Signs of Mill City

Big Brain Comics

Front door of Big Brain Comics on Washington Ave S in the Mill District of Minneapolis.

Rave reviews for the Soap Factory's Haunted Basement!

We spoke with several groups of people who dared to venture through the Soap Factory's Haunted Basement.  Here's what they had to say:

The Haunted Basement is open through October 31, Thursdays through Sundays.

Downtown Condo Development News

We're posting this link in case you missed Jim Buchta's "Developers Returning to Downtown Condos" article in the Sunday, October 17, Star Tribune.

Mill City Farmers Market Closing Celebration & Fall Harvest

The end of another great season at the Mill City Farmers Market on Saturday.  The weather looks like it will cooperate for the celebration and Fall Harvest event.

This Weekend in Mill City / October 15-17

Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis:

Friday, October 15

Huge Free Wine Tastings at Sorella Wine & Spirits

Architecture Tour at the Guthrie

Live Music at the 501 Club

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Saturday, October 16

Huge Free Wine Tastings at Sorella Wine & Spirits

Backstage Tour at the Guthrie

HALLOWEEN TOONS FOR TOTS at the Central Library

MCFM Fall Harvest & Market Closing Celebration!

Family Printmaking: The Woodland Art Style, with Gordon Coons

Live Music at the 501 Club

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Sunday, October 17

Flute Master Class: Paula Gudmundson and Amy Morris at MacPhail

Live Music at the 501 Club

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Vikings vs. Cowboys at the Dome

Weekend Brunch

Saturday

Brunch at Spoonriver

Reservations recommended

10:00am - 2:00pm

See the menu

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.

Saturday & Sunday

501 Club Hash House Brunch

Pet Park Safety Tips - An Ongoing Series from Curtis L. Sanford, DVM

Our neighborhood is a haven for dog owners, and we thought it would be beneficial to have an ongoing series specifically for them.  This is the second installment of Pet Park Safety Tips from Curtis L. Sanford, DVM.

Aggressive or fearful dogs, and puppies not fully vaccinated should not be taken to dog parks until they are completely socialized to all sizes and behaviors of dogs. Dog parks are not a place to learn socialization.

Small pet companions and large pet companions should be separated, unless the known companion can interact nicely with other pets.

Dr. Sanford is a Veterinarian and Owner/Founder of Minneapolis Veterinary Hospital in the Mill District.   He can be contacted at 612-746-0300 or mplsvet@live.com.

Research at the Red Stag / Happy Hour Tonight

Something from Nothing: The Mystery of Landscape Patterns

Time: 5:30pm

Location:  Red Stag Supper Club

Look out the window of an airplane and you will likely encounter a sight that U of M Geology & Geophysics Professor Chris Paola describes as "something miraculous." Beautiful, striking, and well-organized landscape patterns are one of the great mysteries in nature.  Join us for happy hour as Prof. Paola discusses what scientists are learning about these fascinating formations.

"Research at the Red Stag" is a new science happy hour sponsored by the National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics / St. Anthony Falls Laboratory. It is a chance to hear about new and exciting work over beer, in a cool bar.  Come talk with the experts about their efforts to address some of the Earth's most pressing problems.  NCED's Research at the Red Stag brings the wonders of science to happy hour.

Charlize Theron in the Mill District - Exclusive Mill City Times Photos

As promised yesterday,  Charlize Theron leaving the aloft hotel and Mini Cooper auto's appearing in the movie Young Adult.

Photos taken from, and in front of, the Bridgewater Lofts in the Mill District of Minneapolis. 

Zombies Invade the Mill District

The 6th Annual Minneapolis Zombie Pub Crawl took place Saturday, and we were there.  Kim and I took over 540 photos and 220 videos of the invasion.  We had a blast, hanging out in front of Maxwell's for several hours.  Here's the last video of the night - we'll be posting our favorites on the new Zombie blog we set up.

Coming Tomorrow - Photos of Charlize Theron in the Mill District - Mill City Times Exclusive

As mentioned in the Star Tribune last week, Charlize Theron was in town filming Young Adult, a black comedy scheduled for release in the fall of 2011.  Thanks to a tip from a local worker, we found out she was staying at the aloft hotel on Washington Ave S in the Mill District.  We'll publish photos of our celebrity sighting, as well as 3 identical Mini Cooper automobiles that evidently play a role in the film.

Progress on the Plank Road Replacement Project

These shots were taken Thursday, October 7:

Mill District residents who access parking via West River Road are now entering from the 11th Avenue South entrance and driving on new cement. 

Access is no longer available from the Portland Avenue entrance while the final section is being replaced.

This Weekend in Mill City / October 08-10

Heads up:  We're being invaded by Zombies Saturday afternoon.  They'll be converging on the 501 Club and terrifying passersby as they stagger down Washington Avenue, stopping at Grumpy's and Maxwell's on their way to the 7 corners bars.

Other events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis:

Friday, October 08

Midwest Photo Safari "Minneapolis Nights" on the Heritage Trail

The Soap Factory's Haunted Basement Open Thursday-Sunday throughout October

Live Music at the 501 Club

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Saturday, October 9

6th Annual Zombie Pub Crawl

National Fire Prevention Week Celebration

'The Fresh Girl's Guide to Easy Canning and Preserving'

When Last On The Mountain Reading at The Loft

Saturday - Washburn A Mill Tour

Live Music at the 501 Club

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Live Music at Grumpy's

Weekend Brunch

Saturday

Brunch at Spoonriver

Reservations recommended

10:00am - 2:00pm

See the menu

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.

Saturday & Sunday

501 Club Hash House Brunch

Father Hennepin Bluffs Regional Park East Falls Feasibility Study

The Minneapolis Riverfront Corporation hosted an Open House at Pracna's on Main October 5 to present ideas for achieving their vision: To create a more vital, world-class riverfront destination that will honor our past and welcome visitors to generations to come.

Jeff Lee of Barr Engineering presented excerpts from the Feasibility Study his firm is currently composing. The Feasibility Study is a prerequisite to obtaining funding for the project. It addresses issues such as sustainability, aesthetics, environmental benefits, and improving visitors experience.  A component of the project is to restore the East Falls. Below are artists' renderings of what two restored water falls might look like:

These falls are referred to as the Northern Limestone Ledge and Southern Limestone Ledge, both of which are in the park area below the Father Hennepin Bluff pavilion.

The East Falls Team is comprised of individuals from 14 organizations.   A follow up public meeting is planned for early December.  When the date, time and location are finalized, we'll post it under the Event section.

Mill City Market This Weekend

Here's the line-up for Mill City market this weekend.  Only 2 markets left.

DMNA Board Meeting October 12

Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association
Board of Directors Meeting

Tuesday, October 12, 2010, 6:00 p.m.

Hennepin County Central Library

300 Nicollet Mall, Room N-202

Minneapolis, Minnesota   55401

Phone:  (612) 659-1279

Online: http://www.thedmna.org/

Agenda

6:00 pm Call to order and introduction

6:05 pm Consideration of agenda

6:10 pm Land Use Committee Report by Andy Hauer

6:15 pm Crime and Safety Update by George Rosenquist

• Community Policing Update by First Precinct Crime Prevention Specialist Renee Allen

6:45 pm Update on DMNA Web site conversion project

6:50 pm Staff report presented by Christie Rock

7:00 pm Consideration of minutes from the September 14, 2010 Board Meeting

7:05 pm Consideration of October 2010 Financial Report

7:10 pm Old business / new business / other business

• 2010 Annual Meeting update and discussion
• Update on outreach and collaboration with other downtown organizations
  • Downtown Court Watch / Downtown 100 by George Rosenquist
  • Downtown Neighborhood Associations Leaders by Carletta Sweet
  • East Downtown Council by Carletta Sweet
  • Elliot Park Neighborhood Inc. / DEEP 2100 Initiative by Carletta Sweet
  • Minneapolis Downtown Council by George Rosenquist
  • Minneapolis Riverfront Corporation by Carletta Sweet
  • Minnesota Council of Nonprofits by Wally Swan
  • Minnesota Orchestra Assn Community Engagement Committee by Andy Hauer
  • 2020 Partners by Carletta Sweet

7:30 pm Adjournment

The next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 11/9/2010

DMNA Annual Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 12/14/2010 at the Hennepin County Central Library in Pohlad Hall

Bridgewater Residents Supporting Homeless Family Fundraiser

This is from an email sent to Bridgewater Lofts residents from our HOA manager.  Of course, anyone wishing to support this cause is encouraged to attend.  Sounds like fun too!

------------------------------------------

Bridgewater Neighbors,

Join us for an awesome evening of dance and entertainment while helping end homelessness in Hennepin County!

The Bridgewater community supported People Serving People - the largest, comprehensive family focused shelter in Minnesota - with our Holiday drive in December.   And now, we have another opportunity to support goals that are important to all of us:

- Families having a safe place to live
- Children that can attend school and continue their education during difficult times
- Parents that can enroll in job training courses
- Safer communities

Next week, join us for an awesome evening of dance and entertainment while supporting the goals that are important to our community!

SALSA AND SPARKLE
Friday, October 15th
Featuring the music of Salsa del Soul
Salsa and Merengue dance instruction
Solera Restaurant 8-11pm
Tickets: $50
Cash Bar
100% of your ticket price goes to PSP!

The President of People Serving People, Jim Minor, will join us and discuss how we can make a greater impact.

Here's what you can do today:

- Buy Tickets online by October 10th
- Get your dancing shoes ready for the 15th!

Our goals is to raise $15,000 for the organization.  If you can't attend and would like to make a donation, please reference 'Salsa and Sparkle' in the memo line.

Link to event tickets

Please contact Carmen Brace if you have questions.  Thanks for your support!

Carmen Brace
612-708-1691
Carmen.brace@conagrafoods.com

Halloween Wig Sale at Pampered Hair Haven

Some wild hair to top off your Halloween costume.

  

Pampered Hair Haven is located at:

1023 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis MN 55415

Phone - 612-333-3341

Web - http://www.pamperedhairhaven.com/ 

A "New" Waterfall May be Coming to the Mississippi

Everyone's invited to learn about the Minneapolis Park Board's ambitious plans to restore part of the historic waterfall on the Eastside of the river near St. Anthony Main at the:

Eastside Falls Open House

Presentations by:

• Barr Engineering
• Hess Roise Historic Consultants
• Minneapolis Riverfront Corporation

7:00 to 8:30 PM

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Pracna on Main - Inside Courtyard
117 Main Street SE
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Fitness Together of Minneapolis Introduces Aspire 8

When it comes to exercising, not all workouts are the same.  And that’s just the way Fitness Together of Minneapolis wants it.

The Fitness Together studio located at 1024 Washington Ave. S., part of a franchise network of one-on-one personal training, specializes in tailoring workouts for each and every client’s abilities, needs and goals.  The science of crafting the right fitness routine just got better, according to Randy Zarecki, local franchise owner.  The company recently unveiled Aspire 8, a proprietary program that will guide the studio’s personal trainers as they match each client’s aspirations to a custom fitness program designed to meet clients at their current fitness level and progressively move them forward.

“If we have 60 clients, there will be 60 tailored workouts in one-on-one sessions at our private studio with a personal trainer,” says Zarecki.  “That’s the individual attention that gets results, pushes clients to excel, and takes the routine out of a fitness routine.”

The Aspire 8 program was released nationwide to Fitness Together studios in July.  The system will help Fitness Together trainers classify each client into one of four training zones based on their current fitness level. Then, the personal trainer will work with the client individually to build a customized program designed to progressively move that client toward higher levels of fitness. The workouts will continue to evolve and adapt to the levels of improved health and fitness for each individual client ensuring that they continue to improve.

“The Aspire 8 program evolves with a Fitness Together client who is increasingly getting in better shape,” Zarecki added.  “It addresses the age-old question: How come I work out all the time but don’t lose weight?”

According to Zarecki, the results-oriented approach to exercising is one reason Fitness Together continues to excel as a growing national chain.  And Zarecki expects the Aspire 8 program to keep loyal Minneapolis customers coming back, turning many into clients for life.

“We approach health and fitness as a lifestyle, and our personal trainers and fitness studio play an incredibly important role in the lives of clients,” Zarecki added.  “We’re not a volume business that focuses on dues versus usage.  We’re about a very high level of service for people in Minneapolis who want real results that will last. We make the most of their valuable time each and every session in a way they won’t get anywhere else.  The Aspire 8 program will take that to the next level.”

For more info:

1024 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN   55415

Phone -  612-378-8898

Web - http://www.ftmsp.com/

Hours - Call for appointment

501SP1N has Officially Launched

Dawn Doll and her staff of instructors, together with 501F1T, hosted the 501SP1N Launch Party October 1.  501SP1N is an innovative indoor cycling program utilizing the Realryder® and Krankcyle®.

Andria Johnson, above, is one of the Krankcyle® instructors.  Andria met Dawn through a friend, and Dawn has been her trainer for over a year.  Andria is currently working towards becoming an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, and credits Dawn with her healthy lifestyle.

In addition to spin classes, Dawn teaches Pilates.  She is shown above with a piece of Pilates equipment used in her class.

Andrea Austin, Certified Master Personal Trainer with 20 years of experience, is a Realryder® instructor. 

Joe Hegman is a Krankcyle® instructor and Personal Trainer.

501SP1N is located at 501 Washington Avenue South, 3rd Floor.  For more information, call 612-910-1425.