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.
Submitted by Ric Rosow
On Christmas evening the roof of U.S. Bank Stadium flowed like a river with large bands of red, blue and green. I edited the image twice, once for a realistic look and a second time with a fun "starlight" filter. Christmas comes but once a year, but a photo allows you to enjoy the scenes of Christmas celebration year round.
See more of my work @ricrosowphotography, @treslechesartgallery @nemaa.
EaTo, 305 Washington Avenue S, is hosting a Pre-New Year's Eve Party for family and friends on Friday, December 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. It's a great way for parents to share a portion of New Year's with their kids before heading out for their adults-only party.
Make two different kinds of noisemakers, join indoor snowball throwing games, toast with non alcoholic fizzy drinks and top-your-own hot chocolate with both familiar and novel toppings. There will also be passed appetizers (just like at a fancy cocktail party) and EaTo's full drink and food menu will be available for purchase.
Stop by and join your downtown neighbors to celebrate a new year! Contact nancywmoroe@gmail.com for more information.
Via a December 21 e-announcement the MSP Film Society:
MSP FILM SOCIETY CELEBRATES OUR 60th YEAR IN 2022 BY EXPANDING OUR YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING TO ALL FIVE SCREENS OF ST. ANTHONY MAIN!
MSP Film Society is thrilled to share the news that we will be taking over operations at the St. Anthony Main Theatre and programming all five screens beginning in 2022! Regular screenings will continue through the holidays. Then, on January 3, 2022, the doors close as work begins on refreshing and relaunching the theater as MSP Film at The Main —just in time for the 2022 MSP International Film Festival, slated for March 31 – April 14, 2022.
For the past 60 years, the MSP Film Society has been the regional go-to for international and independent cinema. From our humble but groundbreaking beginnings in 1962 as the U Film Society, armed with the mission of bringing Arthouse film and New Wave masters to the Twin Cities, MSP Film Society has grown into the Upper Midwest’s leading nonprofit exhibitor of bold and exciting films by established and emerging filmmakers from around the globe and here at home. Now, we are poised to expand those offerings.
“For so long, we have dreamed of becoming even more of a cultural magnet by creating a year-round community cinema space where we can experience the expansive, inspiring, and entertaining world of international and independent film together,” said Susan Smoluchowski, Executive Director of MSP Film Society. “We are eager to launch MSP Film at The Main and to invite our film loving and filmmaking community to join us as we continue to provide a unique window on the world for the next 60 years.”
MSP Film Society looks forward to bringing more of the bounty of MSPIFF’s inclusive, extensive, and groundbreaking programming to the Twin Cities and expanding our year-round programs, including hosting more insightful guests and inspiring filmmakers. Operating all five screens also allows us to expand our MN-Made program, providing opportunities for our homegrown talent to screen their films for local audiences, and for our community partners to share the theater for special screenings and events.
“Connecting independent storytellers with audiences is what we’re all about, and this exciting new venture will create untold opportunities for that cinematic intersection to grow,” said Jesse Bishop, MSP Film Society’s Program Director. “Daily programming on all five screens at The Main is a big step forward for us, and we are excited to begin crafting a destination where you are certain to be surprised, entertained, comforted, informed, seen and heard, through the movies.”
In 2008, MSP Film Society expanded the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) by moving to the St. Anthony Main Theatre, which proved to be the perfect venue for our festival headquarters. It allowed us to program on all five screens for the run of MSPIFF and create a true festival experience, where audiences could easily go from one screening to the next and mingle with other film lovers and filmmakers in between. In 2010, we began year-round programming in SAM’s Theatre 3, with the intent that one day we might take over operations of the entire theater and carry over the experience of MSPIFF into year-round programming on all five screens.
“As the longtime owner of the Stone Arch Cinema (aka St. Anthony Main Theatre), I look forward to working with the MSP Film Society to create the neighborhood theater we have always wanted here at St. Anthony Main,” said John Rimarcik. “There couldn’t be a better entity to make this happen than the Film Society.”
MSP Film Society has been making plans to refresh the entire theater complex for an upgraded experience, from the moment you approach our building along the Mississippi riverfront, to moving through the ticketing and concessions stand in the lobby, to the screenings rooms themselves.
Changes will include:
● Renaming and rebranding the St. Anthony Main theater as: MSP Film at The Main.
● A rich and varied mix of film programming on all 5 screens all year long.
● New theater marquee incorporating the current historic lightbulb sign: The Main.
● Updated and modernized theater - to be completed in phases.
● Upgraded projection equipment and closed caption options in each screening room.
● New concession selections –but we are sticking with the famed “best popcorn in the Twin Cities!”
● Expansion of our community programming partnerships.
● New screening opportunities for Minnesota filmmakers and MN-Made films.
● Year-round film festivals, including MSPIFF and CINE LATINO, on all 5 screens.
● Expanding our COVID-19 policies to the entire MSP Film at The Main building.
As we transition into this exciting new cinematic era, MSP Film encourages the entire film loving community to help ensure a vibrant future for cinematic arts in Minnesota by donating, becoming members, or renewing memberships. These will become all the more valuable in 2022!
The MSP Film Society is a dynamic 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to fostering a knowledgeable and vibrant appreciation of the art of film and its power to inform and transform individuals and communities. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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Via a December 15 e-announcement from the Mill City Farmers Market:
Coffee Toast to Singing Hills Farm
Saturday, December 18, is Singing Hills’ last day at our market until the business is sold and someone else picks up the hard work of Lynne, Nancy and everyone who built Singing Hills Goat Dairy.
To celebrate the contributions Singing Hills has made to our market for the past 12 years and Lynne and Nancy’s retirement from markets, we will be hosting a coffee, bread and cheese hour at the market on Saturday morning. Find us outside the front doors of the Mill City Museum at 10 a.m to thank, send love, say goodbye and stock up on cheese with Lynne and Nancy.
Singing Hills is working with Renewing the Countryside and American Farmland Trust to facilitate the farm’s transition to an emerging farmer. For more information and to support this work, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2p9xx8ty.
Via a December 14 e-announcement from Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:
A view of Hall's Island, Plymouth Avenue Bridge and East Bank Trail running through the future Graco Park. Image courtesy of Mississippi Watershed Management Organization.
Let MPRB know what you think about refined concept for new Northeast riverfront park!
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is developing a new park along the Northeast Minneapolis riverfront called Graco Park! Last summer MPRB staff collected initial feedback from the community and researched opportunities and constraints at the site, which is located just north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge with a gravel beach and Mississippi East Bank Trail running through it.
In the fall, three distinct design concepts for Graco Park were published for public feedback. After considering that feedback, a new single, preferred concept debuted today. Use the link below to learn more about Graco Park, including:
The online survey will be open through Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. Feedback on the preferred concept will be used to refine the concept further, then there will be a public hearing on the final concept, which will be subject to approval by Park Commissioners. Visit the Graco Park project page and sign up for email updates to stay informed as the process continues.
Illustration of the Graco Park entrance from Sibley St NE and Plymouth/8th Ave NE
Graco Park Concept
The preferred Graco Park concept features:
A phased construction approach is planned for Graco Park. Work is tentatively planned to start in 2022, with the park opening in 2024. Future phases would include additional park elements as funding becomes available:
Please visit the Graco Park concept page for more information and take a short survey to weigh in on the plan. The survey is open through Friday, Jan. 21, 2022.
A bird's eye view of the concept plan for Graco Park. Click or tap the image to open a larger file in an internet browser.
Get Involved
In addition to the online survey, there's a virtual community open house on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, 4:30-6 pm on Zoom. Use the link below to join the event online, where you can view an in-depth presentation of the concept, ask project staff questions and give feedback.
Meeting ID: 837 1774 1549
You can also invite MPRB staff to present the Graco Park concept to your group or organization in December 2021 or January 2022! Please email cchristensen@minneapolisparks.org for more information.
To learn more about this project and others, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/planning.
Submitted by Ric Rosow
I was editing a sunrise photo of the cityscape and had to redo it several times. In the process I came up with the idea of flipping and mirroring the photo. This involved some thought and lots of trial and error. The image could be, but is not, a statement on the current state of the city, state and nation. Or it could be, and maybe is, a science fiction depiction of an alternative world. I had no "artistic statement" in mind while creating this. I was simply exploring what I could do with my art and having fun doing it.
See more of my work @ricrosowphotography @treslechesartgallery @nemaa.
Submitted by Ric Rosow
The moon made a repeat appearance to set over the top of the Campbell Mithun Tower early on the morning of December 12th. After seeing it over the US Bank Stadium during the evening, I projected that its trajectory would take it low over the Tower around 12:30 A.M. It did just that.
Via a recent Press Release:
The 33rd annual Free Rides program is part of the company’s mission to help individuals celebrate the new year responsibly
This holiday season, Molson Coors is spreading more than holiday cheer – it is also spreading awareness for making safe, responsible choices when celebrating by offering free rides on New Year’s Eve through its 2021 Miller Lite Free Rides program. Miller Lite will offer free rides in Minneapolis-St. Paul on the Metro Transit beginning at 6 p.m. The Lightrail will be free until 11:30 p.m. on December 31 and bus lines will be free until 3 a.m. on January 1.
Since its inception, Metro Transit has provided over 1.5 million safe rides to the Minneapolis-St. Paul community through the Free Rides program. Free Rides began in Minneapolis-St. Paul in 1997 with its St. Patrick’s Day program, which has since provided over 1.2 million rides. Its New Year’s Eve program began in 2011, providing on average 34,000 free rides per year.
“We are proud to offer safe and convenient rides every day of the year, and especially on New Year’s Eve when we know people appreciate having more options to travel responsibly,” Metro Transit General Manager Wes Kooistra said. “This continued partnership is part of our commitment to enhancing public safety for our riders and the communities we serve.”
In partnership with local mass transit, the Free Rides program has provided free access to the bus, rail or train systems in key markets across the country for more than three decades to encourage celebrating responsibly. Since the beginning of the program, over eight million people have gotten home safely because of Free Rides. This year, the program will serve six different metro areas across the country, including Denver, Milwaukee, Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Phoenix.
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of an organization that is so committed to the communities it serves. At Molson Coors, we want the places where we work to be even better places to live and that includes ensuring safety in those communities,” said Tami Garrison, Community Affairs Director, Molson Coors. “Our Free Rides program is just one of many ways Molson Coors helps others celebrate responsibly. People can ring in 2022 knowing they have a transportation alternative on New Year’s Eve.”
Along with the Free Rides program, the company offers other opportunities throughout the year to prevent drunk driving, all which align with the company’s commitment to implement initiatives to prevent alcohol-related incidents. Riders can make their plans for a safe ride home by reviewing routes on the local public transit website at https://www.metrotransit.org/.
Via a December e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:
Minneapolis Public Works wants your input on a new process we are proposing to address traffic safety concerns and traffic calming requests on neighborhood streets. The process provides a way for community members to request traffic calming and for Public Works to review those requests fairly, transparently, and equitably.
The proposed process for neighborhood traffic calming seeks to provide a process that:
An overview of the new neighborhood traffic calming process is available here.
You can find additional details about the proposal here, including the link for sharing comments. We are accepting comments on the draft through December 31.
After reviewing feedback, Public Works will finalize the process early in 2022. We will share final details on how you can request traffic calming in the spring.
Experience the Twin Cities is now offering its unique holiday gift option of locally-curated gift boxes delivered locally by Santa Claus via the colorful Experience the Twin Cities bus. This year the company is offering a selection of five gift boxes, with options for any age and relationship. Santa Claus will deliver the gift box within a 20-mile radius of the Twin Cities.
The gift boxes are curated with goods from local businesses, including The Cookie Store, North Mallow, Annie B.’s Candy, NorthMade Co., We Are Nuts, and more. The children box, Armful of Hugs, comes with a Minnesota activity book, vinyl sticker, Santa cookie, and hot cocoa bomb. The MinneSNOWta box offers to warm hearts with a knit hat from Northern Print Co., chocolates from Abdallah Candies, mittens, a hot cocoa kit, and more. Other gift box options include the Sota Vibes gift box and two sizes of the deluxe Season of Joy gift box. Prices range from $40 to $99, with local Santa delivery included for free. Nationwide shipping and customized corporate orders are also available.
Experience the Twin Cities has been in business for ten years and is typically known for its guided specialty tours to local breweries, wineries, restaurants, and more. When tours were cancelled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the company developed the gift box offerings as a special way for Minnesotans to support and enjoy local businesses from home.
“We had so much fun delivering these gift boxes last year, we made it bigger and better this year with more local brands involved and more gift box options,” said Rebecca Pfeiffer, owner of Experience the Twin Cities. “The Santa delivery really gives it a special touch. It’s quite a scene when we pull into a neighborhood with our colorful bus and Santa Claus at the wheel. It has also appealed to businesses who are trying to stay connected to their work-from-home employees. We’re happy to be part of that connection and deliver a fantastic gift box with Minnesota goodies in the process.”
Experience the Twin Cities gift box offerings are available through their website. The company is also offering a variety of festive tours through the holiday season. Follow them on Facebook.
Photo credit Hewing Hotel
With spectacular views of the Minneapolis skyline, the Hewing Hotel's rooftop spa pool is the largest commercial sauna in Minneapolis. In true Minnesota winter fashion, the pool is an ideal destination for a polar plunge before warming up in the accompanying sauna.
After a COVID-induced hiatus, the hotel is bringing back weekly Thermaculture Thursdays starting December 9. Experience a guided sauna experience on the Hewing Hotel’s magnificent rooftop terrace, led by veteran guide Ericka Jones. Guests 21 and older are welcomed for a gentle sauna steam meditation with essential oils, followed by rooftop hot pool soak and social. Thermaculture Thursday events are comprised of three rounds of guided sessions, followed by a 20 minute cool-down session. During the cool-down rounds, attendees have the opportunity to use the cold plunge, rehydrate, sample essential oils, and enjoy a spectacular view of the Minneapolis skyline from the pool.
Photo credit Hewing Hotel
Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:
Join the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering (CSE) for three dazzling light shows designed by science and engineering students. The high-tech light show features more than 250,000 LED lights set to music written and recorded by University of Minnesota students.
The 2021 CSE Winter Light Show dates are:
Shows are at 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m. on the Civil Engineering Building Courtyard, 500 Pillsbury Drive SE. Each show will last about 20 minutes. All events are free and open to the public. No tickets or reservations required.
Now in its 10th year, the show has become a campus winter tradition. Lights will surround the semi-circular Civil Engineering Courtyard and will be synchronized to music for a 360-degree sensory outdoor experience. Features include a giant 22-foot lighted tree, two 8-foot 3D snowman signs, 8-foot lighted arches, a 5-foot-by-12-foot lighted pixelated changeable sign, a 6-foot circular light structure, 10 two-foot lighted snowflakes, and several lighted trees. The students estimate that the show includes more than five miles of lights and extension cords.
The light show is presented by the University of Minnesota Tesla Works student group. The show features the technical and creative skills of University of Minnesota science and engineering students and their ability to have fun on campus—even in the winter.
Via a December 3rd e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:
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. This project is anticipated to be completed summer 2023.
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.
Latest Project News
Chicago Ave
Nicollet Mall
2nd Ave
4th Ave
Portland Ave
Mississippi River Portal
What to Expect
Long-term closures/restrictions
Stay Connected
There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. 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
From the December 3rd City of Minneapolis e-news:
Join the teams that keep Minneapolis running, and help spread the word about these opportunities with friends, family and community.
Minneapolis Public Works is hiring and training for several job openings:
Applications are accepted Dec. 6-Jan. 16, 2022.
Read more information online and attend one of several upcoming virtual and in-person information sessions throughout the application period.
Via a November 30 e-announcement from Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) now offers a new scholarship fund designed to help more Minneapolis residents participate in a wide variety of MPRB recreation program.
The new fund, known as the Scholarship FUNd, is a result of the MPRB Board of Commissioners and Superintendent Al Bangoura’s commitment to investment in youth. The Scholarship FUNd will work together with the existing Recreation Fee Waiver program, which is part of the MPRB’s Recreation Fee Assistance Program.
“We have never turned a child away from our recreation centers because of an inability to pay fees,” said MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura. “This new fund simply adds another avenue for more Minneapolis residents to participate in our recreation programs and other activities.”
The Scholarship FUNd is available to Minneapolis residents 17 and under and 55 + with financial limitations. The process for applying and income eligibility are the same for the FUNd and the MPRB Fee Waiver program and include completing an application and providing additional documentation, including proof of residence.
Fee waivers are for the instructional portion of fees only and not for supplies, extra fees, or admission costs for field trips. The Scholarship FUNd covers all costs up to $300 per person, minus a $5 participation fee per activity. A Scholarship FUNd application must be completed every year. Scholarships FUNDs may be used for recreational programs and activities, lessons, youth sports, environmental and naturalist programs, and 9-hole golf.
In addition to being included in the MPRB 2021/22 budget, the Scholarship FUNd is also funded through individual donations. When anyone registers for a program, they are given an opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation in any amount directly to the Scholarship FUNd. Individuals can also make a tax-deductible donation directly to the Scholarship FUNd at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/volunteer_and_give/
Additional information about the Scholarship FUNd, including guidelines on how to apply – and applications in English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali - are available at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/recreation_fee_assistance/.
Via a November 30 e-announcement:
Public Inline Skating and Indoor Running Activities To Be Offered This December and January at U.S. Bank Stadium
Winter Warm-Up, a recreational program featuring inline skating and indoor running, returns to U.S. Bank Stadium this December. Thirteen Winter Warm-Up sessions will be offered this season beginning on Tuesday, December 14 and ending on Thursday, January 27. Winter Warm-Up is open to all ages and will take place on the stadium’s main and upper concourses from 5 – 9 pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights, with the exception of Thursday, December 23.
“We welcome the community back to U.S. Bank Stadium this December for the return of Winter Warm-Up,” says Michael Vekich, Chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority. “We look forward to hosting affordable and accessible recreational activities for the public each year, including the beloved tradition of inline skating and indoor running at U.S. Bank Stadium.”
Tickets for U.S. Bank Stadium’s Winter Warm-Up will go on sale Tuesday, December 7 at 10 am and will be available online only at www.ticketmaster.com. Individual sessions are available for $12 per person. Inline skaters and indoor runners will be required to sign a waiver prior to participating in these events at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Inline skating is offered this year on the stadium’s main concourse. Open skating is offered from 5 – 8 pm with speed skating from 8 – 9 pm. Skaters will need to bring their own equipment to participate as skate rental will not be available. Skaters are required to bring their own safety gear, including helmets.
Indoor running is offered this year on the stadium’s upper concourse. Proper footwear is required for all participants. No strollers are allowed while running or while on the running course.
Updated information for U.S. Bank Stadium’s Winter Warm-up will be posted at www.usbankstadium.com.
Newly Remodeled LUSH Lounge & Theater Reopens With Betty & Earl’s In The Kitchen
After an extended closure, LUSH Lounge & Theater is set to reopen under new ownership before the end of the year. In addition to the ownership changes, the kitchen is getting a new tenant as well with Betty & Earl’s taking over kitchen operations creating a fun and casual bar menu.
New decorThe ownership team includes Andrew Rausch and Jared Lawrence. Rausch brings twenty years in the hospitality industry and twelve years performing as Crystal Belle. Lawrence owns and manages multiple businesses and has performed on stage for the last thirteen years as Nikki Vixxen. The pair will oversee operations and programming of all entertainment.
"I am so excited to see the revival of this bar that has changed lives and brought so many together. To be able to open our doors and welcome a community to experience top-notch entertainment in a truly premier space is a dream come true,” said Rausch. “As a previous employee, I am thrilled to share the growth of LUSH! We have been working hard to create a new atmosphere filled with new and exciting experiences for everyone and I can't wait to share it with the Twin Cities!"
“As an entrepreneur where my businesses focus on the guest experience, I am excited to bring that perspective to the leadership team,” said Lawrence. “I look forward to welcoming guests into our warmer and inviting space filled with vibrant colors, artistic details and textures, paired with great food and drink.”
Rausch and Lawrence have partnered with Jason Matheson of FOX 9 and myTalk 107.1 and Betty and Earl’s co-owner, Jennifer Lueck, to purchase LUSH and the 11,000 square-foot building located on Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis for $2.6 million.
Jason Matheson
“This project combines so many dreams of mine that I’m overwhelmed with gratitude,” said Matheson. “Not only do I own a restaurant centered around my papaw’s name and biscuits, but having that restaurant inside of a venue that I’m a co-owner of is beyond exciting. As a member of the LGBTQ community, I’m thrilled to work with great people like Andrew and Jared to create a space that not only reflects our community but invites everyone to a space where all are welcome.”
The menu at LUSH will, of course, feature Betty & Earl’s signature biscuits in a variety of sandwiches and sweets alongside other offerings.
“I’m so excited for the next phase for Betty & Earl’s,” said Lueck. “The new menu will go beyond biscuits for an entirely new experience for not only Betty & Earl’s, but LUSH as well. As a resident of Northeast for the last eighteen years, I’m excited for the opportunity to work and invest in my own community.”
LUSH Lounge & Theater is located at 990 Central Avenue NE and will be open Wednesday-Sunday. To view a full calendar of entertainment, see menus and more, visit lushmpls.com and follow them on social media @lushmpls.
Thank you to Cynthia Froid Group for continuing their annual Holiday Toy Drive to spread holiday cheer to children and families supported by People Serving People’s shelter.
There are two ways to participate:
Thank you to everyone for your generous spirits!
Mill City Times | 35W Bridge Memorial | Mill District Block Party | Mill City Media
Sunday, December 26, 2021 at 11:32AM
