BREAKING: Trader Joe's Coming to Downtown Minneapolis

Mill City Times Exclusive - Trader Joe's is coming to Downtown Minneapolis! We've confirmed through two independant sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations that agreement has been reached for a Trader Joe's grocery store in the planned Thresher Square project in the Mill District/Downtown East neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Plans also call for a direct skyway link to the core business district at the corner of Chicago & Washington, connecting through the planned parking ramp serving the new Vikings Stadium.

The grocery store, to be located on the corner of Chicago & Washington Ave S, will be part of the Thresher Square project from Sherman & Associates.  The mixed use residential/commercial development will occupy 3/4 of the block which includes the Advance Thresher building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  For more background on the project, see:

Project Page:

http://www.sherman-associates.com/713-south-washington-avenue/site-plan/

News coverage from earlier this year:

$100M Thresher Square development fills Downtown East gap

Developer plans hotel, apartments in downtown's Thresher Square building

[Video] Bird Lovers, Vikings Stadium Opponents Lose Bid to Stop Downtown Park at Park Board Meeting

A coalition of bird advocates and Viking Stadium opponents turned out in force at the December 17 meeting of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) to oppose the the the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Minneapolis and the MPRB for MPRB ownership and leaseback to the City of the planned park in Downtown East Minneapolis adjacent to the new Vikings Stadium.  Watch the passionate (some misguided, some spot on) pleas from advocates and the contentious discussion between MPRB Commissioners, who eventually voted to approve the MOU:

[Video] The Metropolitan Building / Mill City History

28 minutes of unedited color video of the Metropolitan or Northwest Guaranteed Loan Building of Minneapolis taken in August of 1961, months before it was demolished.

Tonight - Sounds of Blackness at The Guthrie

Monday, December 22

Time: 7:30pm

Location: Wurtele Thrust Stage, Guthrie, 818 South 2nd Street

Sounds of Blackness

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS – A MUSICAL FANTASY

Minnesota’s three-time Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness returns with its 36th Anniversary performance. The Night Before Christmas – A Musical Fantasy is a contemporary adaptation of the beloved poem “A Visit From St Nicholas.” This family-friendly musical production brings Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph the Rappin’ Reindeer to life in hilarious song and dance as they learn the true meaning of Christmas. The music ranges from R&B/Hip-Hop to Jazz, Blues and Gospel and features Sounds of Blackness singers and band in show-stopping, roof-raising songs and scenes.

This is a must-see performance during the holiday season at the Guthrie Theater.

[Video] St. Anthony Falls Regional Park Master Plan Overview

Video produced and directed by Peter Zenner of Zenmation

Watch video of the the area being planned for and hear Committee Chair Ted Tucker and some of the committee members.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) invites public comment on the Draft Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park (proposed renaming to St. Anthony Falls Regional Park) Master Plan through January 18, 2015. Once approved, the master plan will guide park investment along both sides of the Mississippi River near St. Anthony Falls for years to come. The draft plan is the result of a 16 month process that included 12 meetings of a Community Advisory Committee, 10 meetings of a Technical Advisory Committee, three community open houses, an online survey, and one-on-one conversations with residents.  Based on comments received from the public, the draft plan will be revised and presented to the Board of Commissioners for a public hearing and approval in early 2015.

Download the plan...(53MB)

Comment on the plan...

Below: Current park boundaries

Symphony Hydro Dead in the Water?

The first two government agencies to weigh in have both submitted letters to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) last week opposing the Symphony Hydro proposal to build a hydroelectric facility in the soon to be closed Upper St. Anthony Falls lock.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers letter states “As the proposed Symphony hydropower project is incompatible with the current Congressional authorization for navigation and flood control, it appears that licensing of the hydropower project located within the lock chamber at USAF is not appropriate at this time.”

The U.S. Department of the Interior letter includes a statement identical to the one above from the the Corps.

Download the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers letter...

Download the U.S. Dept. of Interior letter...

Minneapolis #1 in Nation for High Credit Scores According to NerdWallet Number Crunchers

Sara Collins of consumer finance site NerdWallet recently notified me of a new study they completed.  After analyzing data for the nation's largest metro areas to find the highest average credit score, they found that out of 143 places Minneapolis ranked #1 as the most financially responsible place in the country.

Their analysis also produced these findings:

• Of the top ten places with the highest average credit scores, eight are in the Midwest, including four metros in Wisconsin.

• Of the ten places with the lowest average credit scores, eight are in the South.

Click here for the article outlining these findings.  For anyone whose credit is less than stellar, the article also includes tips for improving your credit.

Holiday Lights in the Mill District: Snow or Not, the Show Goes On

This past Saturday night we took a stroll down 2nd Street South and back on West River Parkway.  Hands down, our neighbors at Stonebridge Lofts are the most festive this year, although it's more evident in person than one would gather from pictures.  Runner up: The Stone Arch Lofts.  :)

Click here for the first set of pictures.  There may be a second set if we get out again in the next few days.

Childish Films at the Central Library is a Special Monthly Event for Families

Childish Films is a fun family event happening the 3rd Saturday of the month through April, 2015, at the Central Library.   It's a free program of children’s cinema and arts for all ages.  Each screening features a pre-show activity, an educational introduction, and complimentary healthy snacks. Admission is free with open seating to the public.

Most films are best enjoyed by ages 3 and older, but children and people of all ages are welcome to attend.

The December 20 feature is The Wind in the Willows – Winter Tales.

Warm up with Young Fiddlers Association and enjoy a wintry mix of magical stop motion animated adaptations based on Kenneth Grahame’s classic, The Wind in the Willows.

• Winter Sports, Cosgrove Hall, A&E Entertainment 1985, 20 min At the first real snow of winter, Toad digs out his skis and enthusiastically dreams up a winter sports competition for his fellow river-bankers.
• The Yuletide Entertainment, Cosgrove Hall, A&E Entertainment, 1984, 25 min Badger produces a Christmas variety show in Toad Hall that goes awry when Toad gags on a moustache.

Doors open at 10:00am for seating, snacks, and hands-on activities. Live pre-show performances begin at 10:30am.

Future dates:
January 17 - Adventures in Music
February 21 - Feathers and Fins
March 21 - Comedy Carnival
April 18 - Film Festival Finale with the Bunny Clogs

If you have specific questions about the content of a particular film, please e-mail our curators. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 612.543.8107 for more information.

Thursday, December 18 - Holiday Extravaganza at Primrose Park

Looking for a special something for a special someone (or youself)?  Be sure to check out Primrose Park (20 University Avenue NE, across from Surdyk's) this Thursday night.  :)

Thursday Night STAWNO Small Area Plan Meeting

From the St. Anthony West Neighborhood Organization:

As we continue to move forward on a process for the St. Anthony West neighborhood's Small Area Plan, the Land Use and Planning Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, to discuss a proposal from the University of Minnesota's Metropolitan Design Center. The meeting is open to all. Location: MainStreet Lodge, 909 Main St. NE, Minneapolis (lower-level meeting room). This is an accessible location.

Thursday Night - Elliot Park Land Use Meeting

The Building, Land Use & Housing Committee (BLUH) meets Thursday, December 18^th, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Elliot Park Recreation Center, 1000 East 14^th Street.

AGENDA

• 17^th Street Proposed Highway Sound Barriers—Presentation and community discussion.
• 7^th Street I94 Ramp—Construction Update
• Downtown Service Area Master Plan Community Advisory Committee
• Review of 2014 Projects & 2015 Upcoming Projects

Scenes from the December 13 Mill City Farmers Market

Didn't attend the December 13 indoor Mill City Farmers Market?  Well, take a look at what you missed...

Festive vendors and music:

Fresh trees, wreaths, centerpieces and ice globe kits:

Food!

Gifts!

Free gift wrapping:

Last but not least - the goat.  :)

The next indoor Market is Saturday, January 10, 2015, inside the Mill City Museum.

Time for a "Holidays in the Mill District" Photo Shoot

Make sure your holiday lights are all ablaze tonight.  Dave and I are taking advantage of the weekend heat wave to get out for a "Holidays in the Mill District" photo shoot! :)

2015 Minneapolis Park Board Budget Approved

Via a December 12 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board e-newsletter:

Because of your interest in the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), we want you to know that the MPRB approved its 2015 budget on Wednesday, December 10.
 
The budget focuses on maintaining park services and facilities, strategically addressing financial and operational challenges, improving organizational efficiency and service delivery, and addressing Emerald Ash Borer and other threats to the urban tree canopy.
 
Read the full news release about the approved 2015 budget for full details and information.
 
You can view the Superintendent’s Recommended 2015 Budget online.

Sorella Wine & Spirits Closing December 31; New Owner's Format TBD

Via a December 12 e-newsletter from Sorella Wine & Spirits:
 
So, it is time to break the news. December 31st will be our last day as Sorella Wine & Spirits. The store has been sold to a local wine and spirits industry veteran; it will have a new name, and presumably, many changes. Many of us here will be moving on to other ventures. And while the new owner will be purchasing whatever inventory we have left on January 1, we intend to offer many killer deals between now and then (we don't feel like counting all those bottles on Jan. 1st). On behalf of the whole Sorella (and Liquor Depot) family, we'd like to thank you for your patronage over the years, and we certainly hope you'll stop by to see us before the year is out.
 
Cordially,
Darrin Minehan
Wine Buyer 
Sorella Wine & Spirits
 
p.s. If you have, or know of anyone who has a Sorella GIFT CARD or a Belly Card, it is time to redeem them - there will be a completely new entity in this space in 2015 and they will have no connection to our gift card program or our Belly Points. We will also be adding some additional options for redeeming Belly Points next week.

Toys for Tots Drop Off at Bibelot Shop

City of Minneapolis Launches Open Data Portal

The City of Minneapolis just launched it's Open Data Portal, allowing access to many types of City data online. Previously, if residents or reporters wanted much of this information, they had to formally request it from the City.

The initial sets of data in the portal cover a range of City services and functions, including:

•311 incidents
•Fire incidents
•Police incidents
•Crime statistics
•Open rental licenses
•Open liquor licenses
•Air quality study results
•Digital inclusion survey results
•NRP budgets
•Exact city boundaries

Minneapolis joins 38 states and 46 cities and counties with open data portals that have made data sets available to the public. The City of Minneapolis’ open data portal does not represent all the public information managed by the City, but it is meant to make the most frequently requested and most useful data easily accessible, and more content will be added over time.

Users can download data in various formats, visualize the data in charts and maps where available, and read metadata about the information. Users can also subscribe via RSS feed to get notified when the data is updated. Programmers can access APIs that let them use the data without needing to download anything.

MPRB to Own Downtown East Park After All

Ben Johnson with City Pages used more colorful language to describe the process establishing The Yard/Downtown East Commons/Downtown East Urban Park or whatever the name of the day is, but let's just say it's been chaotic.

On Wednesday, the Administration & Finance Committee of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board passed a resolution approving the Memorandum of Understanding and Lease between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for the Downtown East Commons.  Look for an opinion piece next week (will take some time to digest all of the info), but for now here's what's available:

MPRB Committee Meeting Video:

Downtown East Urban Park MPRB Resolution 2014-371:

https://app.box.com/shared/static/smvlmj9dapbfqd4yzwnk.pdf

Memorandum of Understanding - Downtown East Commons - MPRB and City of Minneapolis:

https://app.box.com/shared/static/5ljbvbeis4fja32gp79i.pdf

Urban Park Use Agreement - Ryan and MSFA:

https://app.box.com/shared/static/411rab25n0pljjzag4c1.pdf

Strib - Plan Would Make Park Board Owner of Downtown Park:

http://www.startribune.com/local/blogs/284670871.html

City Pages - Park Board Will Own New Downtown East Park as Long as It Doesn't Have to Pay for Anything:

http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2014/12/park_board_will_own_new_downtown_east_park_as_long_as_it_doesnt_have_to_pay_for_anything.php

[Photos] Nye's in the News Last Week

The week started with news of Nye's closing, then came a plan for high-rise apartments, then a cloud was cast by historic preservation concerns - here's a collection of the coverage:

NYE'S POLONAISE WILL CLOSE AFTER 65 YEARS

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2014/12/01/nyes-polonaise-will-close-after-65-years.html

NYE'S POLONAISE ROOM TO CLOSE

http://www.minnpost.com/glean/2014/12/nyes-polonaise-room-close

BYE NYE'S: LOCAL LANDMARK TO CLOSE AFTER 65 YEARS

http://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/12/01/nyes-to-close

NYE'S POLONAISE ROOM TO CLOSE NEXT YEAR

http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/dining/284399951.html

'NORDEAST' ICON NYE'S TO CLOSE AFTER 65 YEARS

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_27047227/nyes-iconic-nordeast-minneapolis-bar-and-restaurant-close

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NYE'S POLONAISE ROOM OWNERS PARTNER WITH SCHAFER RICHARDSON ON POTENTIAL APARTMENT TOWER

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2014/12/02/nyes-polonaise-developer-schafer-apartment-tower.html

DEVELOPER PLANS HIGH-RISE ON NYE'S SITE

http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/284549121.html

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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COULD HINDER NYE'S PLAN

http://www.startribune.com/local/west/284945451.html

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COULD THWART PLAN TO REPLACE NYE’S BAR WITH APARTMENTS

http://bringmethenews.com/2014/12/06/historic-preservation-could-block-plan-to-replace-nyes-bar-with-apartments/