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.
Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 8:10AMNew Website for Twin Cities' Bikers: Cyclopath
;)
Per a September 7 notification from Secrets of the City, the U of M released a new open source site that shares information about bike routes around the Twin Cities called Cyclopath. The site uses info from MnDOT, The Met Council, and the United States Geological Survey for its data source. According to the notice, the creators also hope to use the site’s interactivity to build a community to share their bike route tips and tricks.
Reminder - Important MPRB Meeting Tonight Regarding the Fuji Ya "Waterworks" Project
Re: The Fuji Ya site near Mill Ruins Park on the Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront.
Please attend the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board meeting and hear firsthand details on a concept that has the potential to be the most important redevelopment project of the next 20 years on the West Bank of the Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront.
The first change has already been put in place - the Fuji Ya site is now being referred to as the "Waterworks" site. As part of this process a Non-Appointed Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) will be formed, allowing every interested citizen to be involved with, and even vote on, the final proposal.
The MPRB will hear a presentation and vote on a proposal from the Minneapolis Parks Foundation regarding redeveloping the former Fuji Ya site on the Minneapolis Riverfront.
Time: 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: MPRB Administrative Offices, Board Room Suite 255
Address: 2117 West River Road
Crooked Pint Ale House Opens This Saturday
According to a sign on the front door, the newest restaurant in the neighborhood opens at 7:00 AM this Saturday, September 10.
IMPORTANT MINNEAPOLIS RIVERFRONT MEETING - SEPTEMBER 7
Re: The Fuji Ya site near Mill Ruins Park on the Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront.
Please attend the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board meeting and hear firsthand details on a concept that has the potential to be the most important redevelopment project of the next 20 years on the West Bank of the Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront.
The first change has already been put in place - the Fuji Ya site is now being referred to as the "Waterworks" site. As part of this process a Non-Appointed Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) will be formed, allowing every interested citizen to be involved with, and even vote on, the final proposal.
Date: 9/7/2011
Resolution 2011-174 Resolution Approving a Partner Agreement with the Minneapolis Parks Foundation and Establishment of a Non-appointed Citizen’s Advisory Committee Process for Preliminary Visioning and Implementation Study of the Waterworks Site in Downtown Minneapolis.
The Full Resolution, The Staff Report, The Contract
Paul Reyelts of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation presented a vision for the former Fuji Ya site on the Dowtown Minneapolis Riverfront at Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board meeting on Wednesday, June 15, 2011.
Presentation by Paul Reyelts, Minneapolis Parks Foundation Board Treasurer and Board Member at the June 15, 2011
Meeting Notes
Working on this idea for the past year
- Believe it has “broad interest and support for the development of a public reuse plan” for the site.
- Plan to attract private resources to support development of the site
- Intention is that the site would be dedicated to public use, not for private use
- Site is not addressed in the Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative (MRDI)
- Proposal would be complimentary to the MRDI
Four major reason to give focus and priority to the Fuji Ya site:
1. The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) owns the land
2. Site is very close to Downtown Minneapolis
3. If properly developed, the site could be the major Downtown gateway to the river and to the Stone Arch Bridge
4. The Stone arch Loop already has an estimated 3/4 of a million visitors annually passing near the site
The proposal would enhance the experience for visitors and at the same time develop revenue generating opportunities that support the financial sustainability of the sites amenities.
The Proposal:
Minneapolis Park Foundation will engage a team of professionals that has agreed to develop a Phase 1 Fuji Ya site master plan and program.
Paul Reyelts will fund these services through the Minneapolis Parks Foundation (MPF).
The MPF Executive Committee will oversee the development of the plan.
Only Public use of the site is envisioned.
Paul Reyelts does not live near or own property in the vicinity of the Fuji Ya site. Nor does he have any personal or financial interest in this proposal.
The MPF will coordinate with the MPRB on getting Citizen input the MPRB Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) process.
The goal of Phase 1 is the creation of a visual presentation summarizing the findings of the MPF and a recommended vision for the site development, along with next steps in the development process.
Assuming that the site master plan has the support of the MPRB, the MPF, and the community, Paul Reyelts is prepared to provide “material financial support” for the development project, and with the MPF he will champion private sector fundraising efforts.
Motivation:
Like the Founders of the Minneapolis Park System, the MPF and supporters want to leave a legacy for future generations. This premise is the reason behind Paul Reyelts commitment.
Timing:
Hope that CAC will start within the next month.
Phase 1 process completed in a 3 month timeframe.
MPRB Commissioners Reactions:
Commissioner Anita Tabb – “This has a lot of very exciting potential.” “I’m delighted to see people have a real interest in Downtown Minneapolis.” “I think projects like this will continue to make our city a great place to be, and hopefully attract more people to Downtown.”
Commissioner Scott Vreeland – “What we have there is this great treasure with 7 different archeological ruins that can be accessed.”
Board President Erwin – “This is not only a wonderful gift you’re giving the Park Board, but this is a great kick-off for the Foundation to help the Foundation a key project that they focus on that I think will be successful…it’s a broader area than just the Fuji Ya site itself…the site extends all the way to the 3rd Ave Bridge…
Fuji Ya Site Background
1968: Fuji Ya moved to 420 S. 1st St. in Minneapolis, a chic riverfront structure of glass, oak and rough cedar, designed by architect Newton Griffin, based upon a plan by Shinichi Okada. It was constructed over the ruins of the 1878 Standard Mill. Owner Reiko Weston bought the land, 2.7 acres, for $20,000 in 1961.
1990: Fuji Ya closes. After extensive litigation, the Minneapolis Park Board buys out the Weston family for $3.5 million in an out-of-court settlement.
Background on Mr. Reyelts
Paul Reyelts served as the Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of The Valspar Corporation, a global leader in the coatings industry, from April 1982 until February 2008. He remained an Executive Vice President of Valspar Corporation until his retirement in May 2009. In addition, Mr. Reyelts serves on the Board of Trustees of Minnesota Public Radio, the Advisory Board of the University of Minnesota College of Design and the Minneapolis Parks Foundation Board.
Background on the Fuji Ya aka "Waterworks" Site from MSR
Download Fuji Ya - "Waterworks" Redevelopment Report from MSR
Central Library is Seeking 'Homework Hub' Volunteers
;)
Central Library, along with several other Hennepin County Libraries, is recruiting Homework Hub volunteers to work with youth after school on literacy and homework related projects - reading, math, history, language arts and more.
Volunteers must have some experience with school age children and commit to working once a week, for as little as 3 hours, at a Homework Hub location for a semester. This is a great opportunity to make a huge difference in a child's life.
Training is provided. A criminal background check is required. You can apply online at the Library website. Additional volunteer opportunities can be viewed on the Library's volunteer page.
Slide Show from the August 21 Homegrown Experience on Nicollet Island
The second Homegrown Experience, organized by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board(MPRB), took place August 21 on Nicollet Island. This slide show is condensed down from the 1,000+ pictures we captured that afternoon. Beautiful day, great food and drink!
Week 18 at the Mill City Farmers Market
Happy Labor Day weekend - already?? Summer is coming to end, and if you haven't visited the Mill City Farmers Market yet, you only have six more opportunities this season.
Below, a peach tomato from Prairie Hollow Farm. Although you can't really tell from the picture, the skin has a faint fuzz on it.
Seems like every week we run into someone we haven't seen for a while. This morning it was Paulette Salo, who you may recognize as a vendor from last year's Market. Paulette painted some gorgeous vegetable and fruit pictures for our kitchen and dining areas last summer.
This Weekend in Mill City / September 2-4
Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis and across the Stone Arch Bridge in Old St. Anthony.
Friday, September 2
Saturday, September 3
Taste Twin Cities Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour (Starts at Gold Medal Park)
"Sisterhood of the Hennepin Chalice" Reading at Mill City Museum
Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum
Petit Déjeuner: A Toast to French Breads at Alliance Française
Sunday, September 4
Women’s Work: History Player Eva Valesh Tour at Mill City Museum
Complimentary Tai Chi Workshop at Open Book
Weekend Brunch
Saturday & Sunday
Brunch at Spoonriver
750 South 2nd St (at Chicago Ave S)
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-436-2236
Reservations recommended
10:00am - 2:00pm
Saturday & Sunday
Brunch at the Aster Cafe
St. Anthony Main
125 SE Main Street
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-379-3138
Until 2pm.
Sunday
Brunch at Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-339-3388
brunch buffet 10am- 2pm Sunday
$12/person (kids 3 and under eat free, 4-12 years are 1/2 price!)
includes: eggs, bacon, french toast, hash browns, fresh salad and fruit, pastries, build your own omlette bar and more...
featuring absolut bloody bar for $5.
also offering fair trade coffee and full bar.
Mill District Home Featured in Twin Cities Metro Magazine
I can't count the number of times we walked by 247 10th Avenue South, always confounded as to what the building could possibly be. It wasn't until this summer that we learned it was a private residence, and by chance we recently met the owner, Jeff Arundel, who mentioned his home was recently featured in Twin Cities Metro Magazine. How cool is that? Just another example of the gems that fill our neighborhood.
;)
First Mill City Museum Minneapolis History Pub Crawl
The Mill City Museum added a Minneapolis History Pub Crawl to the tour offerings this year. Unfortunately, the State shut down forced them to cancel two of the three scheduled tours. We were fortunate enough to join the only tour available on Tuesday, August 30.
The trolley departed from the Museum and took us over the Stone Arch Bridge and along Washington Avenue, with a few stops and jogs along the way. Our guides, Rod and Dave, presented a wealth of history and provided each of us with a Washington Avenue Photo Guide inclusive of pictures ranging from 1860 to the mid 1960's, along with a list of references and links for further research at our leisure.
We stopped for a drink at the Milwaukee Road Depot and The Loop, allowing enough time for attendees to get to know each other and discuss the sites and info in more detail.
Hopefully they'll bring this tour back next summer - it was both fun and informative. The Mill City Museum has a very talented and engaging staff, and we highly recommend all of the tours and special events they offer.
Sanctuary Celebrates 4 Year Anniversary with Neighborhood Party [Video]
Normally closed on Sundays, Sanctuary welcomed friends and neighbors on August 28 to celebrate 4 years at the 903 Washington location.
Chef Patrick Atanalian served up a fantastic feast, and along with Naomi, Roger, Michael and staff, made sure everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. DJ Shannon Blowtorch outdid herself with the music.
OMG, I think we broke the Fun-O-Meter, check out the video:
Best viewed in full screen mode
Mark Your Calendars - The People Serving People Heart & Soul Gala
Get ready to dance the night away with a soulful nod to 1960's music! Join People Serving People and go back to when soul, funk and blues came together - releasing some of the greatest musicians of all time. Enjoy a music-filled evening with dinner and program, silent and live auctions, live music and a special VIP reception.
*VIP Reception: Start the night right, mingle with some of Minneapolis' elite at our special VIP Reception from 5:30-6:30pm. The reception includes live entertainment provided by DJ Focus, open bar with specialty cocktail created by Phillips Distributing and fun retro games. VIP guests will be able to participate in the silent auction, which opens at 6:00pm. Entrance to the VIP Reception and preferred seating at dinner is included in a $200 ticket.
Tonight - Music in The Park at Father Hennepin Bluffs
Time: 7:00pm
Siems-Hauer Acoustic Duo "Classic and Original Folk/Blues"
Brought to us by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.
Tonight - Annual Gathering: Write Here, Write Now at the Loft
Time: 5:00pm
Location: The Loft, 1011 Washington Avenue South (Open Book Performance Hall)
Write Here. Write Now.
The Loft Annual Gathering brings constituents together to catch up with each other, celebrate some of the Loft's achievements in the past year, and learn about some of the upcoming classes and events at the Loft.
The open house event will take place from 5-8 p.m. Jocelyn Hale, the Loft's executive director, will give an address at 6 p.m., which will be followed by a student reading at 6:45 p.m. Throughout the evening there will be opportunities to take a Loft mini-class, learn about Loft programs and classes, stake your place in Loft history, and socialize with other aspiring, emerging, and established writers.
Come share the literary love. Register for the Loft Annual Gathering.
Tonight - Minneapolis History Pub Crawl with Mill City Museum
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Tour begins and ends at Mill City Museum, 704 South Second Street
Fee: $25 ($20 MHS members)
Reservations: required, call 612-341-7555
Discover the richness of Minneapolis history, and slake your thirst with some fine beverages along a single road: Washington Avenue. Travel down this busy but underappreciated street to see the importance of railroads, warehousing, flour milling,, immigration, entertainment, and vice to the story of the Mill City. A trolley will take participants through the neighborhoods along Washington from 35W to Plymouth, with stops at significant historic places and two watering holes in historic buildings. Ages 21 and up only. Drink purchases are not included in the tour price. Drink specials will be made available at participating locations.
Central Corridor Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project Update
;)
Click here for an update on the Light Rail progress on the Minneapolis side.
About the Central Corridor Project
The Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project will link downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis along Washington and University avenues via the state Capitol and the University of Minnesota.
Construction began in late summer 2010 on the planned 11-mile Central Corridor line. Service will begin in 2014. The line will connect with the Hiawatha LRT line at the Metrodome station in Minneapolis and the Northstar commuter rail line at the Target Field Station.
The Metropolitan Council is the grantee of federal funds. The regional government agency is charged with building the line in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The Central Corridor Management Committee, which includes commissioners from Ramsey and Hennepin counties, the mayors of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota, provides advice and oversight.
Funding is provided by the Federal Transit Administration, Counties Transit Improvement Board, state of Minnesota, Ramsey and Hennepin counties' regional railroad authorities, city of St. Paul, Metropolitan Council and the Central Corridor Funders Collaborative.
Click here for more information.
Park Board Joins WCCO to Sell Metrodome Roof Squares at State Fair
;)
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is joining WCCO Friday at the Minnesota State Fair to sell 12x12 inch Metrodome roof squares at the WCCO Radio booth, located on Carnes Avenue between Nelson and Underwood Street. Roof squares will be sold during the John Williams Show from 9:00am to Noon.
Proceeds will go toward providing equipment, such as uniforms and gloves, for MPRB youth baseball teams of North Minneapolis parks impacted by the May 22 tornado.
Click here to the news release.
The Week Ahead in Mill City / August 29-September 4
The second half of the week is pretty quiet in Mill City - Labor Day weekend is just a few days away! Bright and early each Monday morning we provide an easy to reference list of events and activities for the week ahead in the Mill City neighborhood. Submit your events here...
Monday, August 29
Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Board Meeting
Music in The Park - Nicollet Island Park
Movable Type: the Print Shop on Wheels at MCBA
Firing up for 2012: A Planned Parenthood Action Fund Fundraiser at the Guthrie
Brooklyn Rider at Southern Theater
Tuesday, August 30
Annual Gathering: Write Here, Write Now at the Loft
Free Kindermusik Class at the 4th Avenue Playground
Music in The Park - Father Hennepin Bluffs
Minneapolis History Pub Crawl with Mill City Museum
Thursday, September 1
Vikings and Houston Texans at the Dome
Saturday, September 3
Taste Twin Cities Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour (Starts at Gold Medal Park)
Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum
Petit Déjeuner: A Toast to French Breads at Alliance Française
Sunday, September 4
Women’s Work: History Player Eva Valesh Tour at Mill City Museum
Complimentary Tai Chi Workshop at Open Book
Week 17 at the Mill City Farmers Market
Nistler Farms was back this week with sweet corn. Elderberries and sand plums were new at Prairie Hollow Farm. We picked up another seedless watermelon from Svihel Farms - super sweet!
