Vandals Deface Mill Ruins Park

I've been traveling lately, so not sure when this occurred.  I hope the person(s) who did this are eventually caught.

Vikings Stadium Construction - Week 23

Progress continues...

We're attempting to publish a photo with this same view each week from the start of construction through the first game played at the new Minnesota Vikings Stadium in Downtown Minneapolis.

Northeast Riverfront Liquor Store Project Moves Forward

The Minneapolis Planning Commission approved a controversial project by Krause Liquor to build a liquor store on Broadway Ave. near the Minneapolis Riverfront on Wednesday, April 23.  Despite a 9-1 vote against the project by the St. Anthony West Neighborhood Organization, and overwhelming opposition from local residents, the Planning Commission voted unanimously in favor of the project.  The project needs additional approvals, including the Council of the Whole, before breaking ground.

From the City of Minneapolis website:

2.  Krause Liquor Store (BZZ-6425, Ward: 3), 80 Broadway St NE (Janelle Widmeier). This item was continued from the March 3 and March 24, 2014 meetings.

Staff report

A. Conditional Use Permit: Application by DJR Architecture, on behalf of Steve Krause, for a conditional use permit to allow a liquor store located at 80 Broadway St NE.

Recommended Motion: The Department of Community Planning and Economic Development recommends that the City Planning Commission adopt the findings and approve the application for a conditional use permit to allow a liquor store for the property located at 80 Broadway St NE, subject to the following condition:

1. The conditional use permit shall be recorded with Hennepin County as required by Minn. Stat. 462.3595, subd. 4 before building permits may be issued or before the use or activity requiring a conditional use permit may commence. Unless extended by the zoning administrator, the conditional use permit shall expire if it is not recorded within two years of approval.

B. Site Plan Review: Application by DJR Architecture, on behalf of Steve Krause, for a site plan review to allow a new 1-story, approximately 7,700 square foot building located at 80 Broadway St NE.

Recommended Motion: The Department of Community Planning and Economic Development recommends that the City Planning Commission adopt the findings and approve the site plan review application to allow a new 1-story, approximately 7,500 square foot building for the property located at 80 Broadway St NE, subject to the following conditions:

1. Not less than 30 percent of the Broadway St NE building elevation shall be windows that comply with the standards of section 530.120(b) of the zoning code.
2. Not less than 25 percent of the parking lot building elevation shall be windows that comply with the standards of section 530.120(b) of the zoning code.
3. At least 4 boulevard trees shall be planted in the Broadway St right-of-way, at least 2 boulevard trees shall be planted in the Marshall St right-of-way, and at least 3 boulevard trees shall be planted in the 11^th Ave right-of-way.
4. Not less than 6 canopy trees shall be provided in the required landscaped yards between the parking area and Marshall St and 11^th Ave as required by section 530.170 of the zoning code.
5. Department of Community Planning and Economic Development staff review and approval of the final building elevations, floor, fixture, site, lighting and landscape plans.
6. Site improvements required by Chapter 530 or by the City Planning Commission shall be completed by April 23, 2016, unless extended by the Zoning Administrator, or the permit may be revoked for non-compliance. 

Vikings Stadium Construction - Week 22

Foundation starting to take shape...

We're attempting to publish a photo with this same view each week from the start of construction through the first game played at the new Minnesota Vikings Stadium in Downtown Minneapolis.

Ward 3 Update from Council Member Jacob Frey

Spotlight on Minneapolis growth As you walk around Third Ward neighborhoods you see it everywhere - development projects that will increase residential density and spur economic growth for Minneapolis. To keep you updated, we’ll be highlighting key projects in Third Ward News emails. In this issue, we’re kicking it off with two: Downtown East Block 1 and the Pillsbury A-Mill. To give you an inside look, our office is partnering with Third Ward photographer Sara Rubinstein who will be creating a “photo essay” of our tours. Downtown East Block 1 (728 South 4th Street): This project refers to the sale of the “air rights” above the parking ramp adjacent to the new Vikings Stadium. I had two primary goals for this development: (1) maximizing eyes on The Yard (the two block park adjacent to the new stadium), and (2) securing significant financing for operations and programming of The Yard. This development meets both of these goals. Ryan Companies, the project developer, has proposed a 150-room Radisson Red hotel that would be built under a 200-unit apartment tower. View an animation of the development project. A-Mill (301 Main Street SE): The Pillsbury A-Mill, constructed in 1881, was once the largest and most advanced flour mill in the world. Today, redevelopment of this iconic city landmark is well underway with occupancy expected sometime in 2015. This Dominion built project is one of several in the country designed to build a community around those engaged in a variety of creative pursuits, ranging from dance to visual arts. The 251 unit development will also offer community spaces where residents can create and display their work, a dance studio, and multiple gallery spaces. Recently we had an opportunity to tour the progress of the project and it was the first stop of our photo essay. Plans are also underway to light up the “Pillsbury’s Best Flour” sign. Transforming surface parking lots Walking through downtown we see entire blocks of asphalt and parked cars, which do little to entice pedestrians.  Our Third Ward Team is attacking the issue head on. By enforcing the city’s existing landscape requirements, we can improve surface lots  and give the city’s core a more continuous feel. Chicago instituted a similar strategy approximately ten years ago. Many of the surface lots have been sold for development or green space. Those that remain have been improved so dramatically they are now jokingly referred to as “parking orchards.” Ride sharing ordinance to offer alternative transportation options I have proposed an ordinance change that will allow “peer to peer” ride share companies like Lyft and Uber to operate in Minneapolis. Ride sharing will provide an important addition to the landscape of transportation options in Minneapolis. As more options are available, fewer people are forced to rely on single-occupancy rides. This reduces the number of cars on the road, which in turn reduces traffic and lessens the wear and tear on our streets. Working together, fast food and neighborhoods get big win Recently, we heard from residents in the Sheridan neighborhood regarding a local McDonald's (located at 1100 and 1118 University Ave NE) about concerns of lighting, crime, noise, trash and "look" of the property. Through a collaborative effort with McDonald's and the Sheridan neighborhood, a memorandum of understanding was achieved whereby McDonald's will contribute over $1 million to property improvements and, in the process, become a better neighbor in the Northeast Arts District. Going forward, McDonald's will be making the following improvements: Make the southernmost section of fencing available to the neighborhood association to work with local artists in developing a potential mural or other neighborhood art. Upgrade customer order display system with newest digital sound system and automatic volume control. Deficient portions of the existing fence line will be repaired and upgraded, and landscaping will be added along base of fence. An additional walkway segment will be added from the east corner of the building. Signs will be posted at the drive-thru to advise customers of Minneapolis noise ordinances Removal of all existing site lighting and construction of new LED system. Utilize 911 system to report suspicious or non-compliant activity, noting license plate numbers where appropriate. This is a big win for the community, and is precisely the kind of collaboration we need between residents and businesses. Cell Phone Theft Drives Up Minneapolis Crime Statistics Cell phone theft is a major problem in Minneapolis with alarming trends particularly at the University of Minnesota and in downtown. The Minneapolis Police Department reports that cell phone thefts account for approximately 40% of all thefts in the city.  Typically the thief will steal an unattended phone or snatch it from the users hand and run. People distracted by their phones are often targets. Thieves sometimes follow their victims off the bus or train. Stolen phones are sold on the black market, and have a resale value from $100 to $300. Our local, state and national leaders are working on public awareness campaigns and proposing legislative actions to combat this crime epidemic. One legislative action under consideration authored by State Senator Kari Dziedzic seeks a crackdown on cash-for-phone kiosks. The hope is that this will prevent "apple picking" crimes, in which thieves target iPhones that they can quickly fence for cash. “To combat this issue, partnership between the state and local level is essential," said Senator Dziedzic. "Council Member Frey has stepped forward to give it increased visibility, including coming to the State Capitol to advocate and provide committee testimony in support of our state legislative proposals.”

Vikings Stadium Construction - Week 21

Moving right along...

We're attempting to publish a photo with this same view each week from the start of construction through the first game played at the new Minnesota Vikings Stadium in Downtown Minneapolis.

Vikings Stadium Construction - Week 20

The first walls are going up:

We're attempting to publish a photo with this same view each week from the start of construction through the first game played at the new Minnesota Vikings Stadium in Downtown Minneapolis.

Vikings Stadium Construction - Week 19

The hole continues to grow:

We're attempting to publish a photo with this same view each week from the start of construction through the first game played at the new Minnesota Vikings Stadium in Downtown Minneapolis.

Signs of the Times - Valspar & Pillsbury

Historic signs have been a hot topic at City Hall recently.  Valspar won a zoning variance to allow for preservation of 'ghost signs" uncovered during exterior renovation of their old headquarters building in the Mill District.   The restoration and re-lighting of the Pillsbury Best Flour sign on the Minneapolis Riverfront goes before the Heritage Preservation Commission tomorrow.  Staff reports and pictures below:

Valspar staff report:

https://app.box.com/shared/static/jh60nx0reqoi56jo5m0a.pdf

Valspar plan, with illustrations (large download):

https://app.box.com/shared/static/gfnavw4fkvu0q8wdylnc.pdf

Pillsbury staff report:

https://app.box.com/shared/static/m8odys92o9wcjqdvocaz.pdf

Pillsbury plan, with illustrations (large download):

https://app.box.com/shared/static/yn4bj32fyd1z9gp5yjpt.pdf

Vikings Stadium Construction - Week 18

The hole is getting bigger:

We're attempting to publish a photo with this same view each week from the start of construction through the first game played at the new Minnesota Vikings Stadium in Downtown Minneapolis.

Vikings Stadium Construction - Week 17

The Metrodome is no more:

We're attempting to publish a photo with this same view each week from the start of construction through the first game played at the new Minnesota Vikings Stadium in Downtown Minneapolis.

Flour Power / Saving the City: Remaking the American Metropolis

From the PBS series, this clips features the Minneapolis Riverfront.

Vikings Stadium Construction - Week 16

Not much change this week, spent the week hauling away debris:

We're attempting to publish a photo with this same view each week from the start of construction through the first game played at the new Minnesota Vikings Stadium in Downtown Minneapolis.

Vikings Stadium Construction - Week 15

The Metrodome is almost gone:

We're attempting to publish a photo with this same view each week from the start of construction through the first game played at the new Minnesota Vikings Stadium in Downtown Minneapolis.

Boom! Down Goes the Metrodome (Partially)

Mortenson Construction and its subcontractors successfully demolished the Metrodome’s remaining ring beam, which is part of the building’s roof structure at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday. The ring beam and corners of the Metrodome were brought down with 84 charges of dynamite set in 24 columns of the upper concourse.

Watch the exposion (includes slow motion):

Vikings Stadium Construction - Week 14

The aftermath of the explosive demolition this weekend.  See the video here...

We're attempting to publish a photo with this same view each week from the start of construction through the first game played at the new Minnesota Vikings Stadium in Downtown Minneapolis.

Vikings Stadium Construction - Week 13

You can see right through the Metrodome.

We're attempting to publish a photo with this same view each week from the start of construction through the first game played at the new Minnesota Vikings Stadium in Downtown Minneapolis.

A Great MinnPost Series on the Mississippi

A three part series adapted from a report for the McKnight Foundation’s Food for Thought series by local author Jay Walljasper.

A River Runs Through Us: Why the Mississippi is Crucial To MSP’s Future

The river has the potential to draw business, newcomers and tourists — the way the mountains do for Denver and the seacoast for Sydney.

http://www.minnpost.com/environment/2014/01/river-runs-through-us-why-mississippi-crucial-msp-s-future

Big Plans Being Hatched for Downtown Waterfronts in Minneapolis and St. Paul

Once industrial, today's riverfronts host new parks, luxury housing and office spaces — with all kinds of ideas percolating for the future.

http://www.minnpost.com/environment/2014/01/big-plans-being-hatched-downtown-waterfronts-minneapolis-and-st-paul

The Mississippi’s Importance to MSP Doesn't Stop as It Flows On South

The Upper Mississippi between Dubuque and the Twin Cities qualifies as one of America’s most storied regions.

http://www.minnpost.com/environment/2014/01/mississippi-s-importance-msp-doesnt-stop-it-flows-south

Vikings Stadium Construction - Week 12

Look closely at the 2nd picture and you can see inside to the seating bowl.

We're attempting to publish a photo with this same view each week from the start of construction through the first game played at the new Minnesota Vikings Stadium in Downtown Minneapolis.

Vikings Stadium Construction - Week 11

The 1st of 5 giant cranes is erected, demolition has started.

We're attempting to publish a photo with this same view each week from the start of construction through the first game played at the new Minnesota Vikings Stadium in Downtown Minneapolis.

In case you were wondering what the BOOM was Sunday morning...