Minneapolis Riverfront News
Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share? Contact us.
Entries by Kim Eslinger (4224)
Sunday, July 1, 2018 at 1:18AM
Thousands of Convention Visitors Bring Money and Increased Tax Revenue to Minneapolis this Summer
Via a Press Release from Meet Minneapolis:
The Minneapolis Convention Center is going to be the center of activity in downtown Minneapolis this summer, with more than 25,000 visitors attending three upcoming conventions, starting at the end of this week. The National Education Association (NEA) will hold its Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly beginning June 30, followed by the American Legion’s 100th National Convention starting August 23, and culminating with the National Baptist Convention, USA, starting Labor Day weekend.
Cumulatively, these three conventions represent 65,000 room nights for local hotels this summer, bringing additional money and tax revenue to the local economy. These events add to what is shaping up to be a banner year for the Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC). As of June 30, the MCC will have hosted 195 events for the year including Super Bowl-related events, and is currently on pace to exceed its goal of securing $20 million in revenue for the year.
By the Numbers:
National Education Association’s Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly
- June 30 – July 5
- Expecting more than 7,500 attendees and exhibitors
- More than 40,000 room nights in the greater Minneapolis area
American Legion 2018 National Convention
- August 23 – August 29
- More than 9,500 attendees and exhibitors expected
- Approximately 15,000 room nights in Minneapolis
National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.
- September 2 – September 7
- An estimated 8,000 attendees and exhibitors
- More than 10,000 room nights in Minneapolis
“Those outside of our industry might have anticipated a letdown in our business levels after Super Bowl LII. Nothing could be further from the truth,” said Meet Minneapolis President and CEO, Melvin Tennant. “Thanks to the sales and marketing groundwork laid by our team and our community partners, we have a bevy of diverse events set for the rest of 2018 that will allow us to sustain our strong start to the year. That’s good news for our local economy and the more than 36,000 individuals working in the travel and hospitality industry in Minneapolis.”
Another highlight for 2018 will be in the fourth quarter when the MCC hosts nearly 6,000 women engineers for the Society of Women Engineers’ 2018 Annual Conference in October. In all, Meet Minneapolis will bring well over 600 events to the city and region this year, including more than 300 events to the MCC.
ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS
Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to maximize the economic benefit to the greater Minneapolis area.
Anticipated attendance numbers are provided by partner organizations and are subject to adjustment based on meeting planner projections and post event results. Forecasted room night numbers reflect historical averages of room nights for the meeting or event.
Meet Minneapolis is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International.
CONNECT WITH US
Online, deals and exclusive experiences, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
2040 Transportation Policy Plan Update Released for Public Comment
Via a June 28 e-newsletter from the Metropolitan Council:
The Metropolitan Council is now taking public comment on the draft update to the 2040 Transportation Policy Plan (TPP). On Wednesday, the Council voted to release the draft plan for public comment. Since it was adopted in 2015, new investment decisions and work have been incorporated into the plan to reflect the current landscape of regional transportation.
“I look forward to feedback from people all across the region,” said Council Chair Alene Tchourumoff. “This update is the result of many months of collaboration with the elected officials who sit on the Transportation Advisory Board, the community members who volunteer their time on advisory boards, and the technical experts from our partner organizations and here at the Council. As we look to the future, our shared prosperity comes from having a shared roadmap – this plan reflects how we build a transportation system that connects our region.”
Regional system keeps growing, population mobile and connected
Population is growing throughout the region – especially in communities with major transit investments. Reliable, safe and efficient ways of getting from one point to another is a necessity. Whether driving, busing, biking, walking, or taking light rail, people need a transportation system that allows them to remain connected and reach destinations.
Many elements factor into developing and implementing a regional transportation system. The Council plays a substantial role in planning and identifying needed investments for that system, as well as coordinating with partners across the region to build transportation options that benefit everyone.
Required by both state and federal law, the current 2040 Transportation Policy Plan serves as a blueprint for growth and establishes key transportation goals that are guided by Thrive MSP 2040, the Council’s regional policy framework.
Federal law requires that the Council update the TPP every four years. This update has been a collaborative effort between the Council, state and regional agencies, and local governments, along with the people of the region.
Focus on safety, cost-efficiency and maintaining/enhancing current infrastructure
This update continues to focus on cost-efficient and safe transportation investments that maintain our roads, bridges and transit system, and that will meet transportation needs now and into the future. At the same time, the plan emphasizes multimodal options across the region and how those modes can be strategically aligned with land use.
The TPP update highlights the Council’s work to move towards the regional outcomes found in Thrive MSP 2040 as they relate to transportation. These outcomes include: stewardship, prosperity, equity, livability and sustainability. Highlights of the update are:
- Updating fiscal projections for the highway and transit systems
- Including new major highway and transit investments that have received funding
- Identifying performance measures that will guide investment
- Addressing new and emerging trends in transportation, like autonomous vehicles and shared mobility systems
- New investments for major highway projects and transitways
- Results of recent transportation planning studies, like the Regional Truck Freight Corridor study
Get involved; comment period open til Aug. 13
The Council is ready to hear from you. Public comment will be received until 5 p.m., Monday, August 13. To comment:
- Write to Metropolitan Council, Public Information at 390 Robert St. N., St. Paul, MN 55101
- Email to Metropolitan Council, Public Information at public.info@metc.state.mn.us
- Record a comment on the Public Comment Line at 651.602.1500 (TTY 651.291.0904)
- Comment through an online feedback form
The Council will make revisions after the public comment period and release the final TPP update later this year.
The Metropolitan Council is now taking public comment on the draft update to the 2040 Transportation Policy Plan (TPP). On Wednesday, the Council voted to release the draft plan for public comment. Since it was adopted in 2015, new investment decisions and work have been incorporated into the plan to reflect the current landscape of regional transportation.
“I look forward to feedback from people all across the region,” said Council Chair Alene Tchourumoff. “This update is the result of many months of collaboration with the elected officials who sit on the Transportation Advisory Board, the community members who volunteer their time on advisory boards, and the technical experts from our partner organizations and here at the Council. As we look to the future, our shared prosperity comes from having a shared roadmap – this plan reflects how we build a transportation system that connects our region.”
Regional system keeps growing, population mobile and connected
Population is growing throughout the region – especially in communities with major transit investments. Reliable, safe and efficient ways of getting from one point to another is a necessity. Whether driving, busing, biking, walking, or taking light rail, people need a transportation system that allows them to remain connected and reach destinations.
Many elements factor into developing and implementing a regional transportation system. The Council plays a substantial role in planning and identifying needed investments for that system, as well as coordinating with partners across the region to build transportation options that benefit everyone.
Required by both state and federal law, the current 2040 Transportation Policy Plan serves as a blueprint for growth and establishes key transportation goals that are guided by Thrive MSP 2040, the Council’s regional policy framework.
Federal law requires that the Council update the TPP every four years. This update has been a collaborative effort between the Council, state and regional agencies, and local governments, along with the people of the region.
Focus on safety, cost-efficiency and maintaining/enhancing current infrastructure
This update continues to focus on cost-efficient and safe transportation investments that maintain our roads, bridges and transit system, and that will meet transportation needs now and into the future. At the same time, the plan emphasizes multimodal options across the region and how those modes can be strategically aligned with land use.
The TPP update highlights the Council’s work to move towards the regional outcomes found in Thrive MSP 2040 as they relate to transportation. These outcomes include: stewardship, prosperity, equity, livability and sustainability. Highlights of the update are:
- Updating fiscal projections for the highway and transit systems
- Including new major highway and transit investments that have received funding
- Identifying performance measures that will guide investment
- Addressing new and emerging trends in transportation, like autonomous vehicles and shared mobility systems
- New investments for major highway projects and transitways
- Results of recent transportation planning studies, like the Regional Truck Freight Corridor study
Get involved; comment period open until Aug. 13
The Council is ready to hear from you. Public comment will be received until 5 p.m., Monday, August 13. To comment:
- Write to Metropolitan Council, Public Information at 390 Robert St. N., St. Paul, MN 55101
- Email to Metropolitan Council, Public Information at public.info@metc.state.mn.us
- Record a comment on the Public Comment Line at 651.602.1500 (TTY 651.291.0904)
- Comment through an online feedback form
The Council will make revisions after the public comment period and release the final TPP update later this year.
Celebrate the 4th of July at Annual Red, White and Boom
Celebrate the Fourth of July during Minneapolis' Red, White and Boom, a celebration hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The event, held along the downtown Minneapolis Riverfront, features live music, great food, fun activities for the whole family, and the grand finale – fireworks!
On Wednesday, July 4, Father Hennepin Bluff Park will offer FREE family activities in the Family Fun Zone, 6–9:30 pm including balloon twisters, caricature artists, hair painters and face painters. Bands performing this year include:
Father Hennepin Bluff Park
6–7:30 pm Tre Aaron
8-10 pm Funktion Junction
Mill Ruins Park
6–10 pm DJ music from Superbrush427
The Red, White and Boom Celebration closes with a spectacular fireworks display along the Riverfront at 10 pm. For more information please go to www.mplsredwhiteboom.com.
If interested in being a sponsor or donating to the Minneapolis Fireworks Fund, please call Erica Chua at 612-230-6479.
Scenes for the June 23 Mill City Farmers Market
June 23 was Brain Health Day at the Mill City Farmers Market. For the seventh consecutive year, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) gave away 1,000 children and adult bike helmets.
Officer Mike with the Minneapolis Police Bike Cops for Kids program was on hand for the bike helmet giveaway event.
The Meet Your Vegetables team is back. Stop by their booth to sample recipes featuring seasonal produce. This week it was Radish Salad.
This was also Pride weekend, and Loon Organics showed their support.
Above, local legend Sue Zelickson visited with Celina Kane. Celina recently rebranded her business from Hat Make to Celina Kane.
Milly the goat! :)
Absentee Voting for 2018 Primary Election Begins June 29
Via a June 21 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:
Vote early through August 13
All eligible voters in Hennepin County can vote absentee - either in-person or by mail - beginning Friday, June 29.
Vote early in person
In-person absentee voting will be available June 29 through August 13 at city halls across Hennepin County and at the Early Vote Center in downtown Minneapolis at 217 S. Third Street. Each city location can accommodate voters who live in that particular city.
Voters who live anywhere in Hennepin County can in-person absentee vote at the Hennepin County Government Center – 300 S. Sixth Street, Minneapolis – skyway level. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Learn more about absentee voting in person.
View a sample ballot from the Secretary of State’s website.
Vote early by mail
Voters must fill out an application online or on paper to receive a ballot. Paper applications are available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Vietnamese, Russian, Chinese, Lao, Oromo, Khmer and Amharic.
Voters do not need to be registered to vote to apply to vote absentee. To make the process easier, voters may want to register or ensure you are registered before applying for an absentee ballot.
Ballots will be mailed to voters within one to two days of receiving the application.
Completed ballots must be received on or before Primary Election Day, August 14. Voters can return ballots by mail or in person.
Learn more about absentee voting by mail.
Election judges still needed for Primary Election Day, August 14
Cities throughout Hennepin County are looking for election judges to handle all aspects of voting at the polling place during the 2018 elections. Training occurs during the summer, so interested community members should sign up now.
Watch the election judge recruiting video (1:07).
Many cities are particularly looking for multilingual election judges who speak English and Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Vietnamese or other languages.
Residents who are eligible to vote are eligible to be election judges. Students who are 16 or 17 years old and who are in good academic standing are also eligible.
Judges should be available for one paid training for a few hours plus a paid shift on Primary Election Day, August 14, and/or Election Day, November 6. Pay and shift lengths vary by city.
Interested residents can contact election officials in any city, or use Hennepin County’s online form. Hennepin County elections staff will forward all completed forms to local election officials. Residents may be election judges in cities other than where they live.
Sign up to be an election judge in Hennepin County.
For more information about elections in Hennepin County, visit www.hennepin.us/elections.
“Hennepin History Museum: Celebrating 80 Years” on Display in Hennepin Gallery thru August 16
Via a June 21 Hennepin County e-newsletter:
The Hennepin Gallery exhibit of photos, artifacts, and archival items, from the Hennepin History Museum’s collection, shows the diverse history of Hennepin County. All seven county districts are represented, such as a Robbinsdale mail stamp box, Hopkins Minneapolis Moline booklet, Excelsior Gideon Farm bell, Champlin brochure, Bloomington Mall of America grand opening poster, Northrup King lawn spreader, Foshay Tower sheet music, pharmacy bottles, a coffee roaster, and more.
History of the museum:
On April 11, 1938, a group of residents interested in the preservation of local history gathered in the Hennepin County Commissioners’ chambers to discuss the creation of a new organization. “One of the main objects of the proposed society should,” they agreed, “be to obtain pioneer specimens now as the pioneers of Hennepin County were rapidly passing away.” The Hennepin County Board was happy to help; the County had been given a $60,000 Works Progress Administration (WPA) grant for the specific purpose of collecting historical material, and the Commissioners supported using the funds to staff the new historic society and museum. (Hennepin County still supports the museum; the County provides approximately 45% of the annual operating budget, with individuals, corporations, and foundations providing the bulk of the remainder.)
In addition to collecting historic items relating to Hennepin County’s past, the museum’s early leaders focused on sharing history with the public. “From the beginning the Society has endeavored to make the Museum an educational force,” says one of earliest brochures. Shortly after opening, the museum published Bohemian Flats, written by WPA writers and sponsored by the museum. This book is still in print today.
In 1938, the new Hennepin County Historical Society opened in one large “display room” on the second floor of Oak Hill School in St. Louis Park. Within months, the museum had taken over the entire second floor. Historic treasures from the county’s past flowed into to the newly formed museum, and in 1939 organizers reported that the collection “cannot be adequately shown to the public on account of lack of space and proper display conditions.” In 1944, the museum moved to a new home, this time located at 1516 Harmon Place in Loring Park. In 1958, the museum moved into its current home. 2303 Third Avenue South, the former residence of philanthropist Carolyn McKnight Christian, was selected for its size, its fire-resistant materials, and adequate parking.
The museum’s first magazine, then a quarterly bulletin, was published in April 1941, and today is one of the longest continuing historic publications in the state. Hennepin History has published articles on hundreds of local history topics. A commitment to telling the full story of Hennepin County has long been part of the museum’s mission. In 1991, for example, the museum became one of (and possibly the) first local history organizations in the nation to publish an article about local LGBTQ history.
That same year, following extensive community research, Hennepin County Historical Society changed its name to Hennepin History Museum. While the name may have changed, the commitment to preserving and sharing the history of Hennepin County remained the same.
2018 museum programming:
For 2018, the museum selected “why do people collect?” for its anniversary theme. Throughout the year, the museum is delving deep into this theme through a year’s worth of programs and exhibitions, including a behind-the-scenes “visible storage” laboratory-turned-gallery. Here, visitors can watch as museum volunteers and staff conduct an exhaustive inventory of its collection, and observe as tens of thousands of historic artifacts are recorded, photographed, and entered into a searchable database.
Exhibit 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.
American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 7th Annual Bike Helmet Giveaway this Saturday, June 23
Excerpts from a recent American Academy of Neurology News Release:
For the seventh consecutive year, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) will be giving away 1,000 bike helmets to children and adults on Saturday, June 23, at the AAN headquarters and in conjunction with the Mill City Farmers Market themed day focusing on healthy brain foods. The free bike helmet giveaway is designed to raise awareness of and help prevent head injuries in Minnesota. It will take place between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early as quantities are limited.
“The AAN Bike Helmet Giveaway is an important way to support our local community and help prevent head injuries,” said Catherine M. Rydell, CAE, Executive Director and CEO of the American Academy of Neurology. “We want to encourage everyone to protect their brain as they enjoy their favorite recreational activities this summer.”
In acknowledgement of the day, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has proclaimed Saturday, June 23, 2018, Brain Health Awareness Day in the city.
Attendees will be able to sign up for a free subscription to the American Academy of Neurology’s popular magazine, Brain & LifeTM. The magazine and website are excellent resources for people with neurologic disorders, caregivers, and anyone interested in brain health.
Rounding out the fun, the AAN is hosting a piano through Pianos on Parade, a summer program from the Minneapolis Downtown Council. Uniquely designed pianos are placed throughout downtown in June, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to take part in impromptu concerts. Music is sometimes used as supplemental therapy along with traditional treatments for neurologic disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia. The piano is placed in the sensory garden area in front of the AAN headquarters for the public to play every day from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. until June 30, 2018.
To extend its impact on Minnesotans’ brain health, the AAN has donated an additional 1,000 helmets to the Minneapolis Police Department Bike Cops for Kids, St. Paul-Ramsey County Public Health, Extended Learning Summer School/MPS, Nice Ride, Brain Injury Alliance Minnesota and Hennepin County Health Care for the Homeless.
Learn more about concussion and brain health at www.BrainandLife.org, the American Academy of Neurology’s patient and caregiver website and online home of Brain & Life, a free magazine focused on the intersection of neurologic disease and brain health.
About the American Academy of Neurology
The American Academy of Neurology is the world's largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals, with 34,000 members. The AAN is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, concussion, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.
The American Academy of Neurology headquarters is located at Chicago Avenue and 2nd Street, across from the Mill City Farmers Market.
For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit www.aan.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.
Help Restore Habitat on Nicollet Island - Attend June 25 Meeting for More Info
The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) is partnering with Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) to help restore natural areas on Nicollet Island, and we need your help!
On Monday, June 25, FMR will be hosting a kickoff informational session at DaLaSalle High School from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Attendees can learn more about the project timeline, what to expect during the restoration process, and how they can get involved. All are welcome!
City Announces June 28 Viewing Event for the Hennepin Avenue Reconstruction Project
Via an e-newsletter from the City of Minneapolis:
Project Gallery - Hennepin Avenue Reconstruction Project
Please stop by Thursday, June 28 for a gallery-style viewing of the Hennepin Avenue Reconstruction Project proposed roadway layout and vision for streetscape enhancements.
The City of Minneapolis is designing the reconstruction of Hennepin Avenue between 12th Street and Washington Avenue. We are excited to show the results of months of public input, stakeholder coordination, and technical analysis on the project. The project will be presented to the Transportation and Public Works Committee and City Council in July 2018, but we want YOU to have a first look.
Stop by for a gallery-style viewing to see how public comment has influenced the proposed roadway layout and vision for streetscape enhancements. City Council approval of the layout in July will set the curb lines and be the base for further design refinement in coming months. The proposed vision for streetscape enhancements sets the stage for continued discussion with property owners to determine the level of investment. See what your input has helped create!
WHERE:
Hennepin Theatre Trust, 900 Hennepin Avenue
WHEN:
Thursday, June 28, anytime between Noon and 5 pm
FOR QUESTIONS:
Construction details including timing and potential closures are not known at this time, but that information will be available by the end of the year.
Visit the project website at http://www.hennepindowntown.com/ (Gallery materials will be posted Friday, June 29.)
Contact the project at Hennepin.downtown@minneapolismn.gov or call 844-887-8330.
June 15 Boom Island-Nicollet Island Bridge Repairs Update
The Boom Island-Nicollet Island Bridge opened as a railroad bridge in 1901. It was converted into a pedestrian bridge in the early 1980s.
Bridge on schedule to reopen this fall; Onsite work slows for steel fabrication
The Boom Island-Nicollet Island Bridge rehabilitation project is making good progress and the bridge is expected to reopen this fall.
Onsite work will slow for a few weeks while steel necessary for structural repairs is fabricated offsite. Please continue to follow the posted pedestrian and bike detours and stay out of the construction area.
The Mississippi River East Channel below the bridge is closed to all boat traffic until the bridge reopens, so the Paddle Share kayak return station has been relocated to the Boom Island Boat Launch.
Please read the Discussion Item submitted to the Heritage Preservation Commission last spring for more information on the updated design of the bridge rehabilitation.
Weekend Road Closures for Stone Arch Bridge Festival and Ugly Tie 5K
First Covenant Church Seeks Volunteers to Assist with Expanded Year-Round Services
- Gather a small group (4-8 people) to serve
- Choose an open date from our online calendar at www.1stcov.org/shelter
- Contact our Shelter Volunteer Coordinator to schedule your meal (see below)
- Plan a meal and purchase the food for 50 shelter guests
- Prepare the meal either at home or on-site at First Covenant
- Serve and clean up after the meal - Approximate time frame is 5:30-7:45pm, dinner served at 6:30pm
New Nature Play Areas and Interpretive Exhibits Coming to North Mississippi Regional Park
Via a June 12 e-newsletter from Minneapolis Parks and Rec Board:
Superintendent Mary Merrill announced a series of recently awarded grants from local, state and national nonprofits and government agencies at last week's meeting of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB). Totaling more than $700,000, the grants will fund major new features at North Mississippi Regional Park, situated on the Mississippi River in North Minneapolis, and the park's Carl W. Kroening Interpretive Center.
Nature play area and adventure trail
A new nature play area and adventure trail are planned for sites in the park adjacent to the interpretive center. Using materials like logs, sticks, rocks and water, nature play areas are designed to foster imaginative play and a deeper connection to the natural world; the park's adventure trail will feature dynamic components to entice children of all ages and adults to climb, hop, run, swing, and jump their way through the park. Both features will be designed with input from local communities in North and Northeast Minneapolis, and were made possible through two grants:
- $35,000 from People for Parks. This grant, the largest in the Minneapolis nonprofit's 41-year history, made the project eligible for matching funds through the Meet Me at the Park program.
- $30,000 from Meet Me at the Park, a nation-wide program administered by the National Recreation and Park Association and funded by the Walt Disney Company. Meet Me at the Park grants went to two dozen other park agencies throughout the U.S. to support projects focused on inclusive play spaces and increasing physical activity and play for children and families.
"Nature play areas provide a wonderful way to promote discovery, creativity and imagination through outdoor experiences,” said Superintendent Merrill. “We’re excited about diversifying outdoor play opportunities at Minneapolis parks and grateful for partners like People for Parks to help make that happen.”
The Minneapolis park system welcomed its first nature play area near the Lake Nokomis Community Center in south Minneapolis last summer, and additional nature play areas are included in plans for a range of other parks as part of MPRB's master plans for the city’s neighborhood park system.
"Nature in the City" interactive exhibits
The existing exhibits at Kroening Interpretive Center, which date back to the building's opening in 2002, have been partially dismantled due to safety concerns. Thanks to the funders listed below, they'll be replaced with new, hands-on "Nature in the City" exhibits that incorporate citizen science and themes including water (Shingle Creek runs into the Mississippi River at the park's south end); native plants and pollinators; wildlife such as coyotes, crows and beavers and its adaptation to city life; and flight (dragonflies, Mississippi flyway, migration). The project has received final approval and funding from the the following sources:
- $500,000 grant: Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund
- $100,000 funding support: Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO)
- $50,0000 funding support: City of Minneapolis Public Works
Tools for Planning Your 2 Nights 'til 2am at Northern Spark! (June 15 & 16)
2018 Northern Spark!
Many people like to wander and discover at Northern Spark. If you’re the planning type, we have several tools for you to make the most of your nights. Get ready for 2 nights of Northern Spark until 2 am! June 15 & 16. First stop: Visit our art and events page to learn more about each of the 28 dynamic art projects exploring the theme Commonality. Second stop: My Night. Customize your list of art projects to see, including times and locations, with the My Night feature. Click on My Night in the sidebar menu and simply log in with your email address to start building your schedule. (And remember, the Northern Spark website is mobile ready and holds all the information you need on the go.) Third stop: Maps. Find Northern Spark art, food, info tents, and bathrooms on our interactive map.
Check out our Planning Your Night page for more tips including accessibility resources and our Getting Around page for more info including parking and street closures. Lastly, follow social media for up-to-the-minute updates during the festival. Facebook: facebook.com/NorthernSparkMN |
Summer bites at the party of the year!
Art on the Rooftop: a Party to Benefit Northern Spark On June 16, from 7-10p, Northern Spark will delight guests with savory local food and drinks from the Twin Cities' best! Every year we are excited to work with excellent dining establishments to provide bites at the party. This year, we’ll enjoy food and dessert from Mercy, Hyacinth, Mill Valley Kitchen, DR49, and Rain Ate My Cake. Hyacinth, a new restaurant opening in Saint Paul, says their party dish is inspired by “the restaurant’s Italian roots. And we are working with amazing local farmers for the freshest produce.” The night will also sizzle with our special Northern Spark cocktail by Crooked Water Spirits. Their take on a classic, the Crooked Moscow Mule combines L'eau Grand Vodka, lime juice, Ginger Bitters and FeverTree Ginger beer for a refreshing taste. Guests may quench their thirst with Minneapolis’s finest brewery, Fulton Beer. Coffee will be provided by Parallel Cafe. The bar inside the rooftop lounge at Le Meridien Chambers Hotel will remain open for service. Join us for a night of wonderment, art, fun and support for Northern Spark by purchasing your $50 tickets here. |
Still hungry?
There's more than art at Northern Spark. On both nights you'll also find English pasties, Laotian red curry, wild rice burgers, egg rolls, fancy grilled cheese, chicken adobo tacos, frybread tacos, vegan tacos, even cheese curd tacos! And fresh squeezed lemonade to wash it down, and homemade ice cream to finish it off. Plan your Northern Spark eating too! |
June 14 Art Opening at the Bridgewater Lofts
RE/MAX Results and Bridgewater Neighbors and Friends of the Arts invite you to the next art opening at the Bridgewater:
All residents and their guests are welcome. The Bridgewater is located at 215 10th Avenue S, across from Gold Medal Park. Please RSVP to bnfacommittee@gmail.com.
This FREE event is generously sponsored by RE/MAX Results, the largest RE/MAX franchise in the U.S. for closed transaction volume in 2017. RE/MAX Results is proud to say the RE/MAX brand was number one in market share for total closed sales in the 55415 zip code last year. For that, we thank you for your business and are honored to be a part of this special occasion.
Tree-planting update: Beauty, blight, and building a better urban forest
Via a June 7 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:
How - and why - a veritable rainbow of tree types has developed along Minneapolis streets.
A lone elm at Spring and Quincy streets in Northeast Minneapolis in 1976 (image courtesy Hennpin County Library)
Magnificent monoculture: the reign of the elm
Did you know that elms once counted for more than nine of 10 street trees in the Twin Cities? It's easy to understand elm appeal: streets lined with these trees, their branches arched high overhead, have been compared to cathedrals: sun-dappled green in summer; snow-frosted in winter.
Elms also offered considerable environmental benefits by virtue of their sheer size, a situation that became all too apparent in the aftermath of Dutch elm disease (DED). More than 400,000 elms resided in Minneapolis in 1963, when the first of them succumbed to the disease; more than half of those were public trees. The almost-total devastation unfolded over a couple of decades: In 1977 alone, some 31,475 public elms were tagged for removal because of DED.
Designed diversity: the Minneapolis Boulevard Reforestation Plan
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), historic steward of the city's street trees, was planting replacement trees by 1970. Its 1978 Minneapolis Boulevard Reforestation Plan provided neighborhood-based designs with several dozen tree types (species and cultivars) to replace lost elms. As most neighborhoods offered a virtually blank slate, the plan preserved the elm era’s consistent design aesthetic: A single type lined stretches of a neighborhood for five, 10 or even 15 blocks. Various types of ash, linden, honeylocust and maple tree categories (or genera) were the most popular, together making up over 70% of the street trees in the plan.
This system of “designed diversity” carried Minneapolis into the 21st century, long enough for these trees to reach maturity. In 2009, the emerald ash borer (EAB) arrived in St. Paul, just seven years after its discovery in Michigan. EAB has caused far less devastation than DED (which took some four decades to reach the Twin Cities); still, the rapid infestation helped prompt a whole new approach to building a better urban forest.
Prescribed diversity: the right tree for the right spot
MPRB’s current street-tree diversity guidelines differ dramatically from its 1978 reforestation plan. Thanks to the digital revolution, GIS mapping, advancements in urban forestry and its own ongoing trials, MPRB “prescribes” diversity based on a wide range of measurements, data and science-based decisions.
In addition to increasing the tree canopy by planting the largest-maturing trees possible, the guidelines aim to develop diversity on three levels:
Citywide: The next generational leap in diversity means selecting hundreds of tree types from dozens of categories: oak, elm, locust, linden and more. Besides making for more colorful tree category charts, this wider range creates resilience against the next disease or invasive pest that may target a whole category.
Neighborhood: Ten percent is the neighborhood limit for any tree category. This means for the most part that MPRB is not planting maples, which make up 30% of the trees in some areas. On the flip side, look for more coffeetrees, catalpas, birch and other categories that have less than a 10% presence in any given neighborhood. (Many of 2018's most-planted species were profiled in the last tree-planting update.)
Block-by-block: At least three to five different tree categories are prescribed for an individual city block, which prevents a disease or pest from totally wiping out a large swath of trees.
The bright side of blight: We might mourn those areas that lost stretches of exclusive, mature ash trees from the late ‘70s and ‘80s - just as the giant elms that preceded them were mourned by previous generations. But looking on the bright side, these places are also at the forefront of MPRB's efforts to develop a healthy urban forest for the next century.
Next update: Reporting on 2018's new trees
For the season's final update, we'll share figures related to the trees planted and examples of places where the new, resilient urban forest is taking hold.
In the meantime:
• Remember that a newly planted tree is a thirsty tree! Please water all trees, especially young ones.
• Find out more about MPRB's park care and maintenance and its stewardship of the urban forest and park trees.
Best Places for Locally-Roasted Coffee in Minneapolis
Article submitted by Kathy Gallo, a freelance writer
Minneapolis is famed as one of the centers in the US for the brewing of craft beers – however, in the world of coffee, the city has also been undergoing a quiet revolution and is now home to a number of commendable small roasteries as well as coffee shops serving specialty coffees.
Here’s our guide to the best places in town to buy and drink locally-roasted coffee.
What’s in the roast?
Before recommending local roasters and coffee shops that brew their beans, let’s think about why you should prefer locally-roasted beans.
Roasting is what creates all the delicious flavors and aromas we love so much, but right after roasting, the beans are not yet ready to brew since they are filled with carbon dioxide.
After roasting, they begin releasing CO2 immediately, and after a couple of days, enough has dissipated for oxidization to begin. At this point, they are ready for brewing, but once oxidization starts, there is very little you can do to prolong their freshness.
At only about two weeks after roasting, beans will already be past their best.
If you buy from local roasters, you will know the exact date of roasting (often the day you order the beans) and you will also be given much more information about their origin, the elevation they were grown at and so on – all of which will allow you to appreciate the coffee more.
Local artisanal roasters also know how to coax the best flavors from their beans. Many large-scale roasters tend to heavily over-roast their beans – Starbucks is notorious for this.
However, a delicate specialty coffee often benefits from a much lighter roast since this will allow all the subtle flavors and notes to be present when the coffee is brewed. Local roasters are experts in this.
1. Driven Coffee
Driven Coffee is a craft coffee roaster located in the city suburbs. It is run by a small team who pride themselves on sourcing the best specialty coffees, roasting them on site in small batches and brewing them with the utmost care and attention. For the moment, they focus on selling roasted beans rather than selling brewed coffee at the roastery; their beans can be ordered online.
2. Peace Coffee Shop
Having been around for over 20 years, Peace Coffee is a veteran of the specialty coffee game. They are a small co-operative roaster focusing on importing only fair trade, organic beans from co-operative farmers to ensure that everyone along the line is rewarded equitably for the work that goes into coffee production. The coffee shop itself boasts bright and colorful décor and welcoming surroundings, making it an ideal place to go for some downtime over a cup of top-quality, locally-roasted coffee.
3. Spyhouse Coffee
This roastery opened in 2013, replacing the older coffee establishment that previously occupied the same site. Spyhouse looks to work with small, independent farmers around the world, and this is the place to head if you want to sample some of the best coffee in town against a quirky old-style industrial backdrop. The equipment used for roasting is also quite something to see.
4. Café Palmira
Café Palmira is a Minneapolis-based business that imports high-quality Guatemalan arabica beans direct from their own family farm. The beans are shade-grown at high altitudes of around 1000-1500m in one of Guatemala’s most famous coffee-growing areas – they produce a delicious full-bodied brew with a smooth finish. After arriving in Minneapolis, the beans are roasted locally and can be found at local farmers markets such as the Mill City Farmers Market. They can also be bought online from the company’s website.
5. Blackeye Roasting
Blackeye Roasting specialize in roasting their own beans for use in their unique nitro cold brew product which they make in three different flavors, regular, white chocolate and cocoa. The company started in a basement but now has two city coffee shops of their own as well as the roastery itself. Their nitro brew drinks are also sold in over 1000 locations throughout the Midwest, either on tap or in cans. This is their only product, they don’t sell regular brewed coffee and their beans are not available to buy.
6. Claddagh
When Claddagh opened its doors in 2011, it was the realization of the dream of owner Mary Hogan-Bard who had always wanted to bring lovingly-selected and locally-roasted specialty coffee to the area. The café offers some interesting brews from around the world as well as a selection of pastries and small snacks. The special welcoming atmosphere you will find there defines the place as much as the coffee.
7. Dogwood Coffee Bar
Located in Uptown, Dogwood is another local specialty coffee roaster that specializes in sourcing the best beans and roasting them to perfection. The Dogwood roastery is not open to the public, but they have opened several popular coffee bars around the city where you can taste their meticulously roasted coffees brewed on site or buy a bag of beans to take away and enjoy at home.
8. UP Coffee Roasters
Originally known as Flamenco Organic Coffee Company before it was rebranded as UP Coffee Roasters in 2014, this local roaster carved out a niche for itself in a highly competitive market by being one of the earliest to focus exclusively on organic coffee. This was at a time when organic was really taking off across North America and further afield, and this gave the company an edge over some of the other roasters that were appearing at the time. From small beginnings, UP has grown into a major player in local coffee roasting in Minneapolis. They also roast coffee for Café Palmira.
Many places to find great coffee
As you can see, whether you are looking to buy coffee that has been freshly roasted locally or whether you want to sit down to enjoy a cup of specialty coffee in comfortable surroundings, Minneapolis has a wealth of options. Maybe the most difficult part is choosing which to try first!
MN's first Delta Hotels by Marriott opens in NE Mpls
Via a June 5 announcement from by Niche:
Simple made Perfect: streamlined modern and intuitive design for a frictionless travel experience.
Minnesota's first Delta Hotels by Marriott opens for business this month at 1330 Industrial Blvd NE after an impressive $14M renovation of the former Ramada Plaza. Conveniently located minutes from the center of either downtowns, guests can enjoy a true gateway to all the Twin Cities has to offer. Family-owned and operated by the Durand brothers of Scalzo Hospitality, the project prioritized remarkable Minnesota hospitality experience in conjunction with a modern solution for guests to stay comfortably and efficiently.
As Marriott expands exponentially across the globe, the award-winning four-star Delta Hotels brand is leading the charge as the fastest-growing in the Marriott portfolio. Its innovative design concept focusing on perfecting the elements that truly matter appeals to the ever-growing "streamliner" guest- a frequent traveler that appreciates accessible modern luxury and a frictionless stay.
One of the main hallmarks of the property is the 10,000 square feet of flexible event and meeting space. Unique features are the 24/7 fitness center with touchscreen equipment, quality grab-n-go items from the 400 Express Coffee Shop, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, a serene courtyard, and plenty of on-site parking at no additional cost. The sleek and chic new property features new Twin Cities 400 Tavern, offering a true taste of Minnesota in contemporary pub fare. Guests can enjoy the restaurant now, book rooms for as early as mid-June, and reserve event space starting October 2018. As a Marriott Rewards member, guests can enjoy exclusive access to more digital features including mobile check-in and check-out, keyless entry and Mobile requests to make their experience seamless.
Check out the Vendors and Activities Happening at the 2018 Tuesday Night Mill city Farmers Markets in The Commons - Starting Today, June 5!
On Tuesday, June 5th the Mill City Farmers Market is opens its Night Market at The Commons park, the 4.2 acre green space next to US Bank Stadium. Mill City Night Market will run from 4 to 8pm every Tuesday until the end of September with locally grown summer grocery staples like fresh salad greens, cucumbers, pasture-raised meat for the grill, sweet corn and also a wide assortment of farm-to-table prepared foods for to-go dinners and week night picnics in the park. In addition to great food, Mill City Farmers Market will stay true to its mission of offering “can-do” cooking and wellness education and being a space for community engagement through recipe sampling, yoga classes, live music, monthly beer and wine nights with neighborhood brewery Day Block Brewing.
- June 26
- July 31
- August 28
- September 18
- June 5 – Gypsy Mania
- June 12 – Sinfonia from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by One Ukulele
- June 19 – Roe Family Singers from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a movie in the park!
- June 26 – Brass Messengers
- July 3 – The Preludes to a Blizzard
- July 10 – Lila Ammons
- July 17 – Ring Toss Twins DJs
- July 24 – Light of the Moon Duo
- July 31 – TBD
- August 7 – Michael Keys & Jim Krans
- August 14 – Upper Midwest Folk Fiddlers
- August 21 – Honest Maude
- August 28 – Lila Ammons
- September 4 – The Moonlight Duo
- September 11 – Roe Family Singers
- September 18 – Hamdog
- September 25 – Sam Timmreck from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by The Minnesota Orchestra
- June 5 & 26
- July 3, 10 & 24
- August 7, 14, 21 & 28
- September 4, 11 & 18
- Bean Market – heirloom dry beans and fresh fruits and vegetables
- Best Cellar – pickled vegetables and mushroom jerky
- Burning River Farm – Certified Naturally Grown vegetables
- Calvit’s Shrubs – vinegar drink mixes
- GYST Fermentation Bar – pickled vegetables and kombucha
- Holistic Health Farm – microgreens and other vegetables
- Horner’s Corner – maple syrup and seasonal fruit
- Nistler Farms – melon, sweet corn and tomatoes
- Northerly Flora – Minneapolis urban flower farm with fresh bouquets
- Prairie Hollow Farm – fresh fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, farmstead cheese and bread
- Sunshine Harvest Farm – grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken & eggs, pork, lamb and bison
- Well-Rooted Teas – loose leaf tea
- Wild Run Salmon
- Black Cat – barbecue, rice bowls and more
- Chef Shack – tacos, burgers, and brats
- Gohan Sushi
- Green Garden Bakery
- Northern Fires Pizza
- Saint Pops – fresh juice popsicles
- Solomon’s Bakery
- Sonny’s Ice Cream
- Aprilierre – jewelry
- Barkley’s Bistro – artisan dog treats
- Bhavana Organics –natural body products, teas and herbal remedies
- Crankosaurus Press – tea towels hand-printed in St. Paul
- Fair Anita – jewelry and apparel
