Condo Sales at Eleven Hit Half-Way Point

Via a February 11 News Release:

Sudler Property Management Hired to Provide Concierge Services to Resident Owners

Ryan Companies and Luigi Bernardi announce today that Eleven has sold over half of the residences in the 550-foot, 41-story tower that will be Minneapolis’ tallest residential building. In addition, Chicago-based Sudler Property Management has agreed to terms with the project team to offer resident owners a new-to-market level of customized services and amenities. 

“We knew there was a severe lack of inventory in the luxury condo market in the Twin Cities area and the pace at which these homes have sold bears that out,” said John Wanninger of WMG Partners at Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty, which is selling homes at Eleven. “What has been extremely gratifying is that this project defies the norms of a typical winter project. December and January felt like a spring market, and we are very happy with our sales for the project overall.”

Sudler Property Management, Chicago’s premier property management firm, is known for providing concierge support at prominent residential addresses in Chicago including No. 9 Walton, Park Hyatt Residences, and the Palmolive Building.

“After searching nationwide, the team at Eleven is thrilled to announce Sudler as our partner to provide the residents of Eleven with all the benefits, experiences and amenities of a five-star hotel,” said Luigi Bernardi, CEO of Arcadia, LLC, and co-developer of Eleven. “Sudler’s vast resources in its management team, innovative technology and legendary reputation for service will provide the residents of Eleven with stellar 24/7 attention from the moment they enter the building.”

The Eleven team toured more than 30 projects in North America seeking the best-in-class for every facet of Eleven. Sudler Property Management stood out for its attention to detail. Eleven will be Sudler’s first property in Minnesota.

“Our Sudler team will provide the residents of Eleven with calm, attentive expertise, from the 24/7 greeting as they arrive in the building’s motor court, to concierge-level support for parcel and grocery delivery, to floral arrangements effortlessly refreshed daily and much more,” said Steven Levy, President of Sudler.  “Eleven owner-residents can expect true service and everyday luxuries provided with Midwestern charm, hospitality, and care.  Our goal is to establish ‘Sudler-managed’ as a mark of excellence in Minneapolis. We are proud to set that standard at Eleven.”

At Eleven, residents will enjoy a level of amenities above and beyond those offered elsewhere in Minneapolis. The building's revierfront location, convenience to Gold Medal Park, music venues, theaters, and museums, is as unique as it is inviting. Situated near the Stone Arch Bridge, set back from the chaotic busyness of the urban center, Eleven's resident owners will appreciate a green setting with stunning views of the city. Eleven will foster a true sense of community among its owners.

“Eleven’s design is magnificent and unparalleled in the marketplace,” said Bernardi. “As a future resident of Eleven, I am looking forward to raising the bar on the standard of living and personal service for each homeowner; and Sudler provides a critical part of delivering that experience.”

About Eleven

The 550-foot, 41-story Eleven tower will be Minneapolis’ tallest residential building and first designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), based in New York City.  Luigi Bernardi of Arcadia LLC is serving as the project sponsor and co-developer and Ryan Companies is serving as co-developer, builder, and is partnering with RAMSA as the architect. RAMSA, Ryan, and local firms Peterssen/Keller Architects, Martha Dayton Design and Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty have ensured the building interior is as thoughtful as its exterior. Amenities include a large landscaped terrace that will be unlike any other in the city including a 25-yard lap pool, a private motor court,  a 24/7 doorman, an expansive fitness suite, a multi-sport court, a library, a golf simulator, a children’s splash pad, retail space (ideally for a restaurant), a demonstration kitchen with dining, residential and guest parking, storage, and more.  For reservation inquiries, contact Lake Sotheby’s International Realty at (612) 340-9000.

Cuddle a Puppy this Valentine’s Day at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center

100% of Proceeds benefit Midwest Animal Rescue & Services

Get ready to cuddle up with cuteness on Valentine’s Day at the 5th annual Meet Minneapolis Puppy Cuddle on Friday, February 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center, located at 505 Nicollet Mall, Suite 100, directly across from the METRO Nicollet station. A $5 donation will provide three minutes of cute, snuggle time with a plethora of puppies while also supporting Midwest Animal Rescue and Services™ (MARS).  Cash, check and credit cards will be accepted at the event.

MARS is committed to finding homes for animals that were once lost, left behind and forgotten. Once in their care, companion animals are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered. Special attention is provided for those animals that need additional time and medical care before going to a new home. For more information, visit www.midwestanimalrescue.org. 

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS VISITOR CENTER

As part of Meet Minneapolis, Convention and Visitor Association, the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center is the official visitor center for Minneapolis, located in the CenterPoint Energy building on Nicollet and 5th Street. Staff is available to answer questions, share visitor maps and resources about things to do in Minneapolis and the surrounding area. The Visitor Information Center in the Minneapolis Convention Center also is available to provide similar information to visitors and convention attendees.

Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to maximize the economic benefit to the greater Minneapolis area. Meet Minneapolis is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International.

CONNECT WITH MEET MINNEAPOLIS!
Online: www.minneapolis.org
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/meetminneapolis
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/meetminneapolis
On Instagram: www.instagram.com/meetminneapolis
Watch: You’ve never met a place quite like this

Catch the Academy Award Winning Movie Parasite at St. Anthony Main Theatre!

On the heels of last night's 92nd Academy Awards, MSP Film has extended their run of the Oscar-Winning PARASITE on Screen #3 at St. Anthony Main Theatre. Bong Joon Ho's modern fairytale won Best Original Screenplay, Best International Feature Film, Best Director, AND Best Picture.

Meet the Park Family: the picture of aspirational wealth. And the Kim Family, rich in street smarts but not much else. Be it chance or fate, these two houses are brought together and the Kims sense a golden opportunity. When a parasitic interloper threatens the Kims’ newfound comfort, a savage, underhanded battle for dominance breaks out, threatening to destroy the fragile ecosystem between the Kims and the Parks.

Census Offices in Minnesota Launch “You Count” Kickoffs and Recruiting Blitzes for 2020 Census at Open House Events - Minneapolis is February 11

The U.S. Census Bureau Chicago Region is hosting open house events at Minnesota’s three Area Census Offices, in Minneapolis, Rochester and Duluth, to launch “You Count” kickoffs and recruiting blitzes for the 2020 Census.  

Minneapolis Open House and Recruiting Blitz Location:

Minneapolis Area Census Office
Open house:   Tuesday, February 11 – 10 a.m. 
250 South Marquette Ave, Suite 560, Minneapolis

The open houses are an invitation for state and local officials, organizations that are 2020 Census Partners across Minnesota, and census job seekers to visit the Area Census Offices (ACOs). The role of ACOs is to recruit, hire and manage ACO staff and field positions across the state.

The open house events are being held one month from when the Census Bureau will begin mailing letters in mid-March to households across Minnesota inviting everyone to respond to the 2020 Census. 

The public will be able to apply onsite for census jobs, to meet and greet local leaders, and to learn more about the importance of the 2020 Census. The Census Bureau is still seeking over 8,400 applicants for field and office Census positions across the state. Census taker positions offer flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. In Minnesota, Census job pay rates range from $16.50 to $27.50 per hour. 

For more information, please visit 2020Census.gov.
Census jobs:  2020Census.gov/jobs or call 1-855-JOB-2020 (1-855-562-2020) 
For TTY/ASCII, applicants may contact the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

January 2020 by the Numbers

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

goPuff Delivery Service Expands to Minneapolis

Via a February 5 News Release:

goPuff, a digital convenience retailer, has expanded service in Minneapolis, offering its superfast deliveries in the Midway area from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., seven days a week. goPuff, which launched in the state of Minnesota with the opening of its St. Paul facility in June 2018, also operates in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis.

goPuff stocks more than 2,500 products in centrally located facilities in Minneapolis (and each market in which it operates) to bring products directly to the customer in those moments they need them most. From snacktime favorites such as ice cream, candy and beverages to household essentials ranging from cleaning products, diapers, and even pet goods, the unique delivery concept answers the call for consumers in need day or night with solutions spanning more than eight categories.

“goPuff’s mission is to create more time in the day for our customer by consistently redefining the very meaning of convenience to provide a high-quality experience at an exceptional value,” said Yakir Gola, goPuff co-founder and co-CEO. “Every day, we work tirelessly to further this mission by bringing the exceptional goPuff experience to more customers across the country. Since launching in Minneapolis in 2019, goPuff has delivered thousands of orders to customers in the city and today we’re excited to expand our service and deliver the moments that matter most to even more customers in the area.”

In celebration of the launch, goPuff also announced  Minnesota customers’ most-ordered items in popular product categories:

• Snacks: Gushers Flavor Mixer and Funyuns

• Ice Cream: Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked and Ben & Jerry’s Milk & Cookies

• Alcohol: White Claw Seltzer Variety Pack and Truly Hard Seltzer Berry Pack

• Home Essentials: Scott Toilet Paper and Bounty Paper Towels

• Frozen Food: Pepperoni Hot Pockets and Three Cheese Bagel Bites

Co-founded in 2013 by Rafael Ilishayev and Yakir Gola, two Drexel University undergraduates, goPuff began by delivering 50 basic products before pivoting the company to a full convenience store and alcohol delivery service in 2014. Today, the brand operates in more than 150 U.S. locations, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., and many more. goPuff, originally embraced by digital natives and Millennials who responded to the intuitive mobile app and entertaining social brand voice, has built a loyal following across demographics, catering to anyone who needs more convenience in their lives.   

All orders are accessible through the goPuff mobile app (iOS and Android) or goPuff.com. Users simply enter their address and scroll through a wide range of products across numerous categories including snacks, beverages, groceries, household goods, OTC, personal care, school supplies, pet supplies and more. Any order can be delivered for a flat $1.95 delivery fee.

goPuff currently serves customers in the following zip codes: 55114, 55116, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55405, 55406, 55407, 55108, 55413, 55414, 55415, 55454, 55455, 55479, 55487, 55411, 55417, 55116, 55102, 55455, 55408, 55409, 55415, 55108, 55407, 55406, 55413, 55403, 55117, 55405, 55418, 55414, 55401, 55104, 55419, 55105, 55114, 55402, 55113, 55103, 55454, 55404

For more information, please visit www.gopuff.com or check us out on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

City of Minneapolis Art in Public Places Call for Artists

Excerpts from the latest City of Minneapolis Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy newsletter.

Sign up for these newsletters at http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coordinator/arts/index.htm.

Art in Public Places: Call for Artists

The City of Minneapolis Art in Public Places Program is launching a new Call for Artists. The City is seeking an artist/artist team to design and fabricate an approximately 325 square foot, public artwork for the new park building at Currie Park.

The chosen public artists will work with residents of the Cedar Riverside area to create a new two-dimensional public artwork.

Artist Info Session: February 6th, 2020
Where: Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55454

For more information on how to apply, visit the City Webpage.

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Art Force at Nordhaus: Call for Art

Art Force is requesting submissions for the first exhibit of 2020 at the gallery at NordHaus.
NordHaus is a collection of custom designed apartment homes on First Avenue NE in Minneapolis.

The theme of the show is “Bold North.” The work should depict or respond to this theme, and each artist may submit up to six images for consideration.

Art Force is seeking:

• Art by artists living and/or working in Minneapolis
• Art of professional quality and presented as such. Pieces should be ready to hang.
• This is a 2 Foot x 2 Foot show. Submitted work must not be larger than 30” x 30” including framing.

The exhibition will be installed the first week of March, 2020 and will remain installed until the end of August, 2020. Artwork will be available for sale and Art Force will manage those transactions.

Submission Deadline: Received by 5 PM on Monday February 17, 2020.

Submissions should include:

• Images of artwork labeled with:     Title of Work     Size 
• Retail Price
• Media
• Artist Name
• Artist phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address
• Artist Statement (optional)

Please submit to lpr@artforce.org using www.wetransfer.com. It is free. Please indicate that your submission is for the NordHaus show.

If you have questions, please contact Leslie Palmer-Ross lpr@artforce.org.

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Threads Dance Project: Audition Notice

Threads Dance Project is seeking an ethnically diverse group of dancers ages 21 and older, that are quick learners and are fluent in a variety of dance forms.  Rehearsals begin on August 3, 2020 and the opportunity to perform in a new Ordway Theater commission next November, and other events.

Auditions will be held: Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Registration and warm up time: 9:00am-9:30am
Audition: 9:30am-11:30am

Location: Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts. 1617 N. 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55411 FREE Parking available.

• Dancers must bring a headshot and resume.
• Looking for both men and women

Please visit the Threads Dance Project website for further information.

Heart Month Activities Begin Today, February 5, at Hennepin Healthcare

Via a February 5 e-newsletter from Hennepin Healthcare:

All around the world you’ll find people with unique personalities, passions and talents – each of them with a heart that they could not live without. Hennepin Healthcare has a month full of free, heart-healthy activities planned to celebrate these multi-chambered organs responsible for love – and life itself! Check out our exciting schedule and discover a way to treat your heart – and mind – this February.

Learn Hands-Only CPR and Save Lives
Wednesday, February 5
12pm to 1pm | HCMC Red Building, 2nd-floor skyway, public seating area

No mouth-to-mouth assisted breathing needed for this type of CPR! Learn this simple, life-saving technique from our Hennepin EMS team. Every second counts!

National Wear Red Day
Friday, February 7
Hennepin Healthcare is going red! Wear red on the first Friday in February to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and save lives. Email photos of your group wearing red to events@hcmed.org.

Two Daves with Heart: David Fine, MD on Healthy Matters with David Hilden, MD
Sunday, February 9
7am to 8 am | WCCO-AM Radio (Listen LIVE)

Tune in to hear cardiologist David Fine, MD kick off National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week and hear how this essential intervention following a heart attack, cardiac surgery or other heart issue helps patients regain strength and confidence.

Quigong with Acupuncturist Steve Compton
Wednesday, February 12
12pm to 1pm | Clinic & Specialty Center | M. Stillman Education and Community Center
Qigong is a mind-body-spirit practice with origins in China that improves mental and physical health by integrating posture, movement, breathing technique, self-massage, sound, and focused intent. Join Steve Compton as he leads a Shibashi (18 Harmonizing Movements) Qigong class – great for beginners! Register early - class may fill up. RSVP

Zumba with Patient Services Coordinator Deanne Flomo
Thursday, February 13
12pm to 1pm | Clinic & Specialty Center | M. Stillman Education and Community Center
Zumba, developed in Colombia, is a fitness program that combines Latin music with dance moves. Join Deanne Flomo for this “dance party” and get your heart moving! Register early - class may fill up. RSVP

Food is Medicine with Certified Executive Chef Antonio Sanchez and Registered Dietitian Elizabeth Rosenstein
Thursday, February 20
12pm to 1pm | Clinic & Specialty Center | M. Stillman Education and Community Center

Eating heart-healthy can be flavorful! Learn how to prepare heart-healthy meals and get cooking tips from Certified Executive Chef Antonio Sanchez and Registered Dietitian Elizabeth Rosenstein. RSVP

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with Physician Assistant Natalie Ikeman
Friday, February 21
12pm to 1pm | Clinic & Specialty Center | M. Stillman Education and Community Center
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a form of timed cardiovascular high-intensity exercises with short periods of active recovery. Natalie Ikeman will teach this HIIT class using bodyweight only and modifications will be provided for all fitness levels. RSVP

Yoga with Cardiology Physician Assistant Jill Jordan
Wednesday, February 26
12pm – 1pm | Clinic & Specialty Center | M. Stillman Education and Community Center
Yoga is a mind and body practice with origins in India more than 5,000 years ago. Join Jill Jordan as she leads a yoga class combining physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation. No mat required. Register early - class may fill up. RSVP

The Hennepin Heart Center provides comprehensive care for your heart by specialists in all areas of cardiovascular medicine. Caring for common cardiovascular problems such as blocked arteries and abnormal rhythms, we also evaluate and manage heart failure as well as complex heart and arterial disease.

"Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder: Celebrating 85 Years" in Hennepin Gallery through February 28

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder: Celebrating 85 years in Hennepin Gallery through February 28

Hennepin Gallery joins in celebrating the 85th anniversary of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) with a month-long exhibit. MSR is the oldest Black-owned newspaper in Minnesota and one of the longest running, family-owned newspapers in the country.

The Hennepin Gallery exhibit features items of historical significance from the paper’s long and storied past. This includes a large collection of photographs that evoke a rich and vivid display of Black life in the Twin Cities that spans decades.

Many of the photos feature unknown individuals; members of the community may share any information about people they might recognize.

About the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

Established in 1934 by local civil rights icon and business leader Cecil Newman, the MSR has long been revered as a trusted news source and voice of the African American community. Years later, the paper and its staff remain committed to the credo that can be found on the wall of their historic office building in South Minneapolis:

“The Negro Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every man, regardless of race, color, or creed, his human and legal rights. Hating no man, fearing no man, the Negro Press strives to help every man in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.”

Now under the direction of Newman’s granddaughter Tracey Williams-Dillard, the MSR continues to thrive, championing perspectives and stories that may otherwise go unheard.

The exhibit is part of a series of events coordinated by the Minneapolis Black Employee Network in celebration of Black History Month.

The Hennepin Gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Hennepin County Government Center, A-Level, 300 S Sixth Street.

Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.

Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at hennepin.us/stories.

2020 MN Brewery Running Series Schedule

The 2020 Minnesota Brewery Running Series line up is complete. Check out our upcoming season of events below and join in the fun! 

• 41 events
• 7 NEW brewery destinations
• 10, 10k course options
• 10,000 reasons to join in the fun!

Enter the Meet Minneapolis Winter Sweepstakes and You Might Drive Off in an All-New Chevy Equinox!

Via a January 31 News Release from Meet Minneapolis:

Four weekly prize packages for a fun night in Minneapolis to also be awarded

The 2020 Twin Cities Auto Show is just around the corner and looks to be one of the best ever. Once again, Meet Minneapolis is excited to offer one lucky person the chance to drive off in a brand-new SUV now on display at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Four other weekly winners will get prize packages for a Minneapolis getaway. See details below.

Don’t let the snow and cold slow you down. Meet Minneapolis and Select Heartland Chevy Dealers are offering chances to get out and enjoy a winter adventure. The Chevy Equinox Sweepstakes* offers four weekly prize packages for a Minneapolis getaway and one grand prize of a two-year lease on an all-new Chevy Equinox. The winner of the brand-new SUV will be announced at the Twin Cities Auto Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Saturday, March 7.

One weekly prize package will be awarded every Friday from Feb. 7-28, and includes:
• A complimentary weekend night stay at the Hotel Emery, a downtown Minneapolis luxury hotel in the heart of the city (valid through March 31, 2021, and subject to availability). 
• A $50 gift card to Barbette, an award-winning French restaurant in the Uptown neighborhood featuring local and sustainably farmed ingredients.
• One escape room experience for two at Trapped Puzzle Rooms, a team-based puzzle experience with two locations in the Twin Cities.

Enter the sweepstakes at the Meet Minneapolis website or in-person at one of the various public shows leading up to the Auto Show (March 7-15) at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Sign up in person at the following times:
• Minneapolis Motorcycle Show – Feb. 1 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.), Feb. 2 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
• Minneapolis/St. Paul RV, Vacation & Camping Show, Lake Home & Cabin Show and Healthy Life Expo – Feb. 8 (9 a.m.-9 p.m.), Feb. 9 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
• Minnesota Golf Show – Feb. 22 (9 a.m.-7 p.m.), Feb. 23 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
• Home & Garden Show – Feb. 29 (10 a.m.-9 p.m.), March 1 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.)

From don’t-miss dining experiences to suggestions for a perfect winter day, Minneapolis.org has you covered with hundreds of ideas, tips and itineraries to help you experience the ‘City by Nature’ to its fullest. 

Sweepstakes Details:
Only one entry per person. No purchase necessary to win. Open only to legal residents of Minnesota, as well as Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Must be 21 years or older at the time of entry. Some residency restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Weekly prize drawings will be held Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28. Entries for the Chevy Equinox Sweepstakes must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on Feb. 29. 

The five randomly selected finalists eligible for the grand prize of a Chevy Equinox lease must be present for the live drawing at the Twin Cities Auto Show to win. The grand prize drawing will take place the morning of Saturday, March 7.

*For full sweepstakes information and rules, including eligibility, prize descriptions and other details, click here.

Minneapolis Region to Host 2022 Gay Softball World Series

Via a January 30 News Release:

Minnesota Twins become first MLB team to partner with event in its 46-year history

One of the largest annual gay sporting events in the world will return to Minnesota, as the Minneapolis region secured the 2022 Gay Softball World Series. The Twin Cities Goodtime Softball League, in partnership with Sports Minneapolis, won hosting rights after a presentation to delegates from the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA) last weekend in Columbus, Ohio. The tournament will be held on Aug. 28-Sept. 3, 2022.

The 2022 Gay Softball World Series will feature nearly 900 games taking place at softball complexes in Minneapolis, as well as Burnsville, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul. Last year’s tournament in Kansas City, Mo., included 207 teams from 45 cities across the U.S. and Canada. The number of teams is expected to increase for the 2022 event.

In addition to a full schedule of games, events are planned every night of the tournament, including:

• Opening Ceremony
• NAGAAA Hall of Fame Induction
• Charity Night
• Pride Night at a Minnesota Twins game
• Closing Ceremony

“We are honored to bring the Gay Softball World Series back to the Twin Cities in 2022,” said Greg Fedio of the Twin Cities Goodtime Softball League who will serve as Executive Director of the newly formed Twin Cities Gay Softball World Series Organizing Committee. “We have put together a dedicated committee that is devoted to creating an amazing player experience and is looking forward to hosting teams from the 46 member cities of NAGAAA.”

“Securing the 2022 Gay Softball World Series is a very nice win for the Minneapolis region. We are particularly excited to showcase our vibrant and welcoming community to the athletes, as well as their family and friends,” said Melvin Tennant, Executive Director of Sports Minneapolis. “We look forward to setting a new standard of excellence for this great event.”

The Minnesota Twins have also pledged their support, becoming the first Major League Baseball team to partner with the Gay Softball World Series.

“The Twin Cities have played host to many of the country’s top athletic events. We’re a vibrant and diverse community that celebrates how sports brings communities together. We’re excited to help bring the Gay Softball World Series to Minnesota,” said Miguel Ramos, Minnesota Twins Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion, who traveled to Columbus to help present the bid.

The 2022 edition of the Gay Softball World Series will be the 46th consecutive year of the event. It is the largest annual, LGBT, single-sport, week-long athletic competition in the world. According to the Twin Cities Gay Softball World Series Organizing Committee, it is expected to bring 5,000 visitors and approximately $7 million to the local economy. The Minneapolis region previously hosted the tournament in 1996 and 2012.

The Twin Cities Goodtime Softball League was founded in 1979 when a group of gay men challenged the Minneapolis Police Department to a charity game. Since then, it has grown to the third-largest LGBT league in North America with 35 teams and nearly 600 players. In 2017, the Twin Cities Goodtime Softball League was named “Best Softball League in Minnesota” by CBS affiliate WCCO. Members of this league will form the local organizing committee for the 2022 Gay Softball World Series.

NAGAAA was founded in 1977 and is an international sports organization comprised of men and women dedicated to providing opportunity and access for the LGBT community to participate in organized softball competitions in safe environments.

Minneapolis Public Housing Authority and Met Council to Form Nation’s First Regional “Moving to Work” Housing Agency

Via a January 28 News Release:

Housing authorities will combine resources and regulatory flexibility to increase housing choice for low-income renters across the metro

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved a first-in-the-nation partnership between Minnesota’s largest public housing authorities: the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) and Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA). In forming the nation’s first Regional Moving to Work (MTW) agency, MPHA and Metro HRA will combine efforts to make it easier for families with housing vouchers to move where they wish across the metro area, including to neighborhoods they feel offer the best chance for economic success.

“Today, low-income families with a voucher who want to move for better opportunity, employment, or affordability run into invisible lines and hurdles that make it much harder than it should be,” said MPHA Interim Executive Director Tracey Scott. “Now MPHA and Metro HRA will be able to try things no one in the country has tried before to lower those barriers and empower families to meet their goals.”

Moving to Work, or MTW, is a powerful federal designation held by just 39 U.S. housing agencies. MTW agencies are allowed to combine sources of funds and waive many housing regulations in the interest of their local communities. MPHA is Minnesota’s only MTW agency. However, in 2015 Congress allowed MTW agencies to form a regional MTW agency with one or more adjacent housing authorities, extending this power to others in the interest of “efficiencies and greater housing choice for low-income persons.” MPHA and Metro HRA are the first such arrangement approved by HUD.

“This first-of-a-kind partnership is a giant step forward in our efforts to reduce barriers to housing that’s safe and affordable,” said Metro HRA Director Terri Smith. “Far too many residents are hampered by their inability to find stable housing. That, in turn, limits the ability of our cities and towns to grow, prosper, and thrive.

“A lot of work remains, but participating in the Moving to Work Demonstration Program, in partnership with MPHA, gives us another tool and a unique opportunity to achieve state and regional goals of ending homelessness and providing housing choices to people and families,” said Smith.

Initially, the partners expect to establish a shared pool of Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and combine their administrative muscle to streamline processes and help families achieve geographic and economic mobility. Other metro area housing agencies could later choose to join the partnership.

Together, MPHA and Metro HRA serve more than 44,000 people in the Twin Cities through federal, subsidized housing programs.

Restaurant Week Winter 2020: Feb 23 - 28

Restaurant Week Winter 2020

Celebrate the best of Twin Cities dining with a week's worth of great deals in some of the Twin Cities trendiest and best restaurants from February 23 - 28.

Participating restaurants will serve two to three course, prix fixe menus for just $10 to $35 per person. (beverage, tax and gratuity not included.)

February 5 Public Hearing for Amendment to Ordinance Relating to Parkland Dedication

Via a January 27 e-announcement from Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

"Housekeeping" amendment necessary to address Federal Rule updates related to affordable housing

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) will hold a public hearing on February 5, 2020 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room at its Mary Merrill Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Headquarters, located at 2117 West River Road, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Individuals who would like to speak to the Board of Commissioners about this amendment pending approval can sign up to speak at the meeting by calling 612-230-6400 before 3 pm on Feb. 5 or by signing up in person before 6 pm on the day of the hearing.

This amendment, in part, modifies the definition of "affordable housing units."  This amendment is also essentially a “housekeeping” amendment. The federal government updated its definition of “affordable housing units” to allow for income averaging. The City of Minneapolis is in the process of modifying its definition of “affordable housing units” to address inclusionary zoning units and projects using income averaging.

This is an official notice as required under Minnesota Statute Chapter 394.26, Subd. 1.”

January Hiatus

Hello and thank you for checking out Mill City Times!

We are currently on our annual January vacation where the sun shines every day and the water is warm.

Updates will be much less frequent, but there will still be a few posted here, as well as Facebook.

Back at months end!

Kim :)

Brazilfest MN's Carnaval Brasileiro Celebrates its 18th Anniversary at the Fine Line, March 7

Via a January 21 News Release

The most attended and longest-running annual Brazilian festival in the Twin Cities heads back to the Fine Line for its 18th annual Carnaval Brasileiro on Saturday, March 7th at one of the premier live music venues in Minneapolis. Over 60 performers and artists - including percussionists, singers, musicians, samba dancers, actors and artisans - will transform the Fine Line into an authentically festive Brazilian cultural experience!

Guitarist/vocalist Robert Everest and his eight-piece group Beira Mar Brasil will host the Carnaval Brasileiro Masquerade Ball from 8pm to 12 midnight. Everest, who also serves as Executive Director of Brazilfest MN, has been joyfully exploring Brazilian music and culture for over 25 years and brings us authentic Brazilian carnival flavor through various musical genres from around the country - Samba, Axé, Frevo, Baião, and other dance-inducing styles. Joining Beira Mar Brasil for the fourteenth year, direct from Salvador da Bahia, Brazil’s famous party-loving city, will be singer and samba dancer extraordinaire, Dandara Odara, who performs at over 50 carnival celebrations around the world each year in Europe, North America, and of course, Brazil.

Along with Beira Mar Brasil, Carnaval Brasileiro 2020 will present several other performance groups, including Brazilian percussion ensembles Batucada Do Norte and Drumheart, professional samba dancers/instructors Ginga da Bahia, Edilson Lima (who has been featured on Ellen DeGeneres) and Tammy Chiarelli from São Paulo, Brazil, and Blue Lady - the mysterious mermaid, as well as Brazilian martial arts group Capoeira Floração of Minnesota. Carnaval guests can participate in Brazilian dance lessons, order a caipirinha, Brazil's national drink, purchase authentic carnival masks created by master Brazilian artisan Goretti Aamot, and have their face and body painted just like they do it in Rio!

The annual Carnaval, celebrated throughout Brazil, lasts nearly a week and has roots dating back to the 1700s. Like Mardi Gras, Carnaval is an all-out party with music, masks, dancing, and drinks - a final blowout before Lenten traditions kick in for the Easter season. This Minneapolis edition of Carnaval takes place after it is celebrated in Brazil, allowing for many of the special guests to come to Minneapolis for the event.

2020 Talk of the Stacks Series Announced

Talk of the Stacks is a reading series committed to connecting extraordinary authors with a community of readers at the Central Library. Talk of the Stacks is presented by U.S. Bank, with additional support from the Star Tribune. Events are held at the Minneapolis Central Library, Pohlad Hall, and are FREE and open to the public. Doors open at 6:15 pm for general admission seating. Programs begin at 7 pm. Book sales and signings follow.

February 24: Erika Lee in conversation with Tom Weber

April 20: Julia Alvarez

July 23: Larry Watson

Accessibility

To request ASL interpreting, please contact friends@hclib.org at least one week prior to each event. Assistive listening devices and wheelchair accessible and companion seating are available at all Talk of the Stacks events.

Notice of a Public Hearing: 200 Central Avenue

Notice of a Public Hearing: 200 Central Avenue

Heritage Preservation Commission meeting
Tuesday, February 4, 2020, 4:30 pm
350 South 5th Street Room 317
Minneapolis City Hall

Gretchen Camp, on behalf of Clark Street Holdings, LLC has submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness application for revisions to a previously approved plan for a new 28-story mixed use project at  200 Central Ave SE and 113 2nd St SE in the St. Anthony Falls Historic District.

The Heritage Preservation Commission will meet on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at 4:30 p.m., in Room 317 City Hall, 350 S 5th St, Minneapolis, MN. Interested parties are invited to at tend and be heard.

Planning Department staff will issue a recommendation to the Heritage Preservation Commission. After hearing from the public, the Heritage Preservation Commission will make a determination based on required legal findings of fact. Please visit http://www.minneapolismn.gov/meetings/hpc/index.htm for the agenda with staff reports (web page will be updated by the end of the day Monday prior to the meeting date).

In accordance with the Preservation Ordinance, all property owners within 350 feet of the subject property are notified of this public hearing. If you have questions about the project, please contact the City staff person listed below.

If you would like to submit comments, you may make them verbally at the meeting or submit them in writing to:

Peter Crandall, Senior City Planner

250 South 4th St, #300, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Phone: 612.673.2247 Email: peter.crandall@minneapolismn.gov

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For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please contact 612-673-3153. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612- 673-3000. TTY users call 612-673-2157 or 612-673-2626.

Opening Soon! West Elm North Loop

Via a January 17 News Release. Photos courtesy West Elm

West Elm will be opening its first downtown Minneapolis location soon – slated for the end of February

Global lifestyle and design brand West Elm is excited to open its first downtown Minneapolis store in late February. West Elm Minneapolis is tentatively scheduled to open Thursday, February 27 in the heart of the North Loop at 128 North 2nd Street on the ground floor of the SECOND + SECOND development. The new location will create approximately 30 new jobs.

As the second West Elm location in Minnesota, West Elm in downtown Minneapolis is the perfect location for the brand and its focus on modern design, sustainability and supporting local artists and makers. With the North Loop’s walkability, historically preserved buildings, and vibrant neighborhood businesses, West Elm looks forward to connecting like-minded creatives, designers and makers through pop-up events and workshops. West Elm’s first Minnesota location opened at the Shops at Centennial Lakes in Edina.

The more than 11,000-square-foot store will open featuring its spring collection, alongside West Elm’s collection of original, modern home décor and accessories. The new store will also feature an assortment of products made by independent artists in the community as a part of the company’s LOCAL program. Since 2013, West Elm LOCAL* has introduced over 900 artisans and their unique pieces to customers across the country. The downtown Minneapolis location will carry a unique array of locally crafted goods by Minnesota artists and makers, ranging from small accessories to works of art.

Customers will also have access to complimentary personalized styling and design with West Elm’s Design Crew. Guests can make a Design Crew appointment in-store or online at WestElm.com.

Sample furnishings:

Andes deco upholstered bed

Ikat border shag rug

Mid-century expandable dining table walnut

Mid-century expandable dining table walnut

For Minneapolis–Saint Paul residents looking for shopping benefits, West Elm offers a member rewards program called The Key. By joining for free, members receive 3 percent back in rewards across the entire Williams-Sonoma family of brands (West Elm, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Mark and Graham and Rejuvenation). Join at: https://www.westelm.com/thekeyrewards/. 

Prior to the store opening, West Elm will also host a grand opening celebration open to the public, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 6–8 p.m.

The grand opening celebration will be open to the public and feature:

• Local bites and specialty cocktails*.
• Sneak peek of West Elm’s exclusive spring line.
• Shopping for a great cause! A portion of proceeds from the evening will benefit a local nonprofit.
• Goods and gifts from local Minnesota artists and makers.

*Must be 21+ to participate

West Elm is still hiring! If you’re interested in employment, please email WestElmStores@wsgc.com.

For more updates, follow West Elm Minneapolis on Instagram (@westelmmpls).