds of Blackness and legendary graffiti artist Alex Smith.

• Giveaways from some of the building’s popular dining concepts, including noa, which is creating a signature mocktail, and Cardigan Donuts, which is designing a donut cake.

Over the last 50 years, the IDS Center has played host to many high-profile events, including the 2021 NCAA Men’s Final Four, where ESPN’s Dick Vitale and Digger Phelps broadcasted live from the Crystal Court; the 2008 Republican National Convention, where the property served as the official VIP media hub for local and national media networks; and the 1992 and 2018 Super Bowl kickoffs, where national broadcast networks conducted interviews in the lead-up to the game. What’s more, the property has served as a filming site for several blockbuster television shows and movies, such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Mighty Ducks, Purple Rain, Young Adult, Joe Somebody and Fooling Around.

“I have been with this property for 30 years now, and I haven’t gone a single day without someone from the community telling me how much the IDS Center means to them,” said Kolar. “It is truly an honor to represent this building and all that it signifies, and we are excited to pay homage to the history of the IDS Center with our event on September 22. We greatly look forward to celebrating with many familiar faces and welcoming back those men and women who played critical roles in bringing this property to life.” 

IDS Center is owned by Accesso, a fully integrated investment manager and operator of multi-tenant office buildings and multifamily properties.