January 2022 by the Numbers from Cynthia Froid Group

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

Residents Invited to Join Next Minneapolis Charter Commission Redistricting Meetings on February 9 and 24

Via a recent e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Two upcoming special meetings have been scheduled for the Charter Commission for the purpose of receiving public comment on proposed park district and ward boundary map changes for 2021-2022 redistricting.

February 9, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.

February 24, 2022, at 4:00 p.m.

The agenda for the meeting on February 9, 2022, has been published and is linked below. We'll publish the agenda for the meeting on February 24, 2022, on LIMS and send additional notice when it is published. These meetings will be online (virtual) meetings.

View the Agenda for Feb 9

Notice: Members of the committee may participate remotely by telephone or other electronic means due to the local public health emergency (novel coronavirus pandemic) declared on March 16, 2020, pursuant to the provisions of MN Statutes Section 13D.021.

Watch the meeting on Comcast Channel 14 or 799, City Council TV or City's YouTube channel.

Learn how to participate in the meeting.

See the upcoming Charter Commission calendar and latest Charter Commission agenda items.

Visit the Charter Commission website to learn more about it.

February 2nd E-newsletter from Ward 3 Council Member Michael Rainville

February 2 e-newsletter from Ward 3 Council Member Michael Rainville

Message from Council Member Rainville

Neighbor,

As many of you know, I’m a lifelong resident and active member of our community. I grew up in Ward 3 and have lived in St. Anthony West my whole life. I am excited to work for all of you as your Minneapolis City Council Member. Over the next two years, I expect to have conversations with many of you about the current direction and future of our beloved city. While we have serious challenges ranging from public safety to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, I am confident our community will emerge stronger and our city will be able to rise to the occasion.

For the upcoming term I will be serving on the following council committees:

• Public Health and Safety
• Business, Inspections, Housing and Zoning
• Intergovernmental Relations

I ran on providing excellent constituent service and I remain committed to doing so during my time as your city council member. I want to introduce my two aides, Ryan SanCartier and Henry Jarvinen.

Ryan is in his fifth year at City Hall and is my Senior Policy Aide. Before joining my office, Ryan worked for Council Members Warsame, Osman and Reich. He lives in Northeast and enjoys running by the river and the diverse options for food and drink our community has to offer.

Henry comes from the campaign world. Before joining my office as my Policy Associate he worked on Senator Amy Klobuchar’s 2018 senate campaign, 2020 presidential campaign, and was campaign manager for Council Member Jamal Osman in 2021. He has lived in Minneapolis his whole life.

Friends of the Falls will negotiate the City’s acquisition of federal land near St. Anthony Falls

The City Council has approved having Friends of the Falls serve as the City’s agent in negotiations with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the acquisition of federal land surrounding the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam. The agreement also has the organization paying all costs associated with the transfer of land into municipal ownership, which is anticipated to happen later this year.

“This is an exciting opportunity to celebrate the spectacular environmental birthplace of Minneapolis and to also work with our Native American community,” said Council Member Michael Rainville, whose ward includes St. Anthony Falls. “We need to recognize the importance of this land to the people who’ve been here long before the city was ever founded.”

Minneapolis response to carjackings

• There has been a sharp rise in carjacking crimes across the region. Carjacking crimes are robberies with the loss of a vehicle using a threat of violence, use of force, or use of a weapon as the victim is entering or leaving the vehicle.
• The Minneapolis Police Department is apprehending suspects, investigating cases, and collaborating with the Hennepin County Attorney’s office and the courts to hold offenders accountable. The County has dedicated two prosecutors to specialize in the prosecution of these cases: one for juvenile cases and one for adult cases. The County has also designated an advocate to assist victims of carjackings.
• Review safety tips from the MPD.

$200 Visa gift card registration now open for 5- 11-year-olds getting vaccinated

• The State’s registration form is now open for parents to claim their $200 Visa gift card for vaccinating their 5- to 11-year-old children. Minnesota families whose 5- to 11-year-olds receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in January and February are eligible to receive a $200 gift card.
• Registration for the $200 Visa gift card closes at 11:59 p.m. Feb. 28. Parents and guardians can register their 5- to 11-year-old after completing their two-dose series.
• Children’s vaccine incentive information is available in English, Español (Spanish), Hmoob (Hmong), Soomaali (Somali).
• $100,000 Minnesota college scholarship drawings
  • Later this spring, there will be drawings for five $100,000 Minnesota college scholarship drawings for all kids in Minnesota 5-11 years old who are fully vaccinated. All kids in Minnesota ages 5-11 years old who completed their first and second doses at any point up to the registration deadline will be eligible to enter for a chance to win a $100,000 college scholarship. Details on the drawings will be announced in the coming months.
• How to find a COVID-19 vaccine for children
  • Visit mn.gov/vaxforkids to find clinic locations near you.
  • Check with your pediatrician, family medicine clinic or local pharmacy about appointments.

• Watch for vaccination clinics being offered at schools or other community locations around Minnesota.

Order your free at-home COVID-19 test kits from the federal government

• You can now request free at-home COVID-19 test kits from the federal government at COVIDtests.gov.
  • Each home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are free. Orders will usually ship in seven to 12 days.
  • The tests are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR tests. They can be taken anywhere. They will give results within 30 minutes; no lab drop-off is required.

• Testing is one of the critical tools to protect residents and workers, reduce pressure on hospitals, and help keep schools and businesses open.

• Read the frequently asked questions (FAQs).

City to invest in 797 affordable housing units throughout Minneapolis

• The City Council has approved $15.7 million in direct investment and $1.1 million in 10-year federal tax credits to create or preserve 797 units of decent, safe, affordable rental housing in 10 projects throughout the city. Almost 300 units will be for people with incomes at or less than 30% of area median income with 152 of those units to help people get out of homelessness.
• These City investments are part of the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit programs and will make use of more than $278.8 million in additional private and public resources.
• The Affordable Housing Trust Fund creates new and preserves existing affordable housing for low income renters (with incomes at or below 50% area median income, or $52,450 per year for a family of four). Almost 75% of such renters pay more than 30% of their income for housing because of the affordable housing shortage in the city. Black people, Indigenous people and people of color are disproportionately affected by housing instability.
• You can watch the news conference on the City’s YouTube channel.

This week, City Council members and the Mayor launched the #EatLocalMPLS campaign to support our local small businesses restaurants as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. So go out and grab a meal from your favorite place!

Valentine’s Day Gift Boxes from Experience the Twin Cities

Experience the Twin Cities has introduced its 2022 locally curated Valentine’s Day gift boxes full of Minnesota-made goodies. The three gift box options include items from Northern Print Co., Abdallah Candies, North Made Co., Legacy Chocolates, and more. Experience the Twin Cities includes free local delivery via their brightly colored tour bus. The Valentine’s Day gift boxes can be purchased from the Experience the Twin Cities website with prices ranging from $40-$65.

The line-up features three gift box options:

All You Need is Chocolate

‘Sota Cozy

Hot Cocoa Bombs

Experience the Twin Cities will hand deliver gift boxes to recipients within a 20-mile radius of Minneapolis for free on February 10 and 11. Nationwide shipping is also available.

“Our long Minnesota winters make Valentine’s Day the perfect time to do something extra fun, and we love creating and delivering these sweet gift boxes to bring local businesses directly to our customers. It’s a memorable moment when our brightly colored tour bus pulls up, plus our gift recipients get a great gift with some amazing Minnesota treats and products,” said Rebecca Pfeiffer, owner and CEO of Experience the Twin Cities. “We delivered gift boxes over the holidays for people who wanted to surprise friends, family, kids, clients, and coworkers and we can’t wait to do it again for Valentine’s Day.”

Experience the Twin Cities primarily offers a variety of tours to Twin Cities restaurants, breweries, sightseeing spots, and other locations. It’s currently offering a public St. Paul Skyway Food Tour and is hosting private tours for groups of families, friends, and business associates. The company introduced its locally curated gift box concept last year during holidays to help offset the effect of the COVID-19 on its business and to continue to support other local businesses. The Valentine’s Day gift boxes are available to purchase now. Gift boxes can be customized for bulk and corporate orders for a nominal fee.

Save The Date! Earth Day 2022 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup is April 23rd

The Great River Coalition invites you to support pollinator health by participating in the 7th Annual Earth Week 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup! The route originates at Boom Island Park and runs through the only National Park offering scenic views of the Mississippi River! The event will be on Earth Day, April 23, 2022. Get creative with pollinator costumes! Each paid participant receives a t-shirt, a Mill City Running discount and a chance to win big prizes.

Register online at: https://register.chronotrack.com/r/64012

Check website: www.greatrivercoalition.com/2022-beerunwalkcleanup

The Falls Initiative Community Conversations

Friends of the Falls and the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI) are partnering with the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to consider the future of the Upper Lock at Owámniyomni (meaning “turbulent waters” in the Dakota language), St. Anthony Falls. The lock closed to commercial navigation in 2015 and now presents an opportunity to not only restore public access to the river, but to create a place of healing and celebration that acknowledges the past and advances a more equitable and inclusive future.

Attend an upcoming Community Conversation to connect with Native leaders, the design team, and neighbors and discuss topics like restoration, programming, connectivity, and economic opportunity.

The first session will be held virtually on February 15 from 5-7pm. Robert Lilligren, Carrie Day Aspinwall and Karen Diver will be joined by Native Partnership Council members Jewell Arcoren, Juanita Espinosa and Wakinyan LaPointe to discuss how we can approach this project from an Indigenous perspective.

We invite all in our Minneapolis community to join the conversation and shape the future of the Falls.

About the panelists:

● Robert Lilligren is President and CEO of NACDI, an appointed member of the Metropolitan Council and Vice Chair of the Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors (MUID). He is enrolled in the White Earth Ojibwe Nation.

● Carrie Day Aspinwall, CDA Enterprises, facilitates meetings of the Native Partnership Council. Previously Carrie engaged residents, stakeholders and institutions across Minneapolis’ seventy-one neighborhoods in her role with the Neighborhood and Community Relations Department. Carrie is an enrolled citizen of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe/Minnesota Chippewa Tribe.

● Karen Diver is currently serving as the Senior Advisor to the President for Native American Affairs at the University of Minnesota after previous roles at the University of Arizona and the College of St. Scholastica. Karen was also an appointee of President Obama as the Special Assistant to the President for Native American Affairs, and she served as Chairwoman of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa from 2007-2015.

● Jewell Arcoren is a ‘change agent’ and community activist. She is currently serving as Executive Director for Wicoie Nandagikendan and is committed to Dakota and Ojibwe language revitalization at the early childhood level. Jewell is an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Nation.

● Juanita G. Corbine Espinosa is an enrolled member of the Spirit Lake Nation in North Dakota with blood lines that connect to the Ojibwe of Lac Courte Oreilles in Wisconsin and Turtle Mountain Ojibwe in North Dakota. Juanita is a dedicated community organizer, currently working at the University of Minnesota-Department of Medicine Northern Range Satellite Center. She coordinates with 10 institutions across the US focused on American Indian research.

● Wakinyan Skye LaPointe is Sicangu Lakota, an Indigenous Human Rights advocate, and Co-Convener of the Mni Ki Wakan: Indigenous Water Decade. He centers Lakota knowledge, language, and ways of life in his work across human rights, working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and youth.

The Falls Initiative: Community Conversations:

February 15 – A Story Disrupted: Indigenous Perspectives

March 16 – Relationships with the River: Water is Life

April 12 – Restoring a Story Disrupted: What Can This Place Become?

May 21 – Building Connections

June 15 – A Powerful Place for Partnerships

Register to attend the February 15 event here:

https://avforyou.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYoceyvrD4sH9OXCDt_07Wd_mOPEUEAyaV0

And learn more about future Community Conversations at thefalls.org 

City to Invest in 797 Affordable Housing Units Throughout Minneapolis

Excerpt the January 28 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

The City Council has approved $15.7 million in direct investment and $1.1 million in 10-year federal tax credits to create or preserve 797 units of decent, safe, affordable rental housing in 10 projects throughout the city. Almost 300 units will be for people with incomes at or less than 30% of area median income with 152 of those units to help people get out of homelessness. These City investments are part of the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit programs and will make use of more than $278.8 million in additional private and public resources. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund creates new and preserves existing affordable housing for low income renters (with incomes at or below 50% area median income, or $52,450 per year for a family of four). Almost 75% of such renters pay more than 30% of their income for housing because of the affordable housing shortage in the city. Black people, Indigenous people and people of color are disproportionately affected by housing instability. Watch City leaders discuss the investments at a news conference Jan. 27.  Learn more.

Live Performances Set to Return to LUSH Lounge & Theater January 29

Drag Shows And Other Entertainment Return To The Theater Beginning January 29

After reopening on December 29, live performances are set to return to LUSH Lounge & Theater beginning Saturday, January 29, 2022. The new schedule includes A Brunch of Drag, an all ages drag brunch every Saturday and Sunday, and Mirage, a premier drag show on Saturday nights.

“We’ve been hard at work getting the Marquis Theater ready and are so excited to introduce our new cast to the Twin Cities,” said Andrew Rausch, Co-Owner of LUSH Lounge & Theater. “We had an overwhelming turnout for auditions and this new cast is sure to entertain.”

Named after legendary local drag performer Roxy Marquis, the Marquis Theater seats 100 people for each performance. A Brunch of Drag is a 90-minute interactive show for all ages happening every Saturday and Sunday. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. with brunch from Betty & Earl’s served at 10:30 a.m. and the show starting at 11:00 a.m. Additional 21+ brunch shows are scheduled to be added in February.

“It is important to us that everyone is able to experience the culture of drag,” said Jared Lawrence, Co-Owner of LUSH Lounge & Theater. “A Brunch of Drag is an all-ages, family-friendly show where all are welcome to have fun and enjoy the art of drag.”

Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich

Betty & Earl’s is also serving brunch every Saturday and Sunday in the dining area from 10am-4pm. The menu includes brunch staples including the biscuit breakfast sandwich, biscuits & gravy, breakfast burger, breakfast poutine, baked French toast, blueberry lemon biscuit shortcake, smothered breakfast burrito, and more.

Those looking for a night out with friends can reserve tickets for Mirage. An immersive show with a variety of performers, Mirage, features the in-house cast alongside premier guest entertainment from around the country. Enjoy a full show with everything from celebrity impersonations, live singers, sultry burlesque acts, and top tier drag entertainment. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. and the show begins at 10:00 p.m.

In addition to the usual drag brunch performances, special Valentine’s themed drag brunches are scheduled for February 12-13. The Marquis Theater also hosts a variety of other entertainment as well. On Fridays, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. guests can attend RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing parties. Drag Bingo returns to the theater on Sundays from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. beginning February 6 with proceeds benefitting The Aliveness Project. A variety of exclusive shows and performances are also scheduled including Radiance, a starlit belly dancing showcase on February 12 and Mix Queen: A Relationship Mixtape features renowned drag performer Tina Burner in her new show.

To view a full calendar of entertainment and to purchase tickets, visit lushmpls.com and follow them on social media @lushmpls.

February Updates from the Northrup King Building

Via a January 25 e-newsletter:

We've got date night covered! With fun events, new and inspiring gallery exhibitions, and hundreds of artists inviting you in for a peek at some of their latest works, we're feeling the love and staying warm and toasty at the Northrup King Building! Plenty of Free Parking, Passenger Elevator, and Comfortable Spaces.

SweetArt Salon Presents: Close to Home

The Northrup King Artist Community invites you to our SweetArt Salon this February, for a group exhibition featuring works that showcase our vision of what it means to draw strength, hope and resilience from our community, close to home. Come to surround yourself with inspiration, participate by adding your own thoughts, recollections and hopes to our interactive floating hearts installation, or find your own work of art to fall in love with this February at the Northrup King Building.  Opening: Feb 3  3rd Floor Gallery | Suite #332 ‍ Gallery Hours: ‍Thursday, Feb 3 | 5-9p (During First Thursday) Saturday, Feb 5 | 12-4p (During Open Studio Saturday) Saturday, Feb 12 | 12-10p (During Northrup King Nights)

First Thursday is on Feb. 3

The First Thursday of the year is a great night to visit the artists and discuss the process and inspiration behind the incredible art, and to find and take home your one of a kind treasure. First Thursday  Thursday | Feb 3 | 5-9pm

Northrup King Nights: Valentine's Edition! is on Feb. 12

A night full of color, inspiration and beauty  - is there a better way to spend an evening with your sweetheart? Snuggle up and stroll arm in arm through our historical (and warm!) building to experience gallery openings, fun Valentine-themed studios, and our SweetArt Salon exhibition in the 3rd Floor Gallery! A visit to this Twin Cities iconic destination is always a fun adventure on a cold winter night!   Northrup King Nights  Saturday | Feb 12 | 6-10pm Photo credit © M. Bellotti Fine Art

Gallery Happenings

Treat Yourself Artist Reception with Anna Stark Presented by A.M.F. Gallery  ───────────── A.M.F. Gallery presents Treat Yourself, an artist reception featuring the latest oil paintings by candy artist Anna Stark. Anna Stark captures everything we loved about the 80s! From nostalgic candies to our favorite lunch boxes, Anna's paintings are as collectable as the treasures she paints.  Her paintings enchant the heart of everyone who sees them. Anna will easily delight your night, as children and adults of all ages find the sugary treats that make them smile. Join us during Northrup King Nights for an opportunity to meet and chat with Anna, and see what she has created for you. Artist Reception: Saturday | Feb 12 │ 5-9pm  Studio 152 | A.M.F. Gallery Image provided by Anna Stark

The Color Series: Part 5, Blue Artist Reception Presented by Kolman & Pryor Gallery ───────────── The color blue, many painters’ favorite for its cool and dramatic yet serene and calming tones, has always been more expensive than other colors. During the Renaissance, true blue (ultramarine) was five times more expensive than gold as its color derived from lapis lazuli. Today, according to the study, The Colors, Emotions, and the Auction Value of Paintings,  abstract paintings in which blue dominates are top sellers. Due to recent supply chain disruptions, blue paint is becoming costly as manufacturers struggle to locate the ingredients necessary to make blue paint.  All of which adds to the mystique of Kolman & Pryor Gallery‘s upcoming exhibition, The Color Series: Part 5, Blue, the fifth show in the gallery’s ongoing Color Series. The exhibition, which features work by gallery artists, Betsy Ruth Byers, Jil Evans, Kelly Jean Ohl, Jodi Reeb, Julie Snidle, and Cameron Zebrun, opens January 8, and runs through March 5, 2022. An artist reception is happening on Saturday, February 12, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. during Northrup King Nights, a Northrup King Building open studio evening.  On Display Through Mar 5 Artist Reception: Saturday | Feb 12 | 7-9pm Gallery Hours: Saturday | 12-4pm First Thursdays | 5pm - 9pm Also available by appointment Studio 395 | Kolman & Pryor Gallery Image Courtesy of Jodi Reeb

Jewelry Showcase Presented by A.M.F. Gallery ───────────── A.M.F. Gallery is featuring new work from seven local jewelers. Try on jewelry in every style at every price - each piece is a one of a kind! For a pop of color, explore our new precious and semi-precious gem work. For basics with a bit of an edge, you'll love metal, wood, encaustic, and ceramic jewelry. Find yourself or someone special the perfect new piece! Available during Open Studio Events, with featured hours during Northrup King Nights, February 12, 5-9pm Studio 152 | A.M.F. Gallery Image courtesy of Everart Designs

White Out Closing Feb 19 Presented by Gallery Equus ───────────── This exhibition celebrates the themes of lightness and joy all through the cold and white of the winter season. On Display Through Feb 19 Open Gallery Hours: Saturdays 12pm - 4pm First Thursdays 5pm - 9pm We are always available by appointment! Studio 222 | Gallery Equus Image Courtesy of Deneena Hughes

Talk to Me Online Exhibition Presented by Ingrid Restemayer ───────────── Ingrid Restemayer returns to Susan Hensel Gallery with a new fiber art series titled Talk to Me. These pieces continue the strong compositions and driving aesthetic focus of the artist’s oeuvre, developing the threads she has woven so far while introducing a new set of idioms. Using hand made paper, printmaking and embroidery, Restemayer gives us a quiet, contemplative view of the ways humanity communicates with itself. The works combine colored paper as a background to etchings of animals, with embroidery that stitches the work together and adds textural elements on its own. Talk to Me on Artsy.net Through March 15 Ingrid Restemayer can be found in Studio #401-B at the Northrup King Building. Please contact the artist directly for hours or appointments.  Image courtesy of the Susan Hensel Gallery

And Don't Forget About Open Studio Saturday!

Every Saturday! Open Studio Saturdays are our weekly retail hours and feature open studios, breathtaking galleries and fun boutiques, making them a perfect time to take a quiet afternoon stroll around our lovely building. Beat the crowds, find a treasure, and talk with the artists who work and create here every day.  Open Studio Saturdays Every Saturday | 12-4pm

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING COVID-19 Please note any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19 and we cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed while in attendance during these open studio hours. Masks are required in the Northrup King Building at all times, regardless of vaccination status, per Minneapolis Emergency Order #2022-1. Individual studios may set their own additional COVID policies. Please bring a mask with you on your visit and practice social distancing. We are still in this together. Let's protect each other.  Artists and businesses will continue to set their own hours or availability; we encourage you to contact artists ahead of time to ensure they will be open and operating during our retail hours. You can use our online Studio Directory to do so.

Happy Monday!

Starting the week off on a positive note! Thank you to Rick Kittock for capturing this large "heart Mpls" written in a snowy parking lot.

Father Hennepin Bluff Park to Undergo Major Renovation in 2022

A new performance stage and seasonal restroom building next to the Stone Arch Bridge is part of the project

Project includes new stage, seasonal restroom building and improvements to park entry, paths, lights, wayfinding, landscaping and stormwater management

Last night Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Commissioners approved a construction contract to renovate and improve Father Hennepin Bluff Park. The project includes:

• A new performance stage and attached seasonal restroom facility
• New park entry plaza spaces
• Upgraded lights, path connections, wayfinding signage and trail markings
• Landscape and stormwater management improvements

Follow the link below to view the project design and some illustrations of the new stage/restroom facility:

Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvements Design [PDF]

Timeline

Some initial work will occur in the park this winter to set the stage for full-scale construction beginning in the spring. Most of the park will be under construction starting Spring 2022, with work expected to be complete in Fall 2022.

Park Access

At this point there are no plans to fully close access to the park during construction, but please stay away from areas that are fenced off or where construction is happening. Construction updates will be sent periodically throughout the year with information on park access. Visit the Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvements project page and sign up for email updates to stay informed.

There are two other public infrastructure projects in the area that may impact park access:

The Metropolitan Council is performing nearby sewer repair that closed Main Street SE to motorized traffic between Merriam Street and 3rd Avenue SE beginning Jan. 3, 2022 through April 2022. Please visit the Minneapolis East Interceptor Rehabilitation project page for more information.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) is planning to begin a project to repair the Stone Arch Bridge in 2022. That project may include short-term closures of the bridge and impacts to park access through 2024. Please visit the MNDOT Stone Arch Bridge project page for more details.

Environmental Impact

Throughout the design process and during construction, the MPRB coordinates efforts to preserve as much of the existing tree canopy at the park as possible. This coordination will result in many trees being preserved, however, some tree removal is unavoidable to safely complete these park improvements. 

This project will also improve stormwater management at the park and reduce untreated runoff into the Mississippi River.

Stay Informed

Visit the Father Hennepin Bluff Improvements project page to learn more about the project and sign up for email updates to stay informed. Updates will be sent via email and posted on MPRB social media channels throughout construction.

Take a Virtual Tour of the City’s Public Service Building

Via an e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

You can now take a guided tour of the City of Minneapolis Public Service Building and its beautiful artworks – virtually. The Public Service Building is a welcoming, sustainable, accessible public amenity.

Close to City Hall, the office building is a central place to get services and information. It offers a higher quality of service to the public, reduces the City's real estate footprint, and provides effective space for the diverse needs of employees. The building has won an Honor Award from the AIA New York Chapter recognizing its outstanding architectural design.

Take a virtual tour or book an appointment online to get help with a permit, license or utility bill.

You can also see and learn about the artworks on this virtual map.

Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update - January 18

Via a January 18 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. 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.

Project Map

Latest Project News

Hennepin Ave

• Crews are working on excavating soils from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Hennepin Ave intersection. This is to begin tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Avenue.
  • There may be short, periodic delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

Chicago Ave

• Crews are setting up the dewatering well and pumps on the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Chicago Ave intersection. This work is anticipated to be completed by the end of January.
  • There will be no lane closures needed to complete this work.
  • There may be short, periodic delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

Nicollet Mall

• Crews continue setting up the dewatering well and pumps near the southeast corner of the Nicollet Mall and Washington Ave intersection. This work is anticipated to be completed by the end of January.
  • The eastern sidewalk along Nicollet Mall between Washington Ave and 3rd St N is open. Sidewalk might be temporary closed during final setup for the well.
  • Pedestrians are still able to use the sidewalk on the west side of Nicollet Mall.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave intersection remains open.

2nd Ave

• Crews are continue installing the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection. Crews continue drilling, excavating, and installing the shaft walls. Drilling work is anticipated to be completed by the end of January.
  • 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.

4th Ave

• The east lane of 4th Ave S between 3rd St S and Washington Ave remains closed near the Washington Ave intersection. This is needed to complete setting up the dewatering well and pumps. The dewatering well is anticipated to be completely set up and running by the end of January.
  • The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains temporarily closed until the dewatering well is setup.
  • 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.

Portland Ave

• The west parking lane of Portland Ave remains closed between 3rd St S and Washington Ave. This is needed to complete setting up the dewatering well and pumps. The dewatering well is anticipated to be completely setup and running by the end of January.
  • During this closure, bicyclists share the open traffic lane and pedestrians should use the eastern sidewalk.

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews continue excavating soils above the storm sewer tunnel and grouting near the existing retaining wall at the Mississippi River portal site.
  • The parking lot off Portland Ave east of the Stone Arch Bridge, near Mill Ruins Park, is temporarily closed for the winter and will reopen spring 2022. This closure is necessary to complete the work in this area safely and efficiently.
  • The parking lot near Portland Ave and W River Pkwy remains open.

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.

Long Term Closures

• Starting at 6 a.m. on Monday, January 3, 2022, the north westbound lane, bike lane, and parking lane will be closed on Washington Avenue between Portland Ave and Park Ave. These closures will remain in place through spring 2022. 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.
  • 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 closed between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall through spring 2022. The contractor is utilizing an existing shaft in this area to connect the existing tunnel to the new tunnel.
  • During this closure, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remains open.

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

New Book, Fading Ads of the Twin Cities, Available January 24th

If you enjoy viewing vintage advertising murals on old buildings, Fading Ads of the Twin Cities by Jay Grammond is the perfect book for you! This is the first published book for Mr. Grammond, a photographer and self-proclaimed history nerd. It will be available for purchase starting January 24th. This book is published by Arcadia Publishing, home to an extensive list of books on American history.

State COVID Testing Site Temporarily Moves from Convention Center to US Bank Stadium January 17-21

Via an e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

The State’s Minneapolis Convention Center Community Testing Site will be closed Jan. 17-21. Testing will temporarily move to U.S. Bank Stadium during that time. The U.S. Bank Stadium Community Testing Site will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 17-21 offering saliva PCR and nasal swab rapid antigen testing for both walk-ins and appointments. Appointments for this site will open on a rolling basis.

Testing will return to the Minneapolis Convention Center on Jan. 24.

People can make an appointment for a test at U.S. Bank Stadium on the Minnesota Department of Health website.

Parking and directions

• U.S. Bank Stadium is located at 401 Chicago Ave.
• Free parking will be available at the Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage. Walk from the parking garage on Level 2 through U.S. Bank Stadium’s skyway entrance.
• From the light rail METRO station, cross on South Fourth Street and enter the Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage at the corner of South Fourth Street and Chicago Avenue South. From the lobby of the Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage, take the escalator to Level 2 for the skyway entry.
• The skyway entrance is accessible for all guests through the Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage. Once inside the Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage, take elevators to Level 2 for the skyway entry.
• If you’re using a ride-sharing app, enter the Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage address for an accurate drop-off location.

Once inside U.S. Bank Stadium, staff and signs will direct you to the testing site.

Minnesotans can also order a test through the State’s free at-home COVID-19 testing program or visit other testing locations.

2021 Downtown Residential Real Estate Market Recap

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

Also, check out the properties Cindy and her team handled on 2021 in this beautifully compiled 2021 Collection presentation.

MSP Film Society's St. Anthony Theatre Renovation Update

The MSP Film Society took over operations of the theater formerly known as St. Anthony Main earlier this month, and the facelift is already in progress. The carpet has been torn out, the bathrooms are being gutted, and the talented designers at Knock, Inc. are working closely with architect Marcelo Valdes on transforming the theater into a neighborhood showpiece, both inside and out.

Continue to watch this space and visit MSPfilm.org for all the updates. Your questions and comments are always welcome via info@MSPfilm.org. To help ensure the success of this monumental new venture, donations and Memberships will be critical. Support the future of Minnesota cinematic arts by donating or becoming a Member.

As a remember, while the physical theater is closed for renovations, you can still enjoy Virtual Cinema and Partner screenings.

Registration Now Open for Continuing Education Courses at MCAD

Registration is now open for Continuing Education courses at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) for those looking to advance their career or get inspired by learning a new skill. Topics include painting, graphic design, digital marketing, user experience (UX), textile design, collage, and more. A few class highlights are listed below, and the full list of offerings can be viewed at mcad.edu/ce. 

Creative Leadership (online) Jan 18–May 10

Economic, environmental, and ethical crises present leaders with new and complex challenges. Effective, resilient, and agile leaders employ a diversity of skills, experience, and resources to respond to humanity's greatest challenges with creative, innovative, and humane solutions.

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Botanical Drawing Feb 4–25

Develop and refine an observational drawing practice through close examination and drawing of a variety of plant specimens. During four visits to the University of Minnesota's College of Biological Sciences Conservatory, engage in the opportunity to create studies varying from timed observational contour drawings to fully formed experimentations. This course provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop and enhance their ability to observe and study the details of a given object. In addition to observational drawing techniques, learn and engage with a variety of experimental drawing and painting techniques.

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Illustrating a Children's Book Manuscript (online) Feb 10–March 31

This class focuses on the process of how to work on a full 32 page children's picture book manuscript. Learn skills such as character design, storyboarding, developing concept, sequencing, storytelling, pacing the visual story and creating a complete dummy book. Learn about the publishing industry and how to enter this competitive field and navigate the business practices of working as a children's book illustrator.  

Hennepin County Seeking Point-in-Time (PIT) Count Volunteers for January 26 - February 2

The Point-in-Time (PIT) count is a Federally required count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. Each year, communities across the country conduct a PIT count to better understand the depth and breadth of homelessness in their community. This year, the PIT Count will occur on the night of January 26, 2022 and the 7 days following. 

Volunteers are essential to ensure that our community conducts a comprehensive and thorough count. Volunteers will conduct a short survey with people who are experiencing homelessness at community based and non-profit settings.

Volunteers can expect to: 

• Sign up and commit to a 2 hour shift at a community-based (typically non-profit) location within Hennepin County. Shifts will be in teams of 2.
• Engage with people experiencing homelessness and conduct a short survey
• Complete mandatory training
• Follow CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19

If you are interested in volunteering, please visit Hennepin County: 2022 Hennepin County Point In Time Count (signupgenius.com)

There will be a required, 1.5-hour training for anyone who will be participating in the survey as a volunteer on January 19, 12-1:30pm, via Microsoft Teams:

Join on your computer or mobile app Click here to join the meeting Or call in (audio only) +1 612-263-6117,,506312336#  Phone Conference ID: 506 312 336# Find a local number | Reset PIN | Learn More | Meeting options

If you have any questions, please take a look at https://www.hennepin.us/pit-2022 for more information, or reach out to Erin Wixsten, Principal Planning Analyst, Housing Stability – Office to End Homelessness, at  612-596-1789 or Erin.Wixsten@hennepin.us. 

Learn More About Plan for Graco Park - Virtual Open House January 11, 4:30-6pm

Via an e-announcement from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

A bird's eye view of the concept plan for Graco Park.

Learn more and ask question about plan 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! It's located just north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge and Boom Island Park. 

Last month a concept plan for the park was shared for public feedback. If you haven't had a chance to look at the plan in detail, or have questions about the new park, there's a virtual community open house on Tuesday, January 11, 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.

Join Open House

To join via phone dial (312) 626-6799 and enter Meeting ID: 837 1774 1549

Use the link below to learn more about Graco Park, including:

• Results from community engagement so far
• Graphics, illustrations and a flythrough video explaining the park concept
• A short survey to let us know your thoughts on the concept

Graco Park Concept

The online survey will be open through Friday, January 21, 2022. Feedback on the preferred concept will be used to refine the plan 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 Street NE and Plymouth/8th Avenue NE.

The preferred Graco Park concept features:

• A multiuse building with public restrooms and public community space
• A trail under the Plymouth Avenue Bridge that connects to Boom Island Park
• Native habitat restoration, rain gardens and stormwater management features
• Gathering spaces, walkways and river access
• The Mississippi East Bank Trail will continue to travel through the park, with safety upgrades at the intersection of Plymouth/8th Avenue NE and Sibley Street NE

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:

• Picnic shelter
• Watercraft rental
• Additional park building
• Public art on Hall's Island
• Hall's Island river overlook

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, January 21, 2022.