Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share? Contact us.
Beth Dooley and Mette Nielsen signed copies of The Birchwood Cafe Cookbook and In Winter's Kitchen at the December 19 Mill City Farmers Market inside the Mill City Museum.
Spectacular eggs from Women's Environmental Institute (WEI).
The musical stylings of Michael Keyes and Nick Jordan.
The goat!
Bring peace of mind to your busy holiday schedule while getting a great workout. YogaFit Northeast Minneapolis is offering an Unlimited Holiday Pass - get 12 days of unlimited yoga for just $24. The unlimited pass is valid from 12/19/15 - 12/31/15.
The Adventures of Rocky and Troy continue - this time it's PaintNite at The Depot, which I've been wanting to try for a long time. PaintNite is fun and easy, and if you don't want your picture you can always give it to someone who paints - they'll be happy to reuse the canvas.
We started by checking out some of the cool statues positioned between The Depot and the Stone Arch Bar.
A gin and tonic for inspiration.
No one can resist Troy's happy little mug. :)
;)
West River Parkway will not temporarily open this winter
After re-evaluation, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has decided to keep West River Parkway closed between Fourth Street and the Franklin Avenue Bridge through early fall 2016. This determination is based on several factors related to the MPRB’s slope repair project and Hennepin County’s Franklin Avenue Bridge project, including timelines of projects, safety of the public, site security and seasonal construction limitations.
Previously, the MPRB had announced plans to reopen the segment of parkway from January through March. The roadway had been expected to close again for several months starting in April for bridge deck replacement on the Hennepin County’s Franklin Avenue Bridge. The MPRB’s slope repair will also resume in the spring. The county is using the current closure to proceed with important construction activities near and above the parkway.
The June 2014 mudslide was an unprecedented, catastrophic event which uncovered many issues on the slope that the current stabilization project must address before the project is complete. Located in the Mississippi River gorge, the slope stabilization project has been designed to shore-up one of the last segments of very steep slopes along the river with a series of retaining walls. Complicating matters, the steep slope is made up of unstable soils over a limestone bed rock that continues to leach ground water into the steep sloped soils causing the surface of the embankment to slough off and be very difficult to work on safely.
The MPRB and Hennepin County will continue close coordination of their two projects, repair of the slope and rebuild of Franklin Avenue Bridge. For details or to subscribe to email updates, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/currentprojects and select West River Parkway Slope Repairs or visit www.hennepin.us/franklinbridge.
Via a December 15 e-newsletter from the Minneapolist Park and Rec Board:
Stay active and have fun all winter long
Plan a winter of fun with the help of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's (MPRB) latest Park Highlights brochure. Explore the outdoors on trails, snowshoes or ice skates. Prefer to stay indoors? Enroll in an art, craft or fitness class. The publication features a sampling of the programs, classes, events and activities in parks and recreation centers from January to April.
Winter Park Highlights will arrive at Minneapolis recreation centers and libraries this week and is available on the MPRB website.
Visit Talin Spring of Spring Finn & Co at her studio in the Foundry Building, 125 N 1st Street. Open December 17 and 18, 11:00am - 6:00pm both days. Talin is an art vendor at the Mill City Farmers Market.
Stating that their staff is their restaurant’s most valuable asset, the owners of the Wilde Roast Café in Minneapolis today announce livable wage increases and paid safe and sick time for its workers.
The owners know that their staff’s work is what determines the success or failure of the business – and that too often workers across the state are left exhausted at the end of the day. The owners want to encourage the staff to have quality family time, time to recover from an illness, or take time to care of a family member when needed.
Wage increases for all non-tipped employees will start in mid-December and will rise incrementally until April 18 . These wage increases will amount to $14/hour for hosts and dishwashers and $15/hour for all cooks.
Safe and sick time will be implemented starting in the first full pay period in January. Employees will be able to take time off for sickness or to take care of a family member that is ill or take a mental health day.
“We are family here. We care for these people as much or even more than our own families,” said co-owner Dean Schlaak. “We are a team, and we appreciate each one of them.”
As restaurants strive to keep ahead in their highly competitive business, maintaining employees has never been issue at Wilde Roast Café. Some employees have been with the business for four and five years. Ensuring staff have time to recover from an illness and not worry about paying the bills just seems like the right thing to do for the Wilde Roast’s owners – especially when it comes to food safety and employee illness.
This March, the Wilde Roast Café will celebrate 12 years serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, wine, beer and desserts in the Northeast neighborhood.
Update: Progress on the Downtown 2025 Plan from the Downtown Council
Toro switches local ad agencies to Mill District Based Periscope
Unique gifts from Wilson & Willy's in the North Loop
Now open: The Pint Minneapolis
Minneapolis now owns more than half its upper river shoreline
Minneapolis shredder operator proposes move if MPCA backs off regulations
Downtown Minneapolis park ideas bubbling in planning for next 25 years
North Loop makes another Top List
CPM plans five-story apartment complex in Marcy-Holmes
The Sheridan Room opens in former Modern Cafe space
Bourbon, cigars and lingerie: Newly expanded Flirt Boutique plans guys' night out, more
Streetscapes: No tears for teardown of forgettable TCF Bank building
NICOLLET HOTEL BLOCK PROJECT BACK ON TRACK
United Properties announces new partner for Nicollet Hotel Block project
United Properties taps big partner for Nicollet Hotel Block project
United Properties announces new apartment development partner for Nicollet Hotel block
NYE’S PROJECT IN DOUBT
Heritage panel OKs shorter Nye's plan, but will developer go along?
Nye’s site developer ponders next step after HPC attaches strings
A throng of shoppers kept the vendors on their toes during a wild December 12 Mill City Farmers Market inside the Mill City Museum. If you missed it, be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday the 19th - the Market will be open 10:00am to 1:00pm. You'll find all kinds of Holiday treats! :D
Below, the Tamburinos head out with a beautiful fresh tree from Jeff Nistler.
A chocolate Santa from St. Croix Chocolate Company.
Adorable - kids having special gifts wrapped right at the Market. This is a free service, so be sure to take advantage of it December 19!
Cherry Flowers of Page & Flowers has gift boxes of Infused Vinegars and coffee bag wall art.
Sunrise Creative Gourmet has Divinity, a Holiday favorite.
An exquisite box of cookies (including melt-in-your-mouth meringue mushrooms) from Susan of Very Prairie tells the recipient just how special they are!
This versatile bench from wood craftsman Joel Nichols can hold a lot of weight, but is surprisingly easy to lift and move around.
Tree ornaments from Create Laser Arts.
Paper products from Red Cruiser.
Jewelry from Larissa Loden.
And groceries!
The loaves from Heritage Breads are like edible art.
The goat! (Nancy - the goat is naked - what's up with that?)
Franklin Avenue Bridge construction update December 2015
Via a December 10 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:
The Franklin Avenue Bridge reconstruction project has been fortunate to have good weather the past few months. Crews have been able to keep working all around the project site. And the threat of winter weather -- whenever it may come -- is not stopping work either.
Thanks for your continued patience and being safe around the construction area. With construction activity still occurring, please be aware that construction vehicles will continue to travel through the area.
Construction contiues
Down along the river, crews continue their work in the cofferdams (dry work areas in the river). By setting up an enclosure, they can create a warm environment to continue restoration of the pier. The picture below shows crews working on Pier 2.
Crews have set up a similar enclosure to allow them to continue to work on Span 1 over West River Parkway. Crews are working on the arch and other areas under the deck.
More than 300 completed panels are in the casting yard at Bohemian Flats. Next year, these panels will be floated down the river and hoisted up to the bridge deck. Others will be cast in place. The new bridge deck will be made up of 366 panels.
Bike and pedestrian path on the bridge remains open
The bicycle and pedestrian path on the bridge will remain open during the winter, and the City of Minneapolis crews will be clearing the path after snow falls.
For Information
Information Hotline: 888-474-8929
Email: franklinbridge@hennepin.us
Website: www.hennepin.us/franklinbridge
City of Minneapolis Passes Two Zoning Code Text Amendments Allowing Increased Flexibility in Commercial Use Regulations
The Minneapolis City Council unanimously voted to pass a zoning code text amendment today that increases the flexibility in regulations governing limited production and processing uses and the size of commercial uses generally. A companion amendment allowing small-scale grain milling was also passed by the Council.
Authored by Ward 2 Council Member Cam Gordon, the “commercial sizes” text amendment increases the maximum size allowance for commercial uses in all commercial zoning districts and the High-density Office Residence District (OR2). The amendment will also allow for a broader range of uses in buildings with OR2 zoning. The adopted changes will streamline the development review process and allow for appropriately-sized commercial uses throughout the city. The modifications to the OR2 zoning district will make this district a more viable option for mixed-use buildings with small-scale, neighborhood-serving uses.
“I am excited to see how this opens up opportunities to allow more small businesses to bring increased vitality and services to our commercial areas as well as provide economic opportunities and quality jobs for residents,” said Ward 2 Council Member Cam Gordon.
The amendments also overhaul the regulations for limited production and processing by increasing the maximum allowed size of such uses from 1,200 square feet to 5,000 square feet and make limited production and processing a permitted use in all commercial districts where a conditional use permit is currently required. The small-scale grain milling text amendment allows for artisanal grain milling in more parts of the city as a standalone use or for an onsite bakery. The former flour milling capital of the world will be able to produce more goods made from Minnesota wheat and Minneapolis milled flour with the passing of the text amendment.
“If you are known as the Mill City, milling really should not be a prohibited activity,” said Ward 3 Council Member Jacob Frey and author of the small-scale grain milling text amendment. “In Northeast Minneapolis we are quickly becoming the standard for locally made products, and I’m proud that the newest edition will be freshly milled flour and baked breads.”
Most of the conditional use permits for limited production and processing in recent years have been for food and beverage production uses. In recent years, entrepreneurs have opened small-scale establishments throughout the city that create cured meats, chocolate, beer, spirits, honey and other food and beverage products. This has helped fill commercial storefronts and provided uniqueness to Minneapolis. With the adopted changes, these types of businesses could now be established administratively, without a public hearing before the City Planning Commission.
“With these changes, we will now be able to open our small mill and bakery in the FOOD BUILDING in NE Minneapolis,” said Steve Horton, long time baker and former co-owner of Rustica. “Our goal is to procure grain mainly from Minnesota and mill it into flour that is sold to local kitchens and retail customers as well as mix doughs that will become our wholesale bread line.”
The text amendments support City goals of being a hub of economic activity, innovation and supportive of entrepreneurs. Planning staff anticipates that the amendment will support job creation and continue the artisanal food and beverage production trend that has taken root in the City.
Staff presented the ordinances to the City Planning Commission on November 2, 2015, which unanimously recommended approval to the City Council’s Zoning & Planning Committee. The Zoning & Planning Committee also voted in support of the ordinances on December 3, 2015 and forwarded it to the full City Council for review on December 11, 2015. The ordinances will be in effect as of December 19, 2015. Additional information on the commercial sizes and grain milling amendments can be found in City staff reports prepared for the City Planning Commission.
Via a December 10 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:
The City of Minneapolis is seeking volunteers to participate in the 2015-16 Bicycle and Pedestrian Winter Conditions Study Pilot. As part of a larger bicycle and pedestrian winter maintience research project, the City is conducting a field study to document the winter conditions of our bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The study will include over 90 locations across Minneapolis. We need gracious volunteers such as yourself to help us document the snow and ice on our streets, sidewalks and trails. Volunteers will sign up to conduct 5-minute observations at locations of their choosing (pick one on your commute!) throughout the winter.
To learn more and sign up to volunteer, simply complete this form.
The form will take less than 10 minutes and provides an overview of volunteer tasks and responsibilities before giving you the opportunity to sign up. There are a limited number of volunteer spots at each location, so don't hesitate to sign up if you are interested.
As always, thanks to all our wonderful volunteers. We could not do this without you!
Local artists now call the A-Mill Artist Lofts home. Check out the cool stuff they're creating and do a little Holiday shopping this Saturday from 10am – 2pm at the A-Mill Makers Market event.
Meet the makers and residents of the Pillsbury A-Mill, enjoy a snack and music and help celebrate the artists’ new home. Paintings, jewelry, CDs, ceramics, book-art, fiber and more!
MPD ACTION ALERT - Case No. 15-446207
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CASE SUMMARY:
Incident Location: 0007** 2 ST S
Date and Time: 12/7/2015 11:05:00 PM - 12/8/2015 1:50:00 AM
Primary Offenses: Burglary Of Dwelling
Public Information:
V1 made a report of a BURGD. V1 had no suspect information. There maybe video surveillance of the suspect(s). V1 was given a blue card.
Car 21 processed the scene and recovered evidence. K9 completed a search.
Case Open. ...
Arrested Parties, if any (name - age / Address AptNo City, State Zip):
NOTE: Any persons arrested in this incident were not necessarily charged with the listed offenses. Use the link provided below for a more complete explanation of the format of these alerts if anything is unclear.
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NOTE: Asterisks (**) indicate that a street address has been masked, and the incident took place on the “100 block” ,e.g., 0041** Stevens AV S took place on the 4100 block of Stevens Av S. We do not include the full address of incident locations in order to preserve the privacy of victims.
This fall, the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association, MacPhail Center for Music and RS Eden partnered to pilot a free community choir. All abilities were welcome, there was no cost to participate, and J.D. Steele graciously agreed to lead the choir. Come enjoy their first public performance - December 19, 5:00pm, on the Holidazzle Stage.
Alchemy, a new concept boutique fitness in the North Loop, is opening its second location in Northeast on December 7. Alchemy Northeast is located at 120 3rd Avenue S in the historic Pillsbury Machine Shop building, named so because it once functioned as a machine shop for the Pillsbury A Mill next door.
Per Andrea Jones, Chief Marketing Officer, the new 6,100 square foot space has 3 studios, and for clients not in walking distance, the location will have 25 parking spaces. Exposed limestone dating back to 1881 is showcased in the vestibule and behind the front desk.
Alchmey's founders are the people who brought the largest CrossFit business to the Twin Cities, along with Studio Managers from some of the Twin Cities' top yoga studios. CEO Mike Jones is an ex-Marine and Georgetown business school graduate.
Andrea highlighted what sets Alchemy apart as a fitness studio:
• Combined proven techniques of yoga and strength for maximum results.
• Supporting full time career development in fitness for the employees.
• Community-building with a personal approach to its members, offering retail curated with the best of the local scene.
With membership near capacity at the flagship location, these features have brought Alchemy success and enabled them to open this second location within the same calendar year.
Please join us in welcoming Alchemy as a new neighbor to the riverfront.
Via a December 3 Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter:
Architects hired to help guide demolition of Fuji-Ya building
Plan to dismantle long-vacant Fuji-Ya building and preserve underlying mill ruins moves forward
On Dec. 2, 2015 the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commissioners approved an agreement with local architectural firm MacDonald and Mack Architects to begin planning selective demolition of the long-vacant Fuji-Ya building at 401 1st Street S.
Selective demolition means the Fuji-Ya structure will be systematically removed, but portions of the structure may be left intact to protect and stabilize underlying ruins from the historic Bassett Saw Mill and Columbia Flour Mill.
A lot of work must be completed before demolition begins. Resolution 2015-348 directs MacDonald and Mack to refine plans for selective demolition it recommended in a 2012 report, coordinate reviews required by various city, state and potentially federal agencies, coordinate documentation of the Fuji-Ya building’s history and create construction documents to guide demolition.
Removing the Fuji-Ya building and preserving underlying mill foundations is included in the West Bank Interpretive Vision approved by the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board in December 2014, Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan approved by the MPRB in April 2015 and concept design of the future Water Works park approved by MPRB in September 2015.
To learn more about this project and others, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/planning.
To be called the "Millwright Building", construction will begin next spring and is expected to finish in 2017. It will be located at the corner of Third Street South and Portland Avenue South.
The building name is a nod to the history of the Mill District. A millwright is a craftsman or tradesman engaged with the erection of machinery. Historically, millwrights built mills - lumber mills, flour mills, watermills, windmills, etc.
Combining historic elements and modern function, the Millwright Building is intentional in its design. The 4-story, 172,000-square-foot building features exposed steel structure, a brick exterior, and extremely flexible floor plates. Amenities will include a rooftop terrace, a building commons, tons of bike-friendly features, skyway access, and convenient access to the Downtown East Commons park.
“We’ve designed a state-of-the art office building with all the modern efficiency and amenities, but done so in an exterior character rooted in Minneapolis’ warehouse history. This combination is something we were unable to find elsewhere, and something we believe other tenants will be drawn to,” said Mike Ryan, President of Ryan A+E.
MORE MEDIA COVERAGE
Strib | Finance & Commerce | Biz Journal | TCB Mag | Downtown Journal
The Adventures of Rocky and Troy takes us to Grumpy's for some Breakfast Nachos. (Because that's what one does when one craves a few thousand calories of comfort food at 11am on a cold Saturday morning.)
Cine Latino
Charlie Awards
Development Proposal at Chicago and Washington
DeRusha Eats: Spoonriver
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2015/11/19/derusha-eats-spoonriver-restaurant/
West River Parkway Re-opening
http://www.startribune.com/west-river-parkway-reopening-scheduled-by-year-s-end/352262311/
http://www.startribune.com/west-river-parkway-near-u-may-open-by-end-of-the-year/351853391/
http://kstp.com/article/stories/S3968918.shtml
MartinPatrick3 Expansion
http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/martinpatrick3-opens-lounge-expansion
A Christmas Carol at Guthrie
The Cocoanuts at Guthrie
http://www.startribune.com/guthrie-theater-opens-the-cocoanuts-in-minneapolis/352957281/
Askov Finlayson Recognized by GQ
Bonanza Farm History
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LAST WEEK FROM MINNEAPOLIS RIVERCURRENT | 11/20/2015
Soap Factory Hiatus
http://www.startribune.com/soap-factory-art-gallery-might-close-in-december/343820132/
http://www.mndaily.com/ae/art/2015/11/17/after-scare
Sheridan Memorial Park
Community Keg House Proposal
Lucid Taproom in North Loop
http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/lucid-will-open-its-destination-taproom-this-winter
The Human Touch Exhibit at Weisman
Eastside Restaurant
http://www.citypages.com/restaurants/decadent-but-wholesome-a-sneak-peek-at-eastsides-brunch-7829084
http://www.lavendermagazine.com/our-scene/eat-the-menu-eastside/
New Owner of Mpls Photo Center (second item in this piece)
729-53 Washington Avenue North Development Proposal
http://www.startribune.com/group-of-north-loop-residents-oppose-new-10-story-building/347946461/
Pros and Cons of Hydroelectric Generation
http://www.startribune.com/is-hydropower-green-not-really/348068391/
http://www.startribune.com/counterpoint-hydropower-is-a-star-among-renewables/351205251/
Charlie Award Winners Include Spoon and Stable, Borough
http://www.startribune.com/charlie-awards-winners-announced/350053741/
Canoe Share Program on Mississippi
http://www.citylab.com/commute/2015/11/bike-share-meet-canoe-share/415260/
The Food Building
Hennepin County and City of Minneapolis Recognized as Bicycle Friendly
http://www.startribune.com/hennepin-county-wins-silver-rating-for-bicycle-efforts/350621471/
http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/hennepin-county-receives-bicycle-friendly-distinction
New Identity (WeDo) Introduced for Hennepin Avenue Cultural District
http://www.startribune.com/west-downtown-in-minneapolis-gets-a-new-brand-wedo/351168411/
National Park Service Outreach to Younger Visitors
Good Bye Nye’s
Cine Latino at St. Anthony Main Theatre
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LAST WEEK FROM MINNEAPOLIS RIVERCURRENT | 11/13/2015
Happy Birthday, Doughboy!
http://www.startribune.com/pillsbury-doughboy-celebrates-50th-birthday/340213631/
http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/11/06/pillsbury-dough-boy
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2015/11/05/pillsbury-doughboy-turns-50/
http://www.kare11.com/story/news/2015/11/05/still-fresh-pillsbury-doughboy-turns-50/75224794/
Flirt Boutique Open in Colonial Warehouse
http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/flirt-boutique-is-now-open-in-the-colonial-warehouse-building
Possible Wood Chipping Site Relocation
200 Central Development Proposal
http://finance-commerce.com/2015/11/alatus-prefers-condo-tower-for-st-anthony-main-site/
Pillsbury A Mill Sign Re-Lighting
http://www.a-millartistlofts.com/about/#news
The Food Building
A-Mill Artist Loft
http://www.journalmpls.com/voices-feed/a-loft-to-remember
Soap Factory Future Uncertain
http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/11/06/soap-factory
http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/soap-factory-will-be-going-dark-this-winter
“More Than a Single Story” at Open Book
Bachelor Farmer Café Opening
http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/the-bachelor-farmer-prepares-to-open-new-cafe
Mill City Times | 35W Bridge Memorial | Mill District Block Party | Mill City Media
Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 6:23PM