In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

Why does downtown Minneapolis still have a lot of surface parking lots? It's complicated
What can the city do to rid itself of the acres of surface parking lots in and around downtown? While development activity has seen many of those lots disappear, many remain — too many, according to Council Members Lisa Goodman and Jacob Frey.

Illustrated history of Vikings stadium to go on sale
The Vikings and the Minnesota Historical Society Press teamed up to publish the 224-page book on the largest public-private project in state history.

Vikings win legal fight with Wells Fargo over rooftop signs
The Vikings have smacked down Wells Fargo in a dispute over "photo-bombing" signs near the new U.S. Bank Stadium.

Judge tells Wells Fargo to take down signs near stadium
U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank gave Wells Fargo 30 days to remove the signs, and ordered the bank to pay the Vikings' attorneys' fees.

Park Board hires Water Works design team
Park commissioners have hired a team to design a new riverfront park that would overhaul the downtown riverfront.

Wednesday Night | Trivia Night at Target Station

Come play trivia and win prizes at Target Field Station! Trivia night is back on Wednesday, June 29 at 6 pm. It's free to play and will include great prizes provided by Go 96.3 FM and Go 95.3 FM. Fulton Beer will be on hand as well as snacks and more. Trivia is part of the ongoing Go Outside With Hennepin County series.

Wednesday Outdoor Trivia is located right outside Target Field's Gate 6 on the Northwest side of the stadium. Parking is available on-street in the North Loop, underneath Target Field Station (335 N. 5th Street) or at Ramps A, B or C. The Light Rail platform servicing the Green Line from St. Paul and Blue Line from Bloomington are connected to the trivia area. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, find a space in the lawn and enjoy trivia on the big screen!

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

Sherman’s pitch for Minneapolis site includes a Bartmann restaurant
Called the Mill District All-Day Place, the restaurant would be a “true all-day neighborhood spot”.

Two proposals submitted for vacant Mill District property
Two developers submitted proposals for a city-owned parcel in the Mill District of downtown Minneapolis, with both pushing for mixed-use development complete with housing, restaurant space and a dog park.

Downtown Commons takes shape near stadium
The green space known as The Commons is taking shape in a two-block area of downtown Minneapolis near the US Bank stadium. Backers have high hopes for the hybrid park and outdoor event center, which is part of the sweeping makeover of the Downtown East area.

Minneapolis riverfront tower plans clear City Council hurdle
Council overturns heritage preservation panel's objection to the 40-story development.

Office tower latest plan for Downtown East site near U.S. Bank stadium
Ryan Cos. plans to build a 17-story office tower near U.S. Bank Stadium on a site that has been the subject of several redevelopment proposals.

Federal tax credits are misused on costly artist lofts in Twin Cities
The historic Pillsbury A-Mill, on the Mississippi River in the St. Anthony Falls Historic District of Minneapolis, was renovated into apartments for low-income artists, along with shared studio spaces, a gallery and music practice rooms.

Upper Harbor developer search coming soon
The city of Minneapolis is expected to begin seeking a developer next month for the Upper Harbor terminal area, a 48-acre swath of land previously used as a shipping terminal in the northern part of the city.

Minneapolis, Downtown Council launch development website
New website for downtown visitors aimed at easing confusion in construction-filled streets and potentially drawing even more investment.

A downtown full of construction is good problem to have, Minneapolis leaders insist while kicking off Nicollet Mall redo
A new website will offer updates on at least 12 major projects downtown, including Nicollet Mall. Its redo was launched by the officials.

Viking ship sail goes up on U.S. Bank Stadium plaza
The videoboard sail is part of what the Minnesota Vikings call the Legacy Ship. It will eventually have a 160-foot-long Viking ship replica where fans can hang our before games, but that's not up yet.

'Let's play football!' is the cry as Vikings get keys to new stadium
The Vikings and the state took control of the new U.S. Bank Stadium from Mortenson Construction Friday, receiving an oversized, commemorative black key with the city skyline carved out and the date engraved.

Small but mighty PinKU brings “fine casual” Japanese street food to Northeast
John Sugimura and Xiaoteng Huang are just a week away from the opening of PinKU, their new restaurant across the street from Surdyk’s in northeast Minneapolis, yet they exhibit no signs of stress as they show off their almost-finished space. Curious passersby stop and peer through the window.

Notice: Music and Fireworks June 17

Below is a notice from General Mills:

For our 150^th anniversary, General Mills will be celebrating with our employees and their families on Friday evening, June 17, in the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis – the Birthplace of General Mills! 

In conjunction with this event, we will be using amplified sound equipment on Chicago Plaza, in Mill City Museum, and in the Guthrie Theater parking lot off South 2nd Street between the hours of 5:30 and 10:00 p.m.

To share our celebration with the community, we’ll also be sponsoring a fireworks show at 10:00 p.m. from the Third Avenue Bridge over the Mississippi River.  The show will be approximately 15 minutes long.

While our event in the Mill District is for employees and their families only, we do invite the community to join us in enjoying the fireworks – and we certainly hope you will.

We also apologize in advance for any delays associated with additional traffic and visitors in the area. Complaints or concerns can be received by Minneapolis Information and Services at 612-673-3000.  You may also contact the Rosemarie Ndupuechi, Event Coordinator, at 612-735-7173. 

This Summer: Movie Nights in Gold Medal Park!

UPDATE: The new date for O Brother, Where Art Thou? is Monday, July 18. Titles for other dates may change, we'll keep you up-to-date.

---------------------------

Remember how much fun it was to watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail while relaxing on a blanket in Gold Medal Park last year? Well, it was such a hit the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul will host three outdoor movies in Gold Medal Park this summer! The fun starts Monday, July 11, with a showing of 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?'. This year's lineup:

Monday, July 18 | O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Directed by Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Monday, August 15 | Film: The NeverEnding Story
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen

Monday, September 19 | Film: The Triplets of Belleville
Directed by Sylvain Chomet

See the Press Release below for more details. Can't wait! :D

--------------------------

FILM SOCIETY ANNOUNCES SUMMER MOVIES IN THE PARK LINEUP

Family-friendly films and live music head outdoors to Gold Medal Park and Silverwood Park this summer.

MINNEAPOLIS, June 13, 2016: The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul announces the 2016 lineup of their outdoor Movies in the Park series. Now in its second year, the popular series will feature six family-oriented classic and contemporary narrative and documentary films showing for free at Gold Medal Park and Silverwood Park.

All screenings begin at dusk. In case of rain or high winds, screenings will be rescheduled or cancelled.

Gold Medal Park Screenings:

Screenings at Gold Medal Park are presented by the Film Society on behalf of the Gold Medal Park Conservancy. Gold Medal Park: 2nd St. & 11th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Monday, July 11

Film: O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Directed by Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

“the Coens have reached near perfection again, and that's something to sing about.”

- ReelTalk

In this Odyssey inspired, Oscar-nominated film from Minnesota native duo the Coen Brothers, Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney) is having difficulty adjusting to his hard-labor sentence in Mississippi. He scams his way off the chain gang with simple Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson) and maladjusted Pete (John Turturro), then the trio sets out to pursue freedom and the promise of a fortune in buried treasure. With nothing to lose and still in shackles, their hasty run takes them on an incredible journey of awesome experiences and colorful characters.

Monday, August 15

Film: The NeverEnding Story

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen

“A marvelously realized flight of pure fantasy.”

- Variety

On his way to school, Bastian (Barret Oliver) ducks into a bookstore to avoid bullies.

Sneaking away with a book called "The Neverending Story," Bastian begins reading it in the school attic. The novel is about Fantasia, a fantasy realm threatened by "The Nothing," a darkness that destroys everything it touches. The kingdom needs the help of a human child to survive. When Bastian reads a description of himself in the book, he begins to wonder if Fantasia is real and needs him to survive.

Monday, September 19

Film: The Triplets of Belleville

Directed by Sylvain Chomet

“A winning blend of dark and bittersweet, aimed more at adults than kiddies, but suitable for all ages.”

- Variety

This animated film follows elderly Frenchwoman Madame Souza as she becomes involved in international intrigue when her grandson, Champion, a professional cyclist, is kidnapped and taken abroad. Joined by her faithful dog, Bruno, Souza embarks on a journey to find Champion, and stumbles across unlikely allies in the form of three sisters who are veterans of the vaudeville stage. Tracking down Champion's criminal captors, the quartet of old women use their wits to try and win the day. 

Silverwood Park Screenings:

Screenings at Silverwood Park are presented by the Film Society in partnership with the Three Rivers Park District. Silverwood Park: 2500 County Road E, St Anthony, MN 55421

Wednesday, June 22

Film: Time Bandits

Directed by Terry Gilliam

“A cheerfully irreverent lark -- part fairy tale, part science fiction and part comedy.“ New York Times

In this fantastic voyage through time and space, a boy named Kevin escapes his gadget-obsessed parents to join a band of time-traveling dwarfs. Armed with a map stolen from the Supreme Being (Ralph Richardson), they plunder treasure from Napoleon (Ian Holm) and Agamemnon (Sean Connery) but the Evil Genius (David Warner) is watching their every move. Featuring a darkly playful script by Gilliam and his Monty Python cohort Michael Palin (who also appears in the film), Time Bandits is at once a giddy fairy tale, a revisionist history lesson, and a satire of technology gone awry. 

Wednesday, July 20

Film: The Last Waltz

Directed by Martin Scorsese

Live Music by Brian Laidlaw and the Family Trade

“The greatest rock concert movie ever made -- and maybe the best rock movie, period.”

- Chicago Tribune

This screening will be preceded by live music from Brian Laidlaw and the Family Trade. Music starts at 6:30pm with the film beginning at dusk.

Seventeen years after joining forces as the backing band for rockabilly cult hero Ronnie Hawkins, Canadian roots rockers The Band call it quits with a lavish farewell show at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom on Nov. 25, 1976. Filmed by Martin Scorsese, this documentary features standout performances by rock legends such as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell and Muddy Waters, as well as interviews tracing the group's history and discussing road life.

Wednesday, August 24

Film: Medicine of the Wolf
Directed by Julia Huffman

“Powerful, informative and moving. Please, watch it.”

- Dr. Jane Goodall

Winner of the Audience Choice Documentary Award at the 2015 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival. Filmmaker Julia Huffman goes on a journey to learn more about gray wolves in America; the misunderstood carnivores were recently taken off from the endangered species list, and hunters are pushing for the right to hunt them. 

ABOUT

The Film Society’s Movies in the Park programming launched last September with a screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail at Gold Medal Park. The screening drew an audience of more than 1500 attendees, with scores of attendees showing up in costume.

Movies in the Park is presented by the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul with support from the Mary and Paul Reyelts Foundation.

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul is supported by Legacy Amendment Funding through the Minnesota State Arts Board, Cedarwoods Foundation, the McKnight Foundation, The Star Tribune, US Bank Wealth Management, numerous international Consulates and generous members of the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul, among many others. For details, visit mspfilm.org

Connect with us:

Twitter: @mspfilmsociety

Facebook: facebook.com/mspfilmsociety

Instagram: @mspfilmsociety 

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

Return of the rapids: Could the Upper Mississippi River run wild again?
This idea—restoring the rapids to the Mississippi River Gorge—is an exciting prospect, to be sure. The rapids would be the only ones on the entire Mississippi River, made even more unique by their cosmopolitan location. Opportunities for recreation would abound.

Red Cow owner and ex-Parella chef plan North Loop restaurant
The two are opening an as-yet-unnamed Italian restaurant on the corner of 2nd Ave. and Washington Ave. in the North Loop, in a former auto body shop.

Minneapolis planning $16 million makeover of Hennepin Avenue
Plans outline a revamped Hennepin Avenue that will have four lanes for vehicles plus a protected pathway for bikes on both sides of the street.

Minneapolis zoning panel approves 40-story condo tower, overruling preservationists
Plan will go to Mpls. City Council after zoning panel overturns heritage group.

Amazon opens tech office in downtown Minneapolis
Amazon.com Inc. announced a technology development office in Minneapolis and on Thursday began seeking software engineers for it.

Franklin Street buys Plaza Seven tower for $82 million
Franklin Street Properties, the investment firm trying to revive the TCF Bank building and tower, has bought another large downtown Minneapolis property, Plaza Seven, for $82 million.

Minneapolis makes music: Outdoor pianos spark impromptu concerts
Amid the clamor of construction along Nicollet Mall, Holden Turner placed his lunch on top of the upright piano and gently moved his fingers along the keys.

Downtown Precinct Boundaries Changing for Upcoming Election

Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services has made a precinct line change effective for 2016 elections and beyond affecting voters living in Ward-Precincts 3-8 and 3-12.  Moving the dividing line between the two precincts from Hennepin Avenue to Washington Avenue allows both polls to lie within the boundaries of the precincts and also should lead to a more equitable divide of registered voters between the two precincts, with consideration of some new, larger, housing projects in the downtown core.  Affected registered voters will receive a postcard notification of their polling place change.

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

Streetscapes: Living in downtown Minneapolis was a badge of shame in the days of the Gateway
“If you don’t stay in school and work hard, this is where you’ll end up.”

City Hall bells will go silent for renovation
Time will fly by silently this summer in downtown Minneapolis, when City Hall's clock tower bells cease chiming during a long-anticipated restoration project.

Minneapolis adopts 'complete streets' policy
When the City Council approved the policy Friday, Minneapolis took it a step further than most, giving priority to pedestrians, followed by cyclists and transit riders and, finally, drivers.

Stanton's latest downtown condo project clears hurdle
Coon Rapids developer Jim Stanton received approval this week from the Minneapolis Planning Commission for his biggest downtown condo project yet: the Legacy, a 374-unit building near the banks of the Mississippi River. Next stop for the project is a vote by the Minneapolis City Council.

Are condos making a comeback in downtown Minneapolis?
Ten years ago, downtown Minneapolis was in a condo-building frenzy. Hardly a week passed without someone announcing a new project or conversion. Developers could barely keep up with the feverish demand for condo units, while investors were pocketing profits from flipping units as the national housing boom continued to push prices higher.

Want to tour U.S. Bank Stadium? There are options
The architectural and sports curious still have options for getting passage into U.S. Bank Stadium for either a preview or a behind-the-scenes tour.

Glam Doll Donuts is opening a second shop in Northeast
Soon, Northeast Minneapolis residents won’t have to travel to Eat Street to feast on their favorite donuts.

Lu’s Sandwiches is expanding to Northeast’s Red 20
Lu’s Sandwiches, a sandwich shop in Whittier known for its banh mi sandwiches, is expanding with a higher-end location in Northeast Minneapolis. The new restaurant will open next month in the new Red 20 apartment building in the Nicollet Island-East Bank neighborhood. Owner Quang Pham said while much of the beloved food will stay the same, the business model will be of a higher-end fast casual restaurant serving beer, wine and made-to-order food.

The Bad Waitress to open second diner in Northeast
Owners Mary and Andy Cohen are planning to open a second diner and coffee shop in the 700 Central project in Marcy-Holmes. The apartment development from Wayzata-based Nolan Properties Group is transforming two warehouse buildings into 80 market-rate apartments and retail space.

Job Opportunity: Cynthia Froid Group

The top real estate team with Keller Williams is looking to hire a full time Executive Assistant interested in being part of the Cynthia Froid Group. 

The Executive Assistant will work closely with the fast paced, high energy real estate team supporting four full time real estate agents, implementing and managing the day-to-day systems, operations and databases, processing paperwork, managing real estate transaction files, and most importantly representing our team with integrity.  This person would be the face of the Cynthia Froid Group. 

Applicants must be computer saavy, highly organized, resourceful, a problem solver and capable of shifting gears many times throughout the day.  Prior real estate experience is not required but candidate must be responsive, self-driven and detail-oriented with an interest in the real estate industry. 

Please send resume and inquiries to Sarah Lavelle at admin@cynthiafroid.com

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

New tailgating plan for Vikings games moves forward
A new smaller tailgating zone for Vikings has cleared a City Council committee. The zone includes eight surface parking lots near the new Vikings stadium. The Vikings have been working with neighborhood groups and the city for more than two years to craft a plan for tailgating — a challenging task given that new development has reduced the supply of parking lots available for pre-game festivities.

Smaller tailgating zone near U.S. Bank Stadium wins preliminary approval at City Hall
A revamped, smaller zone for tailgating in downtown Minneapolis near U.S. Bank Stadium won preliminary approval Tuesday at City Hall.

Pollution agency moves to stop operations at Minneapolis metal shredder
A long-running environmental battle in Minneapolis took a new twist Thursday when a state regulator announced legal and administrative action to halt operation of a north Minneapolis metal shredder that it blames for repeated violations of air-quality standards.

Mpls. City Council should approve proposed 40-story condo tower
History and modernity can coexist to the city's benefit.

When a church, developer and nonprofit meet, an apartment project comes together
The rates will be affordable, the views good and there's a mystery partner, too.

Work on Minnesota Vikings' new home drawing to conclusion ahead of equity hiring goals
U.S. Bank Stadium project has hired many women, minorities, workers from poorer neighborhoods.

Housing for low-income artists predominantly serves white people, study says
Fancy rentals go mostly to whites, U researchers find.

The Artist Loft: Affordable Housing (for White People)
Do these tax-subsidized apartments perpetuate segregation by excluding some low-income households?

Sneak peek: Stem Wine Bar brings elegant vino and snacks to Northeast
Since Northeast has become ground zero for breweries, things can seem that much more dire for the oenophile. Where's a wine lover to go north of the Hennepin Avenue bridge?

Drone footage set to Atmosphere is a very Minneapolis video [VIDEO]
We might think of drone operators as renegades, living just on the edge of the law, or in its absence, soaring quietly out of the view of authority and society. But this wholesome video tour of Minneapolis could probably get unanimous approval by the City Council.

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

Say what? Minneapolis' Downtown East gets a new, unpronounceable name
The name that no one used for the stadium area of downtown Minneapolis is being replaced with a new name no one's likely to use.

Upper Falls lock observation deck to reopen for summer months
The visitor center deck at the lock and dam will open to the public on May 28 and remain open through Labor Day weekend. Hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Developers go own way after North Loop joint venture is nixed by neighbors
A recent North Loop land swap between United Properties and Greco LLC frees the two developers to pursue individual projects after their joint venture on a Washington Avenue site in Minneapolis failed.

Caught up in the whirl
Back in Northeast for the 21st annual Art-A-Whirl

City finalizing short-term operations plan for Commons park
Under the proposed agreement, the DID would oversee cleaning, maintenance, coordination of activities and the development of safety protocols, among other things, for the 4.2-acre park next to the new Vikings stadium.

A paddle on the urban Mississippi
There are many points within the Twin Cities for a great Mississippi river water adventure; both above and below St. Anthony Falls.

Franklin Avenue bridge makeover and detours expected to end by Labor Day weekend
With accelerated construction methods, Mpls. span set to reopen by Labor Day.

Nordstrom Rack coming to IDS Center in downtown Minneapolis
After nearly two years of looking for the right spot downtown, Nordstrom Inc. has zeroed in on the former Gap store space in IDS Center on Nicollet Mall.

Minnesota Vikings announce horn-like sculpture on the west plaza of new stadium
The sculpture, which likely won’t be completed until later in August, will be 107 feet long, 25 feet high, 30 feet wide and weigh more than 38 tons.

Field turf being installed at Vikings' new home
Vikings vice president Lester Bagley calls the turf "one of the last visible milestones" of construction.

Event center to open in former Pillsbury machine shop
For many soon-to-wed couples, the Stone Arch Bridge area is a hotspot for photos. Now an event center is breathing life into a nearby Pillsbury machine shop building just steps from the Marcy-Holmes riverfront.

Northeast Minneapolis studio offers yoga by candelight
Soothing music and soft lights make a traditional vinyasa yoga class even more relaxing.

Milkweed Editions to open new bookstore in downtown Minneapolis
Independent publishing house Milkweed Editions is planning to open a new bookstore in the Open Book building in downtown Minneapolis.

Milkweed Editions to Open Indie Bookstore
Milkweed Books will boast an 18-foot ceiling and shelving that goes from the floor almost up to the ceiling. There will be a street entrance, as well as access from Coffee Gallery. The brick back wall will have a felt covering, so that book-related art, including book jacket art, can be pinned there on a rotating basis.

Milkweed Editions to open new chapter, bookshop in Open Book building
The publishing house will open Milkweed Books in early July at 1011 Washington Av. S.

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

Downtown Minneapolis group to temporarily manage East Commons park after summer opening
When the patch of Minneapolis known as the East Commons park opens sometime this summer, it likely will be managed by an entity personified by the greenish-yellow clad “ambassadors” who populate downtown.

Minneapolis sorts out details ahead of downtown stadium park opening
Downtown park near stadium is set to open, but lack of Portland crosswalk raises questions.

Minneapolis trails converge at railroad river bridge, but will they ever be able to cross?
As new and proposed recreational trails proliferate along the upper Mississippi riverfront in Minneapolis, pressure is building for a foot and bike crossing of the river at a lightly used rail bridge near 26th Avenue N.

Downtown East, or East Downtown, is now going to be called East Town
The district is composed of two official city neighborhoods, Elliot Park and Downtown East, and one unofficial area, called the Mill District.

Preservation Commission says no to proposed 40-story condo tower in Minneapolis
The Alatus plans call for 207 for-sale condominiums, 6,700 square feet of ground-floor retail and 333 parking spaces.

‘Iron Clad’ hotel, apt project proposed for Downtown East
Minneapolis-based Graves Hospitality has submitted new plans for its hotel and apartment project, now dubbed “Iron Clad,” in Downtown East near U.S. Bank Stadium.

Hennepin Avenue Reconstruct I: Major Improvements
For all its vitality, Hennepin itself isn’t a nice street. It’s a road designed around cars, from its highway style lights to its wide lanes, and there’s nothing like walking home during a low-traffic time after a show or happy hour downtown to make that all painfully clear in a kind of bleak un-glory.

Paul Berglund named Best Chef Midwest by James Beard Foundation
After a five-year drought in the winners’ circle, Minnesota has another James Beard Award-winning chef.

Rewind Vintage to relocate Northeast store
The vintage clothing store, a staple of Johnston Street for the past decade, will be moving in early June about a block away just across the street.

MPLS/STP Clothing Co. will move to new Woodchuck building
MPLS/STP Clothing Co. said it will officially move Wednesday, May 11 to the building at 610 SE 9th St. in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood.

Job Opportunities

*NEW* JOB OPPORTUNITIES | MILL CITY MUSEUM
Program Assistant, Visitor Services & Historic Site Guide. More details…

JOB OPPORTUNITIES: Jefe: Urban Hacienda, a new Main Street restaurant, is hiring line cooks! Full and part-time positions available. Check out the Craigslist posting for more info!

-----------ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES------------

THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY - MULTIPLE POSITIONS
Get the details...

CARMICHAEL LYNCH
Get the details...

COLLE+MCVOY
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HUMDINGER - MULTIPLE POSITIONS
Get the details...

MCBA - MULTIPLE POSITIONS
Get the details...

MILKWEED EDITIONS
Get the details…

OLIVE & COMPANY - MULTIPLE POSITIONS
Get the details... 

OLSON – MULTIPLE POSITIONS
Get the details…

PADILLA CRT - MULTIPLE POSITIONS
Get the details... 

PEOPLE SERVING PEOPLE - MULTIPLE POSITIONS
Get the details...

PERISCOPE - MULTIPLE POSITIONS
Get the details...

RILEY HAYES - ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Get the details...

SPACE150
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Volunteer Opportunities

*NEW* VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES | ART-A-WHIRL
NEMAA is looking for volunteers to assist during Art-A-Whirl, the annual open studio art tour, which will take place in Northeast Minneapolis May 20-22, 2016. More details, sign up…

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY | YOGA TEACHER
The Friends of the Mill District Foundation is seeking volunteer Yoga teachers for Saturday mornings, 9-10 a.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Classes will be held in Gold Medal Park. Friends of the Mill District works to build community by connecting, convening and supporting neighbors. Contact claudia@friendsofthemilldistrict.org.

ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES

American Red Cross – Multiple Positions
Find out how to help…

FreeArts Minnesota – Multiple Positions
Find out how to help…

MacPhail Center For Music - Multiple Positions
Find out how to help...

Mile in My Shoes - Multiple Positions
Find out how to help...

Mill City Museum - Greeter
Find out how to help...

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board – Multiple Positions
Find out how to help…

People Serving People - Multiple Positions
Find out how to help...

Webster Elementary - Multiple Positions
Find out how to help…

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

Sinkhole near Mill Ruins Park closes stretch of West River Parkway
Engineers are checking parkway to make sure nearby area is safe.

Three major Minneapolis intersections help tell the story of how the city evolved
The intersections of Hennepin and Nicollet, Hennepin and Lyndale and Seven Corners have their own stories to tell.

Commons fundraising surpasses halfway mark
Green Minneapolis, the conservancy tasked with fundraising for The Commons park, announced Tuesday that nearly $14 million has been raised to make the high-profile green space in Downtown East a reality.

Downtown park near U.S. Bank Stadium inches closer to $22 million fundraising goal
The conservancy running the effort announced another $3 million haul this week, bringing them within $8 million of the project's finish line.

Concept in the works to reconstruct Hennepin
City planners are making the first move to reconstruct Hennepin Avenue — something that hasn’t been done in decades — with a new style of protected bike lane and fewer turn lanes.

Ryan, First Covenant Church plan mixed-use project near stadium
Ryan Cos. US Inc. and the First Covenant Church of Minneapolis are planning a $35 million workforce housing and retail project in what's now a church parking lot across from U.S. Bank Stadium.

Franklin puts a hold on 50-story tower in downtown Minneapolis
A property company that planned to build a 50-story tower right next to the Foshay Tower, which for four decades was the tallest building in Minneapolis, has put the idea on hold.

Why Downtown Minneapolis Is Becoming A Clinic Capital
In the past couple of years, several major Minnesota health care providers have opened or announced plan to open clinics in Minneapolis’s central business district. Suddenly, it seems, health care is a major industry downtown.

NE Mpls Chamber of Commerce is offering storefront improvement grants
The Northeast Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce is offering $32,500 in grants to Northeast area businesses for storefront improvements.

Kaiseki restaurant planned for old Origami space
This is a big deal. Kaiseki is an elite Japanese dining tradition, it’s a meal that evolved from Buddhist temple meals and typically consists of a procession of many small courses, each prepared with great care, and designed so that each dish flows from one to the next—creating a whole that in totality evokes the mood and spirit of a season, a time, and a place.

40 Story Condo Project on East Bank Clears Hurdle

The City of Minneapolis denied a petition for a Environmental Assessment Worksheet submitted by a group of neighbors last week, clearing the way for a hearing of the HPC. Alatus is the project developer.

Download the document...

*EXCERPT FROM THE FINDING DENYING PETITION FOR EAW*

Based on the information in the above analysis, the City of Minneapolis concludes the following:

1.  The Findings of Fact and Record of Decision document and related documentation were
      prepared in compliance with the procedures of the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act and
      Minnesota Rules, Parts 4410.1000 to 4410.1700.

2.  The project does not meet any of the mandatory EAW thresholds contained in Minn. Rules
      4410.4300.

3.  The project is in compliance with the City’s comprehensive plan.

4.  The project does not have the potential for significant environmental effects.

5.  The petitioners failed to meet their burden of proof that the project may have the potential
      for significant environmental effects. Although there are many arguments presented, they
      are largely anecdotal and unsupported by compelling evidence.

6.  The City of Minneapolis makes the finding that the petition for an EAW for the Alatus
      Tower project on the property located at 200 Central Avenue Southeast and 113 2^nd Street
      Southeast is denied.

7.  The City of Minneapolis City Council shall adopt the proposed Findings of Fact and Record
      of Decision document. 

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK

Graves plans hotel, apartments and offices near new stadium, theater
Minneapolis developer Graves Hospitality unveiled plans Friday for a mixed-use complex, including a Marriott Moxy hotel, along Washington Avenue near U.S. Bank Stadium and the Guthrie Theater, the latest project in the transformation of the east side of downtown.

Top 10 Ways To Enjoy The Outdoors In Downtown Minneapolis
Check out these suggestions for enjoying your spring and summer.

Inside glimpse at everyday urban life in Minneapolis and St. Paul
The home: Jean Coleman and her two sons rent an apartment inside the A-Mill Artist Lofts along SE. Main Street, Minneapolis.

Downtown Development Update
Kraus-Anderson breaks ground on headquarters, developers progress on hotels.

Saks Off 5th outlet store opens Thursday in City Center
The 40,000-square-foot space will be divided into 24,000 square feet on the street level and 16,000 square feet on the skyway level. That is a bit larger than the 28,000-square-foot Saks Off 5th outpost that anchors Twin Cities Premium Outlets in Eagan.

In The Loop Coffee Co. opens in the Itasca Building
Marisa Thom opened the North Loop café after several years at another coffee shop. Thom and her husband Bill travel extensively, so they’ve seen how coffee is made in Costa Rica and how they take their espresso in Spain, and Thom wants to bring these flavors to the North Loop.

RBC Plaza in downtown Minneapolis recognized as the year’s best renovated building in Midwest
The 709,690-square-foot property underwent a multi-million dollar renovation throughout 2014 and 2015 and emerged as a unified retail and office complex with vastly improved retail offerings.

Cash-stuffed envelopes on their way out at Minneapolis parking lots
A cash-based honor system at some Minneapolis parking lots is on its way out.

Minneapolis lawmakers call on Target Field to hire local workers
Ballpark’s concession manager has been busing in workers from out-of-state for home games.

Despite its size, new Vikings stadium costs less to heat, cool and light than Dome
But bird safety not addressed in an environmental update.

Last vestiges of Metrodome disappear with new highway signs for U.S. Bank Stadium
Construction on the new Vikings stadium is nearing completion, but there are still a few things left on the “to-do” list, including switching out old freeway signs that direct fans to the Metrodome.

MPD ACTION ALERT – THEFT FROM PERSON - CASE NO. 16-128969

From the Minneapolis Police Department

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CASE SUMMARY:

Incident Location: 0007** 2 ST S

Date and Time:  4/13/2016 1:16:00 PM - 4/13/2016 1:49:00 PM

Primary Offenses:  Theft From Person

Public Information:

V-1 stated she was seated at a table eating when she was bumped into by a black male that was seated behind her. Later when she checked her purse her wallet was missing. The black male is described as wearing unknown cap, unknown sweatshirt and in his 50' ...

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.

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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.

RFP Responses for Residential Project at 205 Park Ave S Due June 10

A new residential project in the Mill District moved a step forward on Friday when the City of Minneapolis issued an RFP for the site, currently a surface parking lot. Whether a developer builds rental or owner occupied, the City wants there to be an "affordable" component. Zoning allows for 8 stories, but the selected developer could apply for a conditional use permit to go higher.

Excerpt from the RFP:

The City of Minneapolis, the Department of Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) is seeking proposals to purchase and develop a parcel of land that the City owns at 205 Park Avenue South (“205 Park”).

This parcel benefits from significant public and private investments in the immediate vicinity, including the Mill City Museum, Mill Ruins Park, West River Parkway and its associated riverfront trails, Open Book, Guthrie Theater complex, Gold Medal Park, American Academy of Neurology headquarters, Mill City Farmers Market, and various housing and commercial projects. The parcel also is centrally located near the downtown core in a highly visible Washington Avenue location, three blocks from the Downtown East LRT station and the new U.S. Bank Stadium, and within two blocks of two newly constructed 17 story Wells Fargo office towers and a new 1,610-stall parking ramp.

The City’s development goals for the site include:

1. Maximizing the site’s development potential and contributing to the vibrancy of the Mill District area with a well-designed development project.

2. Preference for residential use (either ownership or rental housing) that includes long-term affordability.

a. If ownership housing is included in the proposal, the City would like to see a long-term affordability component, such as a land trust model.

b. If rental housing is included in the proposal, the City would like to see a mixed-income project with at least 20% of the proposed units affordable to households at or below 50% or 60% of Area Median Income.

3. Maximizing retail space on the ground floor, including incorporating a restaurant that serves breakfast. Proposals should obtain maximum square footage at ground level, or at a minimum include retail at both corners at Park Ave./Washington Ave. and Park Ave./2nd St. S.

Building massing and setbacks:

The development on the 205 Park Avenue parcel must screen the parking ramp and thus must be at least four (4) stories in height, with zoning allowing a maximum height of up to eight (8) stories or 112 feet, whichever is less. The maximum floor area ratio is 4.0. The height limitations of principal structures may be increased by conditional use permit, as provided in Chapter 525 of the Minneapolis Zoning Code. Along Washington Avenue, the building should at least match the setback of the neighboring St. Anthony Mills Apartments in order to have consistent sidewalk width that accommodates landscaping and lighting. Any existing streetscape that acts as an obstruction to pedestrian through-traffic should be rectified.

PROPOSAL DEADLINE: Friday, June 10 at 4:00 p.m. Proposals are due in City offices no later than 4:00 p.m. local time Friday, June 10, 2016. Project staff will hold an optional pre-proposal meeting on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at 10:00 am at the Crown Roller Mill Building office to discuss the RFP and answer questions (105 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 200, Minneapolis).

Download the RFP...

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

TOP STORIES LAST WEEK:

Explosive Growth in Downtown East Minneapolis Drives Push for a Police Substation
Downtown East is home to a number of established, popular attractions and soon, the new Vikings stadium will open. That alone will bring tens of thousands of fans to the area on game days.

Big projects usher in new era for old area of Minneapolis, with some worries
Big projects across the river from downtown are generally welcomed, but some neighbors and longtime businesses worry that the inundation will alter the area’s character and create the same hassles that are found downtown.

Guthrie's Level Nine initiative: new works, community dialogue, $9 tickets
Haj described the new initiative as “a big organizational shift in focus” and “a change in identity.” It’s certainly a change in the Dowling Studio, and not without risk. “There’s no sense in falling off the lowest rung of the ladder,” Haj said. “Let’s really be ambitious. Let’s be brave. Let’s be courageous.”

As Code 42 heads downtown, 100 Washington Square becomes tech center
The center of gravity for the Minneapolis tech community has shifted to Washington Square. Its new owners have been targeting tech firms for the 22-story tower.

Homegazing: Glass house in the sky
Two Minneapolis units were combined into one, creating a custom designer condo with dramatic downtown views. It's on the market for $2.5 million.

10 great places to eat in downtown Minneapolis
Good eating still exists in downtown. It just looks different. And you gotta know where to look.

The downtown Third Avenue redesign debate: Which is better — four lanes or a 'road diet'?
The maddening rush hour makes the debate about redesigning Third Avenue, a key north-south street through downtown Minneapolis, an odd surprise.

Pedestrian group battles for wider 3rd Avenue sidewalk at City Hall
The hubbub about the redesign of 3rd Avenue S. downtown has focused attention and criticism on the very seat of municipal government, where pedestrian advocates say the city doesn’t practice what it preaches for sidewalk accessibility.

Council approves four-lane redesign plan for 3rd Avenue
A redesign plan for the downtown stretch of 3rd Avenue featuring four lanes of traffic and new bike lanes passed the City Council on Friday despite concerns from the biking community who favored a three-lane layout for a portion of the street with a planter-protected bike lane.

Minneapolis panel gives initial approval to Elliot Park apartment project
Kirkland, Wash.-based Weidner Apartment Homes is partnering with Twin Cities-based developer Dan Hunt to build 245 market-rate apartments on a 1.7-acre site at E. 14th Street and Park Avenue in the Elliot Park neighborhood.

Hennepin Theatre Trust gets $200K from Southwest Airlines to spruce up the street
If Hennepin Theatre Trust has its way, Hennepin Avenue will soon become friendlier, more fun and more surprising (in a good way).

Historic Nicollet Mall church expanding
Westminster Presbyterian Church has embarked on a major renovation project to expand its footprint and open up its spaces to the community on Nicollet Mall.

Estimate of $338M spending boost from 2018 Super Bowl kicks off debate
The NFL's big event could bring the Twin Cities $338 million, but the impact has varied elsewhere and is hotly debated.

New Vikings stadium will open to the public July 23 and 24 for free tours
Tickets aren't yet available, but they will be free to public.

Minneapolis brewer's LSD violates the letter(s) of the law
Go ahead and push your LSD beer in Minnesota. But cross into Wisconsin or North Dakota and you'll have the feds making sure you follow the letter of the law.

North Loop's new Modist Brewing is a technological and aesthetic marvel
Brew tech isn't sexy. The allure of a pristine line of vessels and a sophisticated grain auger will never have the appeal of a frosty mug of beer. Yet somehow, North Loop's Modist Brewing makes all the geeky accoutrements seem tantalizingly cool.

Humans of Minneapolis is telling Minnesotans' story one photo at a time
Photographer puts a local twist on the popular portrait blog Humans of New York.