Exploring the Upper River: Paddle Share

Article by Kathleen Boe, Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership

Exploring the Upper River

 A look at hidden gems along the Minneapolis Riverfront

This monthly series has been about areas along the river – places to visit alongside the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. But it’s also possible to take that one step further.

People ask, can I swim in the Mississippi River, can I fish in it, can I touch it with my toe. And the reality is, yes, you can fish. You can swim in the mighty Mississippi – given, of course, the appropriate level of care and caution. 

But there’s another easy way to get on the river as well, and that’s with the Mississippi River Paddle Share program.  

This is one of the new cool things you can do on the river: renting a kayak. It was originated by the National Park Service and it’s overseen by the Mississippi Parks Connection. It’s everyone’s opportunity to get out on the river.

Photo: the National Park Service

There are two options now, and there’s a third on the way.

You can start at North Mississippi Regional Park, at the north end of the Minneapolis riverfront and rent a single-person or two-person kayak for a three-hour span. The return station is at Boom Island Park, just under four miles down the river. The paddling itself should take around half that time, so there is plenty of time to relax and observe.

The other option is to start at the Lowry Avenue Bridge, at the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization building, and paddle a little less than two miles down to Boom Island. This station has only single-person kayaks, but the price is a little lower. It’s under an hour to get to Boom Island, so there’s plenty of time to actually go upstream a little bit and see the heron rookery before heading downstream.

Each rental location has everything you need – the kayak, a life jacket for each person and a paddle. You reserve your kayak online at paddleshare.org.

If you don’t have your own kayak and you want to get out on the river, this is a cool way to do that. Soon there will be a third option as well, to start at Hidden Falls Regional Park and continue down to Harriet Island in St. Paul.

The history of our river is really about the pathway, where the river was the centerpiece around how you would get somewhere. You would start by going along the river, then fan out from there.

Over time we’ve changed that. Instead, we approach the river from our neighborhoods and now perhaps we see the river as a border we can’t go across.

One of the things that’s great about this program is that it’s an opportunity to get people actually on the river. This is your chance to be in it.

This area is pretty neat because the water isn’t very deep. Depending on the day, it’s a nice current as well. If you’re going from point A to point B, you are going downstream the whole way.

With the lock closed, there’s no commercial traffic on this part of the river, either. It’s a very peaceful way to see the Mississippi. You see the river and the shoreline from an entirely different viewpoint. You can see into people’s yards and into the industrial area. There’s something about the character of the river up here that’s unique in its own way and you get that sense when you’re on the river, in a kayak.

Photo: the National Park Service

Given the leisurely time frames – a three-hour rental for a ride that takes less than half that – you have plenty of time to stop somewhere along the way. Or, after you take the kayak out at Boom Island, hop on a Nice Ride bike and stop somewhere on the way back to your car. There are many options, not the least of which would be the Northeast Yacht Club, 1029 Bar, Elsie’s or The Draft Horse.

Kathleen Boe is Executive Director of the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership. She can be reached at kathleen.boe@minneapolisriverfront.org via email, or online at minneapolisriverfront.org.

Water Works Site Preparation Begins in Early August

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board anticipates that soon after Friday, August 4, fencing will be installed near the north parking lot adjacent to the Fuji-Ya building to secure that area for exploratory archeological work. The process should be completed during August, and when complete this fencing will be removed. 

 

During archeological activity, some trees need to be removed due to poor health or interference with the buried mill remnants that will be unearthed and protected as part of the future park. Throughout construction on this project, the balance between park development and tree removal will be thoughtfully considered; new plantings will of course be made as phase 1 nears completion.

 

Following the archaeological work, in September, fencing will be re-installed to secure a perimeter around the Fuji-Ya building, and careful deconstruction of the structure will begin. This work is anticipated to continue through February 2018.

 

In November 2017, more significant archaeological excavations are planned in the parking lots just north of the Fuji-Ya building. This work is anticipated to last until mid-December and will continue in the spring of 2018. Excavation in these areas will be permanent and the areas will be fenced and closed until project completion.

 

While this activity is not full-scale construction, some disruption to routine may occur. The sidewalk adjacent to the park along First St. may be closed and there may be intermittent, temporary disruptions to one lane of traffic. 

 

For information about construction activities, residents are encouraged to sign up for project notifications on the Park Board's website, via MinneapolisParks.org/WaterWorks.

Scenes from the August 5 Mill City Farmers Market

We were in full summer bounty mode at the August 5 Mill City Farmers Market, with the arrival of melons, apples, celery and full-size Yukon Gold potatoes (which you'll find at Burning River Farm).

Remember, if you missed the MCFM on Saturday, check out their Tuesday Night Market at The Commons, 3:30p-7:00p. :)

Barkley's Bistro has introduced some new products that will interest cat owners, too - freeze dried minnows and blueberries! Another new product is freeze dried cheese curds.

The first apples of the season are the mantet variety from Prairie Hollow Farm. Don't let a few blemishes fool you - they are delicious! (And I'll take blemishes over pesticides any day.)

Someone discovered they like green beans! 

Milly the goat!

EPNI to Offer Entrepreneur Training Classes this Fall

Via an August 2 e-newsletter from East Town Business Partnership:

Elliot Park Neighborhood, Inc. (EPNI) is offering Entrepreneur Training Classes this fall at the Finnegans office. EPNI has contracted with the nonprofit Neighborhood Development Center to conduct the classes.

NDC has been promoting and developing small businesses in low income neighborhoods throughout the region for over 20 years. They also provide ongoing support to small business owners – from developing the seed of an idea to start-up to business loans to ongoing advice and counsel.

Students do not need to live in the neighborhood to take the class, nor do they have to be low-income themselves, but they should be interested in opening a business in the Elliot Park Neighborhood or in other low-income communities in the twin cities area.

The class includes 12 two-hour sessions and it is expected to start late-September/early October. The fee is $650 with a sliding scale for payment. EPNI has some people who are interested in sponsoring students, so they may be able to get help financially. The class size will be limited, 8-12 people.

EPNI is offering two informational meetings: August 8 at Segue Coffee, 811 11th Avenue, and August 21 at Jaur Café, 609 10th Street South. Both sessions are 6-7 p.m.

Applications are due August 30th. Questions can be directed to Lynn Regnier at EPNI at info@elliotpark.org or to NDC online at www.ndc-mn.org.

Friends of the Mill District Partners with Guthrie Theater and YouthLink to Introduce Young People to Acting

Article by Claudia Kittock

The Friends of the Mill District, in collaboration with the Guthrie Theater and YouthLink, will begin a pilot project on August 14. It is a 2-week intensive class on acting and other aspects of the theater. The culmination of this project will occur on August 24 at 7:30pm with a performance in the Guthrie's Dowling Studio.

The young people in this program will write and perform their own work. Each actor will play a significant role in the writing, performance, and even the naming of this group of actors. We are hoping that this pilot project will become a year-round class.

Rehearsals will be held on August 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23 and 24 from 4-6:00pm on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. Transportation and meals will be provided by the Friends of the Mill District, with contributions from members of the community.

Jessica FinneyJessica Finney, teaching artist at the Guthrie, has been hired to serve as the director. Jess was a founder and Producing Director for Emigrant Theater (City Pages Best Independent Theater 2007), where she staged a number of plays. A strong supporter of new plays, she regularly directs workshops at the Playwrights’ Center. A frequent mentor for Pillsbury House Theatre’s Chicago Avenue Project, she has also worked on Pericles and A Christmas Carol (Guthrie). She is a member of the Lincoln Center Theatre Directors Lab and has trained with Augusto Boal. She has stage managed for the Jungle, Mixed Blood, Guthrie, and Park Square, among others. Jess recently earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and continues to use the arts as a tool for transformation while working with children, couples, and families.

We invite anyone who is interested to help Friends of the Mill District by providing meals for the actors.  Meals will be served at 6:00pm on each of the rehearsal dates, and we hope the person/s bringing food for that night will stay and enjoy dinner with the actors.  If interested, please contact Claudia Kittock at cjkittock@gmail.com.

Please reserve August 24 at 7:30pm to attend the performance. Tickets are free and will be available at the Guthrie box office.

Hennepin County Employee Art on Display in Hennepin Gallery thru August

Via an August 1 Hennepin County News Release:

Hennepin County employee art on display in Hennepin Gallery August 1 - 29

The Hennepin County employee art show is on display in the Hennepin Gallery from now until August 29. 

From checking out books at one of Hennepin’s 41 libraries to providing security services; from managing key organization initiatives through IT resources and processes to child protection, Hennepin County employees perform a myriad of tasks. This exhibit offers them the opportunity to display talent that isn’t part of their daily work routine.  Employees show their abilities in painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, textiles and more. 

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. S. Sixth St., Minneapolis.

The exhibit is sponsored by and a project of Hennepin County Communications. The Gallery is a project of Hennepin County Communications. Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/news.

MPRB is Seeking Coaches for Fall Sports

The Mineapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking enthusiastic volunteer coaches for youth soccer, flag football and volleyball.
 
• Practices start in August for soccer and football, October for volleyball
• Athletes range from 5-18 years old
• Teams practice 1-2 times per week
• Games/meets are scheduled for a weeknight and/or Saturdays
• MPRB will provide orientation for all new coaches

Can't coach this Spring? We'll need coaches for basketball, hockey, gymnastics, and wrestling this winter.

To receive more information or to express interest in MPRB volunteer opportunities, contact 612-230-6493 or recvolunteers@minneapolisparks.org, or click here for the Volunteer Interest Form.

Renaissance Minneapolis’ Sinisa Djukic Receives Meet Minneapolis Hospitality Hero Award

Via an August 3 News Release from Meet Minneapolis:

Sinisa Djukic, a banquet manager at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot has been named a Hospitality Hero award winner for first quarter by Meet Minneapolis, Convention and Visitors Association. The award is given quarterly to members of the Minneapolis hospitality community who have been nominated by their colleagues. The award honors an individual or company that has made valuable contributions to the image and culture of Minneapolis through outstanding hospitality and service.

Sinisa Djukic, a banquet manager at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel – The Depot with Stuart McKay, director of Food & Beverage

Clients and employees of the Renaissance will vouch for Djukic’s commitment to his job and the city of Minneapolis. Although he is not from Minnesota, Djukic is incredibly proud what Minneapolis has to offer, and can easily tell his clients all about this city, according to his nomination. He will offer help and suggestions that go beyond his role as banquet manager. Sinisa is the perfect representative of Minneapolis’ culture and warmth.

Managing Director Michael Clark raves that clients often rebook thanks to Djukic’s dedication to his job. Djukic is known to go in on his day off to ensure all is running smoothly for events. In addition to his attention to the events, Djukic’s leadership to his team is significant. He motivates and empowers his team by working alongside them during jobs. Djukic turns “transactions into memorable experiences” for the clients and guests, making hospitality a priority for every interaction. For these reasons, the Renaissance is proud to have Sinisa represent the company to clients, according to Clark.

“The Hospitality Hero program is something we are very proud of,” said Madonna Carr, vice president of Destination Services, Meet Minneapolis. “Visitors and clients’ first impressions are often the front-line staff they encounter at our hotels and other establishments, so the dedication of these staff members, like Sinisa, are vital to the impression people have of our destination.”

“We receive comments after every single event about how much Sinisa was the perfect backbone to the group’s success,” said Clark. “By creating a welcoming environment for guests, Sinisa leaves a lasting impression that encompasses Minneapolis’ hospitable nature.  His faithfulness continues to impress visitors, he leads team effectively, and his role is essential to the Renaissance.”

Washington Avenue Reconstruction Update

Via an August 3 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Road striping begins on Washington Avenue Monday

On Monday, August 7, crews will begin a two to three week process for striping lanes of Washington Avenue (County Road 152).

Expect noise
 
For this project, the striping will be done in stages. First, a grinder will be used to create grooves for the new road lines. Then, painting trucks will place the reflective paint on top of the grooves to form lines.

Please be aware that this work will be noisy. The grinder can be loud and may be used as late as 10 p.m.

Painter trucks will be working overnight to help cut down on traffic impacts. These trucks are not as loud as the grinder machine, but residents should still prepare for some construction-related noise during this time.

Expect delays

Striping will be completed under traffic - both during the day and at night. This means crews will be working alongside traffic. Lane restrictions, including at intersections with flaggers, will occur as striping progresses along Washington Avenue.

Motorists and pedestrians should expect some delays during this work.

Last weekend, crews paved the final layer of bituminous, or pavement, on eastbound lanes of Washington Avenue.

Detour remains in place

The existing detour will remain in place as crews complete striping work.

Motorists

For the remainder of the work, motorists should stay alert and follow the signs posted around the area.
• All eastbound through traffic must use the detour of 2nd Avenue, 4th Street South and 5th Avenue.
• Continued lane restrictions in intersections at 3rd, 4th and 5th Avenues are expected.

Bicyclists

In addition, bicyclists should continue to stay off the cycle track until the project announces they are open. It is anticipated the lanes will open in August.

North Loop Street and Pedestrian Improvement Project Surveys

The City of Minneapolis is undertaking two major North Loop projects: One to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, and the second to improve the condition of several neighborhood streets.

PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT:
Intended to improve pedestrian and bicycle crossways at 22 intersections in the North Loop area by adding a combination of curb extensions, pedestrian crossing medians, Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), ADA compliant curb ramps, durable crosswalk markings, and upgrades to existing signals to add leading pedestrian intervals. 

STREET RECONSTRUCTION:
The City will be reconstructing several streets in the North Loop along with pedestrian spot improvements at about a dozen additional intersections. Public Works staff will be engaging with the community and business owners this summer and fall to gather input and to incorporate this feedback into a recommended design. 

Take a Project Survey now.

Currently in the planning stages, both projects are scheduled to be completed in 2019. The City of Minneapolis Department of Public Works is holding a series of public meetings to gather feedback regarding the proposed project. Please see NorthLoop.org for days and times for these meetings.

North Loop Pedestrian Improvement North Loop Paving Project

Nominations Now Being Accepted for mpls downtown council’s 2025 Plan Leadership Awards

Via an August 2 News Release from the mpls downtown council:

The mpls downtown council(mdc) announced today it is accepting nominees for its annual 2025 Plan Leadership Awards, which will be handed out on Wednesday, October 11 at the mdc gala.

For the fourth straight year, mdc will give 2025 Plan Leadership Awards to individuals, organizations or initiatives as a way to recognize their extraordinary efforts in creating a vibrant and thriving downtown community.

Awards will be given in focus areas related to The 2025 Plan: development, greening & public realm, downtown experience, transportation, ending street homelessness and community gathering and exchange of ideas. An annual 2025 Plan Impact Award is also given to an individual, organization or initiative that greatly impacted and advanced multiple areas of The 2025 Plan.

“The mpls downtown council’s 2025 Plan had very ambitious goals from the outset, but thanks to members of our community volunteering their time and energy we’ve seen great progress in our 10 key initiatives,” said Steve Cramer, mpls downtown council president & ceo. “We applaud those who give their time and talents toward helping better our downtown community, and we’re excited to reward their efforts at our upcoming mdc gala.”

Nominations for this year’s 2025 Plan Leadership Awards are now open and can be submitted online by visiting www.mplsdowntown.com/2025awards. Nominations will be accepted today through Tuesday, August 22 at 5 pm.

Award recipients will be announced the week of September 27, with awards being presented at the mdc gala on October 11.

For more information on The 2025 Plan and its initiatives, visit www.mplsdowntown.com/2025plan. For a list of last year’s 2025 Plan Leadership Award winners, visit www.mplsdowntown.com/2025awards. Follow along for more information on social media by visiting @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 2025plan.com, beinbusinessdowntownmpls.com and minneapolisideaexchange.com. The 2025 Plan is a mpls downtown council initiative introduced in 2011.

Macroinvertebrate Sampling with the MWMO

Via an August 2 e-newsletter from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO):

Macroinvertebrate Sampling with the MWMO

Just like people, macroinvertebrates (think dragonflies, crayfish, mussels, insects, etc.) need clean water to live. These types of macroinvertebrates live in our lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands, and collecting data on them, like recording and counting the different species present, can tell us about the health of our waterbodies.   

Know of any 9th-12th graders who might be interested in macroinvertebrate sampling? We offer a free macroinvertebrate sampling program for youth groups from 10 to 30 participants. We provide the sampling equipment, and you provide the people power! 

Find out more!

Now Showing & Coming Soon to the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul

Now Showing & Coming Soon to the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul’s St. Anthony Main Theatre #3

OPENING AUGUST 4: A GHOST STORY

ENDING AUGUST 3: MARIE CURIE: THE COURAGE OF KNOWLEDGE

OPENING AUGUST 11: AFTERIMAGE

OPENING AUGUST 25: CZECH THAT FILM: CZECH FILM FESTIVAL

OPENING AUGUST 28: WASTELAND (link not yet available)

OPENING SEPTEMBER 1: THE UNTAMED

SPECIAL SCREENINGS:

NTL: SALOMÉ - Aug 5, 1pm

SOLD OUT: AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT RISK - Aug 8, 7pm - FREE SCREENING

WHITNEY: CAN I BE ME? - Aug 9, 7pm, in partnership with Sound Unseen

NTL: ANGELS IN AMERICA PART 1, MILLENNIUM APPROACHES - Aug 14, 7pm + Aug 19, 1pm

NTL: ANGELS IN AMERICA PART 2, PERESTROIKA - Auu 21, 7pm + Aug 26, 1pm

MAY IT LAST: A PORTRAIT OF THE AVETT BROTHERS - Sept 12, 7pm and 9:40pm + Sept 13, 7pm and 9:40pm

FENCES - Sept 7 - First Thursday Films @ the Capri. Showing at the Capri Theater - 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis 55411

RAISING BERTIE - Oct 5 - First Thursday Films @ the Capri. Showing at the Capri Theater - 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis 55411

Westbound Side of Lowry Tunnel on I-94 to Close Overnight August 2

 Via an August 1 e-newsletter from MNDot:

Overnight closure details

  

MnDOT will be cleaning the westbound side of the Lowry Hill Tunnel on I-94 in Minneapolis overnight Wed, Aug. 2.

This means westbound I-94 at the Lowry Tunnel will be closed from 10 p.m. Wed, Aug. 2 to 5 a.m. Thu, Aug. 3. The detour is the Hennepin/Lyndale exit.

Also, beginning tomorrow (Aug. 2), the ramp from westbound I-94 to Washington/Broadway Ave. is closed through Fri, Aug. 12. The detour is Dowling Ave. to Second St. 

More about this project

 
This is part of the I-94 Minneapolis to Brooklyn Center project that started March 20.  More information about the upcoming third stage of the tunnel work will come out Wed, Aug. 2. Click here for more details.

Hennepin County to Kick Off 100-Day Challenge on Youth Homelessness

Via a July 31 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Throughout the next 100 days, Hennepin County will join numerous community partners and four other U.S. communities in a challenge to combat youth homelessness.

The challenge goal is to help 150 youth between the ages of 16 - 24 exit homelessness into safe and stable housing. Of this group of youth, 75 percent will secure employment.

Hennepin County joins Baltimore, Maryland; Columbus, Ohio; Palm Beach County, Florida; and Louisville, Kentucky, in this nationwide challenge.  
 
On August 2 at 10:00am, sponsors of the challenge - Hennepin County, The Link and the Minneapolis Downtown Council - and other community partners will kick off the challenge by hosting a press conference at the Youth Opportunity Center, 41 North 12th Street.

The following people will make remarks during the press conference:
• David Hewitt, director of Hennepin County Office to End Homelessness and sponsor of the 100-day challenge
• Beth Holger-Ambrose, executive director of The Link and sponsor of the 100-day challenge
• Steve Cramer, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and sponsor of the 100-day challenge
• Lele and Symmie of The Link and members of the 100-day challenge team
• Marion Greene, Hennepin County Commissioner
Speakers will also be available following the press conference for individual interviews. 
 
The nationwide challenge is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and private philanthropic partners. The challenge is administered by A Way Home America, The Rapid Results Instituteand HomeBase.

Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/news.  
Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at www.hennepin.us/stories.

Downtown Kicks Off August 1 National Night Out with 3pm - 5pm Event

Via a July 31 News Release:

What: National Night Out Kickoff Event
When: Tuesday, August 1, 3-5 pm
Where: Mayo Clinic Square (Corner of Hennepin Avenue and 6th Street North)

National Night Out is an annual event that brings communities and law enforcement together in an effort to get to know one another while raising awareness about how to keep neighborhoods safe. The mpls downtown council and Mpls Downtown Improvement District, with support from Target, are hosting the fourth annual NNO Kickoff Event in downtown, bringing those who live, work and play in our community together for an afternoon of fun and education about how to help each other stay safe.

The NNO Kickoff Event will include:
- Appearances by local law enforcement and public officials
- A pop-up electronic basketball game
- Free giveaways
- Free frozen treats
- Time/Location list of NNO Events in the City of Minneapolis on August 1

Since 1984, Minneapolis has become a national leader in National Night Out participation. Last year, Minneapolis had more than 1,200 registered NNO confirmed events—the most by a city with a population 300,000+ in the country. This year, there will be roughly 20 NNO events in downtown neighborhoods alone.

For more information and additional details on this year’s National Night Out event, follow @mplsdowntown or @MinneapolisDID on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #mplsdowntown and #NNO.

Abiitan Mill City Now Offering Respite Care

Via a July 31 News Release from Ecumen:

Abiitan Mill City Now Offering Respite Service

Abiitan Mill City, a luxury senior living community in Downtown Minneapolis, is now offering a respite program for those who need short-term assisted living or memory care services.

Respite care is especially designed for people still recovering from surgery or illness after a hospital discharge or for the loved ones of caregivers who need a break. Also, respite is a practical way to experience Abiitan for those thinking about moving into the community.

At Abiitan, respite care residents receive a personalized care plan for stays as short as one week. For a daily rate of $330, respite residents receive a furnished room and services such as three meals per day, weekly housekeeping and laundry, linens and towels, medication management, assistance organizing transportation to scheduled destinations, an emergency call system and a 24-hour caregiving staff, personal assistance for bathing and dressing, and activity programs. Special health care services may be arranged on request.
 
For caregivers, respite care provides a break from the typical care routine – giving a caregiver downtime while providing the person who needs care with continued attention from qualified staff and access to all the amenities and activities available.

“Respite care offers a safe bridge between the hospital and home,” said Erwan Moison, Abiitan Executive Director. “Respite also is a great way for caregivers to receive a break with the peace of mind that their loved ones will be well cared for and safe.”

Abiitan Mill City, located at 428 S. 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, offers assisted living services, rehabilitation and skilled nursing care and memory care. For more information call 612-378-0200 or visit http://www.abiitan.org/.

About Ecumen
Ecumen is one of the nation’s top 25 largest non-profit providers of senior housing and aging services. Based in Shoreview, Minn., Ecumen operates 36 communities in 8 states — Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Idaho, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee.  Ecumen provides a variety of senior housing options and services including independent living, assisted living, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care communities as well as at-home and community-based services including home care and hospice. Dedicated to empowering individuals to lead richer, fuller lives, Ecumen prides itself on innovation and radically changing the way aging is viewed and understood.  Ecumen, founded more than 150 years ago, was named “Best Places to Work” 10 times by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and one of Minnesota’s Top Workplaces by the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Minnesota Monthly Magazine. To stay up-to-date on the latest news, find us on Facebook or visit http://www.ecumen.org/.

Update: Fuji Ya - Water Works

RESOURCES

Download Staff Report...

Park Board gives final approval for first Water Works phase design

BACKGROUND. The site is located in the St. Anthony Falls Historic District. The site was once occupied by the Bassett’s Second Sawmill, the Columbia Flour Mill and the Occidental Feed Mill. Portions of each of these mills remain on the site. In 1961, Reiko Weston purchased the property. In 1967-68, she built the Fuji Ya Restaurant incorporating portions of the Bassett’s Second Sawmill and Columbia Flour Mill into the design of the restaurant structure. Today, the applicant is proposing to selectively demolish the Fuji Ya Restaurant and stabilize the remaining mills in order to incorporate them into the design of a new park building on the site.

APPLICANT’S PROPOSAL. The Fuji Ya building envelope and portions of its structure are in poor condition with little integrity remaining to the interior. Much of the Fuji Ya building will be carefully deconstructed and removed with select structural components left in place to ensure the continued integrity of the underlying historic mill structures and remnants. Wood posts and beams will be salvaged from the Fuji Ya building and stored for reuse in the Water Works project. Following removals, the historic mill structures and remnants (consisting of the Bassett Saw Mill Engine House, Columbia Flour Mill Boiler Room, and a segment of the Columbia Flour Mill foundation) will be temporarily stabilized, secured, and protected for future interpretation within the Water Works project site at Mill Ruins Park. How the mills will be interpreted and engaged within the new park is still in the early planning stages.

Prior to deconstructing the Fuji Ya building, a Minnesota Historic Property Record will be submitted to the Minnesota Historic Preservation Office including descriptions of the building’s character defining features and conditions at time of removal, the building’s history, archival photographs, copies of Fuji Ya plans from all three phases of construction, and current field-measured drawings.

Update: General Mils Site

The project site occupies an entire city block and is located in the Marcy Holmes Neighborhood within the bounds of the East Hennepin Activity Center. The block is bounded to the north by University Avenue SE, an adopted Community Corridor in the Minneapolis Comprehensive Plan. Existing zoning on the site is currently the I1 Light Industrial District and the Industrial Living Overlay District. The site today is occupied by a surface parking lot. The site is also located within the St. Anthony Falls Historic District which was designated as a local and national historic district in 1971.

RESOURCES

Project images...

Download staff report...

Doran, CSM buy General Mills land near riverfront

Developers update plans for tower, more at General Mills site near river in Minneapolis

PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project is a full block residential development consisting of a 20-story tower and a 6-story L-shaped structure surrounding a parking garage with 1 level of underground parking and 1 level of at-grade parking. The tower fronts along University Avenue SE, while the 6 story structures front along 3rd Avenue SE and 2nd Street SE. The structure is lined on the 3rd Avenue SE, 2nd Avenue SE, and 3rd Street SE elevations with walk-up townhomes. The total number of proposed residential units is 359. There are 13 townhomes, 139 apartments in the 6 story structure and 207 apartments in the 20 story tower. In addition to the landscaping around the perimeter of the site, the project is proposing a significant amount of outdoor amenities available to the residents. These include an outdoor pool, outdoor spa, grilling stations, putting green, bocce ball, fire pits, gathering spaces, and two private pocket parks at grade level.

Update: 333 E Hennepin Ave

This project was reviewed at the July 17 meeting of the Planning Commission:

RESOURCES

Site & building images...

Download staff report, including site plan...

Mortenson returns with plans for 26-story apt tower

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The applicant is proposing a 26-story, mixed use building with 4,930 square feet of ground floor commercial space fronting along Hennepin Avenue E, 1,618 square feet of retail space along 4th Street NE and 282 dwelling units.

The site is approximately 32,004 square feet in area (0.75 acres).  There are 282 parking stalls proposed within an above-grade parking structure that is incorporated into the building.  The building is designed with a three-story base that includes retail, residential units and parking and a 23-story tower, for a total of 26 stories.

The tower portion is situated on the northeast side of the site, stepping back 20 feet from the building wall along Hennepin Avenue E.  The first floor of the building includes retail along Hennepin Avenue E and 4th Street NE, amenity space and parking.  The residential lobby is intended to flow from the retail space as one large open area.  The main residential and commercial entrance is located at the corner of Hennepin Avenue E and 4th Street NE.

The entrance is recessed approximately 4.5 feet from the front property lines along Hennepin Avenue and 4th Street NE.  The remainder of the 4th Street NE frontage will include the residential lobby, elevators, a retail space and parking.

The parking structure will be screened from Hennepin Avenue E with residential units on all floors and screened on the first floor along 4th Street NE with a retail space. The exposed portions of the parking structure will be screened with a metal panel and artistic elements. Additional residential amenity space is provided on the seventh floor.