News From Metro Transit

Excerpts from Metro Transit's July 2019 e-newsletter

State Fair Express – Let us get you there!

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

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

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

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

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

Overnight adjustments coming in August for METRO Green Line

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

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

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

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

Take a tour of public art on light rail this summer

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

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

Tour dates:

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

Start time & location:

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

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

RSVP Required! 

Visit here to RSVP for a tour and learn more!

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

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

APPLY NOW!   Get more info here.

Take Metro Transit to Upcoming Events!

July 5

• CONvergence Conference

July 6

• CONvergence Conference

July 12

• Basilica Block Party

July 13

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

July 14

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

July 17

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

July 19

• Lowertown Blues & Funk Festival

July 20

• Rondo Days
• Lowertown Blues & Funk Festival

July 21

• Open Streets Lake & Minnehaha

July 24

• Mpls. Aquatennial – Torchlight Parade

July 27

• Loring Park Art Festival
• Mpls. Aquatennial – Fireworks

July 28

• Loring Park Art Festival

Millers vs. Saints: A Streetcar Rivalry

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

Baseball runs deep in the Twin Cities. Currently, the Minnesota Twins and St. Paul Saints sit atop their respective divisions and are having historic seasons. They might be in separate leagues now, but there was a time when Minneapolis and St. Paul had one of baseball’s most heated rivalries. Since the 1890’s, various teams have used the nicknames Millers and Saints, but it wasn’t until 1902 when a minor league baseball league, the American Association, was founded with the Minneapolis Millers and St. Paul Saints being two of the eight inaugural teams.

The first iteration of the Minneapolis Millers started playing baseball in 1884, and from then until the first season of the American Association in 1902, they were in four minor leagues and one major league, the American League. However, before they could play a game in the American League, the Minneapolis team was abandoned for a team in Baltimore. The St. Paul Saints were also in multiple leagues before joining the American Association. The Saints, too, were one of the first members of the American League, but before the first major league season kicked off, the owner, Charlie Comiskey, moved the team to his childhood neighborhood in Chicago and changed their name to the Chicago White Stockings. So, technically the three World Series titles the White Sox have from 1906, 1917, and 2005 have roots in St. Paul.

On April 23rd, 1902, the longest lasting and most well-known iterations of the Minneapolis Millers and St. Paul Saints opened the first season of the American Association on the road in Ohio. The Millers shutout the Columbus Senators 5-0, and the Saints lost a close one to the Toledo Mudhens 8-7. As the years and decades rolled on, the rivalry between the two teams grew to become the hottest ticket in the cities. “Streetcar double-headers” were very common during the season, with the teams playing a game in the morning, the fans taking the Lake Street – Marshall Avenue trolley line to the next city over, and then watching an afternoon game.

The ballparks of the Millers and Saints were arguably as iconic as the teams themselves. Located on the block between Nicollet and Blaisdell Avenues and 31st and Lake Streets, Nicollet Park, home of the Millers, was built in 1896 and upgraded from wood to steel and concrete in 1912. Initially the ballpark was known as Wright Field, in honor of one of the founding fathers of baseball, Harry Wright. While the name was not the most creative, the local newspapers would have fun with it. A reporter noted a homerun during a game by saying the ball was “knocked by the right-fielder, across right field, out of Wright Field.” What a zinger. In 1955, the Millers won the American Association in their final year at Nicollet Park, and they played their last five seasons as a franchise at the new Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington.

Installation of lights at Lexington Park in 1937

Entrance to Nicollet Park in 1955 

The Saints played in the legendary Lexington Park, located between University and Fuller Avenues and Lexington Parkway and Dunlap Street. Opened in 1897, the wooden structure caught on fire in 1915 and was quickly replaced with steel and concrete. In 1937 both Lexington Park and Nicollet Park added lights to their stadiums, and on July 15th and 16th, the Millers and Saints played against each other for their stadium’s first night games. In the final game at Lexington Park 1956, the Saints defeated the Millers. The Saints would play their last four season in the new Midway Stadium, which later became the first home to the current iteration of the St. Paul Saints.

Willie Mays in a Millers jersey in 1951

Throughout the seasons both teams have seen many hall-of-famers come and go. The Millers were minor league affiliates to the Boston Red Sox and the New York Giants, and saw legendary players like Ted Williams, Willie Mays, and Carl Yastrzemski play for them and make their way up to the majors where they became some of the best outfielders to ever play the game. The Saints were affiliates to the Chicago White Sox and the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, and saw players like Lefty Gomez, Roy Campanella, and Don Zimmer grace the field at Lexington Park.

Roy Campanella rounding the bases after hitting a home run at Nicollet Park in 1948

The Millers-Saints rivalry was always intense, but their affiliations with the Giants and Dodgers only added fuel to the fire and raised the stakes for the streetcar double-headers. The two teams were beloved by everyone in the Twin Cities for sixty plus years, but the arrival of the Minnesota Twins was their ultimate demise. The Millers folded and the Saints moved to Omaha, but all good things must come to an end. The Twins have won the World Series two times, maybe three, ask me in four months, and the Saints have one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country in CHS Field. Minneapolis and St. Paul may not have the baseball rivalry they once had, but now is a tremendous time to be a baseball fan in the Twin Cities.

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About Michael Rainville, Jr.

A 6th generation Minneapolitan, Michael Rainville Jr. received his B.A. in History from the University of St. Thomas, and is currently enrolled in their M.A. in Art History and Certificate in Museum Studies programs.

Michael is also an intern at the Hennepin History Museum and a lead guide at Mobile Entertainment LLC, giving Segway tours of the Minneapolis riverfront for 6+ years.

He can be reached at mrainvillejr@comcast.net.

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

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

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Latest Project News

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

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

What's Coming Up 

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

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

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

Hennepin_Update_Vol7.pdf

For more information on this project contact: 

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

www.hennepindowntown.com

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

Via a July 2 News Release:

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

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

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

About Good Night at The Southern

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

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

Youth of all ages are invited!

Screen-printing art activity at Currie Park on July 6

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

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

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

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

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

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About the Currie Park improvements project

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

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

Eight-week season launches in late July

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

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

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

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

Summer Adult Bags Leagues

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

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

Via a July1 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

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

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

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

The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Exhibit location and hours:

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

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

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

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

Restaurant Week Summer 2019, July 14 - 19

Celebrate the best of Twin Cities dining with a week's worth of great deals in some of the Twin Cities trendiest and best restaurants from July 14 -19. Participating restaurants will serve two to three course, prix fixe menus for just $10 to $35 per person. (beverage, tax and gratuity not included) More Info

A Very Good June for Friends of the Mill District

Article by Claudia Kittock

It has been a very busy and very good June for the Friends of the Mill District. The community participation and support has been fabulous.

We started the month on June 8th with the Mill City Singers' 3rd performance at the Loring Park Music Festival. If you're interested, check out this video from the Festival (go to the 18-minute mark to see J.D. Steele and the Singers - the video ends with their final song).

On June 15th, the Friends held a book drive for YouthLink. Camille Burke organized the event and we are so thankful for her leadership and for the donations from the community. Because of these donations, we were able to take almost 2000 books to young people whose access to books is limited. What a wonderful day.

On June 22nd, we partnered with the Cedar Riverside community and Allina Free Bikes 4 Kidz program to help hand out 350 bikes. The Friends handed out bike locks and water bottles. It was an incredibly fun day with palpable excitement that began at 8 a.m. and the line started forming at 5:30 a.m. Those in line were fitted for a free bike, bike helmet, locks and water bottles. Almost 100 volunteers helped make everything go smoothly.

Friends of the Mill District board member, Jan Merchon

We love what we do. It is amazing to be part of this amazing community. Our neighborhood is stronger because of you and the ways you all help. Thank you for what you do. There is more to come. 

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About Claudia Kittock

Claudia is a resident of the Mill District. In addition to writing for Mill City Times, she is a founding Board Member of Friends of the Mill District. Claudia is the author of Health Through Chaos, mentors young adults at YouthLink, and has served on the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA).

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Contact: claudia@millcitymedia.org

Eleven Secures Construction Financing

Minneapolis’ first luxury condominium project designed by a world-renowned architect has secured financing. Eleven will be the first residential project in the city to be designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), based in New York City.

Luigi Bernardi of Arcadia LLC is serving as the project sponsor and co-developer and Ryan Companies is serving as co-developer, builder, and is partnering with RAMSA as the architect.     

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

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

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

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

Soon to be a premier address in the Mill District, Eleven will typically have four units per floor, transitioning to two units per floor, and finally one unit per floor in the upper portion of the building. Each home includes a large private terrace which is at least 14 x 14 feet.  RAMSA, Ryan, and local firms Peterssen/Keller Architects and Martha Dayton Design and Sotheby’s International Realty have ensured the building interior is as thoughtful as its exterior. Amenities include a large landscaped terrace that will be unlike any other in the city including a 75-foot lap pool, a private motor court,  a 24/7 doorman, an expansive fitness suite, a multi-sport court, a library, a golf simulator, a children’s splash pad, retail space (ideally for a restaurant), a demonstration kitchen with dining, residential and guest parking, storage, and more. 

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

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

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

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

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

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

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

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

North Loop Reconstruction Updates

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

5th Ave N

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

7th Ave N

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

8th Ave N

• Amended poor soils
• Finished utility work

9th Ave N

• Finished utility work

3rd St N

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

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

5th Ave N

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

7th Ave N

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

8th Ave N

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

9th Ave N

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

3rd St N

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

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

North Loop Pedestrian Improvements Updates

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

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

2nd St N NW Corner

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

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

No work is anticipated for the week of July 1.

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

Miscellaneous

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

Date/Time:  July 10, 7:30am - 8:30am

Location:  Corner Coffee 514 N 3rd St #102

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

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

Artwork on Buses Highlights Connection Between Transit and Regional Parks

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

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

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

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

Millers Landing Community Blood Drive, July 10

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

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

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

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

Via a June 24 News Release:

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

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

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

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

About Sherman Associates

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

About Firefighters For Healing

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

Downtown Life: Living in Downtown Minneapolis

Our weekly news & lifestyle digest for Downtown Minneapolis, in collaboration with Cynthia Froid Group:

WEEK OF JUNE 24, 2019

Suburban empty nesters 'start fresh' in new downtown Minneapolis condo building
An empty-nest couple transitioned from a house in the suburbs to a condo in downtown Minneapolis, with a designer assist.

Seven new projects, including 20-story apartment building, reach Mpls. planners this week
20-story downtown building, six others go before Mpls. planners this week.

RBC Gateway Breaks Ground; Tower’s Office Space Nearly 85 Percent Leased
Pohlad Companies will relocate to tower, take three floors of space.

Neighbors, council member fight Airbnb-style rentals in Minneapolis
94 short-term rentals would dominate one downtown building.

Once scorned, short-term rentals now courted by Twin Cities landlords
Boom helps fill units but has cities looking at new rules.

Designer tips for furnishing an urban condo
Designer Sue Hunter of Home for a Change shares her insights.

Lynette Dumalag: Following Her Immigrant Parents' Directive to "do good here"

Article by Claudia Kittock

I met Lynette Dumalag when I began serving on the Task Force to End Street Homelessness. I was immediately impressed with her breadth of knowledge about all things concerning homelessness, her youth, and her obvious expertise in commercial real estate. We have served on this committee together for 5 years, and through those years have gotten to know each other, and my initial impressions were not only correct, but my admiration for her has grown. She is a human dynamo and one Minneapolis is so lucky to have on ‘our side’. 

Lynette DumalagLynette is the child of immigrants who came here from the Philippines, looking for a better life. She was taught to ‘do good here’ and to help others and was strong imbued with a sense of duty. From middle school on, Lynette volunteered, and early in her career in commercial real estate, was invited to Aeon to share a meal. Sitting down to share a meal is a wonderful way to meet people on an equal basis. She was hooked!

Lynette is now the chair of Aeon’s board and serves on many other boards, always working to help people who need a hand up, making sure that she ‘does good here’.

Here are her answers to my questions:

How did you get the position as Chair of Aeon's board?

I had been volunteering with the organization for a few years. First as a committee member on their Young Professionals committee where we held events, did fundraising and volunteered at certain properties. I was then asked to join the board a few years later and have been on the board for 8 years. I recently rolled off as Chair and will be involved on the board for one more year.

What do you do in that position?

The board follows governance model called the Carver Model. We get to create policies and executive limitations for the organization so that the CEO has permission/freedom to do the work that needs to get done. We also get to hear about external/market forces and policy changes that impact the work that the organization does.

What are you doing that is working?

We as a board and as an organization have been able to respond to the growing need to preserve Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing, or “NOAH”. This has been a focus for those in the affordable housing space and we’ve been invited and asked by communities to come in and help.

What do you want the policy makers to know about the work you do?  How can they help?  How can all of us help?

A lot of work goes into development, acquisition, and management of affordable housing. Obviously access to capital is always going to be an issue, but even policies at the local level can greatly impact the work that Aeon and others do. I’d invite policy makers and others that are interested to learn more about how housing is created and how to support those that might need additional services so that they are successful at keeping their housing. 

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About Claudia Kittock

Claudia is a resident of the Mill District. In addition to writing for Mill City Times, she is a founding Board Member of Friends of the Mill District. Claudia is the author of Health Through Chaos, mentors young adults at YouthLink, and has served on the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA).

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Contact: claudia@millcitymedia.org

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements Update

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

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

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

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

North Loop Reconstruction Updates

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

5th Ave N

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

7th Ave N

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

8th Ave N

• Continued utility work

9th Ave N

• Continued utility work

3rd St N

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

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

5th Ave N

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

7th Ave N

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

8th Ave N

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

9th Ave N

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

3rd St N

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

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

North Loop Pedestrian Improvements Updates

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

2nd St N NW Corner

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

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

2nd St N NW Corner

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

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

Miscellaneous

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

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

Location:  Corner Coffee 514 N 3rd St #102

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

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

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

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Latest Project News

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

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What's Coming Up

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

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

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

Additional info: Hennepin_Update_Vol6.pdf.

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

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

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

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

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

Boatsetter: Airbnb for Boats

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

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

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

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

CEO and Co-Founder, Jackie Baumgarten

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