Design Week for the East of the River Park Master Plan kicks off April 30!

Draft park designs for all neighborhood parks in NE/SE Minneapolis debut at Community Open House May 3

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is excited to announce East of the River Park Master Plan Design Week, April 30-May 4, 2018! Project Page

First, meet the park designers and kick off Design Week at the sixth East of the River Park Master Plan Community Advisory Committee meeting on Monday, April 30, 6-8 pm at Luxton Recreation Center, 112 Williams Ave. SE. Then check out new park design concepts for every Minneapolis neighborhood park east of the Mississippi River at a Community Open House on Thursday, May 3, 4-7 pm at MPRB Headquarters, 2117 West River Road.

East of the River Park Master Plan CAC Meeting #6
Date: Monday, April 30, 2018
Time: 6-8 pm
Location: Luxton Recreation Center
Address: 112 Williams Ave. SE

All CAC meetings are open to the public and offer free children’s activities and delicious food!
 
East of the River Park Community Open House
Date: Thursday, May 3, 2018
Time: 4-7 pm
Location: MPRB Headquarters
Address: 2117 West River Road

Draft park design concepts will be on display for the community to review and discuss directly with designers and staff.

Stone Arch Bridge Planned Closure 7am-5pm, April 19-20, for Power Line Maintenance

Weather permitting, the Stone Arch Bridge will be closed from 7:00am to 5:00pm on April 19 and April 20. The closure is necessary for Xcel Energy to perform maintenance on overhead power lines running between towers at Gold Medal Park and Father Hennepin Bluff Park.

Please follow posted detours and stay clear of areas where work is being performed.

Retail Task Force Launches New Initiative for Enhancing Nicollet Shopping Experience

Via an April 17 News Release from the mpls downtown council:

The mpls downtown council’s 2025 plan development committee and its retail task force announced today a comprehensive plan for shaping downtown’s retail district along Nicollet between 5th and 10th streets.

A group of 33 task force members—including representatives from the City of Minneapolis, downtown retail locations, brokerage teams, property owners and management groups, and other downtown stakeholders—convened regularly to address short-, medium- and long-term plans for enhancing downtown’s retail scene.

The goal is to identify challenges in brick-and-mortar retail happening nationwide, assessing how retail fits the changing downtown landscape and build a platform for finding new tenants for spaces along Nicollet in our city’s core.

“We’ve already seen $300 million worth of private investment along the new Nicollet, including incredible investment in The Dayton’s Project. We know Nicollet is an important gathering destination for our city,” said Steve Cramer, president & ceo of the mpls downtown council. “This task force is assessing how we can position new retail tenants to succeed in our downtown, which continues to see overall business vitality, residential growth and visitor traffic.”

Their findings included the following strategies: 

· Define, publicize and market a core downtown retail district on Nicollet from 5th to 10th streets

· Create a comprehensive booklet used for marketing downtown retail to interested parties

· Organize an ongoing alliance of stakeholders (building owners/managers, commercial and retail brokers, retailers, public officials, business associations) focused on communication and alignment of interests, coordinated messaging, cross promotions, updating useful data and coordinating tenant recruitment

· Examine signage and regulatory requirements

· Work to develop smaller store footprints

· Integrate Nicollet and downtown safety and activation strategies into core retail district

“This is the perfect time to convene the expertise of this task force to work on opening a new era of retail on Nicollet,” said David Frank, co-chair of the 2025 Plan’s retail task force and Director of the City of Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development department. “We are embracing this moment of opportunity and a chance to redevelop the shopping scene in our city’s core.”

The retail task force understands the importance of retail throughout downtown, but their specific focus is revitalizing the shopping scene along Nicollet. Through focusing on economics, access and overall perception, the group is looking to re-establish Nicollet as a unique shopping experience in the heart of our thriving city.

“Our retail community downtown understands we need to work together to ensure that our shopping scene continues to grow and thrive,” said Deb Kolar, 2025 plan retail task force member and general manager of IDS Center on behalf of Accesso Services Inc. “This task force has identified a collective strategic approach to enhance retail here in downtown and help us reach new audiences looking to expand in our market while building a corridor that consumers will love.”

Other important aspects of the retail task force committees work include street-to-skyway wayfinding, working on coordinated efforts to lure new businesses downtown, and addressing new approaches to targeted retail businesses.

The Development Committee is one of six 2025 Plan committees, and the retail task force is one of five sub-committees carrying out the Development Committee’s initiatives. These six main 2025 Plan committees, comprised of more than 350 volunteers, are working to create an extraordinary downtown by addressing the 2025 Plan’s 10 key initiatives established in 2011.

For more information on The 2025 Plan’s initiatives or overall development downtown, follow @mplsdowntown on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #mplsdowntown and #2025plan.

Timeless New High-rise Riverfont Condominium Planned for Minneapolis

UPDATED APRIL 15, 2018

Download staff report/site plan (57MB)...

View all floor plans & project images...

Previous Mill City Times article...

The proposed project is a 43-story mixed-use tower with 2,500 square feet of commercial space and 105 residential units. The project is proposing to provide 415 structured parking stalls in 7-story above-grade enclosed parking podium.  185 of those spaces would be reserved for the office tenants of the existing building as a replacement for the existing surface parking lot. The remaining 230 parking spaces would be reserved for the residential units.

The commercial tenant space is located along the W River Parkway frontage on the ground level.  Residential amenity space, including a bike storage room, makes up the remainder of the ground-level frontage facing the parkway.   Primary vehicle access to the residential parking is proposed off of W River Parkway.   The parkway access leads to a large motor court with an additional principle residential entrance. The office tenant parking will be accessed off of 11th avenue S, as will the loading area. The project is proposing 12 surface parking stalls for guest parking as well as a small dog recreation area.

The project is proposing to establish a new public access pathway from the rear of the site connecting to West River Parkway.  Depending on agreements reached with adjacent property owners this right-of-way could connect through the block to adjacent properties and streets. There are currently no windows or active uses proposed along this public right-of-way.

The tower design employs limestone and granite at the base with an architectural precast concrete on the upper floors. The design utilizes a variety of setbacks and recesses to create balconies and terraces for the residential units.   The parking garage will be treated with false residential windows on all facades in order to create the appearance of active residential uses. The windows are not evenly distributed on the non-river facing facades. 7 floors of “accessory suites” are proposed at the northeast corner of the parking garage fronting partially on W River Parkway and partially onto the proposed motor court.

***PREVIOUSLY***

39 STORY CONDO PROJECT PROPOSED FOR MILL DISTRICT

The building is proposed to be 39 stories tall, with one to five homes per floor, for a total of 101 distinguished residences. It will feature architectural details and amenities designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, including a large landscaped rooftop deck with a pool affording dramatic views of the downtown skyline and river. Other details include, masonry facades with a hierarchical variety of windows; expansive private terraces on most floors; and other unique features. The private terraces will create setbacks that will form a memorable tower silhouette for the Minneapolis skyline. Construction could begin as early as the end of this year, with occupancy in 2020.

Full size Project images...

Strib article...

Journal article...

Via a March 7 News Release from Padilla:

World-Renowned Robert A.M. Stern Architects Will Design First Twin Cities Tower

Luigi Bernardi and Ryan Companies US, Inc. will co-develop an ultra-luxury high-rise residential condominium tower in the Mill District of downtown Minneapolis. It will give residents unparalleled views of the Minneapolis skyline, including the Mississippi River, Stone Arch Bridge and Gold Medal Park. The future landmark will be designed by the world-renowned Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), acclaimed for designing some of the most iconic residential buildings in the world, including signature properties such as the record-setting 15 Central Park West in New York, One Bennett Park in Chicago and One St. Thomas Street in Toronto.

The elegant masonry and glass building, to be named “Eleven,” will be located near 1101 West River Parkway and Gold Medal Park.

“Eleven will establish a new standard for upscale urban living in Minneapolis,” said Carl Runck, Ryan Companies’ director of real estate development. Preliminary design concepts are being shared with the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association and City of Minneapolis officials.

The building is proposed to be 39 stories tall, with one to five homes per floor, for a total of 101 distinguished residences. It will feature architectural details and amenities designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, including a large landscaped rooftop deck with a pool affording dramatic views of the downtown skyline and river. Other details include, masonry facades with a hierarchical variety of windows; expansive private terraces on most floors; and other unique features. The private terraces will create setbacks that will form a memorable tower silhouette for the Minneapolis skyline. Construction could begin as early as the end of this year, with occupancy in 2020.

Photo credit Spacecrafting Photography 

“Not only will this building feature exceptional views of downtown and the Mississippi River, the design and quality of this building will add enduring value to the community,” added Luigi Bernardi, co-developer.

“I started my career with RAMSA in New York, and therefore know them well. I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact a RAMSA building can have on a market and a skyline. It sets a tone for others to follow.  It’s been decades since an architect of this caliber designed a project for the Twin Cities that was privately funded (since the Wells Fargo Tower was designed by Cesar Pelli), and we are thrilled to share our plans,” said Mike Ryan, Ryan’s SVP and market leader.

Paul L. Whalen, lead design architect for the project at RAMSA, sees the new building as an appealing bookend to the Mill District waterfront. “We want to bring urban living in Minneapolis to a new level,” said Whalen, “but just as importantly we want to anchor the east end of the city's riverfront with a visually powerful statement and a community that will enliven the neighborhood's streets, paths and parks.”

Robert A.M. Stern Architects, recognized for its modern traditional buildings in New York and other major international cities, is known for undertaking exhaustive neighborhood history studies to inform their designs. The residences will be offered exclusively by Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty, and reservations will be accepted starting in late March. “This will become the premier address in the Mill District,” said John Wanninger of Sotheby’s.

About Luigi Bernardi

Luigi Bernardi, serves as president of two real estate development and investment companies, Arcadia LLC and Aurora Investments which began developing Twin Cities commercial real estate in 1987. Now, focusing on medical-related facilities and multi-family residential development, recent projects include the Velo luxury apartments in downtown Minneapolis’ North Loop neighborhood and Aurora on France in Edina.

About Ryan Companies US, Inc.

Founded in 1938, Ryan Companies offers comprehensive commercial real estate services as a national developer, architect, capital investment consultant, builder and real estate manager with a focus on bringing lasting value to its customers and the communities in which it works. Ryan market depth includes retail, industrial, health care and senior living. Ryan development and corporate build-to-suit work spans a wide range of product types including office, mixed-use, hospitality, multifamily housing and mission critical facilities. Ryan has nearly 1,300 employees in 13 offices and has completed projects in 38 states. For more information, visit ryancompanies.com.

About Robert A. M. Stern Architects

Robert A.M. Stern Architects is a 265-person firm of architects, interior designers and support staff that has earned an international reputation as a leading design firm with wide experience in residential, commercial and institutional work throughout the U.S. and around the world. The firm's extraordinary portfolio of residential buildings, combining its longstanding dedication to the design of private residences with its deep commitment to urban place-making, includes such record-setting landmarks as 15 Central Park West in New York for Zeckendorf Development and residential towers in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto and Vancouver. "Eleven" is the firm's first project in Minneapolis.

Robert A.M. Stern, FAIA, practicing architect, teacher and writer, served as dean of the Yale School of Architecture from 1998 through June of 2016. As founder and senior partner at Robert A.M. Stern Architects, he directs the firm's architecture, planning, interior design and landscape design projects. Mr. Stern was the 2011 Driehaus Prize laureate and has received both the Athena Award from the Congress for the New Urbanism and the Board of Directors' Honor from the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art.

Paul L. Whalen, FAIA, is a partner and studio leader at Robert A.M. Stern Architects whose work includes the design of record-setting multifamily residential buildings across the United States as well as in Canada, South America, Europe and Asia. Along with Mr. Stern, Mr. Whalen is co-author of the 2016 monograph City Living: Apartment Houses by Robert A.M. Stern Architects. He currently serves as the president of Sir John Soane's Museum Foundation.

Handmade Couture Hats Created by NE Milliner Karen Morris

Article and photos by Merle Minda

A Karen Morris Millinery spring lineup.

“Does anyone still wear a hat?” was belted out by award-winning Broadway actress Elaine Stritch in Stephen Sondheim’s Company in 1971. It was a lyric from “The Ladies Who Lunch” and was the standout song from the show – Elaine won one of her four Tony Awards for her show-stopping performance.

A “Fascinator” for spring.Today we are all wearing hats and more hats, beyond fashion expectations. Perhaps because we are so enamored of England’s Royal family – Diana wore hats beautifully and now the new princesses are wearing hats, from “fascinators” to fedoras. With the Royal Wedding coming up we are sure to see more. The Royal Ascot Enclosure is ideal for hat-watching, and in the U.S., the Kentucky Derby, where hats are ‘de rigueur.’ Plus most women look good in hats and, in Minnesota; hats can be warm and cozy too.

Many well-known hat designers are gone now: Lily Daché, Schiaparelli, Tatiana of Saks and Hattie Carnegie – but Philip Treacy is the current famed favorite and hatmaker to the Royals including the almost-Princess, Meghan Markle.

So where does that leave us here in NE Minneapolis? Happily, we have our own couture hat designer: Karen Morris Millinery with a showroom handy on Hennepin Avenue between 3rd and 4th.

Karen Morris in her showroom.

This hat is truly fun to wear!Karen is an expat from Hong Kong, coming here with her Minneapolis husband in 2009. She was in marketing there but had a strong yen to become a fashion designer. She has now made that transition, designing the most gorgeous hats you could ever hope to find. She even attended the Royal Ascot event in England, where she was motivated to start designing hats.

Now her hats are featured in shops around the world, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the UAE. Locally you can find her hats at Dugo in the Galleria, Frank Murphy in White Bear Lake, and Scarborough Fair in St. Paul. Her hats are online, and in the Kentucky Derby online shop as well.

Another gorgeous one!

Easiest is to make an appointment with Karen at her NE shop, and you can see the full spring line for yourself. All of Karen’s hats are handmade in a variety of shapes and textures – and they are gorgeous. Even practical! Karen Morris hats are shown in many fashion shows around town, or you can order online. Go in for an appointment though, because then your hat choice is fitted and made for your head exactly, and you have a wide choice of fabrics, materials, colors and trimmings to choose from.

I walked out with this one!This spring her hats will be shown at Minnstafashion, Spring 2018 on April 19th at the W Hotel, and again at the April 26th Studio Progressive: A Minnesota Fashion Week Event at Northrup King Building in NE Minneapolis, and then on the 28th at the Galleria. Following the success of her collections, she has been featured in American Craft Shows, Smithsonian Craft Show, New York African Fashion Show, Pure London Show, ELLE, Pioneer and Star Tribune press and PBS’ MN Original series.

Quality, originality and simple elegance are the Karen Morris hallmark. Pricing is not too bad either, with hats starting at $195 for a summer straw.

So, we have a famous hat designer right on our own NE doorstep. Who knew?

Karen Morris Millinery is located at 326 E Hennepin Avenue. Phone 612-839-4857; follow on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Email info@kmhats.com.

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About Merle Minda

Journalist and free-lance writer Merle Minda writes about travel, business, people profiles and other subjects for a number of national and regional publications, including Delta SKY, Mpls/St. Paul Magazine, Twin Cities Business, Star Tribune, Twin Cities Statement, Minnesota Monthly, and now Mill City Times. She can be reached at mminda@earthlink.net or TravelOverEasy.com on the web.

Minneapolis City Council Approves "The Falls"

The Falls Visitor & Interpretive Center at the Upper Lock will be a game changer for the Central Riverfront, and a gateway to the Upper River

The Minneapolis City Council passed a Resolution today supporting The Falls, a redevelopment initiative to transform the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock into a visitor and interpretive center. The action underscores the City’s ongoing commitment to public interests and outcomes on the Central and Upper Riverfront.

What is The Falls?

The Falls is a destination visitor and interpretive center at the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock. Once frequented by barges, the Upper Lock at St. Anthony Falls was closed to commercial navigation in 2015. The Falls envisions repositioning the Lock as a destination for recreational, touristic, and interpretive purposes. It will draw visitors to discover the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, our river national park, at one of its most iconic features: St. Anthony Falls, the only waterfall on the Mississippi River, which thunders down a 49-foot drop on a concrete spillway at the toe of the iconic Stone Arch Bridge. The facility will implement the vision of multiple adopted plans and would become a destination feature of the 10-state Great River Road, a National Scenic Byway. It will:

    • Welcome people to the city, region and state with a Meet Minneapolis tourism association visitor center, offering information and a gateway to opportunities and experiences.

    • Provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about and experience this amazing site

with National Park Service Park Rangers.

    • Host interpretive exhibits and provide educational enrichment, for instance, about river history and ecology, civil works and engineering, hydrology, and culture.

    • Provide a unique venue for meetings and events.

    • Offer options for food and drink while enjoying spectacular views.

    • Serve as a hub of recreation and activity (e.g., biking, walking, fishing, paddling, water taxi).

The Falls is envisioned to include water access and water taxi service, which would ensure that the Central Riverfront could serve as a gateway to the Upper River.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has engaged in efforts to redevelop the Upper Lock since its closure, which occurred when he served as a member of City Council representing Ward 3, home to St. Anthony Falls and the Upper Lock. His administration has taken an interest in the transformative opportunities along the riverfront, including at Upper Harbor Terminal, the Grain Belt Historic District, the Post Office site (a future opportunity), and the Upper Lock.

“The Mississippi River is one of the defining features of our city and state. It demands that we think big. If we achieve our vision at The Falls, it’s going to be an amazing destination for learning, for culture, and frankly – for fun. It’s also going to be a gateway to the Upper River, and specifically to Upper Harbor Terminal. For a long time, these two sites were connected by commercial barging – and now they’ll be connected by community,” said Frey.

Minneapolis City Council Member Steve Fletcher, who championed the resolution, said, “This is a chance for us to implement what City, Park Board, and heritage plans have been calling for in this area for years. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

Friends of the Lock & Dam, with the City of Minneapolis, have proposed repositioning the Upper Lock at St. Anthony Falls, which closed to navigation in 2015, as a world class visitor and interpretive center paired with recreation, education, water access, and dining. The City added redevelopment of the Upper Lock to its list of bonding requests to the State Legislature in 2018, and currently has bills in the Minnesota House of Representatives (H.F. 2989, authors, Dehn, Omar, Lee, and Wagenius) and Minnesota Senate (S.F. 2707, authors Champion, Hayden and Dziedzic) directing $1.5 million in predesign dollars are under consideration. State dollars would be matched 2:1 by Friends of the Lock & Dam, who has committed $3 million to the predesign effort.

“This goes beyond Minneapolis,” said Representative Raymond Dehn. “The Falls will be a destination on the Great River Road, and will be a feature of the National Park System since it’s part of the Mississippi National River Recreation Area. We see this as an opportunity to create a valuable amenity for the entire state.”

A coalition of stakeholder organizations supporting redevelopment of the Upper Lock met in November 2017 to establish principles for its future use. They also established recommendations for the Upper Riverfront as a whole. Coalition outcomes and project information can be found on the project website at www.thefalls.org. Stakeholders see the Lock as a launch point for lots of different experiences that hint at a vibrant riverfront district with ports of call stretching well beyond the Lock itself in the future.

“The Mississippi River is such a significant feature of our state – it informs our culture, commerce, and recreation, and it presents a wonderful opportunity for the next generation of urban place making,” said Tom Fisher, Vice President of Friends of the Lock & Dam.

Recent attention by both national and local press on the future of the Mississippi River has shed light on the national conversation now taking place. Federal government is also taking note: a Mississippi River caucus has emerged in Congress, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has authorized a disposition study for all three Locks on the Upper Mississippi. Here in Minnesota, projects have been underway statewide to rewrite cities’ relationship to the river, including in St. Cloud, Brainerd, Red Wing, St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Spring 2018 Updates from Mississippi Watershed Management Organization

Excerpts from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) Spring 2018 Newsletter:

Rebuilding Hall’s Island to improve habitat and ecology along the Mississippi River

Urbanization destroyed most of our local wildlife habitat. The Mississippi River corridor is an exception — and we want to protect it. Learn how the reconstruction of Hall's Island represents a milestone in the effort to reclaim the Minneapolis riverfront for people and nature. Read more

New Projects for 2018

The MWMO has a slate of new water quality and habitat projects lined up for 2018. Check out these highlights of upcoming projects and learn more on our website.

East Side Storage and Maintenance Facility

The City of Minneapolis plans to build its new public works facility on a 9-acre site in Northeast Minneapolis. The MWMO will fund a variety of innovative stormwater best management practices (BMPs) for the facility. Read More

Nicollet Island Restoration

A community-led coalition will restore more than 7 acres of natural areas on Nicollet Island. The project will improve habitat and reduce erosion by removing invasive plants and restoring native prairie and forest. Read More

Mill City Commons

Mill City Church is upgrading its shared community meeting space with an innovative, stormwater-friendly landscape. The MWMO funded the design through a Planning Grant and awarded an Action Grant to help pay for the construction. Read More

Westbound I-94 to 11th St. ramp closes April 16; Overnight closures on I-35W begin April 18

Via an April 12 e-newsletter from MnDOT:

Ramp and overnight closure details
As the weather warms up and spring arrives, construction activities are picking up on the 35W@94 project. We have a ramp closure into downtown Minneapolis starting at 6 a.m. on Mon, April 16. We are also planning a couple overnight closures of each direction of I-35W next week.

Have questions about the project? There will be a “Coffee with the Contractor” event on Wed, April 18. Details about the event are below.

Westbound I-94 to 11th S.t ramp closure begins April 16
In order for us to complete work in the 11th Street/Grant Street/5th Ave S area in downtown Minneapolis, and prepare for upcoming construction activities, we need to close the ramp from westbound I-94 to 11th St. for two months.

The 11th S.t ramp is scheduled to close 6 a.m. Mon, April 16, weather permitting, and will remain closed through mid-June 2018.

Detour: WB I-94 to the Lyndale Ave/Hennepin Ave. exit and follow NB Hennepin Ave. to 12th St.
Note: Motorists who use the ramp to access Grant St. and 5th Ave S will also need to find alternate routes.

Access to 11th St, Grant St. and 5th Ave. S from northbound I-35W will remain open.

Overnight I-35W closures April 18 and 19
As crews continue to make progress on the 38th St. bridge, a couple nighttime closures of I-35W are necessary to set beams for the bridge deck.

Beginning 10 p.m. Wed, April 18 northbound I-35W will close between Hwy 62 and I-94. Motorists will detour to Hwy 62, Hwy 100 and I-394. The ramp from 35th St. to northbound I-35W will remain open. The northbound lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Thu, April 19.

Beginning 10 p.m. Thu, April 19, southbound I-35W will close between I-94 and Hwy 62. Motorists will detour to I-394, Hwy 100 and Hwy 62. The ramp from 46th St. to southbound I-35W will remain open.  The southbound lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Fri, April 20.

More about this project
To learn more, including all current traffic impacts and detour routes, visit the project website at: www.mndot.gov/35w94.

Metro Transit bus routes will be impacted as a result of construction. For updated route information, and to sign up for Rider Alerts, visit: www.metrotransit.org/35W.

Stay connected
Visit the project website: www.mndot.gov/35w94
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/mndot and Twitter: @mndotnews
Email the project team at: info@35w94.com
Call the project hotline at: 612-284-6125
For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota visit: http://www.511mn.org/ or dial 5-1-1.

Road Closures for April 14 Hot Chocolate 5K/15K

The following roads will be closed on Saturday, April 14, from 7:30a - 12 Noon for the Hot Chocolate 5K/15K races: 

SE Main Street - Stone Arch Bridge - West River Parkway (from Plymouth Ave to E 27th Street)

mpls downtown council 2025 Plan Committee Grants $86,500 Toward 4 Efforts Helping Those Experiencing Homelessness

Via an April 10 Press Release from mpls downtown council:

The mpls downtown council and its Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan Ending Street Homelessness committee announced today the award of grants totaling $86,500 to four organizations working to help those experiencing homelessness in our community. Grant funds were donated by mpls downtown council member companies and individual mdc board members.

Grants were awarded to recipients intending to launch projects that will help Minneapolis reach the goal of “functional zero”, the point when the number of people experiencing street homelessness is not larger than the number of housing placements available. The Request for Proposals submissions were due February 2, with winners notified in March.

“Our 2025 Plan Ending Street Homelessness Committee is comprised of volunteers and organizations working hard to help end street homelessness in the city by the year 2025,” said Steve Cramer, president & ceo of the mpls downtown council. “The initiatives chosen for this grant funding are inspiring causes that work toward that goal and will make a difference in our community.”

Recipients of the grants include:

• YouthLink: Street outreach expansion—addition of a worker for evening hours
• St. Stephen’s Human Services: Enhancing engagement protocol to improve street outreach outcomes
• Teen Tech – Hennepin County Library: Street outreach worker to serve as a community resource mentor for Teen Tech Center at the Minneapolis Central Library
• Avenues for Homeless Youth: Housing stability/eviction protection fund

“Ending street homelessness is a community effort, and this grant process is an example of that,” said Mark Hamel and Joseph Desenclos, co-chairs of the 2025 Plan Ending Street Homelessness Committee, in a joint statement. “These grants were made possible by generous corporate and individual donations. Their private contributions will make a difference in people’s lives, and we’re grateful for their involvement in this important work. A huge thank you to our grants selection subcommittee for their work throughout the process, particularly sub-committee chair Paul Verrette for his leadership.”

Criteria for selection in the grant process included:  target population, need, activities, project feasibility, overall goals, projected short-term results, long-term outcomes desired, and innovation.

A Grants Selection Subcommittee of the Ending Street Homelessness Committee made final recommendations on selected projects and financial allocations. Grants were made ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.

The Ending Street Homelessness Committee is one of six 2025 Plan committees. These six committees, comprised of more than 350 volunteers, are working to create an extraordinary downtown by addressing the 2025 Plan’s 10 key initiatives established in 2011—one of which is ending street homelessness in the city.

For more information on The 2025 Plan’s initiatives or overall development downtown, follow @mplsdowntown on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #mplsdowntown and #2025plan.

About the mpls downtown council:

Founded in 1955, and one of the most historic central business associations in the nation, the mpls downtown council (mdc) is a membership-based entity that works to create an extraordinary downtown. The mdc’s collaborative developments of Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan was designed to help downtown businesses, community leaders and citizens build on downtown assets and implement future goals. For more information, please visit mplsdowntown.com.

About The 2025 Plan:

Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan is a vehicle to help leaders and citizens build on downtown’s assets and guide downtown Minneapolis’ development. This includes initiatives to double downtown’s residential population, transform Nicollet Mall into a must-see destination, create a compelling and walkable environment around the clock, lead the nation in transportation options, end street homelessness, forge connections with the University of Minnesota and more. For more information on the 2025 Plan and its initiatives, visit mplsdowntown.com/2025plan. The 2025 Plan is a mpls downtown council initiative introduced in 2011. 

County Will Activate Sirens on April 12 as Part of Severe Weather Awareness Week

Via an April 9 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

As part of a statewide tornado drill, the county will activate outdoor warning sirens at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. on April 12. 

The drills are part of Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week, April 9 – 13. This week serves as a reminder for individuals, families, places of business and schools to create, update and practice emergency plans.

Sirens alert people who are outdoors of severe weather warnings and other situations when they should take shelter. People who are indoors may not hear them and should use another means to monitor the weather, such as a NOAA weather radio.

Weather-related sirens sound when the National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning and/or if there are reports of sustained straight-line winds in excess of 70 miles per hour. While the county activates sirens, the cities within Hennepin County purchase and maintain the equipment.

In Minnesota, more than half of federally declared disasters are due to severe weather. While severe weather can happen during any month of the year, it most commonly occurs in Hennepin County between May – July. During Severe Weather Awareness Week and into the 2018 severe weather season, residents should take time to prepare for the worst. 

Siren safety tips

• Obey the sirens. Sirens still mean people should seek shelter and tune to local weather information on radio, television or a NOAA Weather Radio. Unless it’s a first Wednesday of the month drill, the warning is real. 
• Be weather aware. Know the weather forecast when you start the day. Keep track of the weather as you continue with your day. 
• Be alert and know where to shelter. If conditions change quickly or you see violent/threatening conditions, seek shelter and tune to local media. Take time today to learn and practice the emergency procedures at your workplace or school.
• Get a personal warning. Sirens alert people who are outdoors. Inside your home, you may not hear them. Use a NOAA weather radio or a severe weather smartphone app and stay tuned to local media.   

Learn more about Severe Weather Awareness Week

Learn more about Hennepin County Emergency Management

Run With Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey - Bee Run Earth Day 5K Run/Walk

  

Request for April 27 Garage Sale Donations to benefit Cedar Riverside Community Traveling Basketball Program

Article by Claudia Kittock

A year ago, I realized that the Cedar Riverside community is our next door neighbor, and yet there seem to be very few things we do together as neighbors. In trying to figure out how to begin to reach out to extend invitations, I was advised to talk to Coach Jennifer Weber from the Cedar Riverside Community School. I am honored to say that I now count Coach Jennifer as a neighbor and a friend, who has brought untold connections and richness to my life.

Coach Jennifer runs an amazing Cedar Riverside Community Traveling Basketball program, and the first event I attended in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood was a basketball tournament. As a former ‘Basketball Mom’ I felt instantly at home and loved watching the ferocious basketball players engaged in wonderful competitions. Coach Jennifer embodies all of the best qualities of the coach you would want for your child or grandchild. Working hard, playing fairly, and being a good person are the most important parts of her program.

The program is holding a Garage Sale Fundraiser event on April 27-29 that will benefit student athletes from this program by assisting with tournament fees, uniforms, coaches training, referee training, travel expenses, etc. These young people deserve our assistance by helping them with donations. I KNOW you all have things you no longer need that could be put up for sale.

  Donations are being accepted and can be dropped off at Cedar Riverside Community School, or pickups can be arranged by contacting Coach Weber at j.weber.mn@gmail.com or 763-464-2790. Please look through your home and donate from the heart. These basketball players are our neighbors and deserve our support!

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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

April District 4 E-Newsletter

New Hennepin Healthcare building opens downtown

On March 17, the new Hennepin Healthcare Clinic was unveiled in the Downtown East neighborhood. With more than 25 primary and specialty clinics and five same day surgery suits, the new look gives the Healthcare clinic a much needed upgrade.  The $225 million clinic has six floors for patient care and two levels of underground parking.Hennepin County wants the upgraded facilities to attract more residents to the area as it is projected to see over 500,000 patients by the end of the year.

Youth sports hits $20 million mark

Proceeds from the Target Field sales tax have been funding Hennepin County youth sports since the ballpark opened in 2010.  Just recently those proceeds have eclipsed the $20 million mark. "For several years, it's been an honor to see new and improved facilities open in neighborhoods throughout the county. Beyond the excitement of the grand opening events, these facilities will make an impact on children and families for years to come", Commissioner McLaughlin said.  In total, youth sports have been awarded $21.7 million for 136 facility projects, 260 small equipment projects, 10 playground projects, and water safety lessons throughout the county from the sales tax. 

110 affordable units being built in downtown Minneapolis

Local affordable housing developer AEON is planning to build a 110 unit building near U.S. Bank stadium. The 25,000-square-foot property was recently purchased by AEON from Hennepin County for $2.45 million. The Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority authorized the purchase agreement of surplus land to AEON back in October.  Hennepin County had originally purchased the land back in 1991 for $1 to protect the land for the future alignment of the Blue Line LRT, which became operational back in 2004. 

Hennepin County celebrates drug court commencment

On February 23, Hennepin County held a drug court graduation ceremony for 25 individuals who overcame addiction The voluntary program works with nonviolent adult offenders who are wanting an opportunity to change their lives for the better. Drug court aims to break the cycle of chemical dependency and crime by providing assisted services such as education, job training, and family counseling.  A study conducted in 2017 for 2011-2013 participants found that 59 percent of participants do not reoffend within two years and 63 percent have no incarceration within two years. 

Autonomous shuttle to be showcased on the Midtown Greenway

A demonstration of an electric-powered shuttle will occur over Earth Day weekend, April 20-22.  Elsewhere in the country, the shuttle is operated safely in mixed traffic with pedestrians and bicyclists. The shuttle will only travel at 12 mph or less and there will be a human operator on board to take over if needed. This is a great opportunity for the community to get to see a new and innovative technology being shown. Hennepin County is studying how the technology of electric powered automobiles can complement other multimodal forms of transportation.

Library hours and sports fund boosted by debt payments

Hennepin County invested $350 million in the construction of Target Field and in 2017 the board approved actions that have put the county on track to pay off the debt a decade earlier than anticipated.  To date, the county has paid $79.2 million of the bonds early. Early payments have saved $154.7 million which have funded other projects, like increased library hours and the youth sports fund mentioned above.

Mental health housing gets increased funding

This past December, the Hennepin county board approved the increase of 2018 budget to $2.4 billion. It is a $285.7 million increase from 2017. The increase includes a provision to set aside funds for the Mental Health Housing Support project. The Mental Health Housing initiative is a strategy to prevent hospitalizations and over representation of persons with mental illness in the criminal justice system.

About District 4

This 4th district serves parts of east and downtown Minneapolis, and Fort Snelling.

Contact us

Peter McLaughlin
Commissioner, 4th District
612-348-7884

Brian Shekleton
Principal Aide
612-348-5204

Dorothy Rucker
Scheduling
612-348-3204

Road Closures for April 8 Goldy's Run

Road closures for Sunday, April 8 - Goldy's Run 10 Mile
7:30am-12pm
West River Parkway from 13th Avenue S to E 38th Street
East River Parkway

10 Mile & Relay Course:

5K Course:

The Shops of the North Loop present The North Loop Spring Crawl, April 21

The North Loop Spring Crawl

Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 10:00am-6:00pm

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Loop into spring by shopping the North Loop! Local retailers will collaborate with area artists to celebrate the “coolest neighborhood in Minneapolis.” Grab a “passport” card from your first destination and journey to all of the stores listed. Receive an exclusive stamp from each store for the chance to win amazing prizes. Vote for your favorite spring-themed art installation showcased at participating stores and the winning artist will receive a prize, our way of supporting our local artists! The crawl will culminate with an after-party at The Hewing Hotel featuring appetizers, specialty cocktails, music, fun, and fabulous drawing prizes! To stay up to date on events occurring throughout the day; including fitness classes, restaurant specials, gift card giveaways and discounted services, head to the Shops of the North Loop Facebook page.

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Participating North Loop stores: Bonobos Guideshop - North Loop, C'est Chic Boutique, D.NOLO, Jeromeo Wellness Center & Shoppe, Lappin Lighting, Statement Boutique, Lolë Twin Cities, MartinPatrick 3, Mitrebox Framing Studio, Queen Anna, russell+hazel, Shoesters, North Loop Wine and Spirits 

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Crawl goers are encouraged to use any of the following hashtags when sharing their experiences from the day on social media: #shoptheloop #northloopcrawl #loopintospring

Volunteer for the 2018 Earth Day Cleanup!

Show up at any of 37 Earth Day Cleanup sites on April 21, 9:30 am-noon to help beautify Minneapolis

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), along with the City of Minneapolis, are proud to host the 24th annual Minneapolis Earth Day Cleanup event on Saturday, April 21, 2018, 9:30 am – noon. 

The Earth Day Cleanup takes place at 37 sites throughout the city, making it the largest community service project in Minneapolis and. Since 2008, more than 19,000 residents have removed more than 158,000 pounds of garbage. A special thank you goes out to 2018 Earth Day Cleanup sponsors Minnesota Lottery, Budget Dumpster and Continental Cement for supporting this important community event.

Volunteers are needed to help pick up trash polluting our parks, neighborhoods and watersheds! It’s free to participate and no registration is required, just choose a site and show up. Bring gloves if you can, otherwise a site coordinator will provide a pair.

Find a detailed list of cleanup sites and more information at www.minneapolisearthday.com or call 612-230-6479.

April 4 E-Newsletter from 3rd Ward Council Member Steve Fletcher

Touring Our Storm Sewer System

Council Members Scroeder, Fletcher, and Ellison with a Public Works Surface Water & Sewers staff member.

Last week, I got the unique opportunity to visit one our City's storm sewers with our Public Works Department. It was an eye-opening and impressive experience to see a critical piece of our City infrastructure that is almost entirely invisible to us, 80 feet below ground, on a day-to-day basis.

Our City sewers were originally built over 100 years ago, and there was one combined system for wastewater and storm water. In recent decades, the City made the necessary investment to fully separate our storm water sewers from our wastewater sewers in order to keep the Mississippi River clean. I'm very glad to report that that investment has paid off: Minneapolis is now one of the few cities in the entire country to have a fully separated system, and to have done so without federal intervention.

As the City grows, however, we continue to put greater pressure on our storm sewers, and the work continues to maintain and upgrade some of our tunnels. 

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City Releases Draft Comprehensive Plan for Public Comment

Last week, the city released a first draft of the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan. A whole lot of impressive work and planning - particularly by Council President Lisa Bender and Council Member Kevin Reich, as well as by city staff from across the city enterprise - has gone into incorporating three years of community feedback, policy best practices, and a clear vision for equity and sustainability into this document. It includes a set of guiding goals and specific policy ideas that, if we can move them into action, would mean great things for Minneapolis.

This document is very, very good, but it's not perfect. In fact, that's the point of releasing it now. By getting this first attempt at distilling community feedback into a written document, we can move the conversation forward by giving people something clearer to which we can all respond. This will (and should) improve quite a bit in response to public comment in the coming months. With the addition of your ideas and feedback, we can really make this the guiding vision our city deserves.

As you read, try to think of the whole, big picture before getting too focused on a specific policy proposal. Some of these ideas are things we ought to do anyway, and some are things that are only feasible in the context of the entire vision - that's why we call it "comprehensive."

Over the coming months, the City will do extensive outreach to residents to hear their concerns and ideas to improve the quality of life in the City. Comments will be collected at public meetings as well as online through July 22, 2018. That feedback will be taken into consideration as City staff revise the plan for City Council consideration.

The Minneapolis 2040 website is designed to gather feedback, and be an interactive way for us to continue the conversation about our city's values and vision. Please do give your feedback on the website, by email to 2040@minneapolismn.gov, or on Twitter: #Mpls2040 @Mpls2040. 

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Springtime for Public Works: Potholes, Street Sweeping, and Yard Waste Collection!

Street Sweeping: Public Works crews will begin posting spring street sweeping signage on April 16, with the city-wide sweep starting on April 17 and lasting approximately four weeks.

This thorough cleaning of all 1,100 miles of city streets and parkways is done every spring and fall with the goal of keeping our city clean and our neighborhoods livable. Removing the sand put down for winter maintenance, along with trash and decomposing leaves helps to prevent flooding in our streets and keeps our water ways healthy. Our sweepers are already out on the roads, weather permitting, as part of our general spring clean-up, but this dedicated curb-to-curb sweeping ensures that we can get access to all of our city’s streets in the most efficient way possible.

Interactive web tool – You can use a tool on the City’s website to find out when the sweeping crews are coming through your neighborhood! By the Friday before the first week of the sweep, you can go to this page and click on “street sweeping schedule lookup” to find out which week a street is scheduled to be swept. The weekend before that week, you can revisit the website to find out which day of the week the street is scheduled to be swept.

Potholes: We know this is the time of year when potholes become more apparent and we have crews dedicated to this work. Pothole locations can be reported through 311 or on the pothole reporting page of the City’s website. We are currently using a cold patch to improve the drivability of our streets until the asphalt plant is up and running for the season and more permanent patches are installed by our crews.

Yard Waste: Our Solid Waste & Recycling crews will begin collecting yard waste for the 2018 season the week of April 9. This service will be offered weekly, as part of resident’s regular garbage day collection and will continue through the fall.

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First Clean Energy Partnership Board Meeting of 2018

In addition to several City Council committees, I am privileged to serve on a number of external boards and commissions. One such board that I am particularly excited to have a role on is the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP). The Partnership is a first-in-the-country agreement between the City of Minneapolis and our utility providers, Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy, to work collaboratively on efforts to move forward the City’s Climate Action Plan and 2040 Energy Vision. The Board had its first meeting of the year with the new board members on Thursday, March 15th. At that meeting, we voted on the following priorities:

• Lower energy consumption and maximize energy efficiency in all building sectors (commercial, industrial, and residential).
• Make more clean energy (renewable energy and energy efficiency) accessible and available through new inclusive financing tools.
• Make the city more sustainable/resilient through increase local renewable energy.

I see enormous opportunity as we move forward with the specific activities under each of these priority areas to do some groundbreaking work to fight climate change and improve access to and equity in the renewable energy sector. You can learn more about the Clean Energy Partnership here: https://mplscleanenergypartnership.org/

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Green Business Cost-Sharing Program for Energy Efficiency and Solar

Part of the work that has been developed within the Clean Energy Partnership is the City of Minneapolis’s green business cost-sharing programs designed to help the city support a thriving business community and foster a clean, healthy environment.

2018 brought some exciting new updates to the program by adding in a solar program and setting priority on businesses in environmental justice priority areas known as Green Zones.

Businesses can apply now for 2018 programs. Businesses and multi-family residential buildings with four or more units that are willing to invest in cleaner, greener, or more efficient technologies should apply. There are opportunities in energy efficiency, solar, automotive repair, or even manufacturing/industrial projects that produce win-win solutions. There are many solutions already in the marketplace that can reduce environmental impacts.

The funds for the program come from pollution control fees that businesses pay to the City.

Application deadlines are March 1, April 1, May 1, and June 1, 2018.

Find more information about the City’s green business cost-sharing programs here: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/environment/WCMS1P-105418

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Following a technical review of the corridor and feedback from stakeholders, the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, and MnDOT are recommending the installation of a pair of one-way protected bike lanes on University Avenue SE (eastbound) and 4th Street SE (westbound) between Central Avenue SE and Oak Street SE.

These lanes will have a buffer and physical separation. This recommendation is based on a number of considerations, including: 

• Minimizing tradeoffs with other uses along the corridor, including impacts to transit operations, motor vehicle traffic flow, and on-street parking; 

• Flexibility in its design over time: this one-way pair can be implemented through signing, striping, delineators, and some traffic signal modifications, which allows for greater flexibility to modify the design after installation.
• Opportunities for traffic calming on both University and 4th Street, with shorter crossing distances for pedestrians and fewer travel lanes on 4th Street SE. 
• Opportunity to add a full time parking lane on 4th Street SE.

While the recommended design is for a one-way bikeway on University Avenue SE, the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County will continue to monitor bicycle traffic to consider future accommodations or improvements for westbound bicycle traffic. 

The three agencies are sharing the concept with stakeholders in spring of 2018, and will seek Council Approval for the project later in 2018. The project is proposed to be installed in the summer of 2019 in coordination with the Hennepin County resurfacing project on University Ave SE between I-35W and Oak St SE.

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Open Streets 2018 Calendar is Set

The Open Streets calendar is set for 2018 with seven events scheduled around the city! Mark your calendar for one or all seven to explore neighborhoods in a safe, fun, family-friendly environment.

Open Streets Minneapolis is a free event and it's so much fun -- we close major streets to car traffic for the day, opening them up for walking, biking, rolling and playing, and for community groups and local businesses, too.

Find more information at www.openstreetsmpls.org.

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Are you or someone you know interested in shaping city policy on a wide array of issues?

There are many openings on 15 boards, commissions, and committees that provide valuable insights, help shape key policy decisions, and provide community-based input into the City's administration of services. 

 Stay up to date on vacancies, position descriptions, and timelines here. And spread the word to folks you think would be a good fit. Potential applicants can find more information at 612-673-2216 or OpenAppointments@minneapolismn.gov.

The City of Minneapolis is working to redesign our entire public website, www.minneapolismn.gov. As part of the project, Minneapolis residents’ and business owners’ input is needed.

A new website will: 

• Focus on your needs, improving the browsing experience for residents, businesses and City staff.
• Foster improved two-way communication with consistent, high-quality content.
• Be ADA-compliant and accessible to users with disabilities.
• Better reflect the diversity and identity of Minneapolis.

 Please take this survey to share your thoughts and ideas with us!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Public Safety Community Forums

I serve as Vice Chair of the Public Safety and Emergency Management Committee, and we are hosting two community forums to engage with residents on the work of our committee.

The first was Wednesday, March 28 and the second will be Tuesday, April 10 from 5-7p.m. at Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St.

These forums are interactive and serve as opportunities for neighbors and City policymakers to work together toward improved community safety in Minneapolis - please join us as we shape this vision together!

5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10 at Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St.

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Good Morning Ward 3 at Kramarczuk's

We held our second Good Morning Ward 3 on March 28 with Long Range Planning Director Heather Worthington and had a great discussion about the City's draft 2040 comprehensive plan.

Join us for our next Good Morning Ward 3 on April 18 with special guests Tom Evers, Executive Director of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation, and Chris Meyer, Minneapolis Park Board Commissioner, to discuss the community's vision for public parks along the riverfront.

Good Morning Ward 3

Wednesday, April 18 from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Kramarczuk's Sausage Company, 215 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414

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Coffee With Your Council Member

Council Member Fletcher will hold regular open community office hours at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays at a rotating neighborhood coffee shop in Ward 3 for constituents to drop by, get to know him, ask questions, and raise any issues you see in the community. 

All are welcome! RSVP on Facebook or just show up. If you want to discuss a specific issue or project, email laura.dorle@minneapolismn. gov and we'll add you to the agenda.

• April 11 – Corner Coffee, 514 N 3rd St Ste. 102, 55401
• April 18 – Mojo Coffee Gallery, 2205 California St NE Ste. 102, 55418
• April 25 – Purple Onion Café, 1301 University Ave SE #1, 55414

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for all the details on future scheduled events, or contact our office at 612-673-2203.

Build Healthy Habits During the May 1-28 Step to it Challenge

Via an April 4 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Registration is now open for Hennepin County’s Step to it challenge, a physical activity program that encourages people of all ages and abilities to become more active. 

The challenge is free and runs May 1 - 28. Participants log their activity on the Step to it website. Almost any activity counts, and everyone who registers is eligible to win prizes.

While the challenge is about getting active, having fun and connecting with others, it also includes some friendly competition between communities.

This year, 23 communities will compete to win trophies for most active community, most active residents and most actively engaged community. The top steppers from each community will receive free Minnesota Twins tickets and recognition on the field at a Twins game.

Elementary schools with the most registered participants will win a visit from a Twins player, conditioning coach and TC Bear. Prizes are also available for workplaces and organizations providing services for adults with disabilities.

Residents can learn more and register for the challenge at steptoit.org.

Overnight Closure on I-35W Begins April 4

Overnight closure details

As crews continue to make progress on the Franklin Ave. bridge, we need another overnight closure on Wed, April 4.

Beginning 10 p.m. Wed, April 4, the access to southbound I-35W out of downtown from 12th St/4th Ave. to southbound I-35W, and the ramp from eastbound I-94 to southbound I-35W will be closed. Northbound I-35W and all other areas of southbound I-35W will remain open.

The access and ramp will reopen by 5 a.m. Thu, April 5.

Upcoming ramp closure at 11th St. begins April 16

In order for us to complete work in the 11th St/Grant St/5th Ave. S area in downtown Minneapolis, and prepare for upcoming construction activities, we need to close the ramp from westbound I-94 to 11th Street for two months.

The 11th Street ramp is scheduled to close on Mon, April 16, weather permitting, and will remain closed through approximately mid-June 2018.

The detour route for the ramp closure is to continue on westbound I-94 to the Lyndale Ave/Hennepin Ave. exit and follow northbound Hennepin Ave to 12th St.

Motorists who use the ramp to access Grant St. and 5th Ave. S will also need to find alternate routes.

Note: Access to 11th St, Grant St. and 5th Ave. S from northbound I-35W will remain open. 

More about this project

To learn more, including all current traffic impacts and detour routes, visit the project website at: www.mndot.gov/35w94. 

Metro Transit bus routes will be impacted as a result of construction. For updated route information, and to sign up for Rider Alerts, visit: www.metrotransit.org/35W. 

Stay connected:

• Visit the project website: www.mndot.gov/35w94
• Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/mndot and Twitter: @mndotnews
• Email the project team at: info@35w94.com
• Call the project hotline at: 612-284-6125 

For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota visit: http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbXNpZD0mYXVpZD0mbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTgwNDAyLjg3ODI2NzIxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE4MDQwMi44NzgyNjcyMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE4Mjc4Njk0JmVtYWlsaWQ9a2ltQG1pbGxjaXR5bWVkaWEub3JnJnVzZXJpZD1raW1AbWlsbGNpdHltZWRpYS5vcmcmdGFyZ2V0aWQ9JmZsPSZleHRyYT1NdWx0aXZhcmlhdGVJZD0mJiY=&&&107&&&http://www.511mn.org/?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= or dial 5-1-1