Minneapolis Riverfront News
Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share? Contact us.
Franklin Avenue Bridge Closure and Construction Updates
Via an October 1, 2015, Hennepin County e-newsletter:
Franklin Avenue Bridge Construction Update
Planning ahead for weekend traffic impacts
Before we get to a construction update, we have important information about weekend traffic impacts to share.
Saturday, October 3
Motor vehicle traffic will be reduced to one lane on the Franklin Avenue Bridge from 5 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, for concrete delivery. Flaggers will guide traffic. Please use caution when traveling through the area.
Similar to a few weeks ago, concrete trucks will be on the bridge deck throughout the day, transporting concrete through a hose to equipment located on a barge below the bridge.
The concrete will be used to create a floor of the Pier 3 cofferdam. Previously, crews dove sheet pile to create walls for the cofferdam. Next, crews will drain the water within the cofferdam to create a dry work area. This will allow them to conduct concrete repair to bridge piers normally below water level.
The bike and pedestrian lanes on the south side will remain open.
Sunday, October 4
This Sunday is the annual Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon. A portion of the route travels across the Franklin Avenue Bridge. As a result, the roadway will be closed to traffic from approximately 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The bike and pedestrian lanes on the both sides will remain open during the marathon.
An update on construction
Crews have been active around the project site for the past few weeks.
Above water level
Crews continue their work to restore concrete below the bridge deck. This includes work on the piers. Below is a picture of a section of a pier that has been restored using shotcrete. Shotcrete is a special concrete that is applied using a controlled spray.
At and below water level
Crews have also been using the cofferdams in the river to get access to the parts of the pier that are at and below river level. Below is a picture showing concrete removal at one of the piers.
Concrete is being restored in a way that protects the integrity of the structures.
Roadway deck panels
Crews continue to work at the casting yard at Bohemian Flats area up the river. At present, more than 160 of the 366 panels needed for the roadway deck have been completed. All panels will be floated down the river next year and hoisted into place.
Detours and closures
West River Parkway and trail remain closed at Franklin Avenue Bridge. View detour map.
The Lower East River Parkway trail is closed between the East River Flats (University of Minnesota Boathouse) and Cecil Street while crews restore concrete below the bridge deck.
Primrose Park to Close Northeast Shop with an October 9 Goodbye Party
Via a September 29 e-newsletter:
Primrose Park Goodbye Party!
Please join us as we say "goodbye" to our home in Northeast Minneapolis. We will send the store off in style on Friday, October 9, 2015, with wine, sweet treats and 20% off all regularly-priced purchases. We hope you can join the festivities!
Date: Friday, October 9
Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Primrose Park, 20 University Avenue NE
Local Law Firm Founder to Retire
Larry Zelle Retires From Practice of Law to Form Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice
MINNEAPOLIS – September 29, 2015 – Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason announces the retirement of Larry Zelle, a founder of the firm, effective October 1, 2015. After a legendary career as a trial lawyer, Zelle will leave the active practice of law to serve as an arbitrator or mediator in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceedings.
“There comes a time in the life of a trial lawyer when one stops looking ahead to the next victory. Yet, we have a need to stay active and productive. That is our nature. This is my time” said Zelle.
During his legal career, which began in 1959, Zelle earned his reputation by obtaining successful results for clients in many high-profile cases including: the MGM Grand fire; the Hyatt Regency Hotel walkway collapse; the General Mills Cheerios product recall; the Bhopal, India disaster; and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack in New York, among others.
“Over the years, as we have grown Zelle Hofmann, added practice lines and expanded internationally, Larry has been a constant force in the firm and has been instrumental in building a legal powerhouse,” said Dan Millea, a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. “He leaves a legacy that includes his unselfish mentoring of those young partners who became the leadership of the firm in the 21st century and his development of an institutional client base that continues to be a significant part of the firm’s success. Most importantly, he has been an essential role model to all of our lawyers, by insisting that the Zelle firm provide the highest quality of legal services to its clients. The firm is grateful for Larry’s many contributions. We wish him well as he launches the next phase of his distinguished career.”
About Zelle Hofmann:
Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason LLP LLP is an international litigation and dispute resolution law firm with offices in Boston, Dallas, London, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco. The Firm excels at handling insurance, antitrust and other complex litigation on both a national and global scale. The Firm also has an affiliate office in Beijing, People’s Republic of China. For more information about Zelle Hofmann, visit www.zelle.com. For more information about the firm’s Zealous Women initiative, visit www.zealouswomen.com.
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LOCAL FARMERS, CHEFS, AND ARTISTS TEAM UP FOR HARVEST GALA
Thursday, October 8, 7:00pm - 9:30pm, Solar Arts Building
[NE MINNEAPOLIS. September 28, 2015] In a celebration of the strength and bounty of the local food movement, the Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market is excited to announce the fourth annual Harvest Gala. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund the activities and mission of the Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market.
The Solar Arts Building, located at 711 – 15th Avenue NE, is generously donating their beautiful third-floor event space for this year’s Gala, to be held on Thursday, October 8, from 7 pm until 9:30 pm.
The NEFM Harvest Gala features an innovative format that pair’s farmers market vendors and local chefs. Chefs and farmers team up to create tasty appetizers using ingredients sourced from the Northeast Farmers Market. This year, expect eats by Sen Yai Sen Lek, Chowgirls, Red Table Meats, and Lone Grazer Creamery, just to name a few. At the bar, try fine wines, beer from Nordeast Brewers Alliance, and specialty-crafted cocktails by Norseman Distillery.
Flamenco guitarist David Grams will provide live entertainment. A silent auction will feature arts, crafts, certificates and services donated by local artisans, restaurants, businesses and individuals. We’re off to a great start with donations from Park Square Theater, Minnesota Orchestra, Mill City Running, Denny Kemp Salon, Minneapolis St. Paul Film Society and Minnesota Historical Society.
Back again this year... the Garden Stroll, NEFM's version of a Cake Walk, will feature really cool market bags filled with goodies from market vendors and friends.
Admission to the Gala is $15 in advance, and $20 at the door. Advance tickets are available on Saturday, October 3rd at the Northeast Farmers Market, and on-line.
Chowgirls Killer Catering and Norseman Distillery sponsor this event.
The Northeast Farmers Market is located on the corner of 7th and University Avenues NE, in the St. Boniface Church parking lot. The Solar Arts Building is located at 711 NE 15th Avenue.
Art Attack 2015 - November 6 thru 8
Friday, November 6 from 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday, November 7 from Noon – 8:00pm
Sunday, November 8 from Noon - 5:00pm
Art Attack is an annual open studio and gallery crawl at the Northrup King Building, in the heart of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. The weekend-long event features over 200 artists working in painting and drawing, sculpture, photography, custom furniture, fiber arts, metal, ceramics, glass, hand-crafted and custom jewelry, mixed media, mosaics, textiles, and more.
On Saturday from Noon-6:00pm, TPT’s award-winning weekly art series, MN Original, will be taking over our 3rd floor gallery space with a special guest artist, offering interactive art activities, a MN Original viewing area, and an Instagram takeover.
Music, performace and demonstrations take place throughout the weekend.
Food Trucks:
Friday – Butcher Salt
Saturday – Simply Steve’s and Kabomlette
Sunday – Gastrotruck
The Bakken Trio’s 2015 - 2016 Concert Series at MacPhail Center for Music
A full gamut of moods and music — The Bakken Trio opens their fall performance with the haunting thrumming of Ferdinand Meza’s marimba in Golijov’s remembrance of his friend Mariel, and finish in April with actress Sally Wingert narrating Aaron Kernis’ hysterical piece about futuristic cuisine.
2015 - 2016 Concert Series:
November 22, 2015 MEMORY: Marimba specialist Fernando Meza joins the Bakken for music of composers Rachmaninoff, Golijov and Shostakovich, inspired, in the Russian tradition, by great friendships.
January 24, 2016 JAPONAISE: Cellist Pitnarry Shin plays music from Japanese puppet theater in this program tracing the circles of inspiration to and from Claude Debussy.
April 3, 2016 WHIMSY! Actress Sally Wingert narrates a hysterical spoof on food and foodies in a program for having and hearing fun!
All concerts are at 4:00pm in Antonello Hall of MacPhail Center for Music, 501 S 2nd Street.
Upcoming Events at 1010 Washington Wine & Spirits
For wine and whiskey lovers, a few events of interest:
September 30th, Susan and Anthony Truchard will be conducting a tasting of award winning Napa Valley wines from Truchard Vineyards 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at the Aloft Hotel. Please call 612-339-4040 to reserve a spot at this free tasting
October 9th, Gordon & MacPhail is a private bottler of small lot scotch whiskies. We will be doing a very interesting tasting from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM. Please call the store to reserve a spot for this free tasting. If the response is large enough we will move it off site.
October 17th, Bobby Kacher, the revolutionary importer of outstanding French wines will be doing a seminar on Burgundy wines 4:00PM-6:00 PM. This promises to be one of the truly outstanding wine tasting events of the year in Minneapolis! Please call the store to reserve a spot for the tasting. Again, depending on demand we may move this off site, but in the neighborhood.
MPRB is Looking for Volunteer Coaches for Winter Youth Sports
Via a September 24 Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter:
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's (MPRB) Youth Volleyball program begins in October and we are seeking volunteer coaches at recreation centers in Minneapolis.
We are also seeking coaches for winter sports programs (basketball, hockey, and wrestling) that begin in November/December.
• Athletes range from 6-18 years old
• Teams practice 1-2 times per week
• Games are scheduled 1-2 nights a week and/or Saturdays
• MPRB will provide orientation for all new coaches
Contact Nicole at 612-499-9258 or email recvolunteers@minneapolisparks.org for more information about coaching and other volunteer opportunities.
Can't coach this Winter? We'll need coaches for Gymnastics, Baseball, Softball, T-ball, and Track and Field this spring, too.
Week 21 at the 2015 Mill City Farmers Market
September 26 was Oktoberfest at the Market. Music by the Elk River German Band filled the air as shoppers sampled beer with Indeed Brewing. :)
Romanesco!
Art Vendors Kendra of Ink Orchard and Matthew of Matthew Krousey Ceramics.
The goat!
Don't forget - new hours for October!
The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul - October Line Up
West River Parkway Slope Repair Update
Via a September 25 Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter:
West River Parkway Slope Repair
Efforts to repair damage done by the West River Parkway mudslide recently encountered numerous challenges. Multiple minor mudslides occurring since the beginning of August 2015 have delayed construction of the two walls most critical to stabilizing the slope. Erosion stemming from those mudslides also created steep embankments below the earthen “bench” used by the contractor to stage drill rigs and other construction equipment.
As a result, that critical construction equipment was removed from the bench and will not return until the contractor can determine the best method to control erosion on the slope.
Due to these unforeseen difficulties, the project is expected to continue through at least December 2015. The parkway and trail remain closed until that time.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board appreciates the public’s patience during this complicated and challenging project.
Visit the project page.
Contact
Robin Smothers
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Phone: 612-230-6410
Email: rsmothers@minneapolisparks.org
Building Local Energy Democracy w/ Council Member Jacob Frey
Minneapolis’ own Community Power invites our neighbors in the 3rd Ward to an engaging and informative conversation about the possibilities for our city’s energy future. We’re proud to have Jacob Frey, our 3rd Ward City Council Representative, joining the conversation to voice support for clean, equitable energy and, simultaneously, champion solutions specifically for Ward 3 communities.
Together we’ll discuss:
- Community Solar Gardens
- Local Green Jobs Training
- Minneapolis’ New, First-in-the-Nation, Clean Energy Partnership
- Community Solar Investment
- The Nature & Impacts of our Power Grid
- What this means for your Energy Bill
And, especially for your information and convenience, Local Solar Developers and a Green Jobs Trainer, will be on-hand to connect with you about new and ongoing solar projects and job training in Minneapolis.
For food, fun, folks, facts and savings on your energy bills, join your neighbors at the Marcy Open School on Tuesday, September 29th between 6 and 8pm for a truly Powerful Conversation.
Please contact Marcus Mills with any questions, or to RSVP (not required)
At: 612-623-0809 or marcus@communitypowermn.org
MacPhail Center for Music Announces 2015-2016 Spotlight Series Dates and Themes
The MacPhail Spotlight Series showcases the exceptional talents of teaching artists and special guests, providing an intimate listening experience in MacPhail’s state-of-the-art Antonello Hall. Under the artistic direction of Mischa Santora, this premier performance event is brought to life with collaborations from some of the Twin Cities’ finest artists.
This year's series themes:
November 14, 2015 – Caffeinated Bach
February 13, 2016 – BRAZIL!
April 16, 2016 – Taiko Drums to J-Pop
May 21, 2016 – American Poets: From Folk to Hip Hop
One hour before each concert, you can join us in the U.S. Bank Lobby for a special question and answer session with featured performers.
Share Your Opinions to Help Shape the Future of Minneapolis Parks
This week the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) wraps up months of community meetings held throughout the city to gather feedback |
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8th Annual Minneapolis Underground Film Festival, October 7 - 11
The 8th annual Minneapolis Underground Film Festival will feature over 110 short films, 40 of which are MN Made. Hosted and sponsored by The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul at St. Anthony Main Theater, the festival showcases underground cinema's most provocative and original work.
Tickets Prices:
Film Society Members – $5.00
General Admission – $8.50
Student/Senior/Child – $6.00
All Access Pass – $120.00
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Adopts Water Works Concept Design
When completed, the expansion of Mill Ruins Park will become an iconic riverfront destination for residents and visitors to Minneapolis.
Download the design presentation...
On Wednesday, September 23, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) approved the concept design for Water Works as part of the Central Riverfront Regional Park. The Minneapolis Parks Foundation (Parks Foundation) funded the Water Works concept design phase in 2013-2014, which ran concurrent with the Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan process adopted by MPRB in April 2015.
The Water Works concept builds on the vision for Mill Ruins Park that MPRB began more than 25 years ago. The four-acre site encompasses Minneapolis Park Board-owned land between Portland Avenue South and the Third Avenue Bridge, and between First Street and the Mississippi River. Today, there are nearly 2.5 million visits to the area annually, making the Central Riverfront Regional Park the fourth most visited park in the Twin Cities. Water Works also meets the principles of the RiverFirst Initiative, which includes projects such as Scherer Site/Hall’s Island, East Bank/Upper Riverfront trail loops, and the 26th Ave N Greenway + Overlook. More information about RiverFirst can be found at MinneapolisParks.org/RiverFirst and MplsParksFoundation.org/RiverFirst.
“When completed, the Water Works site will become one of the most visited locations in Minneapolis and will meet the needs of residents and visitors as they come to see the historic St. Anthony Falls and the birthplace of Minneapolis,” says Tom Evers, Executive Director of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. “Throughout the Water Works design process the Parks Foundation collaborated closely with MPRB Planning Staff and community members, especially the Central Riverfront Regional Park Community Advisory Committee, whose input was invaluable. As a result, we believe the Water Works design reflects the community’s interests and addresses the underlying complexities of this much-loved and iconic destination and we are committed to bringing the additional resources required to realize the full potential of this vision.”
On July 1, 2015, MPRB approved a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Parks Foundation for partnership activities related to the RiverFirst Initiative. Via the RiverFirst MOU, the Parks Foundation and MPRB have agreed to raise funds for the RiverFirst Initiative and related projects including Water Works.
“Water Works will be an exciting, iconic destination that builds on the Central Riverfront’s rebirth as a place where a full range of Minneapolis’ diverse communities can engage with the river,” said MPRB President Liz Wielinski. “We’re fortunate to have partners like the Parks Foundation to help make these grand plans a reality.”
Additional community input to be addressed in the schematic design:
Most of the remaining concerns raised during the public comment period will be answered as part of the next phase of the design process. The next iteration of the site plan will address the community desire to maintain or increase a diverse and healthy tree canopy over time; with the addition of a “woonerf” (a shared pedestrian and automobile path) connecting the Water Works site to 2nd Street, there will be additional public parking and a pedestrian connection from downtown to the river; and ensuring that the site includes adequate space and programming to meet the increasing demand while remaining respectful to the residents who live nearby. The plan will also take into consideration the future development of the lock and dam as it is transitioned from a working facility into a cultural and historic point of interest.
Water Works Concept
The Water Works concept provides a unique visitor experience, highlights the site’s historic features and proximity to St. Anthony Falls, suggests a park pavilion with amenities, addresses navigation problems for pedestrians and bikers coming off the Stone Arch Bridge, and creates direct access to the river for paddlers.
Water Works is the site of the city’s original water supply and fire-fighting pumping stations were located on the site in the 19th century. The site is an important convergence of multiple riverfront destinations and physical features in addition to St. Anthony Falls, including the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, the Stone Arch Bridge, lock and dam, listed and eligible industrial ruins, the Mill City Museum and Guthrie Theater, as well as parkway, trails, and Mill Ruins and Gold Medal parks. Like the city itself, this site has grown to meet the changing needs of the people living in it from navigation, to industrial, to recreational and residential. When completed, the site will become an iconic destination for residents and visitors to Minneapolis.
About the Minneapolis Parks Foundation
The Minneapolis Parks Foundation, which partners with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, is an independent 501c3 dedicated to community investment in the nation’s top park system. The Parks Foundation is working to ensure that the RiverFirst Initiative – a partnership with MPRB and others to reimagine the Mississippi River north of St. Anthony Falls is implemented, is leading the design and preliminary steps for the Water Works site, and hosts the Next Generation of Parks Lecture Series. The Parks Foundation seeks to provide visionary and philanthropic support for the whole Minneapolis parks system with a special attention to innovation and equity. For more information or to support our work, please visit www.MplsParksFoundation.org.
Join the Conversation - Like, Comment, Share
Water Works Design approved, Riverfront park takes step forward - follow the link to download the design presentation. What do you think of the design?
Posted by Mill City Times on Thursday, September 24, 2015
Mill City Commons Invites You to Join a 6-Session Caregiver Support Group
Mill City Commons members have created a Caregiver Support Group and invite other caregivers to join them. This guided discussion group with professional facilitation was created to support MCC members, friends and neighbors who are or have been in a caregiving role … whether involving a parent, spouse, sibling, child or friend. Group members share experiences, issues and concerns as well as give and receive support.
The Caregiver Support Group launches Wednesday, October 7, meeting the first and third Wednesday at a convenient neighborhood location each month from 1:30-3:00 pm for three months. Participants will be asked to pay $60 for the six sessions, regardless of how many sessions they are able to attend.
To join the group or learn more, email info@millcitycommons.org or phone 612-455-3329.
Thank you to Mill City Commons member Lou Burdick for sharing this information with us! :)
Volunteer Opportunity at American Red Cross
Be the welcoming face of the American Red Cross!
If you are looking for an engaging volunteer opportunity right in your neighborhood, the Red Cross has a great opportunity for you. We are looking for volunteers to staff the front desk of our busy Minneapolis office – greeting visitors, answering phones, directing people to classrooms, distributing mail, and assisting with other projects that arise. Some customer service experience and familiarity with computers is helpful.
We are looking for morning coverage (8am – 12:15pm) Mondays through Thursdays, and midday coverage (10am – 4pm) every other Friday. We are located at 1201 West River Road, walking distance from Gold Medal Park.
To start the application process, or to read more about other Red Cross volunteer opportunities, please click here. Please contact kelly.clark2@redcross.org with questions. Thank you!
West Bank Crash Course - October 5 - 10
Crash Course is an un-conference (of sorts) highlighting all things West Bank.
Join us for an introductory crash course into Minneapolis’ coolest neighborhood! We’ll have workshops and events throughout the week (Monday-Saturday) including a fashion show, craft beer tasting, sambusa-making session, neighborhood tours and more. It’s a great way to get to know everything the neighborhood has to offer, and there’s something for everyone!
Hosted by the West Bank Business Association and The Southern Theater, the event is a week-long fundraiser, with proceeds going to support local West Bank nonprofits. For a full list of events and more info visit the schedule.
EVENT DETAILS:
– Monday October 5-Saturday October 10, 2015 Schedule
– Location: The Southern Theater and throughout the West Bank
– Cost: Varies with event – many free options available.
MORE INFORMATION:
For more information about the event please contact: Jamie Schumacher, Executive Director, West Bank Business Association – info@thewestbank.org 612-326-9652
The West Bank Business Association exists to engage the business community in the responsible economic development of the West Bank district while preserving the unique character and heritage of the Cedar-Riverside area.