June 18 at the Mill City Farmers Market

The first peas and carrots of the season rounded out our June 18 shopping basket from the Mill City Farmers Market.

Tim Page of Holistic Health Farms had fresh turmeric - packed with health benefits!

Friendly staff from the downtown YMCA manned one of the community tables. If you missed them at the Market, you can learn about their classes, services, amenities, etc., via this interview with Executive Director, Andrew Hoffman by our own Becky Fillinger. It's quite an impressive facility!

Be sure to check out the new bone broth vendor, Superior Provisions. The broth is sold frozen, but they provide hot samples - I tried the Ham & Sage at the June 18th Market...YUM! I have a container of the chicken broth in the freezer, and as soon as the current hot spell passes I'll be making a batch of soup.

Shopper tip: I bring plastic bags and other containers to the market as a favor to the vendors, as their cost for containers has gone up exponentially. Please also return jars to vendors who provide honey, jams, pickles, etc., as well as egg cartons. A little effort by all of us will make a positive impact on our valued vendors who operate on very low margins. Thanks! :)

There's a lot of love to go around at the Market!

I'm embarrassed to admit I consumed an entire bag of Bliss granola over the course of the weekend. It just kind of happened...

Keeping James I. Rice Park Healthy is a Labor of Love for Neighbors, With Help from Friends of the Mississippi River

Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from Laura Domyancich-Lee's June 14 article on the Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) website. I thought it was important to call out, as it shows why we should feel vested in our downtown neighborhoods, and how we can make a positive impact.

A community-driven restoration at James I. Rice Park provides a new stewardship model for beloved parks. Friends of the Mississippi River provides technical guidance, and neighbors take the lead.

Local love for a park turns into dedication

At 16 acres, James I. Rice Park in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis is among the smaller parks in the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board system. But its size doesn't diminish how special it is to the community of people who spend time in this stretch of woodland along the Mississippi River, or how important it is for providing habitat and water quality benefits.

From early morning until dark, people move through the park trails, finding peace and calm along the banks of the river in an often-busy part of the city. Wildlife abounds just a stone's throw from downtown Minneapolis.

However, over time, a beloved place can start to show wear. Heavy use, trash and yard waste were beginning to degrade the park's beauty and ecological function. Foot traffic across the sandy slopes had created bare areas in the park increasing erosion. Invasive plants dominated the shrub and ground layers, reducing native plant diversity and limiting the site's habitat value for birds, pollinators and other wildlife. Some areas were so shaded by invasive shrubs that the woodland ground was bare, contributing to erosion and soil movement into the river.

A few years ago, a group of neighbors and frequent park users saw these issues and jumped into action. With a modest amount of funding from their North Loop Neighborhood Association and support from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, these community volunteers organized work days to collect trash, pull weeds, cut back invasive shrubs and return ecological health to a place that was important to them. Many properties in the neighborhood don't have outdoor space — these neighbors came to see the park as their shared backyard and dedicated themselves to its restoration.

A "volunteer-centric" management plan for James I. Rice Park

James I. Rice Park is managed by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, and park board staff identified a need for the community volunteers to be guided by a thoughtful planning process and technical knowledge. Through a long-standing partnership between the park board and FMR, park board staff engaged FMR ecologists to assist the neighborhood association with restoration efforts.

We saw an opportunity for a connection deeper than a one-off volunteer training and immediately sought funding to write a management plan that would engage and guide the community in their restoration efforts.

In 2021, the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization awarded a planning grant to FMR, which covered FMR staff costs to document the park's historical and current conditions, hold engagement events to understand the community's goals for the park and develop a comprehensive management plan.

Typically, FMR implements management plans by hiring subcontractors who employ crews to carry out restoration tasks over several years. But because James I. Rice Park has a committed crew of volunteers with growing ecological knowledge, we wrote the park's management plan specifically for the community to implement.

The plan, completed this spring, outlines straightforward tasks that small groups of people can complete in a few hours. We also organized tasks by time of year and work units within the park.

As with other management plans, the goal is that the ecological conditions will improve over time, and the park will become more self-sustaining, needing only a small amount of yearly tending for a healthy, balanced landscape.

Final Editor's Note: There's a lot more to the article - please continue reading here!

Maintaining A Historic Structure in Water Works Park

Submitted by Doug Verdier

Earlier this month (June 9) West River Parkway was temporarily closed to vehicular traffic between 4th Avenue N and Portland Avenue for a couple of hours. The closure was necessary to allow a repair along the foundation of the former Columbia Flour Mill structure near General Mills Plaza fire pits in Water Works Park.

Built in 1882, the Columbia Flour Mill was originally six stories high with a basement. It was located between the Bassett Sawmill buildings (now the site of the Owamni restaurant and park pavilion) and the Occidental Feed Mill. The Columbia Flour Mill was destroyed by a fire and collapsed in 1941, and the area was used as a dump for many years. In more recent times, the area was filled and used as a parking lot for several years until the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) together with the Minneapolis Parks Foundation, began work to create a new Downtown park, now known as Water Works Park.

During excavation in preparation for work on the new park, a 55-foot-long rail car scale was among the artifacts uncovered in the vicinity of the Columbia Mill ruins. Other artifacts and machinery from the milling era were also found in the basement of the Columbia site after the fill material was removed from inside the remaining outer walls of the mill building. These were examined by archeologists before the structure was reinforced and filled again to its current level. This area is now an outdoor terrace and lawn used for events and outdoor seating for Owamni patrons.

The repairs that were made recently were likely the result of some settling of the fill material that was placed inside the reinforced walls of the former Columbia Mill structure. Some shifting of fill likely occurred around machinery and other items that were covered with a geotextile cell fabric material that is commonly used for soil stabilization in construction projects.

Two blue Cemstone trucks delivered and pumped the fill material to the repair site.

Workers inserted a hose from a Cemstone cement truck along the foundation of the former Columbia Flour Mill building to pump “flowable fill” beneath the structure. Workers closely monitored the fill while it was being pumped.

According to Jon Duesman, Construction Project Manager for the MPRB, the repairs involved pumping what is called flowable fill beneath the corner of the structure to fill the gap caused by the settling. Flowable fill consists of water, fly ash, sand and cement, and was delivered to the site by Cemstone. The liquid mixture will find any gap and fill it and it is self-leveling. The process took less than an hour to complete and used only a few cubic yards of the flowable fill material.

There will be some finishing along the top surface of the area where the fill was inserted, but that is not a major project, according to Mr. Duesman. MPRB employees will complete the job.

4th Street Reconstruction Project Update - June 17

4th Street Reconstruction Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis is reconstructing 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and 4th Ave. S in downtown Minneapolis. The reconstruction will include wider sidewalks, improved crossings, a new bi-directional off-street bike path on the north side of the street, lighting, trees, and planting beds. Construction is underway and is expected to be complete by the end of 2022.

What's Happening Next Week?

Roadway reconstruction continues on 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Fourth St. is currently closed to vehicle traffic between 1st Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Local access is being maintained between 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N.

• Crews continue roadway repaving and sidewalk work between 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N.
• Next week, crews will begin excavation for planter beds between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave.

*Please note that the construction schedules are subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

What to expect during construction?

• During roadway construction, 4th St. will be closed to through traffic between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Local access will be maintained from 2nd Ave. N to 1st Ave. N. 
• Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout construction. Be aware of your surroundings when walking or biking near the construction zone. 
• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.

Upcoming Events

4th Street Weekly Stakeholder Meeting

Weekly project newsletters are sent out weekly and virtual stakeholder meetings occur bi-weekly. Join us at the next stakeholder meeting to get project updates, talk with project staff and get your questions/concerns answered.

Upcoming Stakeholder Meetings:

July 1, 9-9:30 a.m. - CANCELLED

July 15, 9-9:30 a.m.

Teams Meeting: Click here to join the meeting

Stay connected

There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/fourth-st-n-and-s/  

Provide questions, comments or concerns on the interactive map: https://zan.mysocialpinpoint.com/4thstreetreconstruction

Email the project team: info@4thstmpls.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-412-9774

MacPhail at Water Works presents Sounds of Summer, July 9th

MacPhail at Water Works presents Sounds of Summer with performances by MacPhail faculty and students. All are welcome at this free event taking place on Saturday, July 9 from 3 to 7 pm at Water Works at Mill Ruins Park. A variety of ages, styles, and instruments will make this an afternoon to remember. Moving into evening, the event culminates with a special concert by Nachito Herrera and his trio.

The schedule of performances is as follows:

3:00-3:30 pm Student Performances

3:45-4:30 pm MacPhail Percussion Ensembles featuring Rimshots! and Triptych

4:45-5:05 pm MacPhail Community Youth Choir (MCYC) led by J.D. Steele

5:15-6:00 pm Michael Cain Trio, with Kevin Washington and Anthony Cox

6:15-7:00 pm Featured Guest Artist: Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera

Nachito HerreraIgnacio “Nachito” Herrera’s talent was recognized early on; he performed Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Havana Symphony Orchestra at age 12. Well known to North American jazz audiences, he’s toured America with the Afro-Cuban All Stars and was lead pianist and musical director of ¡Cubanismo!

This is the second of five MacPhail Center for Music events at Water Works this summer. Still to come: August 2, “Summer Sing” Choir Concert at noon; August 3, Dementia Friendly Sing-a-long, 6:30 pm; and a Broadway Sing-a long, 6:30 pm.

Small Business Spotlight: Guacaya Bistreaux, Chef and Owner Pedro Wolcott, and General Manager, Louis Tufte

Article by Becky Fillinger

Chef Pedro Wolcott   Photo credit: Dan Collison

Interested in Latin Caribbean cuisine, with a decided New Orleans influence? Head to Guacaya Bistreaux at 337 Washington Avenue N in the North Loop. We talked to Chef and Owner Pedro Wolcott and General Manager Louis Tufte about the inventive dishes, beautiful ambiance and inspiration for our new dining choice.

Photo credit: Dan CollisonQ:  I've read that your new restaurant Guacaya Bistreaux pays tribute to the “El Mercado Victoriano Lorenzo'' neighborhood in Penonome, Panama. Please tell us more about the neighborhood and how it is reflected in the menu and ambiance at Guacaya Bistreaux.

Chef Pedro: Every town in Panama has two things: a mercado (market) and a plaza. Both are gathering places for the community at large. The Mercado highlights the specific foods and traditions for each community. I wanted to take the idea of the food I grew up with and show how it evolved based on all the places I lived on my way to Minnesota – including New Orleans. Food from the communities that have welcomed me, in a space that is inviting, casual and most importantly bright and full of life. 

Q:  Why did you choose the North Loop as the location for your restaurant?

Chef Pedro: My wife Alex and I live in the North Loop, it's where we decided to raise our kids. If I was going to open a restaurant, it was going to be in the neighborhood I live in. Much like the mercado reflects all aspects of the community that lives there, I wanted the North Loop restaurant to reflect the diversity of its residents. I also wanted to bring a new style of dining to the North Loop, making sure it was accessible to all. The patio overlooks the historic Washington bridge – we hope our customers will enjoy the experience and location as much as we do.

Crawfish pies

Pescado Frito

La Loba Rosada Q:  What's a must try dish on the menu that many people might over look?

A: This is such a hard choice because I would hate for anything to be overlooked. I think two dishes that represent my journey through cooking are the crawfish pies and the Pescado Frito. Crawfish pies are a staple of New Orleans, which is where I spent a large part of my career, it's also where I met my wife. The Pescado Frito is a whole fried fish, and is very much a reflection of my childhood. Growing up surrounded by the ocean, whole fish was a staple. 

Q:  How are you marketing Guacaya Bistreaux to stand out among the many choices a restaurant customer has in Minneapolis?

Louis: Our greatest marketing tool is our customers. We are focusing on making sure every dish, cocktail and experience is something people have not experienced dining out in Minneapolis. We also wanted to make sure that our space was bright and inviting. From our full wall mirrors and paintings from a local Panamanian artist, Alfonso Guareia, to a specialty piece made for us by Doctor John, straight from New Orleans – we aim to delight our customers.

Chillin' out on the patio   Photo credit: Dan Collison

Q:  Please tell us about the recent Grand Opening. How may we follow your news? 

Louis: Our opening was more than we could have hoped for. We were excited to finally reveal our patio, for all those warm summer nights and to meet our North Loop neighbors. The best way to follow us is our social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook), that's where we debut our latest dishes, or our bar manager Stef Tupy’s Sunday special cocktails. Our website also shows all of our upcoming events. 

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project - June 16 Update

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Ave. will be reconstructed between 12th Street and Washington Avenue. The City will reconstruct the pavement from building face to building face, including improvements to public and private utility infrastructure, and improved space for pedestrians, bicycles, transit, and vehicles.

Latest Project News

The Mainline concrete pavement was completed this week.  All that remains is the pavement lanes in the 6th street intersection.

Sidewalk areas, ped ramps, and bike lanes have been the focus this past week.

What's Coming Up

The 6th Street intersection will be reduced to 1-lane starting Monday.  Expect traffic delays on 6th Street for morning rush hour.  Removals will begin for preparation and paving of that next lane of traffic across the intersection.

The last quadrant of sidewalk in the 7th Street intersection will be completed next week, and the intersection will be back open to 3 lanes late in the week.

Planter rails will continued to be installed north of 5th Street.

For more information please see attached update. Hennepin_Update_Vol96.pdf  

Contact Info

For more information on this project contact: 

Project email: hennepinCM@minneapolismn.gov

Phone: 612-255-4049

Website: www.hennepindowntown.com 

Nicollet Market Returns as Part of Downtown Thursday Lineup, June 16

Market, music and festivities along Nicollet

Thursday, June 16 beginning at 10 am

Nicollet between 5th and 9th Streets

The mpls downtown council would like you to know that Thursdays are full of activities downtown this summer, and this week Downtown Thursdays kicks off with a full lineup. The Nicollet Market returns weekly on Thursdays from 10 am – 2:30 pm and will feature flowers, baked goods, coffee, chocolates, and a variety of products and merchandise from local small businesses. On the third Thursday of each Month, Downtown Thursdays will feature additional markets and entertainment.

This month’s Downtown Thursday will feature an incredible lineup, including a live performance by international pianist Nachito Herrera as part of the weekly Pianos on Parade presented by PNC Bank performance lineup. 

• Nicollet Market – 10 am – 2:30 pm
• The Black Market – 10 am – 2:30 pm
• The Departments at Dayton’s Market – 10 am – 2:30 pm
• 50th Anniversary of Pride Promotion – 11:30 – 1:30 pm
• Bougie Waffles free giveaways, Nicollet – while supplies last
• Lawn games + activities, Hennepin County South Plaza – 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
• Twin Cities Pride booth, Nicollet – 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
• Drag Queen appearances, Nicollet – 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
• One Voice performance – U.S. Bancorp Center – 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
• Xibabba piano performance – IDS Center – 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
• Nachito Herrera piano performance – IDS Center – 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
• Market Bikes, Nicollet between 5th and 6th Streets – 11 am – 1 pm
• Cindy Lawson, Music in the Park, The Commons – 5 pm – 6 pm
• Outdoor Movie: “In The Heights”, Target Field Station – 7 pm

View the full schedule of events at www.mplsdowntown.com. Follow along on social media @mplsdowntown and share your downtown experiences using the hashtag #mymplsdt.

June 14 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via a June 14 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis. This project is anticipated to be completed summer 2023.

The new tunnel is being constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River is being expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.

Project Map

Latest Project News

  2nd Ave

• Crews continue tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection. Crews are working under Washington Ave towards the existing access shaft near Hennepin Ave.
  • The sidewalks remain open on both sides of the road.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 2nd Ave S intersection remains open.
  • 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Ave and 1st St S.
  • Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S remain open. There may be short-term access delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

 Portland Ave

• Tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave continues from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection. Crews are tunneling under Washington Ave towards Chicago Ave.
  • Pedestrian access is being maintained during this work. Please follow any posted detour routes.
  • There may be short, periodic delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

Long-term closures/restrictions

• The north westbound lane, bike lane, and parking lane remains closed on Washington Ave between Portland Ave and Park Ave. These closures will remain in place until the project is completed. This is necessary for the contractor to utilize the existing shaft to connect the existing tunnel to the new tunnel.
  • During this closure, pedestrians can still use the sidewalks along Washington Ave.
  • Crosswalks across Washington Ave and Portland Ave will remain open.
  • Bicyclists will share the traffic lane.
  • The existing left turn lane on Washington Ave at the Portland Ave intersection will temporarily become a left turn and through lane.

• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains restricted between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall. The contractor will resume tunneling from the existing tunnel to the new tunnel in fall 2022.
  • During these restrictions, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remains open.

• The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains restricted through the end of the project. The dewatering well and pumps are installed in this area.
  • Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of 4th Ave S.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 4th Ave intersection remains open.
  • Access to driveways off 4th Ave S remains open.

• The eastern sidewalk along Nicollet Mall between Washington Ave and 3rd St N remains restricted. Access is open to the Marquette Plaza building. The dewatering well and pumps are installed in this area.
  • Pedestrians are still able to use the sidewalk on the west side of Nicollet Mall.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave intersection remains open.
  • Possible short-term sidewalk closures to remove equipment in the area through the end of the month.

• The west sidewalk of Portland Ave south of Washington Ave will remain restricted to pedestrians around the dewatering well and pumps until the project is completed.

Suspended sites through summer 2022

Hennepin Ave

• Tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave will resume fall 2022 at this site.

Mississippi River Portal

• Minor activities will periodically occur at the Mississippi River portal site through Summer 2022. Work will resume fall 2022.

Stay connected

Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

Pride Community Icon: Dot Belstler, Executive Director, Twin Cities Pride

Article by Becky Fillinger

Dot Belstler Photo: David ShermanDot Belstler was hired as the Executive Director of Twin Cities Pride in 2009. She recently chose to retire, after a career where she specialized in community outreach, sponsorships, and volunteerism. 

Quorum honored Belstler with a Lifetime Achievement Award this week and she is also the first ever recipient of the Dot Belstler Ally of the Year Award. We talked to Dot about her tenure at Twin Cities Pride and this year’s 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in Minnesota.  

Q:  Congratulations on your Lifetime Achievement Award and also for having an award named in your honor! Please tell us the accomplishments you're most proud of during your tenure at Twin Cities Pride.

A:  I love that the LGBTQ+ community is more visible than even ten years ago. Of course, it’s not due to me or Twin Cities Pride, but we have strived to create space for people to come together to be who they are. Pride is like a family reunion, welcoming all the relatives - those who have been around for many years and those who are new to the community. I love that we are able to light the bridges in rainbow colors to let queer community members know that they are seen, they are included, and they are loved.

Q:  Twin Cities Pride is celebrating a 50-year anniversary in 2022.  Please tell our readers a brief history of how it started and how it's going?

A:  The first Pride march in the Twin Cities was in 1972 as a commemoration of the Stonewall riots in New York three years prior. It was planned by Jean-Nickolaus Tretter and two other people who have since passed. About 25 people marched down Nicollet Avenue and another 25 or so remained in Loring Park with money to bail them out of jail if they were arrested. No one was arrested and they all had a picnic in Loring Park afterwards. In 1980 the Pride committee applied for a block party and was denied by the City Council and Mayor. The local ACLU sued the city and there was a one-hour block party in 1981. Over the years the Pride Festival and March have grown to become one of the largest Pride events in the country. Visitors can see some of the history of Pride at the History Pavilion (Loring Community Center) during the Pride Festival. 

Q:  Does the 2022 Festival have a theme?  

A:  The theme for our 2022 Pride Celebration is Past, Present, Future, and we have three Grand Marshals each representing an era: Past: Jean-Nickolaus Tretter, Present: Nic Zapko, and Future: Hildie Edwards.

Q:  Are there multiple events?

A:  Yes! We’ve had several events already, but the Pride Family Fun Day is coming up on June 19. It’s a free family picnic at Como Park East Pavilions and includes several family-fun activities. The Festival is June 25-26 from 10a-6p in Loring Park. We’ve added a dedicated disability services area and Twin Cities Sober Pride space with a barbeque. It’s also the 20th Anniversary of the Power to the People of Color Stage at Pride. We are so proud to support this space and the BIPOC and other artists who perform on this and all of our stages.

   
Saturday night’s Pride in Concert is moving to The Armory this year and our headliner is Carly Rae Jepson! Tickets are available at The Armory’s box office and Ticketmaster. Visit tcpride.org and our Facebook page for a chance to win tickets in the White Bear Mitsubishi VIP Lounge!

Ashley Rukes is the former director of the Twin City Pride Festival, and the namesake of the annual Twin Cities Pride Parade. Photo: MNHSFinally, on Sunday at 11 am, the Twin Cities LGBTQ+ Pride March honoring Ashley Rukes will be back on Hennepin Avenue. We have over 100 contingents in the march this year, even though it is shortened by three blocks due to construction. Bleacher seating is available in front of Rock Bottom Brewery. Tickets

Check out our Events page for a complete listing of all events.

Q:  Do you need volunteers for this year's Pride events?

A:  Volunteers are welcome! Everyone who volunteers for a four-hour shift gets a t-shirt, a free meal, and a gift bag of Pride goodies. PLUS, the Minnesota Twins have provided four tickets to a Twins game for every volunteer. Apply here.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A: The most up-to-date news will be found on our social media, specifically Facebook. You can also sign up for our email updates on tcpride.org at the bottom of the page.

Progress on the Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvements Project

Submitted by Doug Verdier

Visitors to Father Hennepin Bluff Park are able to observe the construction underway to build a new performance stage and attached seasonal restroom facility near the South end of the Stone Arch Bridge. Other improvements are also underway throughout the remainder of the park. These include: upgraded lighting, path connections, way finding signage and trail markings, as well as landscape and stormwater management improvements. Construction began in mid-April and is expected to be completed in Fall 2022. The park remains open to visitors with some restrictions in areas under construction. Project Info

Foundation for the new performance stage building is well underway, while landscaping work continues throughout the park.

Restaurateurs Josh Thoma and Kevin Fitzgerald to Open New Tequila-focused Restaurant in North Loop (2023)

The New Restaurant Is Slated To Open Summer 2023

Local restaurateurs Josh Thoma and Kevin Fitzgerald, the duo behind Burger Dive, Smack Shack, and The Lexington, are opening a new, yet to be named restaurant, in the North Loop in 2023. With an emphasis on tequila and Chef Nick O’Leary helming the kitchen, the new concept is slated to open next summer.

Located in the former Alliance Francaise space at 113 1st Street N in Minneapolis, the restaurant is three stories (including the basement) and approximately 10,000 square feet. The ownership team is working with the city to ensure the historical integrity of the building endures while local design firm, Shea, brings new life to the historic space.

“We’ve been wanting to open an elevated tequila bar for a long time,” said Josh Thoma. “While the pandemic may have put a pause on our progress, we’re thrilled to finally get the process started and can’t wait to share this exciting new concept with everyone.”

The new restaurant will be open for dinner and weekend brunch with a strong emphasis on tequila. A menu is still being developed.

Thoma and Fitzgerald are also bringing their new tequila concept to Lloyd Companies' The Steel District project in Sioux Falls announced last May. Located adjacent to Falls Park, the project will also include a Burger Dive and a new elevated seafood concept from the pair. That project is scheduled to open Spring 2023.

“We’re very excited to bring this new concept to the neighborhood,” said Kevin Fitzgerald. “When we first opened Smack Shack in 2013, the community embraced us immediately and they remain avid supporters to this day. That’s just one of the many reasons we chose to open another restaurant right here in our own neighborhood.”

To follow the project progress, sign up for updates on the website, and follow along on Facebook. 

Six Minnesota Dance Artists Selected for 2022 McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers and Dancers

L – R: Leila Awadallah, Leslie Parker, Pedra Pepa, Sharon Picasso, Rosy Simas, Cheng Xiong

The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts recently announced its 2022 McKnight Choreographer Fellows and 2022 McKnight Dancer Fellows. McKnight Artist Fellowships deliver significant financial support to mid-career individuals whose work demonstrates artistic excellence. As a result, three Choreographer Fellows and three Dancer Fellows will individually receive $25,000 to set aside time to study, reflect, experiment, and explore, as well as take advantage of an opportunity to work on a new project.

2022 McKnight Choreographer Fellows

Pedra Pepa - Leslie Parker - Rosy Simas

Choreographer Selection Panel

Stefanie Batten Bland Choreographer & Movement Director (New York City, NY)

Andrew Chiang Executive Director, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company (New York City, NY)

Adam W. McKinney Co-Artistic Director, DNAWORKS (Fort Worth, TX)

Taja Will Choreographer, Performer & Healing Justice Practitioner (Minneapolis, MN)

In addition to the $25,000 fellowship award, each Choreographer Fellow is offered additional support for research and development of their work. The opportunity offers a supported trip to New York City during the APAP conference, as well as funds for renting dedicated space and/or engaging collaborators or staff in the creative process.

2022 McKnight Dancer Fellows

Leila Awadallah - Sharon Picasso - Cheng Xiong

Dancer Selection Panel

Stephanie Fellner Teacher, Dancer (Minneapolis, MN)

Rosie Herrera Choreographer, Artistic Director of Rosie Herrera Dance Theatre (Miami Beach, FL)

Herbert Johnson III Dancer/Choreographer (Minneapolis, MN)

Daniel Singh Artistic Director, Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company (Washington D.C.)

In addition to the $25,000 fellowship award, the Fellowship Program will also provide funds for each Dancer Fellow to commission a choreographer of their choice to create a new solo dance work specifically for them.

The McKnight Fellowships for Choreography and Dance are designed to enrich and strengthen our community by acknowledging the accomplishments of individual choreographers and dancers and providing for their artistic growth.

Mill City Farmers Market Welcomes New Vendor Superior Provisions at the June 11 Market

Our shopping basket from the June 11 Mill City Farmers Market. I'm looking forward to a week of arugula salads topped with strawberries from Twin Cities Berry Co, Big Woods Blue cheese from Shepherd's Way, toasted hazelnuts from American Hazelnut Company (and a drizzle of their cold pressed hazelnut oil) with Zen crackers from The Happy Healthy Buddha.

Superior Provisions is a new vendor for the 2022 season. At the June 11 Market they offered three varieties of bone broth. We'll capture more photos at future Markets when signage, etc., is available.

Can you ever have too many strawberries? NO!  :D

Wow - yummy dishes from Muddy Tiger Indian Street Food! Tawa Chicken on a grilled roll and Idli coconut-cilantro Chutney on spongy steamed rice and lentil cakes. When they return, we'll try the Vada Pav and Chilli Paneer.

Love it when two vendors collaborate - above is a recipe for Hazel Maple Vinaigrette, using hazelnut oil from American Hazelnut Company and maple syrup and vinegar from Horner's Corner. Of course you can soon get garlic and shallots at the Market, too.

Our vendors are a hardy bunch - WEI suffered a few weather-related set backs this spring, but they are back with a beautiful variety of produce.

Nonprofit Leader: Nicki Hangsleben, Executive Director and Founder, QUEERSPACE Collective

Article by Becky Fillinger

Nicki HangslebenNicki Hangsleben, Executive Director and Founder of QUEERSPACE Collective, is a community hero – she has created a kinder and more supportive world for LGBTQ+ youth by providing a safe space through one-on-one virtual and in-person mentoring.

We talked to her about the origins of QUEERSPACE, their unique mentoring programs and the fun events coming up during Pride Month. Keep reading – you can help in many ways – the easiest is ordering a delicious QUEERSPACE Lime & Sea Salt Lager at all Red Cow and Red Rabbit locations during June.

Q:  QUEERSPACE Collective recently won the 2022 Community Leadership Awards Nonprofit of the Year - congratulations! Please tell us more about the reasons QUEERSPACE was given this award.

A:  We are so honored to have been chosen as Nonprofit of the Year by Quorum! As one of the few organizations in Minnesota and the Midwest directly supporting LGBTQ+ youth, QUEERSPACE Collective is filling a much-needed gap in the LGBTQ+ community. We are committed to working with the broader community to fill this need while not being redundant in our services. Key to the success of QUEERSPACE is the collaborative approach we are taking with youths’ caregivers, partner organizations and the broader LGBTQ+ community. We understand mentorship for LGBTQ+ youth cannot be provided in a vacuum, and the greater the network of support each youth has, the greater their chances for success.

Q:  Your LGBTQ+ mentoring programs are unique in Minnesota and across the nation. As founder, what led you to put together a nonprofit to address this void? Could you tell us more about the mentoring programs?

A:  In the United States, LGBTQ+ youth represent some of the most vulnerable and underserved people in our country. LGBTQ+ youth face on-going discrimination and often lack the support required to feel safe living an open, “out” and authentic life. A staggering 85% of LGBTQ+ youth experience harassment at school and they are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. Access to inclusive spaces where LGBTQ+ feel safe to show up as their authentic selves is crucial to their development and emotional, mental and physical well-being.

There are currently over 5,000 mentorship programs across the US with less than 10 focused on LGBTQ+ youth. QUEERSPACE hangouts, our mentorship initiative, is a free youth-centric intergenerational program creating safe, inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and LGBTQ+ adults to connect. LGBTQ+ mentors are matched with LGBTQ+ youth based on youth choice, location, identity, orientation and shared interests. Mentors and mentees connect weekly to hangout, set and accomplish goals, and build resilience through meaningful engagement.

Recent BBQ at Minnehaha Falls

QUEERSPACE also provides opportunities for youth and their mentors to participate in social and educational group events each month to promote a sense of community and provide both mentors and mentees an opportunity to build relationships with others in the program. Activities include games, BBQ’s, queer history, art, and much more. We have a ton of fun at these group events and have seen many of the youth begin to come out of their shells and show up as their authentic selves.

Q:  Over two-thirds of LGBTQ youth said recent debates on the topic and the passed state legislation that targets transgender people have negatively impacted their mental health. Are you seeing an uptick in requests for mentoring for trans youth as a result of the anti-trans legislation?

A:  With the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-trans legislation across our country, there is a growing need for youth-serving organizations to do more to make their programming safer and more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ youth they serve. Over half of the youth that we serve identify as trans or non-binary and are looking for mentors with similar gender identities to support them along their journey of self-discovery. More often than not the trans and non-binary youth that come to us have never met a trans or non-binary adult. Research has shown that having at least one supportive adult in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth reduce their risk of suicide by nearly 40%. Being able to connect with someone who has walked many miles in your shoes is incredibly important in supporting trans and non-binary youth and giving them a chance to see that a healthy and happy future is possible.

Q:  Do you have events planned for Pride Month?

A:  Yes! On June 23 we will be hosting a Pride Block Party at Red Rabbit in the North Loop from 3PM to 9PM. There will be music, food, drinks, and a whole lot of fun! We have great friends over at Indeed Brewing Co. that have created a special QUEERSPACE Lime & Sea Salt Lager that is being sold at all of the Red Cow and Red Rabbit locations throughout the month of June. $1 from each beer sold will be donated directly to QUEERSPACE to support our mentorship program. We encourage everyone that is able to stop by to say hello, enjoy a few refreshments, and celebrate our community together.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  Following QUEERSPACE collective on social media, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, is a great way to stay up to date with all of our latest news and events. You can also visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to receive emails about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to continue supporting our mission of creating space for LGBTQ+ youth to feel safe and empowered to be their true selves.

By the Numbers: Celebrating the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, June 18-19

Article by Becky Fillinger

Sara CollinsAn iconic Twin Cities’ summer festival in its 27th year, the Stone Arch Bridge Festival returns June 18-19 along the Mississippi Riverfront.

We talked to Sara Collins, festival director, about all the components that make up the much-anticipated event. What will we see, hear, eat and drink? She happily gave us the facts.

Below is a brief overview by the numbers. Report back on your favorite experience!

- More than 1 mile of Art and Music, spanning from Gold Medal Park to N 4th Avenue

- 27th year of the festival (25 years on the east side of the river and this will be the 2nd year on the west side of the river)

- 235 juried artists from more than 400 applications

- 3 specialty markets: Culinary Arts (under the Hennepin Avenue Bridge), Black Market (located on West River Parkway across from Mill City Museum) and Vintage and Vinyl (located on the West River Parkway across from the Guthrie)

- 2 music stages

- 28 music performances – the live music schedule is awesome!

- 15 local dance groups performing on the Bailame Dance Stage – want to dance Bachata, Salsa, Kizomba, Urban Kizomba, Hip Hop, East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop or Tango? It’s free and fun – come join us!

- 2 live artists doing Art in Action doing chalk art and murals

- More than 50 cars each day on display at Art of the Car Show

- 27 Food vendors

- 4 local breweries + beverage partners: La Dona Cerveceria, Pryes Brewing Company, Wild State Cider and Vamos Vinos

.

2022 Collectors Poster by artist Amy Marie Kulseth

Small Business Spotlight: Rachel Silberman, Owner, Luxjoy & Comfort

Article by Becky Fillnger

Rachel SilbermanLooking for a custom gift box for any occasion? Meet Rachel Silberman, owner of Luxjoy & Comfort. Her products are truly luxurious, customized and brought me joy just looking at them. Check out the timely LGBTQIA+ and Pride gift boxes during Pride Month!

Q:  A customized gift box – what’s better than that? How do you approach a customized box request?

A:  I first ask what the theme is, then their budget, likes and dislikes of the person or event, if they want a logo on a mug, tumbler, coaster, journal, or hundreds of items they can choose from. Then the date they need it by, and voila! That’s it. If they want photos before it gets delivered, I can do that too. I do custom boxes for individuals, corporate, events, or really any occasion.

All Spiced Up gift box

Q:  When you started your business in 2019 we had not entered the pandemic shutdowns. How did Luxjoy & Comfort shift its business model to adapt?

A:  Fortunately, I didn’t have to adapt at all. My business thrived during the pandemic, due to an influx of at-home kits and zoom parties! There were many different types of parties that I got to make boxes for like Alice in Wonderland, Coffee, Charcuterie, and Snack-based gifts. It was a lot of fun! Many businesses found me through different ways and I’m very grateful.

Q:  It’s Pride Month. Let’s talk about your LGBTQIA+ and Pride gift boxes. What was your inspiration for these products? Please describe the offerings.

A:  I went onto Etsy to see if there were any Asexual boxes and I couldn’t find any. Then I went to Google and did a broad search…nothing popped up. It was wild! I knew I had found a niche that needed to be filled. I ended up with 18 different orientations on my website and Etsy page. Inside are items that make the recipient feel special and seen. There is a choice of mug or tumbler with the flag of their choice and the giftee’s name on it, bandana with the flag, sticker that says “you are loved," Skittles (taste the rainbow), and a pronoun pin. 5% of each box goes to MyHealth for Teens and Young Adults, which is a non-profit in Hopkins that helps young adults and teens with counseling, pregnancies, LGBTQIA+ services, education, support and so much more. It is a wonderful organization.

Q:  Do you have a storefront? Will you be on-site at any Pride events?

A:  I work from home at the moment, but I am going to sell at the Pride Festival this year which is very exciting! I’ll be offering rainbow glitter tumblers with different flags, mugs with different flags, glitter candles, stickers, pins, and so much more!

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  The place I post the most is Instagram. Also my website and Facebook. Come visit me at the Pride Festival!

Now Available Online: Info on Housing and Commercial Building 311 Requests

From the June 10th City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

Easily look up housing and commercial condition 311 complaints online with any device. Search by address to find any recent calls or calls resolved in the last year. This makes it easier to follow up on your own complaints, to find information on a place you’re thinking about renting or buying, or to find the status of a complaint on a place you own.

If an issue is found at the property, you can see the specific violation name and date. Examples include: trash, overgrown vegetation, broken window and fire safety issues, as well as conditions inside a rental property: utilities, safety concerns, code violations, etc.

The tool will also give you a link to see the address on the violations dashboard. Use this to find more information on orders at the property. This information used to be stored in different places and people had to call 311 to follow up, or potentially call an inspector. Now, anyone can see the complaint, the status of the complaint and the result in one place.

Go to the 311 tool online or the Minneapolis DataSource.

4th Street Reconstruction Project Update - June 10

4th Street Reconstruction Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis is reconstructing 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and 4th Ave. S in downtown Minneapolis. The reconstruction will include wider sidewalks, improved crossings, a new bi-directional off-street bike path on the north side of the street, lighting, trees, and planting beds. Construction is underway and is expected to be complete by the end of 2022.

What's Happening Next Week?

Roadway reconstruction continues on 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Fourth St. is currently closed to vehicle traffic between 1st Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Local access is being maintained between 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N.

• Concrete, curb and gutter, and concrete pavement construction will occur on the south side of the roadway between 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N.
• Starting next week, crews will begin sidewalk construction work along the south side of the roadway between 1st Ave. and Hennepin Ave. Pedestrian access will be maintained.
• Lane restrictions at the 1st Ave. intersection continues for roadway paving work.
• Crews will be conducting minor concrete repairs between Hennepin Ave. and 4th Ave. S.

*Please note that the construction schedules are subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

What to expect during construction?

• During roadway construction, 4th St. will be closed to through traffic between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Local access will be maintained from 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N. 
• Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout construction. Be aware of your surroundings when walking on the sidewalk and biking in the roadway. 
• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.

Upcoming Events

4th Street Weekly Stakeholder Meeting

Weekly project newsletters are sent out weekly and virtual stakeholder meetings occur bi-weekly. Join us at the next stakeholder meeting to get project updates, talk with project staff and get your questions/concerns answered.

Upcoming Stakeholder Meetings:

June 17, 9-9:30 a.m.

July 1, 9-9:30 a.m. - CANCELLED

July 15, 9-9:30 a.m.

Teams Meeting: Click here to join the meeting

Stay connected

There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/fourth-st-n-and-s/  

Provide questions, comments or concerns on the interactive map: https://zan.mysocialpinpoint.com/4thstreetreconstruction

Email the project team: info@4thstmpls.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-412-9774

Crews pouring a sidewalk

Bike trail completed between 1st Avenue N and Hennepin Avenue

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project - June 9 Update

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Ave. will be reconstructed between 12th Street and Washington Avenue. The City will reconstruct the pavement from building face to building face, including improvements to public and private utility infrastructure, and improved space for pedestrians, bicycles, transit, and vehicles.

Latest Project News

The 7th Street intersection is back open to two lanes and all the concrete pavement is complete in the intersection.  All the concrete in the 5th Street intersection was also completed last weekend during the LRT shutdown.

Work has begun in the 6th St intersection.

What's Coming Up

Continued concrete paving work be taking place in the 6th Street intersection.  This intersection will be reduced to one lane of traffic starting June 20.

The majority of the concrete planters have been completed this week as well as bike lanes.

The 5th Street intersection will re-open for next week.

See update for additional information  Hennepin_Update_Vol95.pdf

Contact Info

For more information on this project contact: 

Project email: hennepinCM@minneapolismn.gov

Phone: 612-255-4049

Website: www.hennepindowntown.com