News from Minnesota Fringe

Image: 'Therukkothu' by Minnesota Tamil Sangam, 2016 Festival. Photographer: Ann B Erickson.

Tix, shows & passes now available

Visit minnesotafringe.org to preview all 135+ productions, 15+ venues, and 600+ performances. Create a log-in to select your faves and start building your schedule!

New multi-show passes

Daypasses are gone. New, improved discount passes are usable any day, any showtime, and even multiple patrons seeing the same show.

Want to Fringe-binge 7 shows in a row? Great. Want to treat your friend to 3 shows along the way? That's cool, too. Just buy a 10-show pass, and swipe your way to your artistic adventure. New multi-show passes are limited, so get yours while supplies last. Want to Fringe-binge 7 shows in a row? Great. Want to treat your friend to 3 shows along the way? That's cool, too. Just buy a 10-show pass, and swipe your way to your artistic adventure.New multi-show passes are limited, so get yours while supplies last.

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Your July scheduling guide

Here's a cheat-sheet for your July artistic adventuring. We've got a ton of ways to get involved including upcoming free events Beyond the Box and Family Fringe Previews. Want to learn more? Visit minnesotafringe.org/events for up-to-date deets.

July 8 & 15 Family Fringe Previews

See snippets for free

In partnership with Ramsey County Libraries, we're featuring FREE excerpts from the jury-curated Family Fringe lineup, July 8 & 15 from 6:30p-7:30p.

Learn more about these exciting samplings of this year's adventurous, family-friendly shows.

The Barbara Barker Center for Dance, home of the 2019 Family Fringe, has limited seating, so we recommend purchasing tickets in advanced.

July 11: Beyond the Box

Join us for a lunch-time adventure July 11 at 12n on Nicollet Mall.

Taiko Arts Midwest's Enso Daiko with live brush painting by Laughing Waters Studios will perform back-to-back with dancer-choregrapher Micah Chermak + Company.

Beyond the Box is a site-specific incubator in partnership with the Downtown Improvement District, Vibrant & Safe Downtown, and the Minneapolis Central Library.

Social Spotlight

Coming Up: World Fringe Day

On July 11th, we're joining a worldwide celebration of artistic expression and creative liberty. Share how you've been impacted as an artist, audience member, volunteer and/or staffer on social media tagging us (@MNFringe) and using the hashtag #WorldFringeDay. You'll be entered to win a free 5-show pass to the 2019 Festival Season!

News From Metro Transit

Excerpts from Metro Transit's July 2019 e-newsletter

State Fair Express – Let us get you there!

You go to the State Fair for the food, the animals, the rides and more! Getting to the "Great Minnesota Get-Together" on the bus is a fun, blue ribbon tradition, too.

Instead of driving, park your car for free and take a stress-free, non-stop, air-conditioned ride straight to the fairgrounds from one of 17 locations around the Twin Cities. Take a State Fair Express bus and you'll save on gas and parking costs. Plus, we'll drop you off and pick you up right outside the gates!

You can buy your Bus Bargain tickets online and on the app to save money over paying cash! Visit metrotransit.org in August to learn more. 

Service starts at 9 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends and Labor Day unless otherwise noted at all Metro Transit locations.

NOTE: We anticipate high usage at State Fair Express sites, so please plan accordingly. Ticket purchase does not guarantee a parking spot.

Overnight adjustments coming in August for METRO Green Line

Beginning Monday, Aug. 19, four METRO Green Line weekday trips between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. will be replaced with Green Line buses. This affects only Sunday through Thursday nights – Green Line trains will continue to operate 24-hour service on Friday and Saturday nights, similar to the METRO Blue Line.

The Green Line buses will operate as frequently as Green Line trains do today and stop near each Green Line station.

This change allows for safer and more timely maintenance along the Green Line. It will also provide more time to clean and maintain our light-rail vehicle and stations.

Schedules for these trips will be available at metrotransit.org beginning July 26.

Take a tour of public art on light rail this summer

Metro Transit is hosting free guided public art tours on the third Saturday of July, August, and September 2019. For each date, a tour will be offered on either the METRO Blue Line or  METRO Green Line (see list of dates below). The tours are roundtrip and last approximately two hours.

Learn more about Metro Transit's collection of public art! 

Tour dates:

July 20 (Green Line)
Aug. 17 (Blue Line)
Sept. 21 (Green Line)

Start time & location:

Blue Line tours: Meet at 10 a.m. at the 28th Avenue Station platform

Green Line tours: Meet at 10 a.m. at the Union Depot Station platform

RSVP Required! 

Visit here to RSVP for a tour and learn more!

Now is a great time to kickstart your career with Metro Transit. Right now, new bus drivers who start between now and July 29 will receive a $1,000 hiring bonus!

If you like working with people and want to make a difference in your community, come help us run our growing transit system!

APPLY NOW!   Get more info here.

Take Metro Transit to Upcoming Events!

July 5

• CONvergence Conference

July 6

• CONvergence Conference

July 12

• Basilica Block Party

July 13

• MN Orchestra – International Day of Music
• Basilica Block Party
• Minnesota Children’s Museum – Second Saturdays
• Red Hot Arts Festival – Stevens Square

July 14

• Vegan Invasion at Lake Monster Brewing
• Twin Cities World Refugee Day
• MN Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury
• Red Hot Arts Festival – Stevens Square

July 17

• St. Paul Saints vs. Kansas City T-Bones

July 19

• Lowertown Blues & Funk Festival

July 20

• Rondo Days
• Lowertown Blues & Funk Festival

July 21

• Open Streets Lake & Minnehaha

July 24

• Mpls. Aquatennial – Torchlight Parade

July 27

• Loring Park Art Festival
• Mpls. Aquatennial – Fireworks

July 28

• Loring Park Art Festival

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Ave. reconstruction project, led by City of Minneapolis Public Works, will be reconstructed between 12th Street and Washington Avenue beginning Spring 2019. The project will reconstruct the pavement from building face to building face, including improvements to public and private utility infrastructure, and improved infrastructure for pedestrians, bicycles, transit, and vehicles.

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Latest Project News

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Utility work continues along the corridor.  The watermain mainline replacement work is completed and work is continuing on connections, tie-ins, hydrants, etc.  The sanitary sewer work continues at 8th street progressing towards 7th.  The sanitary sewer jacking work has begun at the intersection of 9th, this work will continue into late August.

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Work at the Gateway Development is progressing and Xcel Energy has begun their work at the intersection of 3rd in conjunction with the development work.

What's Coming Up 

Hennepin Ave will be closed 7/5 Friday this week to remove trees, benches, and planters.  This closure will be from 7th St to 10th St., 6am to 6pm.  This a one day closure on Friday only.

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The utility work zones and activity will continue approximately as is for the next couple weeks.

See Construction Update attached for more details on work and intersection restrictions/closures.

Hennepin_Update_Vol7.pdf

For more information on this project contact: 

Construction Manager, hennepinCM@minneapolismn.gov or 612-225-4049

www.hennepindowntown.com

The Southern Theater Announces the July Installment of Good Night at The Southern!

Via a July 2 News Release:

Dance and Music to Grace The Southern Stage at 7:30 pm on July 22nd

The July 22 installment of Good Night at The Southern will preview new works by four artists in the Twin Cities. The program features music artist PaviElle, choreographers Berit Ahlgren and Elena Hollenhorst, dance groups Wailing Babies + Kelvin Wailey, and dance company Rhythmically Speaking. PaviElle will be performing musical improv and debuting new music. Choreographers Berit Ahlgren and Elena Hollenhorst will show excerpts of the two works in Interlace, an evening of work at The Southern Theater August 22-24. At Least, At Last by Berit Ahlgren is a contemporary dance born out of many discussions with many women around many examples of gender-based violence. Elena Hollenhorst’s When We Met Under the Juniper Tree is a compilation of women's stories twisting together to explore themes of abrupt change, group dynamics, regeneration, and women's innate connection to the earth. Wailing Babies + Kelvin Wailey will collaborate to present 2/3 = 4/6, a piece about the ritual of settling in, putting down roots, and making do with what you’ve got. Rhythmically Speaking will present Feist(meist)er, one of the four works being presented in their reimagined annual summer production, The Cohort, running August 15-17 at The Southern. Join us at the bar starting at 6:30 for a local beer, glass of wine, pop, or a snack.

Tickets are Pay What You Can and are purchased at the door. All proceeds from this event will go to support the artists and The Southern Theater.

About Good Night at The Southern

Good Night at The Southern is a monthly series that highlights new ideas, works in progress and previews. It is an opportunity for artists and companies to share their upcoming work, and for audiences to get a first glance into what’s coming up in the Twin Cities arts scene. 3-5 companies or artists are selected for a different Monday night each month with performance genres ranging from theater, dance, music, spoken word, comedy and more.

This Saturday at Currie Park: Make Art for the Park - and Yourself

Youth of all ages are invited!

Screen-printing art activity at Currie Park on July 6

Make and take home your own print - and help create temporary and permanent artwork for Currie Park.

Join staff from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) at a special art-making event this Saturday, July 6, from 3 pm to 7 pm.  Just show up - no registration needed.

Youth will create prints using screens and ink, a centuries-old technique used around the world. 

Participants will take home their own prints, and the designs they create will be incorporated into temporary artworks at the park: along the wading pool fencing and for future construction fencing.

The screen-print designs will also help to inform a permanent artwork for the exterior of the future restroom building, to be constructed as part of the Currie Park Phase 1 Improvements project. Thanks to our partners, the Art in Public Places program at the City of Minneapolis, for funding the permanent artwork!

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About the Currie Park improvements project

• The plan includes a new splash pad and restroom improvement.
• It follows the master plan approved for Currie Park as part of the South Service Area Master Plan approved for all neighborhood parks in south Minneapolis in 2016. 
• Find out more on the Currie Park Phase 1 Improvements project page.
• Sign up to receive email updates on this project.

Sign up for New Adult Bags Leagues at The Commons this Summer!

Eight-week season launches in late July

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is excited to announce new adult Bags leagues at The Commons in Downtown Minneapolis this summer!

Bags, also known as cornhole, sack toss or bean bag, is a popular lawn game in which players take turns throwing square cloth bags at a raised board with a hole in the far end. A bag in the hole scores 3 points, while one on the board scores 1 point. Play continues until a team reaches or exceeds 21 points by means of cancellation scoring.

The new leagues are on Tuesday or Thursday nights beginning July 23 and 25. Two-person teams will compete during a seven-week regular season, followed by a championship round on Sept. 12, in which teams from both nights will play against each other to crown an overall champion.

Skip Happy Hour and enjoy some friendly competition outdoors this summer! Follow the link below to sign up:

Summer Adult Bags Leagues

When: Tuesday and Thursday nights, July 23 or 25-Sept. 12
Where: The Commons, 425 Portland Ave. S
Leagues: Two-person teams; no gender requirements
Season: Eight weeks scheduled, including championship round Sept. 12 
Cost: $100

Celebrate Summer: Hennepin County Fairs and Festivals on Display in Hennepin Gallery thru September 26

Via a July1 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Hennepin History Museum presents Celebrate Summer, an exhibit that highlights the history of our local summer fairs and festivals, at the Hennepin Gallery.

Come learn more about big events such as the Minneapolis Aquatennial, Twin Cities Pride, and the Minnesota State Fair, which can trace its roots to Hennepin County. You'll also learn about many of the smaller fairs and festivals in communities across our county that residents look forward to each summer.

The exhibit will display artifacts and images that span well over a century and present the many traditions that residents of this county celebrate each year.

The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Exhibit location and hours:

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 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis.

The exhibit is sponsored by and the gallery is a project of Hennepin County Communications.

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.

Restaurant Week Summer 2019, July 14 - 19

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 July 14 -19. Participating restaurants will serve two to three course, prix fixe menus for just $10 to $35 per person. (beverage, tax and gratuity not included) More Info

Eleven Secures Construction Financing

Minneapolis’ first luxury condominium project designed by a world-renowned architect has secured financing. Eleven will be the first residential project in the city to be 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.     

Dougherty Funding LLC, whose team is led by Executive Vice President Murray Kornberg, has arranged Eleven’s construction financing with two of the largest condominium construction lenders in the country. Eleven’s financing represents the largest construction loan ever secured for a condominium project in the state of Minnesota. 

“Having two of the industry’s leading capital providers approve the largest loan ever for a ground up multi-family project in the state is a testament to the vitality of this project,” said Kornberg. “These lender’s participation in the project is a significant endorsement, and consistent with the response we are currently seeing from buyers and the community at large.  With the equity investment from the project sponsors already committed, the project has cleared one of the last hurdles before commencement of construction.” 

The 550-foot, 41-story Eleven tower will be Minneapolis’ tallest residential building. Eleven’s slim sculptural quality finds it origins in the Art Deco tradition. This familiar, slender, aesthetic can be seen in Minneapolis’ Rand and Foshay Towers, whose stepped-back crowns create strong silhouettes in the skyline. Eleven is similarly inspired by many of the pre-war residential buildings of New York and Chicago; long celebrated for being collections of homes in the city and sky.

“While the city of Minneapolis is home to many office towers, museums and theaters designed by world-class architects, Eleven is the first residential building that can claim that designation,” said Luigi Bernardi, president of Arcadia LLC. “Robert A.M. Stern Architects, along with an amazing group of Minneapolis firms, have ensured that every detail of Eleven will be best-in-class. Combining that attention to detail with the panoramic views of the Stone Arch Bridge, Gold Medal Park and Downtown Minneapolis - it’s easy to see why Eleven will be an icon for centuries to come.”

Soon to be a premier address in the Mill District, Eleven will typically have four units per floor, transitioning to two units per floor, and finally one unit per floor in the upper portion of the building. Each home includes a large private terrace which is at least 14 x 14 feet.  RAMSA, Ryan, and local firms Peterssen/Keller Architects and Martha Dayton Design and 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 75-foot 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. 

“This is a testament to the team we’ve assembled, the building they’ve planned, and the strength of the Minneapolis market,” said Mike Ryan of Ryan Companies. “We’re excited to get underway with this timeless addition to our skyline and city.” 

RAMSA has a highly regarded portfolio of work around the globe including single family homes, academic buildings, museums, and luxury towers. Their residential towers can be found in New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, L.A., Toronto, Vancouver, Shanghai, China, Taipei, Taiwan and - with the addition of Eleven - Minneapolis.

For reservation inquiries, contact Sotheby’s at (612) 340-9000.

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

Editor's note - This is an ongoing series of updates as the North Loop Reconstruction and Pedestrian Improvements project.

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

The North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements Project consists of two separate projects:

1. A full street reconstruction along 3rd St N between 10th Ave N and 5th Ave N
2. A pedestrian improvement project generally bounded by 10th Ave N on the north, 1st Ave on the south, West River Parkway on the east, and 4th St N on the west

North Loop Reconstruction Updates

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

5th Ave N

• Continuing water work at 5th and 3rd St N

7th Ave N

• Continue grading in preparation for placement of the first lift of asphalt
• Set up string line for asphalt paving
• Asphalt paving was cancelled and has not been rescheduled yet

8th Ave N

• Amended poor soils
• Finished utility work

9th Ave N

• Finished utility work

3rd St N

• Hydrant installation 8th Ave N and 5th Ave N

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

5th Ave N

• Continuing water work at 5th and 3rd St N
• May begin utility work

7th Ave N

• Finish water work
• Finish grading in preparation for placement of first lift of asphalt

8th Ave N

• Begin bringing in subbase and grading in preparation for placement of the first lift of asphalt

9th Ave N

• Amend poor soils between 3rd St N and the alley-NOTE exit and entrance on 9th Ave N will be off of Washington Ave today 6-28-19
• Begin bringing in subbase and grading in preparation for placement of the first lift of asphalt

3rd St N

• Isolated removals for water work only between 8th Ave N and 5th Ave N, there will be a temporary water shut off on the night on Sunday June 30, 2019. If your property is effected, a notice will be placed on the door of your property in 48 hours’ in advance for impacted businesses, 24 hours’ in advance to impacted residences

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

North Loop Pedestrian Improvements Updates

The Contractor will be holding off on opening any new intersections until after the 4th of July weekend

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

2nd St N NW Corner

• 2nd Ave N – finish sidewalk and place asphalt
• 3rd Ave N – nothing
• 4th Ave N – all but a few panels, ped ramp, finish 1sy ½ of driveway, base and bituminous
• 5th Ave N – sidewalk, ped ramp, finish 1st ½ of driveway, base and bituminous
• 7th Ave N – ped ramp, base and bituminous
• 8th Ave N – removed pole and foundation, installed curb and bituminous, some sidewalk

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

No work is anticipated for the week of July 1.

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

Miscellaneous

Stakeholder Meeting - These meetings are informal, held biweekly and intended to offer residents and businesses on the job an opportunity to get construction updates, ask construction and access related questions.

Date/Time:  July 10, 7:30am - 8:30am

Location:  Corner Coffee 514 N 3rd St #102

As always, feel free to contact myself (612-673-3365) or John Benjamin (651-443-1096) with any construction related questions or concerns.

Contact Stephanie Malmberg (612-673-3365) or John Benjamin (651-443-1096) with any construction related questions or concerns.

Artwork on Buses Highlights Connection Between Transit and Regional Parks

Large, colorful butterflies may give you a ride to a regional park this summer. Metro Transit has wrapped two 40-foot buses, dubbed Nature Connectors, with a beautiful painting created by Minneapolis muralist Greta McLain and created in her studio, GoodSpace Murals. The painting prominently features monarch butterflies.

The buses are now traveling on routes that lead to some of the region’s most popular regional parks – Minnehaha and Theodore Wirth in Minneapolis and Como and Lake Phalen in Saint Paul – as part of an effort to highlight the connection between transit and parks.

A map highlighting the routes that serve select regional parks can be found at metrotransit.org/parks. Temporary sidewalk clings featuring butterflies will mark the path between each park and select bus stops.

Check out this video to see how the wraps are applied to the buses.  

Millers Landing Community Blood Drive, July 10

Our neighbors at Millers Landing Senior Living invite you to the Millers Landing Community Blood Drive on Wednesday, July 10, 11:00AM - 2:00PM. They are located at 155 5th Avenue S in the Ceresota building across from MacPhail Center for Music. Participants receive a free T-shirt (while supplies last) and lunch.

Memorial Blood Centers is offering blood donors the chance to win Minnesota State Fair tickets! Donate and be automatically entered to win a pair of tickets. Visit MBC.ORG/FAIR for details. 

All blood types help save lives, and all blood types are needed - especially O negative (O-) and O positive (O+).

Fire Fighters for Healing & Sherman Associates Partner on New Healing Center

Via a June 24 News Release:

Firefighters For Healing partners with Sherman Associates to Provide Housing for Firefighters and Burn Trauma Survivors

Firefighters for Healing and Sherman Associates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the future construction of the Firefighters For Healing Transitional Healing Center. This one-of-a-kind housing will be located just one block away from Hennepin Healthcare's burn unit and outpatient clinic and will support burn and trauma survivors, firefighters and their families. These 'home-away-from-home' apartments will provide a close and comfortable place for families and survivors to rest, recharge and recover.

Jake LaFerriere“Children who have survived burn trauma have unique challenges and often a very lengthy recovery. Their families are often displaced for weeks if not months while they support their child's recovery. There is an increase in the number of Firefighters seeking medical attention. Firefighters For Healing is working together with the community to meet the needs of these families to support their physical and emotional recovery.” said founder Jake LaFerriere. “We show up with compassion, understanding and the ability to take action.”

George Sherman, CEO of Sherman Associates pursues projects that make a positive impact on the community and looks forward to the partnership. According to Sherman, “Firefighters For Healing is a passionate organization. We are inspired by their commitment to supporting the healing process. It will be a wonderful center for these children and their families.”

About Sherman Associates

Sherman Associates is a Minneapolis based firm that develops and manages properties throughout the Midwest and Colorado.  Sherman currently has over 6,000 multi-family units, over 600,000 square feet of commercial, two Starbucks, two solar gardens, and four hotels in its portfolio. Sherman Associates is driven by their mission to build communities and enrich neighborhoods.

About Firefighters For Healing

Non-profit Firefighters for Healing was established in 2010 after Minneapolis firefighter Jake LaFerriere suffered 3rd and 4th degree burns in a backdraft explosion while battling a house fire. It was at the hospital while being treated for his burns that Jake met young children who were undergoing the same painful treatment for their injuries. He wanted to help. Jake founded Firefighters For Healing, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, with the mission of supporting burn survivors and firefighters.

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements Update

Editor's note - This is an ongoing series of updates as the North Loop Reconstruction and Pedestrian Improvements project.

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

The North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements Project consists of two separate projects:

1. A full street reconstruction along 3rd St N between 10th Ave N and 5th Ave N
2. A pedestrian improvement project generally bounded by 10th Ave N on the north, 1st Ave on the south, West River Parkway on the east, and 4th St N on the west

North Loop Reconstruction Updates

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

5th Ave N

• CenterPoint will complete the removals of old gas line
• Started water work at 3rd St N and 5th Ave

7th Ave N

• Removed street lights and foundations
• CenterPoint Energy completed the removals of old gas line
• Finished amending the soils between 3rd St N and 4th St N

8th Ave N

• Continued utility work

9th Ave N

• Continued utility work

3rd St N

• Started the water work between 10th and 8th Aves N
• CenterPoint will begin work at 3rd St N and 10th Ave N on June 20

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

5th Ave N

• Continuing water work at 5th and 3rd St N

7th Ave N

• Continue grading in preparation for placement of the first lift of asphalt
• Set up string line for asphalt paving
• Paving from Washington Ave to 4th St N is tentatively scheduled for Thursday 6-27, there may be times where access into and out of your property or business will be difficult.

8th Ave N

• Amend poor soils
• Begin bringing in subbase and grading in preparation for placement of the first lift of asphalt
• May place the first lift of asphalt at Washington Ave intersection  

9th Ave N

• Finish utility work
• Amend poor soils between 3rd St N and the alley
• Begin bringing in subbase and grading in preparation for placement of the first lift of asphalt
• May place the first lift of asphalt at Washington Ave intersection

3rd St N

• Isolated removals for water work only between 8th Ave N and 5th Ave N, there will be a temporary water shut off on the night on Sunday June 23, 2019. If your property is effected, a notice will be placed on the door of your property in 48 hours’ in advance for impacted businesses, 24 hours’ in advance to impacted residences
• There will be parking restrictions on 3rd St N to accommodate the water work and to maintain two-way traffic.

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

North Loop Pedestrian Improvements Updates

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

2nd St N NW Corner

• 2nd Ave N – saw, removals, CB, install curb & landing, ped ramps and some sidewalk and concrete base
• 3rd Ave N – saw
• 4th Ave N – saw, removals, install curb and part of the driveway
• 5th Ave N – saw, removals, install curb, pedestrian ramps and ½ of the driveway
• 7th Ave N - saw, removals, install curb and sidewalk
• 8th Ave N – saw, removals, install curb, install CB, some sidewalk and concrete base

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

2nd St N NW Corner

• 2nd Ave N – finish sidewalk and place asphalt
• 3rd Ave N – removals, place curb, ped ramp, sidewalk, base and bituminous
• 4th Ave N – sidewalk, ped ramp, finish driveway, base and bituminous
• 5th Ave N – sidewalk, ped ramp, finish driveway, base and bituminous
• 7th Ave N – ped ramp, base and bituminous
• 8th Ave N – finish sidewalk, ped ramp, bituminous

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

Miscellaneous

Stakeholder Meeting -These meetings are informal, held biweekly and intended to offer residents and businesses on the job an opportunity to get construction updates, ask construction and access related questions.

Date/Time:  June 26, 7:30 am to 8:30 am

Location:  Corner Coffee 514 N 3rd St #102

Contact Stephanie Malmberg (612-673-3365) or John Benjamin (651-443-1096) with any construction related questions or concerns.

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Ave. reconstruction project, led by City of Minneapolis Public Works, will be reconstructed between 12th Street and Washington Avenue beginning Spring 2019. The project will reconstruct the pavement from building face to building face, including improvements to public and private utility infrastructure, and improved infrastructure for pedestrians, bicycles, transit, and vehicles.

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Latest Project News

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Utility work continues throughout the corridor from 12th to Washington.  Progress is being made on the Sanitary Sewer Replacement from 9th to 7th.  The Private Utility Companies are continuing their upgrades from 5th to Washington.

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What's Coming Up

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The Sewer work will be progressing across 8th Street in the coming days and proceeding north toward 7th.  This will close East Bound traffic crossing at 8th Street. 8th Street is open east of Hennepin and access from North Bound Hennepin.

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The Private Utility Companies will be completing their new fiber work north of 5th Street.

The City Water Dept. has begun the watermain replacement work at 10th Street this week and will head south over the next few weeks.

Additional info: Hennepin_Update_Vol6.pdf.

New Summer Series at the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam: Sunset on the Lock

The National Park Service, Mississippi Park Connection and Friends of the Lock and Dam would like you know about a new summer series at the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam: Sunset on the Lock, the only chance to experience the best of Minnesota summer nights in one of the most picturesque locations in the Twin Cities, the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam. Get close to the falls and the Mississippi River. Stroll along the lock wall with panoramic views of the river and surrounding area, with a classic Minneapolis sunset as the backdrop.

The first Sunset on the Lock is scheduled for Friday, June 28, 5 PM – 9 PM at the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam 1 Portland Avenue. (The lock will also be open for extended evening hours on Saturday, June 29 from 5 PM to 9 PM, with special photography programming.)

The event is free and open for all to enjoy. Perfect for a unique date idea, night out on the town with friends, family summer gathering, pit stop on your way to a show or dinner, or as part of your evening stroll along the river.

Future Sunset on the Lock dates include July 26 & 27 and August 30 & 31.  View the full list of events from the Mississippi Park Connection: https://parkconnection.org/events/

Boatsetter: Airbnb for Boats

Want to get out on the lake without the hassle of owning your own boat or pontoon? Consider Boatsetter, an Airbnb for boats!

Officially launched in 2012, Boatsetter currently manages about 5,000 vessels and has more than 30 full time employees. Renting out a boat on Boatsetter is easy - simply visit the site and search for a boat based on location, date and party size, connect with a boat owner/captain and book your experience. The renter must be 18 years or older with a credit card in their name.

If you would like to captain your own boat (not all boats are eligible), you will either need a drivers license or a special permit, depending on local rules. Rentees also have the option to “add a captain," which allows them to assure their riders have a stress free time on the water. Boatsetter has 500+ U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains.

The same rules apply whether it's a privately owned boat or a chartered boat. The owner sets the rules in terms of requiring a captain or not, and they also get to screen potential renters who want to drive on their own. Users can rent out a boat on Boatsetter for half a day, full day or multi-day.

CEO and Co-Founder, Jackie Baumgarten

CEO and Co-Founder, Jackie Baumgarten got the idea for the service when two of her brothers were considering selling their boats due to the high costs associated with boat ownership. When she asked her brothers why they didn’t just rent their boats out to cover their costs, they made her aware of an insurance issue that prohibited occasional rentals. She quickly realized that if she could solve the insurance problem, she could create a completely new industry – peer-to-peer (P2P) boat rental. After spending eight-months putting together the world’s first P2P insurance policy with top experts in the field, Boatsetter was born.

Public Hearing on Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan Scheduled for June 26

Via a June 19 e-announcement from Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board

Mississippi Gorge Regional Park includes the trails and green space along West and East River Parkways in Minneapolis between Bohemian Flats and Minnehaha Regional Park

Public hearing set for Wednesday, June 26 at Mary Merrill Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Headquarters

A public hearing on the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan is scheduled at 6:30 pm during the regular Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commissioners meeting Wednesday, June 26, 2019, 6:30 pm at Mary Merrill MPRB Headquarters, 2117 West River Road. 

The Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan creates a new long-term vision for 132 acres of beautiful riverfront parkland between Bridge 9 (Dinkytown Greenway bridge) and Minnehaha Regional Park. 

The master plan is split into ten sections, which are linked below. It's also available on the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan project page, in the right column under "Key Documents." 

Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan

Table of Contents and Acknowledgements

Chapter  1 – Introduction

Chapter  2 – Park Conditions, Analysis, and Opportunities

Chapter  3 – Visitor Demand

Chapter  4 – Public Engagement

Chapter  5 – Vision and Guiding Principles

Chapter  6 – Master Plan Recommendations

Chapter  7 – Design Guidelines

Chapter  8 – Interpretation and Public Art

Chapter  9 – Implementation

Chapter 10 – References and Appendix

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East River Flats Park near the University of Minnesota East Bank Campus is part of the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan

Process and Next Steps

The plan was shaped through months of in-depth community engagement that included hosting and attending numerous public meetings, open houses and focus groups, online and in-person surveys, feedback from technical and project advisory committees, and eight Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings. The CAC was comprised of 21 members of the public appointed by MPRB staff and commissioners, City Council Members, local neighborhood associations and the University of Minnesota Student Government.

A draft of the plan opened for a 45-day public comment period on Jan. 25, 2019 after more than a year of in-depth community engagement and design work. The comment period closed March 10, 2019. Since then, MPRB staff and consultants worked to refine the plan in response to comments from the park users and stakeholder groups.

After the public hearing, commissioners on the Planning Committee will consider approval of the plan. If approved, it will move to the full Board of Commissioners for final approval at the next Board meeting, scheduled Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at Mary Merrill MPRB Headquarters.

The park concepts linked above are also available on the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan project page under “Key Documents” in the right column.

Turtle Theater Collective Announces the Regional Premiere of What Would Crazy Horse Do?

Turtle Theater Collective is proud to present the regional premiere of What Would Crazy Horse Do? written by Larissa FastHorse. FastHorse is an award winning playwright, director and choreographer based in Santa Monica. Larissa co-founded Indigenous Direction, a consulting firm that helps organizations who want to create accurate work by and for Indigenous peoples. Her produced plays include Urban Rez (Cornerstone Theatre Company) Landless (AlterTheater), Average Family (Children’s Theater Company of Minneapolis), Teaching Disco Squaredancing to Our Elders: a Class Presentation (Native Voices at the Autry), Vanishing Point (Eagle Project), Cherokee Family Reunion (Mountainside Theater) and The Thanksgiving Play (Artists Pre and Cap Stage). Larissa was awarded the PEN USA Literary Award for Drama, NEA Distinguished New Play Development Grant, Joe Dowling Annamaghkerrig Fellowship, AATE Distinguished Play Award, Inge Residency, Sundance/Ford Foundation Fellowship, Aurand Harris Fellowship, the UCLA Native American Program Woman of the Year and numerous Ford and NEA Grants. She is a current member of the Playwright’s Union, Director’s Lab West 2015, Theater Communications Group board of directors, Playwright’s Center Core Writers and is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Sicangu Lakota Nation.

What Would Crazy Horse Do? is a dark comedy inspired by an actual event. The play is set on a Lakota reservation in South Dakota, although the tribe is fictional. "The play is the tale of a single photo and the strange bedfellows it reveals. The Klan and a tribe of Indians joining together for a Pow Wow. What could these two groups find in common ground? This powerful play examines manipulations, genocide, racial purity, hate, love, fear and trauma. It is a play that will challenge your beliefs, stir your emotions and leave you wondering. We thank you for joining us and would like to warn some may find triggering moments and language in this production,” said Brian Joyce, Director.

“I had the honor of being a part of the Minneapolis staged reading of What Would Crazy Horse Do? in the spring of 2016 right here at Mixed Blood Theatre. This show, more than any other, started so many conversations amongst the audiences who came to see it. I was awestruck by the play’s ability to be funny, severe, dark, hurtful, difficult and ignited a conversation about what we are seeing reflected in our society and how hate is often times allowed to survive. I knew the moment I took part in this reading, I wanted to see this show performed, if only to start a conversation and to remind people to be vigilante, because sometimes the people who speak softly can do more damage to our society than those who shout loudly,” said Ernest Briggs, Artistic Director of Turtle Theater Collective.

Turtle Theater Collective is committed to producing high-quality, contemporary work that explores Native experiences and subverts expectations about how and when Native artists can create theater. In addition to producing Indigenous plays, we center Native bodies and voices by situating them within the broader theatrical canon, providing opportunities for Native artists to grow and play.

The Turtle Theater Collective is: Ernest Briggs (White Earth Ojibwe), Marisa Carr (Turtle Mountain Ojibwe), Sequoia Hauck (White Earth Ojibwe/Hupa)

The Turtle Theater Collective Advisory Committee is: Heid E. Erdrich, Carra Martinez, Sarah Rasmussen, James A. Williams

Directed by Brian Joyce

Cast: Ernest Briggs, Jei Herald-Zamora, David Rand-McKay, Maretta Zilic Production crew: Katie Johns (Stage Manager), Mitchell Frazier (Lighting Designer), David Lewis-Frazier (Sound Designer), Barb Portinga (Costume Consultant), Sarah Salisbury (Prop Master), Marisa Carr (Producer), Ernest Briggs (Artistic Director)

Performances at Mixed Blood Theatre: 

Wednesday, July 10 - 7:30 pm

Thursday, July 11 - 7:30 pm

Friday, July 12 - 7:30 pm

Saturday, July 13 - 7:30 pm

Sunday, July 14 - 2pm

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Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets. Please note, walk-up tickets can be purchased by cash only. For questions about tickets please contact: turtletheaterboxoffice@gmail.com. 

Updated Designs for the Great Northern Greenway River Overlook

A bird's eye illustration of the Great Northern Greenway Overlook, formerly called the 26th Avenue North Overlook

Iconic North Minneapolis riverfront park attraction expected to break ground this fall and open in 2020

Today the Minneapolis Parks Foundation and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board shared the updated vision for the Great Northern Greenway Overlook, which will link North Minneapolis to the Mississippi River through an iconic new park destination.

Along with the announcement, the Parks Foundation has extended an invitation to the public to participate in the RiverFirst Capital Campaign, which will bring $17.9 million in philanthropic contributions to create transformative parks on the city’s Upper Riverfront. The two RiverFirst projects supported through this public campaign, Water Works and the Great Northern Greenway Overlook, are expected to break ground in 2019 and be open for the enjoyment of all in 2020.

Community members are invited to become a part of the historic effort – the largest philanthropic campaign to create new parks in Minneapolis – by contributing any amount at MplsParksFoundation.org/SupportRiverFirst. Every gift through December 31, 2019, will be generously matched by the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, up to $250,000.

Project Details: Great Northern Greenway Overlook & Water Works

The Great Northern Greenway Overlook – which is the first project in a larger multi-phase Great Northern Greenway River Link plan – is located at the east end of 26th Avenue N where the City of Minneapolis recently completed an off-street bike and pedestrian trail that connects the Grand Rounds at Theodore Wirth Regional Park with the Mississippi River through the heart of North Minneapolis.

Features will include an oval loop trail that will perch like a nest above the riverbank, a 50-ft-tall beacon, visible from a distance of half a mile or more, and opportunities for “pop-up” interactive experiences and temporary art installations. Elements of the Overlook concept are informed by engagement and design ideas developed by Environmental Design Studio apprentices at Juxtaposition Arts, a partnership brought to the project by the Parks Foundation.

The broader vision for the project includes connections to downtown Minneapolis and West River Road trails, together with new parks stretching north and south from the Overlook along the riverfront. Once complete, the full River Link will unite downtown to North Minneapolis along the river, open up a new 40-mile trail loop in Minneapolis, and eventually reach to Northeast across the river.

The Overlook’s companion project is Water Works in the Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park. Already home to iconic landmarks, including St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge, Water Works will be an expansion of Mill Ruins Park and become a much-needed destination for the more than 2.5 million annual visitors to the area, a number that is expected to double in the next decade. Among the new amenities will be a park pavilion with a restaurant by James Beard Award-winning The Sioux Chef; revealed and restored historic mill remnants; a city steps gathering and performance space; and places to picnic and play.

Both projects are expected to break ground in late summer or early fall of 2019. The Overlook’s grand opening is anticipated in spring 2020, with the Water Works grand opening to follow in fall of the same year.

Read the full news release on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board website