Kim Eslinger
Editor
612-321-8040
kim@millcitymedia.org

David Tinjum
Photographer
612-321-8020
dave@millcitymedia.org 

Mill City Times is a not-for-profit community service.  We do not sell advertising on this site.

Mill Ruins Park

As the centerpiece of the revitalization of Minneapolis' historic West Side Milling District, Mill Ruins Park combines an exploration of the history of Minneapolis with present day activities for all ages.

In its 19th-century heyday, this area of mills, canals, tailraces and other historic resources comprised the largest direct-drive water-powered facility in the world and was the leading international producer of flour, a commodity which was shipped both nationwide and worldwide.

This industrial powerhouse was the catalyst for the development of Minneapolis and the birthplace of a number of companies which remain significant to this day, including General Mills, Pillsbury, Washburn Crosby (WCCO), and Xcel Energy.

More info...

Father Hennepin Park

Father Hennepin Bluffs Park provides areas for picnicking and play.

The park offers direct access to footpaths and bridges that display a unique view of the Mississippi River Gorge, the downtown skyline and the Stone Arch Bridge.

The eight acre park is located at the corner of Main St. SE and 6th Ave. SE. Featuring a covered band stand, the park is a picturesque site for weddings.

A great place to listen to live weekly music events from spring through fall.

More info...

Stone Arch Bridge

Built in 1882-83 by James J. Hill's Minneapolis Union Railway Company, the Stone Arch Bridge is recognized as a National Civil Engineering Landmark.

The bridge provides a link between Father Hennepin Bluffs Park on the east bank, and Mill Ruins Park and West River Parkway on the west bank.

In 1994 the bridge was converted into a pedestrian and bike trail and offers a panoramic view of St. Anthony Falls.

Named winner of 2008 Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests in City Pages' ''Best of the Twin Cities.''

More info...

Gold Medal Park

Highlights of Gold Medal Park include:

- Over 300 mature, large-caliper trees planted.

- A landscaped 32-foot high observation mound, with a spiral walkway leading to the top.

- Sweeping, panoramic views of the Mississippi River and architectural and cultural landmarks in the area: the Stone Arch Bridge, the Guthrie Theater, and the Gold Medal Flour sign.

- Undulating pathways leading through the park mimic the flow of the river and lead park-goers to and from the Riverfront.

The park is a key attraction in the burgeoning Mill District neighborhood, which includes the Guthrie Theater, Mill City Museum, Mill City Farmers Market, MacPhail Center for Music, and Open Book.

More info...

Water Power Park

Never before has the general public been able to walk on this piece of land and experience the power of the mighty Mississippi River as it flows over St. Anthony Falls. You feel the power of the river, the spray from the falls as you stand on one of the three overlooks with the skyline of downtown Minneapolis in the back round.

Overlooking St. Anthony Falls located on the upper portion of Father Hennepin Island on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis Minnesota. Water Power Park is accessible from Main Street just across from St. Anthony Main. Park in the St. Anthony Falls Ramp and take the connecting tunnel to Main St. and you will find yourself just across the street from Water Power Park.

More info...

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Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have local news or events to share?  Contact us.

Thursday
Feb102011

Metrodome Roof Will be Replaced

The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission voted unanimously today to replace the roof of the home of the Minnesota Viking, and host to over 300 events per year.

Estimated cost: $18.3 million

Source of funds: Mostly insurance

Completion date: August 1, 2011

Roof size: 10 acres

The Metrodome roof has collapsed four times since it opened, and one of the engineering firms involved in the evaluation stated that even with a new roof, there was a high probability the new inflatable roof would experience a collapse in the future.

Below: Metrodome the morning of the latest collapse

Metrodome Roof Collapse - Mill City Times Exclusive Photos

 

Thursday
Feb102011

Winner of Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition Announced

TLS/KVA was named the winner of the Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition today during a press conference at the Nicollet Island Pavilion.  View the presentation and detailed proposal below:

TLS/KVA

TLS/KVA from MRDC on Vimeo.

A set of inter-related design initiatives-focused on health, mobility and green economy-that function at multiple scales and are enhanced by community outreach strategies to raise public awareness about consumer choice impacts on the River system.

View design details...

The other finalists and their designs were:

Ken Smith Workshop

Ken Smith from MRDC on Vimeo.

The river is a catalyst for renewal through new and enhanced park, infrastructure and ecological systems and a series of bold, iconic design scenarios that reflect the area’s history and spirit of place.

View design details...

Turenscape

Turenscape from MRDC on Vimeo.

A fifty-year framework for investment that focuses on: ecological renewal, social equity, new economies and a new identity for the city of the river, and includes a strategic approach to ecological infrastructure, re-orienting urbanism and phasing over time.

View design details...

Stoss Landscape Urbanism

Stoss Landscape and Urbanism from MRDC on Vimeo.

A longer-term transformation that reclaims the river as civic space, introduces new landscapes, infrastructure and urban fabrics, and weaves the multiple new and existing systems and experiences back into the city.

View design details...

Thursday
Feb102011

Yoga: A Transformation - Mind, Body and Spirit - With Breath and Movement

Submitted by Victoria Rico

Whether improvisational or classic theater, actors warm up their voices and bodies with a variety of vocal and physical routines.  Transformation of sound and movement is a warm-up used in acting companies around the country.   The basic steps are and principles are easy:

   1. Make a circle.
   2. Person (A) enters the middle of the circle and creates a sound and a movement.
   3. A explores the sound and movement, which  might morph it into a new sound and movement.
   4. A then moves to another individual in the group (B) and gives the energy – the sound- the movement to B.
   5. B then moves into the circle and explores the sound and movement given by A and further transforms the sound and movement – when fully explored – B gives the sound and movement to another individual in the circle (C).
   6. Each individual takes a go at receiving, exploring and giving energy – through sound and movement to one another in the circle.

In transformation of sound and movement, the actors warm up the body and vocal chords, explore time and space, give and receive one another’s energy and trust.  The concept was recently explored in Circle Mirror Transformation by Annie Baker, staged at the Guthrie Theater in May and June of 2010

While transformation of sound and movement is an actor’s tool, the concepts also applies to yoga.  Transformation of the mind, body and spirit can be achieved through each asana practice (physical practice).   While it may seem counterintuitive, losing oneself to each asana (pose) creates the greatest opportunity for transformation.   One can not muscle one’s way into an asana, one must allow the breath to transport the body into each configuration. 

Click here for the full article under the Mill City Times Fitness Blog

Wednesday
Feb092011

Tomorrow - Tour at People Serving People

Time: 8:30am-9:00am

Location: 614 South 3rd Street

Come in for a tour at People Serving People from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Coffee and breakfast will be served after the tour. You'll see what's being done to help end family homelessness.

RSVP to Lauren at 612.277.0219 or lrimestad@peopleservingpeople.org.

Wednesday
Feb092011

Tonight - A Sip of Science: Road De-Icing Salt Impact on Twin Cities Waters 

Time:  5:30pm

Location:  Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main Street, St. Anthony Main

This series bridges the gap between science and culture in a setting that bridges the gap between brain and belly. Food, beer and learning are on the menu in a happy hour forum that offers the opportunity to talk with researchers about their current work, its implications and its fascinations.

More info...

Tuesday
Feb082011

Local Talent and Funky Gifts at CorAzoN

CorAzoN recently hosted an "Idea Local: Minnesota's Creatives" party at the 1026 Washington Avenue South store.

CoraZon Party Feb 4

Above, Andrea Bidelman introduced her new line of Hobo inspired products. Historical Hobo symbols applied to functional everyday items such as wallets, passport holders and wall hangings.  Below, Penny Larsen of Penny Larsen Jewely with CorAzoN owner Susan Zdon.  She introduced her new line of Minnesota jewelry and silver zip code charms - a new take on her most recognized designs in a series of heart pendants - hand crafted, hand-cut and cast by Penny.

CoraZon Party Feb 4

In addition to owning Ink, a very cool by-appointment-only pen store in the IDS Center, Barry Rubin created a line of amusing, clever coasters called Step 12 1/2.  Great conversation pieces for your next party!

CoraZon Party Feb 4

Below, CorAzoN staff member Judy Grasamke, along with Robert Cohanim of Historical Remedies, took a moment to sport Judy's bow ties.  Hanging behind them are Judy's Urban Lunch Bags, each containing a personalized napkin.

CoraZon Party Feb 4

Robert's line of homeopathic lozenges are pictured below.  For more information on the benefits of each lozenge, check out Historical Remedies.

CoraZon Party Feb 4

Below, Susan with brother John Munson of The New Standards.

CoraZon Party Feb 4