Crews Begin City Hall Clock Face Overhaul

Work is now taking place in the clock tower of the Minneapolis City Hall/Hennepin County Courthouse building. This work will completely remove the white clock faces and replace them with glass similar to what was originally in place when the building was constructed more than a century ago. The steel framing will also be removed and replaced with cast aluminum. With neon lights already removed, the newly installed clock faces will be back-lit.

This week, crews will start removing the southern-facing clock face. Over the next few weeks, the other three clock faces will be removed one by one. Tarps will cover the clock opening until new glass clock faces can be installed. The hands of the clock will be taken down and refurbished as well. Plans call for all four faces of the clock to be completed by the end of 2016.

The Municipal Building Commission has served as the steward for the historic City Hall/Courthouse building since 1904. Free tours, including audio of the building are available every third Wednesday of the month at noon or call 612-596-9512.  For more information, visit www.municipalbuildingcommission.org.

Update on Gold Medal Park - Tonight's Movie Canceled

Note from the Gold Medal Park management company:

Last week the park started showing a number of areas of brown grass. This is highly unusual considering the amount of rain we have along with a pretty good watering system. After examination we found that the park lawn was inundated with beetle grub worms. These grubs eat the roots of the grass and without controlling them the park lawn would greatly diminish convert to weeds quickly. We have been proud that the majority of products used to keep the park in pristine condition are organic products. The park foundation has accepted the fact that the process of organic is substantially more expensive then normal chemical but defiantly worth it not only because it is environmentally the right thing but also for the consideration of all the people and the pets that use the park. We have hit one ugly issue of not being able to find a very effective way to stop the grub damage without using a chemical application. That is what took place today and why the caution tape is around the park. The chemical will be washed into the soil with the watering and will quickly dissipate within 24 hours. It is possible that another application will need to be applied next spring to completely eradicate the grubs.

Although immediate treatment was optimum we thought that closing down the park over the weekend when the highest park use takes place was not in the best interest. We pushed treatment off to Monday without remembering the park movie schedule. With that chemical treatment it is not advisable to  have heavy grass activity.  Hopefully the continual result of a great lawn will mitigate any inconvenience this may have caused. 

Update From Friends of the Mill District

The second rehearsal of this season of the Mill City Emanuel Singers was held at the MacPhail Music Center.  We continue to attract more singers and are becoming a truly diverse choir, representing our community in the truest sense.  Today's rehearsal was about sharing individual stories and getting to know each other better as we continue to form our musical identity.

The Singers will be part of a massed choir on Sunday, September 25 at International Market Square. We will be singing at the Concert Across America to End Gun Violence. There will be similar events going on all over the country at the same time with the same goal, ending the violence that has so plagued our city and our country.  For more details, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/281769912173312/

Please feel free to join the singers.  Our next rehearsal is on September 24th at 2:00-3:30 at the Mill City Museum.  The only requirement is a love of singing and a desire to be part of a community.  All are welcome.  Please contact Claudia Kittock at cjkittock@gmail.com with any questions.

Community Corner – News from Local Neighborhood Associations

News & resources from the Downtown & Riverfront Neighborhood Associations

Loring Park | Pedestrian Hit By Car, Seeking Witnesses. A woman was hit by a car while crossing Spruce Place on Friday, 9/9/2016. More details…

St. Anthony West | Your Neighborhood Needs You. Volunteer for the 13th Annual Historic Riverfront 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Oct. 1. More details…

Downtown Minneapolis | Read the Latest Newsletter…

North Loop | Planning+Zoning Committee Meeting September 21. More details…

Marcy-Holmes | Board Meeting September 20. More details…

Nicollet Island/East Bank | NIEBNA Board Meeting Schedule…

Elliot Park | Free Arts Day. More details…

Don't Skip The Commercials!

Event at Commons Park will feature the very best of the best local ads

There was a time when Minneapolis-based ads were known as “Minneapolis Cute”—an affectionate term coined by judges at national advertising shows in the 1980s referring to the fresh, new and unique style produced by up-and-coming agencies in the Twin Cities area. It was a time when Minneapolis was not yet known for producing hit commercials but began showcasing its creativity one spot at a time.

Read more, event details…

RSVP on Facebook…

Doug Spong remembers it well. The founder of The Doug Spong Co. is in his 35th year in the advertising business, and he recalls back in the 1980s and 1990s how local agencies began making names for themselves and the creative community as a whole with their wit, humor and philosophy on advertising.

Back then, Minneapolis agencies were making their name. Now, they’re maintaining their reputation as a national power.

“Most Minnesotans have no idea how large and robust the creative economy is in Minneapolis,” Spong said. “There are roughly 50,000 talented professionals who make their living in the commercial arts. Minneapolis ranks among the Top 7 creative markets in the U.S. and boasts some of the most award-winning agencies in the world.

To help celebrate our booming local creative industry, the Minneapolis Downtown Council in partnership with AdFed MN and Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan Downtown Experience Committee are hosting Northbest: Ads of Minnesota on Thursday, September 22 at The Commons. The event is free and open to the public, will include food trucks and beverages on hand, and will showcase the very best of the best in the local creative community.

Beginning at 8 pm, a 60-minute highlight reel of locally-produced advertisements will provide a look at some of the nationally- and internationally-recognized commercials that were born right here in the Minneapolis area.

There were 138 advertisements submitted for this event by 19 different creative agencies, and of that group a curation committee comprised of Spong, Sue Crolick, Nancy Rice and Steve Wehrenberg selected roughly an hour’s worth—27 individual ads—of the very best commercials to be part of Northbest.

“There are global brands that bring their advertising creative needs to Minneapolis agencies, including leading automotive brands such as Subaru, fast-casual restaurants like Arby’s, retail work for Target and a host of local and regional brands that are Minnesota favorites,” Spong said. “See for yourself the inspiring ideas and creative execution that stir a love affair between consumers and brands.”

Our local creative community and its overall reputation has been built up by workers at ad agencies, design studios, PR firms, digital shops, production houses plus countless freelance writers, designers, art directors, animators, video editors, broadcast producers, print producers, digital producers and more.

Periscope, one of the local creative agencies here in the Minneapolis area, designed the Northbest and came up with naming ideas for the event. Periscope, very involved with AdFed and a supporter of the local energy within the creative community, was excited to join in on the action.

“I think most people will be surprised at the amazing work that has been created right here in their own back yard,” Periscope business development manager Brittany Hestad said. “Great advertising has been here for 50-plus years. The general public will be proud to see this.”

With so many successful local businesses in the Minneapolis area, the creative industry has a strong foundation to build upon.

“The creative community of Minneapolis is extremely strategic and business-minded,” Hestad said. “We have 17 of the Fortune 500 companies here. It’s the heart of retail. Being exposed to that business enables us to root our creativity in solutions, helping to solve real business problems. We are a vibrant community—it’s a tight network that continues to grow.”

Spong originally brainstormed this event two years ago and has seen it come to life. Now, on September 22, he’ll be on hand as our local creative community is recognized for its hard work and continued excellence.

“Someone will have to wipe the smile of anticipation off my face the moment the reel starts in The Commons,” Spong said. “Having already viewed and curated the 27 pieces of creative work, I will be watching the faces of the crowd to see their reaction to our city’s creative product.”

Read more, event details…

RSVP on Facebook…

Reprinted with permission from the Minneapolis Downtown Council

Mississippi Minute film festival deadline extended!

Film Entry Deadline EXTENDED: Films Accepted Until Sept. 19, 9 a.m.

You have just two more weekends!

The entry deadline for this year’s Mississippi Minute Film Festival has been extended until 9 a.m., Monday Sept. 19. This is your chance to create a film that inspires, tug at heartstrings or makes people laugh about the mighty Mississippi winding through the Twin Cities.  Partnering this year with the National Park Service in honor of the their Centennial, films can be about any of the full 72-mile stretch of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area corridor between Dayton and Hastings. The only catch – films must be 60 seconds or less!

Start filming – more information at www.mississippiminute.org.

AWARDS:

• People’s Choice Prize, Season Pass to the National Parks (donated by the National Park Service)
• Best of Show Prize, Private tour of the St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam #1 (donated by the National Park Service)
• Youth Prize, four canoe trips on the Mississippi River, provided by Wilderness Inquiry
• Winner Certificates for each river category

CRITERIA:

Originality applauded.  For entry information, forms, and “How to Submit,” see www.mississippiminute.org;

FILM PREMIERE:

Films premiered and awards announced at the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership’s annual event, the Minneapolis Riverfront Summit, on Monday, Oct. 24, at Mill City Museum at 6 p.m. City Council Representative Jacob Frey will be the main speaker.

MPD ACTION ALERT - Motor Vehicle Theft - Case No. 16-316481

CASE SUMMARY:

Incident Location: 0001** Portland AV S

Date and Time:  8/29/2016 3:00:00 PM - 8/30/2016 12:00:00 PM

Primary Offenses:  Motor Vehicle Theft

Public Information: Officer were dispatched to the above location on a motor vehicle theft. V1 was notified by OT1 that her vehicle was in white bear lake. V1 wasnt aware her vehicle was missing. V1 was given a blue card.

REC: Pending investigation. ...

Arrested Parties, if any (name - age / Address AptNo City, State Zip):

NOTE: Any persons arrested in this incident were not necessarily charged with the listed offenses. Use the link provided below for a more complete explanation of the format of these alerts if anything is unclear.

=================================================

NOTE: Asterisks (**) indicate that a street address has been masked, and the incident took place on the “100 block” ,e.g., 0041** Stevens AV S took place on the 4100 block of Stevens Av S. We do not include the full address of incident locations in order to preserve the privacy of victims.

New Animated Film Tells the Heartbreaking Story of Minneapolis’ Lost Gateway

Excerpt from MinnPost:

John Akre’s new film, Demolition Dreaming, is dedicated to his mother, Katherine, who, as he puts it, “took me on a tour of the Metropolitan Building before I was born.” For those unfamiliar with it, the Metropolitan Building is largely recognized as the biggest loss for Minneapolis preservationists, a gorgeous 1890s Richardsonian Romanesque office tower torn down in the early 1960s as part of the city’s massive “Gateway” urban renewal project.

Akre’s new film, set to debut at this weekend’s Square Lake Music and Film Festival, tells a story of the lost Gateway neighborhood, a personal narrative that imagines the old city in a way that deeply humanizes the lost city. Of the many stories and remembrances of the old Gateway, Akre’s rough film stands out for its poignant beauty.

Read the full article on MinnPost…

Minneapolis closes several streets near U.S. Bank Stadium for weekend concerts

The City of Minneapolis will close/change streets around U.S. Bank Stadium for tonight’s Luke Bryan concert and tomorrow’s Metallica concert.

• Fourth Street will close at Park Avenue at 6 p.m. today and 3 p.m. on Saturday. The street will reopen 30 to 45 minutes after each concert.
• Chicago Avenue, from Fourth Street to Sixth Street will close at noon today and remain closed until after Saturday’s concert.

These street closings are for traffic safety and security needs related to a large stadium event and are similar to ones that will be in place for upcoming Vikings football games.

Drivers should also be aware that westbound Washington Avenue, from Portland Avenue to Hennepin Avenue is closed for street reconstruction.  Traffic is being detoured onto Third Street South at Portland Avenue. 

Employment Opportunity at Minnesota Center for Book Arts

Minnesota Center for Book Arts is currently seeking applicants for the Exhibiting and Consigned Artists Coordinator position. Primary responsibilities include:

Consignment

• Corresponding with consignment artists in a timely and professional fashion
• Researching and reaching out to new artists for consignment
• Managing consignment artists’ contracts and payments
• Organizing and assisting with special sales events
• Working with Shop staff to maintain consignment display
• Maintaining current consignment inventory and sales

Exhibitions

• Overseeing calls for exhibitions and tracking submissions
• Organizing submissions for jury review
• Drafting and maintaining exhibit contracts
• Answering artist’s inquiries in a timely and professional fashion
• Managing funds and shipping for the return of artwork after an exhibition
• Working with MCBA’s Gallery and Studio Coordinator to complete exhibition installation

The ideal applicant for this position will demonstrate the following requirements:

• 3 or more years of customer service or administrative experience
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle
• Availability to work occasional weekends and evening events
• Interest in the book arts; bookbinding, papermaking, printing, or general art experience is beneficial
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to be self-directed and also to work as part of a close team
• Outstanding ability to think creatively and calmly
• Attention to detail, ability to improve on old methods in an efficient way but works well within set systems of organization
• Experience with the Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and familiarity with Google online tools are beneficial.

Minnesota Center for Book Arts’ Artist Consignment Program fosters the innovation of contemporary artist’s books by providing an opportunity for both emerging and established book artists to display and sell their work. The Exhibition Program continuously demonstrates the diversity of book art, serving to engage, educate, foster creativity, and cultivate greater appreciation of the book arts.

This is a Half Time (20hr week) position with $11-$14/hr starting pay depending on experience.

To apply, please email a PDF of your cover letter and résumé to Evelyn Miller, Shop Manager, at jobs@mnbookarts.org. The application deadline is September 9th.

A respected and dedicated champion of the field, Minnesota Center for Book Arts is the largest and most comprehensive center of its kind. We celebrate the book as a vibrant contemporary art form that takes many shapes. Our mission is clear: to lead the advancement of the book as an evolving art form.

Trader Joe's Gets Closer, Thresher Square Plans Unvelied

UPDATED AUGUST 8, 2016: We just learned that groudbreaking is set for August 24. The project is located at Washington & Chicago Ave in the Downtown East neighborhood of Minneapolis.

MORE COVERAGE

Trader Joe's Coming to Downtown Minneapolis

Report: Trader Joe’s Coming To Downtown Minneapolis

Trader Joe's is a go for downtown Minneapolis location

Trader Joe's confirms downtown Minneapolis store plan

UPDATED FEBRUARY 5, 2015 The Thresher Square Project, which will include a Trader Joe's, is set to go before the Planning Committee of the Whole next week.

Download the Staff Report here...

Slideshow of artist renderings below:

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

Counterpoint: Yes, traffic will get worse, if we prioritize road projects this way
The County Board recently voted 5-2 (with Commissioner Mike Opat joining me in voting “no”) to proceed with the reconstruction of a portion of Washington Avenue at the north end of downtown. Traffic congestion on Washington near the intersection with Interstate 35W is particularly problematic — sometimes backing up traffic considerably.

There's a free building available in Minneapolis, but you have to take it somewhere else
The building sits square in the middle of where Alatus, a Twin Cities-based developer, wants to build a 40-story condo tower at 200 Central Av. SE. Though it was once the St. Anthony Commercial Club, the 1929 building is better known for housing a Washburn-McReavy funeral home.

When I Work will move from St. Paul to Mpls. North Loop this fall
The new digs in the North Loop will look out over the bright lights of Target Field. A former Ford Model T assembly plant, the 10-story brick Ford Center was built in 1913 and renovated in 2011. Its anchor tenants are HGA Architects and Engineers and the creative agency Olson.

Crime Alert: Robbery of Person

MPD ACTION ALERT - Case No. 16-278406

=================================================

CASE SUMMARY:

Incident Location: 10 AV S   3 ST S

Date and Time:  8/1/2016 2:35:00 AM - 8/1/2016 2:37:00 AM

Primary Offenses:  Robbery Of Person

Public Information: On above date and time Officers were flagged down by a male who had just been robbed by two black males while walking on the Hiawatha bike path.  The victim refused medical treatment by HCMC paramedics.  The victim was given a blue card and transported ho ...

Arrested Parties, if any (name - age / Address AptNo City, State Zip):

NOTE: Any persons arrested in this incident were not necessarily charged with the listed offenses. Use the link provided below for a more complete explanation of the format of these alerts if anything is unclear.

=================================================

NOTE: Asterisks (**) indicate that a street address has been masked, and the incident took place on the “100 block” ,e.g., 0041** Stevens AV S took place on the 4100 block of Stevens Av S. We do not include the full address of incident locations in order to preserve the privacy of victims.

Reward Offered in Gold Medal Park Vandalism

$500 for information leadng to arrest and conviction

Vandals struck in the wee hours of the morning on Friday, July 22 damaging the lights in front of the Gold Medal Park sign. The 2 white males caused over $3,000 in damages.

The campany charged with maintaining the park, Windsor Companies, is offering a reward of $500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Contact Windosr Companies with questions.

NEMAA is seeking an inspired and driven Executive Director!

NEMAA is seeking an executive director who will oversee the production of its promotional events, entrepreneurial development programs, and operational activities, while strategically focusing on building community partnerships and fundraising to ensure the fiscal sustainability and growth of the organization.

The Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization serving over 900 primarily artist members, as well as the Northeast (NE) Minneapolis community, the city, and the metropolitan region.  NEMAA fosters and supports a community where visual artists can work and showcase their art through connectivity with local businesses, political representatives, and the wider community in order to build a more vibrant, economically healthy and sustainable artistic milieu.

In service to its members, NEMAA produces three major showcasing events; Art-A-Whirl, Fall Fine Arts, and Wintertide.  The organization produces an Artist Directory and Guide and hosts several mediums in which to promote and inform its membership.  It also regularly conducts workshops, community planning efforts, and promotes tours and visits to the district.  In the main, NEMAA has created a series of traditions in the effort to draw attention to the work of its member artists, as well as the spaces of production that exist within NE Minneapolis.

USA Today ranked Northeast Minneapolis the #1 arts district in the country in 2015, a distinction built on the work of NEMAA and its artist and community members over the past two-plus decades. The Art-A-Whirl open studio event draws upwards of 30,000 people to NE during a weekend in May, and the Fall Fine Arts and Wintertide gallery events host 850 and 1,200 guests respectively, on opening night.  Arts activity is an acknowledged economic driver in NE, and the growth of the arts presence has raised interest in the neighborhoods of NE Minneapolis by businesses and residents.  Therefore, NEMAA seeks a strategic visionary to shepherd the artists, their spaces of production and exhibition, and NEMAA’s events within a changing landscape.

Summary of Work:

• Work closely with the board of directors to envision and execute strategies in line with the organization’s mission and strategic plan
• Provide vision, leadership and strategies in the development and execution of a fundraising plan
• Provide vision, leadership and strategies in the fostering and development of new community partnerships and in the maintenance and growth of existing relationships
• Provide leadership and management oversight to enhance the production of NEMAA’s arts focused promotional events
• Provide direction to enhance and grow NEMAA’s entrepreneurial development workshops and toolkits
• Streamline operations and drive technological efficiencies in NEMAA’s day-to-day operations, providing mentorship and support to NEMAA staff
• Provide the board with a proposed annual budget and drive responsible fiscal management in partnership with the board to operate within the approved budget
• Work to enhance the NEMAA brand and reputation, working with the marketing contractor to further align marketing and promotional opportunities, directory ad sales, and the membership drive with established revenue strategies
• Work to ensure excellent member services in all aspects of NEMAA programs and operations

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or nonprofit administration/management, urban studies/planning, arts and cultural leadership/administration, marketing, or related fields
• Demonstrated ability to work with board/executive leadership
• Demonstrated ability to innovatively form, foster and grow community partnerships/relationships
• Demonstrated ability to energetically strategize revenue producing activity/fundraise
• Demonstrated ability to write, garner and oversee management of grants
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage staff and contractors and provide guidance as a mentor
• Demonstrated ability to fiscally manage revenues and oversee operations
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage innovative member service initiatives
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Broad knowledge of arts entrepreneurial needs and constraints
• Broad knowledge of creative industries and creative place making narratives

Desirable Qualifications:

• MA/MBA or advanced degree equivalent
• Knowledge of the region’s arts based economy and networks
• Experience in advocacy roles
• Experience in collaborator roles or with community work
• Experience with media
• Experience with event planning

To Apply:

Review of candidate materials will begin at the close of business on August 18, 2016.  All applications should include a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references.  Address all materials to NEMAA Hiring committee and send via email to applications@nemaa.org. 

Interested applicants are encouraged to explore NEMAA’s website at https://nemaa.org/.

Application materials must be complete and received by the application deadline in order to be considered. EEO.

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

Could the Mississippi River actually begin in South Dakota?
Questioning whether the Mississippi begins in Lake Itasca may be blasphemy – or good geology.

Plan to reconnect Cedar-Riverside, downtown Mpls. hits roadblock over traffic concerns
A plan to stitch up the freeway gash that divides Cedar-Riverside from downtown Minneapolis by converting an old exit ramp into a pedestrian friendly crossing has been delayed amid a debate over cars.

6 reasons to like new Downtown East Commons park in Minneapolis
The largest open space in downtown Minneapolis shows that an urban park can be more than trees and grass.

Blarney to open pub near U.S. Bank Stadium
Dinkytown’s Blarney Pub & Grill is opening a second location near U.S. Bank Stadium in Downtown East.

Nimbus Theatre finds new home in Northeast
Independent theater company Nimbus Theatre has found a new home across Northeast Minneapolis after leaving its home on Central Avenue last year.

Q+A: Olga Viso discusses the Walker Art Center's plans for a more artfully integrated campus
The Walker’s plans to rebuild its Vineland Place entry and re-landscape the former site of the Guthrie Theater also coincide with a two-year refresh and infrastructure rebuild of the park-board-owned sculpture park.

RoehrSchmitt renovates factory to address need for office and retail space in Northeast
The old Miller Bag Building, plonked on the outskirts of Northeast Minneapolis’ commercial core, is pretty big. Actually, the hulking four-story structure and its three outbuildings are legitimately out of scale with their surroundings.

Family says Prince tribute concert will be Oct. 13 at Vikings stadium
Family members confirmed the date, but there was no word on who might perform.

Minneapolis, St. Paul lead suburbs in growth
Minneapolis City Council Member Jacob Frey said more people of all ages want to live in places with a “dense, dynamic atmosphere.”

Surdyks & Amazon Launche One-Hour Alcohol Delivery Service In Twin Cities
One-stop online retailer Amazon has partnered with Surdyk’s to offer speedy delivery of beer, wine and spirits to Twin Cities area customers.

Butcher Block opens expansion into Pacifier space
The Northeast Minneapolis Italian restaurant has added a bar and more seating thanks to an expansion into the into the former flagship space of the baby gift and clothing boutique. Pacifier relocated from the Hennepin Avenue space in January to open a larger location in the North Loop.

More TCF Bank building redevelopment details released
Franklin Street Properties shared more details about its redevelopment plans for the TCF Bank building that was at one time going to be the site of a 50-story tower in downtown Minneapolis.

U.K. will open new trade offices in Minneapolis, two other cities
The United Kingdom is the ninth-biggest buyer of Minnesota exports.

House-Sitter Available

Mature and reliable Mill District college student looking for house, pet, or plant sitting assignment for two weeks - exact date flexible between August 28 and September 13-14. All terms negotiable and excellent references available. If interested contact Joe Tamburino at joetamburino@comcast.net.

Mill City Emanuel Singers to Sing at Target Field

The Mill City Emanuel Singers, sponsored by Friends of the Mill District, will be singing 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' on August 11th at Target Field during the 7th inning of the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Houston Astros.  JD Steele is the director for the group, which has performed at Holidazzle and the MacPhail Music Matters Luncheon.

Begun in the fall of 2015, the singers have over 90 members on their roster. They rehearse on Saturday afternoons at the Guthrie, the American Academy of Neurology, and the First Covenant Church and are accompanied by Fred Steele. The choir was recently awarded an $8,000 grant from the Minnesota Regional Arts Council.

For more information about the Mill City Emanuel Singers, please contact Claudia Kittock at cjkittock@gmail.com. All are welcome to come and sing with us.

Well done Minneapolis: 2017 & 2018 X Games to be held in the Mill City

It was just announced that Minneapolis will host the ESPN X Games 2 consecutive years. The event, which includes BMX, Moto X and skateboarding competitions, is especially popular with millennials.

Councilmember Jacob Frey thinks the games will add to the cool factor of Minneapolis: "The X Games brings nearly unparalleled media attention that could highlight our city. We're hip and we know it, but not everyone does. That's now gonna change" he said.

Sports Minneapolis, an arm of the city’s convention bureau, was instrumental in bringing the event to town.

READ MORE COVERAGE

ESPN Selects Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Host X Games in the U.S.
Minnesota Sports Facility Authority, U.S. Bank Stadium, Meet Minneapolis and ESPN to Collaborate on Summer Events for Two Years; 2017 & 2018 Event Dates Announced

Minneapolis is getting the X Games (twice!)
Welcome to that weird moment when a bunch of tattooed, pierced rebellious types are brought to town by a company owned by Disney, where they'll perform at a publicly funded sports stadium named after a bank. Such is life in America, circa 2016.

The Official X Games Site
For 2017 and 2018, X Games has a new home. Welcome to Minneapolis, Minnesota.

New Vikings stadium to host X Games in 2017, '18
ESPN's X Games will be held in Minneapolis in 2017 and 2018, with many of the events being held in the Minnesota Vikings' glittering new stadium, the network announced Wednesday.

ESPN’s X Games are coming to U.S. Bank Stadium
The new home of the Minnesota Vikings will see the competition the next two summers.

ESPN's X Games are coming to Minneapolis
U.S. Bank Stadium will host the ESPN extreme sports competition during the next two summers.

X Games Minneapolis: Five reasons to get excited about the event
Like the Red Bull Crashed Ice event in St. Paul or closing time after a grandstand show at the State Fair, the people watching figures to be fantastic at an event like this one.

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

9 crazy facts you never knew about the Minneapolis City Hall building
Monday marked the official 125th anniversary of Minneapolis’ City Hall building, which also serves as the Hennepin County Courthouse.

Neighbors worry dogs will leave their mark on Downtown East Commons park
As officials prepare to partially open the Downtown East Commons park in the next few weeks, neighborhood leaders are asking if the fresh, green grass will quickly become yellowed from dogs on walks.

CBRE report ranks Minneapolis highly as a lure of tech talent
Minneapolis is getting a few steps closer to becoming a true tech hub, according to a new report by commercial real estate company CBRE.

Boosters want to build buzz for the Commons
Chicago has Millennium Park. New York City has Central Park. In Houston, it’s Discovery Green, and in Detroit it’s Campus Martius Park. So what’s Minneapolis’ iconic urban green space, that place that’s both a must-see tourist draw and a daily refuge for locals? Someday, maybe, it could be Downtown East Commons.

'Sweeney Todd' collects powerful moments at Mill City Opera
REVIEW: A bit less restraint would have released a bit more evil.

On-street parking returning to curb on 1st Avenue in downtown Minneapolis
You may have noticed that city crews have started scraping off pavement markings on 1st Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. The reason is the street is being reconfigured to return on-street parking to the curb.

Ryan reveals images for new office tower next to Vikings stadium
The building is one of the final steps in Ryan's makeover of five blocks next to the stadium.

U.S. Bank Stadium officials plan three-year, $300,000 bird fatality study
Panel expected to approve proposal to work with the National Audubon Society and its Minnesota chapter.

An inside look at U.S. Bank Stadium (Photos)
At $1.1 billion, the downtown Minneapolis project showcases what could be a new trend in sports — instead of retractable roofs, the Minnesota Vikings stadium uses a transparent plastic material that makes people feel like they’re sitting outside.

Rojo Mexican Grill closes North Loop Minneapolis restaurant
The concept was a second swing by restaurateur Michael McDermott.

Community Keg House closes, looks for buyer
The beer community-focused taproom, which featured a rotating selection of craft beers from around the state, opened in January in the Grain Belt complex’s Keg House Arts Building off Broadway Street.

Now open: Lu’s Sandwiches in Red 20
Lu’s Sandwiches is the first of a wave of Whittier-based restaurants to open in a growing corner of Northeast Minneapolis.

PREVIOUS WEEK

Downtown Mpls. 'hostile to the arts,' says dance company founder
Zenon Dance fundraising letter cites crime, parking and construction as factors in tough times.

Baker’s Field gets baking in the Food Building
Baker’s Field will begin selling flour and bread at the Mill City Farmers Market, the Northeast Farmers Market and the Riverplace Market beginning Saturday, July 16.

Butcher Block opens expansion into Pacifier space
The Butcher Block is opening a new bar in the former Pacifier space. The Northeast Minneapolis Italian restaurant has added a bar and more seating thanks to an expansion into the into the former flagship space of the baby gift and clothing boutique.

Vikings traffic plan aims to ease gridiron gridlock
Getting 64,000 Vikings fans in and out of downtown on game days is no easy task. But Vikings officials have a plan. If fans listen.

Loose exterior panels plague U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis
Several black zinc panels on U.S. Bank Stadium came loose amid a severe evening storm and stadium officials were at a loss to explain the cause.