Catholic Charities Opens Endeavors Residence in Elliot Park

New  $75 million Catholic Charities at Elliot Park campus offers 173 homes for single adults who have experienced homelessness, a recuperative care wing, and a storefront health clinic

On May 18, Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis marked the upcoming opening of Endeavors Residence and Catholic Charities at Elliot Park campus, a historic $75 million public-private partnership — located in Minneapolis’s Elliot Park neighborhood — supported by the State of Minnesota, Hennepin County, the City of Minneapolis, and several key partners and donors. Endeavors offers a unique model integrating housing and health care to ensure some of our community’s most vulnerable residents have a safe place to call home.

The new Catholic Charities at Elliot Park campus includes:

• Endeavors Residence, formerly known as Exodus Residence (located in downtown Minneapolis), will provide homes for more than 173 single adults who have experienced homelessness, veterans, and people with complex medical conditions. Veterans will receive priority, providing a big boost to the state’s goal of ending veteran homelessness.
• The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Recuperative Care Center — implemented in partnership with Hennepin County Public Health’s Health Care for the Homeless program — will provide short-term respite opportunities for up to 30 people a night who are experiencing homelessness and need additional time to recover after being released from a hospital.
• Hennepin County’s Health Care for the Homeless Clinic will offer health care to area residents who require medical support and qualify for services based on income.
• The Frey Center at Elliot Park will serve as the new Catholic Charities headquarters and provide workspace for more than 200 staff, including administrative and Aging and Disability Services teams.

Public and Private Investments

Many public and private partners have made critical investments to make the $75 million Endeavors project a reality. Hennepin County, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Public Housing Authority provided crucial financial support. Catholic Charities’ donors made significant private investments, including lead gifts from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and Mary and Gene Frey, as well as the pro bono development services of Dominium and others. CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing), Sunrise Banks, and U.S. Bank contributed new market tax credits. Hennepin County — under a revised policy to proactively provide leadership on projects that address its priorities--was the first public partner to commit to the project, which helped secure much-needed state and local funding. The project received $30 million in Housing Infrastructure Bonds (HIB) from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency — the largest award of HIBs given to date in state history.

These significant investments allowed Catholic Charities to purchase the former Augustana Health Care Center in December 2019 and conduct extensive renovation work to create the new Catholic Charities at Elliot Park facility — fully utilizing and preserving a building in a prime location that will offer 173 private, deeply affordable apartments to the region. The adaptive reuse preserves the original social purpose of the building while offering more resources and support to low-income adults in downtown Minneapolis.

The Endeavors Residence Program Model

The Endeavors program will offer a unique integrated model of care that promotes housing stability, health, and wellbeing. A total of 173 units of housing in Endeavors Residence will provide a safe place to call home to single adults (ages 18 and up) from diverse backgrounds who have experienced homelessness and utilize supportive services. Many residents will be veterans, elderly, and/or have complex medical needs. Current residents of Exodus Residence worked with staff to choose the new name “Endeavors,” which conveys the resilience and possibilities found through each individual’s journey. Staff will provide care 24/7, using trauma-informed best practices. The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Recuperative Care Center will provide short-term respite opportunities for 30 people experiencing homelessness who need additional time to recover after being released from a hospital. It will also offer 24/7 care, and staff will coordinate closely with local health care providers including neighboring Hennepin County Medical Center.  Hennepin County’s Health Care for the Homeless Clinic will be embedded in the community, serving as a public neighborhood storefront clinic for area residents who require medical support and qualify for services based on income. Six medical examination rooms and space for psychiatric care for those seeking mental health support will be available onsite.

Milestone Reached at a Critical Juncture

With the completion of the Elliot Park facility, Catholic Charities has realized a significant achievement in the organization’s history: 1,000 deeply affordable housing units available to the community. In addition, Catholic Charities at Elliot Park serves as a purposeful reimagining for the organization. For the first time, headquarters staff — in addition to Aging and Disability Services staff — will be located together in one space alongside residents of one of our programs, creating true mission in action.

The completion of Endeavors is timely, as our region faces a homelessness and affordable housing crisis while simultaneously addressing public health challenges presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. National and regional studies have consistently shown that the lack of affordable housing is a leading cause of homelessness, and there is a critical lack of affordable housing in the metro region. The pandemic has made it a challenge to know the exact numbers of people experiencing homelessness because most agencies suspended homeless “counts” in 2021, and data for 2022 is not yet available. Recent information from local providers (via Minnesota’s Homeless Management Information System) suggests that the number of people experiencing homelessness in the metro region is rising. In January 2020, around 5,000 individuals in the metro area stayed in emergency shelters or were served by local street outreach programs. In January 2022, that figure rose to 5,691 – an increase of almost 14 percent from pre-pandemic levels.  State projections indicate the number of unsheltered homeless will continue to increase dramatically in the coming year.

Mayor Frey at the May 18 grand opening celebration of the Endeavors Residence in Elliot Park.

“Housing is a right, and affordable housing is a top priority in our work to better serve the people of Minneapolis,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “We are committed to maintaining and growing our partnerships in these deeply-affordable housing projects to ensure all our residents have a place to call home. I’m grateful to Catholic Charities for stepping up to the challenge to create an innovative space that will support those in need and enrich our community.”

Catholic Charities at Elliot Park: Project History

The current Exodus Residence — located next to St. Olaf Church in downtown Minneapolis — provides housing and support to 95 people in a deteriorating building which Catholic Charities has leased from St. Olaf Catholic Church since 1995. In 2017, Catholic Charities and St. Olaf extended the lease until 2021 to allow time to secure a replacement. This was at the same time Catholic Charities was working with Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Dominium, and many others to complete the second phase of Dorothy Day Place — the largest public-private partnership in housing and social services in state history — which was completed in fall 2019. Despite the challenges of advancing another major project so soon, Catholic Charities and its partners were compelled to act because of the housing and homelessness crisis affecting the state and region. In December 2019, Catholic Charities secured critical funding from Hennepin County, the City of Minneapolis, generous private donors, and the largest award of Housing Infrastructure Bonds given to date by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. This enabled Catholic Charities to purchase the Augustana Health Care Center, which will serve as the new home to Endeavors and Catholic Charities at Elliot Park. Extensive renovation work began in spring 2020. Endeavors residents will move into their new homes in June. Catholic Charities staff will begin transitioning onsite in July.

Zenon Dance School Announces Camp Zenon: Youth Dance Sampler Camps

Zenon Dance School Announces Camp Zenon: Youth Dance Sampler Camps

Discover dance with a week-long camp for young artists! Not sure if your dancer has a style they like best, or looking for a way to try out something new? A variety of dance styles and creative movements will be explored in this one week camp.

Informal showing on the last day. All abilities and levels of experience are welcome.

Session 1 (age 4-6) | July 18 - 22 from 9:00am - 12:00pm

Session 2 (age 7-10) | July 18 - 22 from 12:30pm - 3:30pm

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Zenon Dance School is located at 528 Hennepin  Ave, 4th Floor (within the Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts)

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The tuition is $195. No person will be refused because of inability to pay. Need-based scholarships are available for partial and full tuition upon inquiry.

Register online. Registration closes one week before each camp begins. Please contact info@zenondance.org or 612-338-1101 (if no answer please leave voice mail) with any questions.

The Northrup King Building May 17 Newsletter - Special Art-A-Whirl Edition

It's finally here! Make sure to stop on by the Northrup King Building during the 27th annual Art-a-Whirl® Open Studio Tour - Presented by the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association! This exciting annual event celebrates all that the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District has to offer, and no studio tour is complete without at stop at Minnesota's Largest Arts Complex - The Northrup King Building!

Interactive Art and Workshops

Bracelet Stamping + Mini-Plant Trellises Workshop Shape, forge and stamp a classic cuff from beginning to end or select a plant or bring your own and bend, swirl and shape a trellis to your heart’s content. With Alison Reitsma. To set up a time slot email: alisonwendydesigns@gmail.com. All weekend during Art-a-Whirl® hours. Friday 5-10pm | Saturday 12-8pm | Sunday 12-5pm Studio 428 | From $10-$42

MOON Factory: Custom Art on the Spot The MOON Factory is open for Art-A-Whirl: fill out a form with your personal details, pick your colors, and come back in a few hours to pick up your custom MOON designed by Anna: Stargirl Art! All weekend during Art-a-Whirl® hours. Friday 5-10pm | Saturday 12-8pm | Sunday 12-5pm Studio 371

Watercolor Batik Try your hand at watercolor batik, a modern twist on the ancient Javanese art of batik with artist Kim Gordon. Friday 7-9pm | Saturday 3-5pm | Sunday 3-5pm Studio 350 | Free

Zine + Riot: Community Conversations  Blood on the Pavement is a group show that pairs poetry and visual art to spark conversations about violence against Black bodies. In the spirit of collaboration, the exhibit includes a “Zine + Riot” station where visitors are encouraged to draw, collage, write a poem, and more. What starts as a blank book, will become a community conversation. Writing prompts and art materials available.  Friday 6-10pm | Saturday 12-8pm | Sunday 12-5pm Studio 332 | Free

Exhibitions and Special Events

Blood on the Pavement - Presented by Art to Change the World Blood on the Pavement aims to help Minnesota communities think, discuss, and disrupt. The group show combines poetry, written by Elizabeth Ash, with visual art responses created by local artists A. Drew Hammond, Azania Tripp, Briauna Williams, Lyle Ferguson, Sebastian Rivera Cintron, Aristóteles Carbajal, and Cory Favre. The intention is to spark conversations about violence against Black bodies, both verbally and physically, from microaggressions to police brutality; as well as violence against women’s bodies and other intersections of the Black identity. Studio 332 | Free

Project Practice: A Celebration of Creative Practice Project: Practice Is a projection-based installation by Public Functionary that celebrates the creative process of artists across multiple disciplines. This immersive installation shares glimpses at artists’ methods of developing narrative and technique within their practice. This is a ticketed event to raise funds for Public Functionary’s future programming in this new space. Proceeds will support future programming including artist collaborations, exhibitions, and events.  Studio 144 | $10 GA/$20 Flexible Time Slot | Purchase Tickets

STREET SIGNS MSP: Protests and the Aftermath 2016-2020  ICEBOX Gallery presents a photography exhibit consists of 25 color images made during several protests and the aftermath between 2016 through 2020. Friday 5-10pm | Saturday 12-8pm | Sunday 12-5pm Studio 443 | Free

Live Art and Demonstrations

Alcohol Ink Demo with Herland Art Studio Curious about using alcohol inks? Join Herland Art Studio for a live demonstration! All weekend during Art-a-Whirl® hours Friday 5-10pm | Saturday 12-8pm | Sunday 12-5pm Studio 390 | Free

Beauty, Philosophy, Art…and Painting with Mary Pettis  Join Mary Pettis in the studio painting and talking with guests about beauty, philosophy, and art. All weekend during Art-a-Whirl® hours. Friday 5-10pm | Saturday 12-8pm | Sunday 12-5pm Studio 366 | Free

Candle Pouring Demonstration Discover the art of candle-making and learn how to pour a candle with this demonstration from Excelsior Candle Co!  Sunday 12-5pm Studio 206 | Free

Circular Sock Knitting Machine Demo Add a bit of history to your open studio tour with this demonstration of a hand crank circular sock knitting machine by Nokomis Knitting Company. These machines were used originally to make socks for troops in WWI to prevent trench foot. Saturday 12-8pm Studio 240 | Free

Oil and Cold Wax Demonstration Artist Kate Singer will demonstrate the process of applying layers of cold wax medium to achieve rich texture and layering of color. Saturday 2pm | Sunday 2pm Studio 350 | Free

Oil Painting Demonstration with Rosemary & Co Brushes Studio Pintura presents an oil painting demonstration featuring Rosemary & Co brushes. Learn about the variety of brushes available for oil, watercolor, and acrylic – and tips for cleaning and care. A wide variety of brushes will be available to purchase throughout the weekend. Saturday 12:30-1:30pm | Sunday 12:30-1:30pm Studio 295 | Free

Oil Painting Demonstration: Flowers from Photo Reference  Watch artist Dyan Padgett create a floral oil painting from photo reference. All weekend during Art-a-Whirl® hours. Friday 5-10pm | Saturday 12-8pm | Sunday 12-5pm Studio 200 | Free

Plant Printing Demonstration  Linda Snouffer will demonstrate basic leaf printing onto blank greeting cards, which viewers may take home at no charge! This demo explains botanical printmaking, which is the foundation of her landscapes. Saturday 12:30-1:30pm | Sunday 12:30-1:30pm Studio 139 | Free

Torn Paper Collage  Artist Neysa Winterer will be demonstrating her torn paper collage techniques. Applying small bits of torn paper to panel, her work comes to life as landscapes, portraits and even replicas of Masterworks. Saturday 2-4pm  Studio 141 | Free

Watercolor Batik Demonstration Artist Kim Gordon will demonstrate the process of watercolor batik using watercolor and wax resist on rice paper. Saturday 1-2pm | Sunday 1-2pm Studio 350 | Free

Weaving Demonstration  Weaving demonstrations all weekend during Art-a-Whirl® hours by Custom Woven Interiors! Plus free yarn and cones for people to take.  Friday 5-10pm | Saturday 12-8pm | Sunday 12-5pm Studio 386 | Free

Super Flower Moon by Ric Rosow

Submitted By Ric Rosow

This image was taken about 8:15 p.m on Sunday, May 15. I photographed the entire sequence of the eclipse that night going past midnight into the early morning of Monday. The color in the windows of the Riverview Tower building on the left immediately caught my eye. I composed the scene to keep that element in the image. As the moon moved more to the south I could not maintain that composition. I actually started photographing Sunday morning at 3:30 a.m. as the moon set in downtown, before the moon was officially a full moon. Then on Sunday evening I started again around 8:00 p.m. after scouting out several different locations from which to photograph the eclipse. I shot until around 1:15 a.m. Monday.

Art-A-Whirl is this weekend in Minneapolis, but there's not enough time to get this image printed to display Tres Leches Art Gallery for Art-A-Whirl.

See more of my work @ricrosowphotography and @treslechesartgallery.

Super Flower Moon

New Vendor Highlights from the May 14 Mill City Farmers Market

May 14 shopping basket

We met three new vendors at the May 14 Mill City Farmers Market: TonzKitchen (Hot Chili Oil), Kobi Co., and Banh Sizzle. We also checked in with Blugirl Soapworks, The Happy Healthy Buddha and Rudy’s Breakfast Bagels.

Tony Scherber of TonzKitchen - he is a contestant on the inaugural season of PBS Food's The Great American Recipe.

Kobi (far left) assists customers with a variety of products, including candles, bath soaks, mists and other items.

Kobi's mother, Tasha (2nd from the right) assisted with Kobi's busy booth.

Banh Sizzle owners Jonathan and Hang Jauquet serve up Vietnamese street food, including crepes and spring rolls.

Roxanne Benson of Blugirl Soapworks offers soaps, beard balm, laundry detergent, moisturizers and more. Look for her at the Market monthly - her next date is June 11th.

Karinna Samy of The Happy Healthy Buddha explains the spice mixes she and her husband Jacques offer to customers. I picked up two of the blends during their first Market appearance - they are fantastic!

Wow - super tasty breakfast bagel sandwich from Rudy's Breakfast Bagels. They'll make your sandwich using the bagel and fillings of your choice. Look for them in the train shed.

I love that Sally Fritz is using a life size cutout of The Notorious RBG to display her creations. Seeing the former Supreme Court justice will elicit an immediate smile with each visit to the Market.

Mill City Times recognizes, respects and appreciates MCFM's work in supporting small local farmers, makers and artisans. That is why we continue to be a sponsor.  :)

Nonprofit Leader: Anna Becker, Executive Director, Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA)

Article by Becky Fillinger

Anna BeckerArt-A-Whirl is the largest open studio tour in the country, which happens annually in sites throughout Northeast Minneapolis. The 2022 dates are this coming weekend, May 20-22, and the event includes over 60 locations and over 1,000 participating artists, galleries and businesses. 

It’s a massive project to manage. We talked to Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA) Executive Director Anna Becker to learn some behind the scenes info and tips about this iconic weekend of art, music, demonstrations, food, beverages and fun!

Q:  You’ve been involved with Art-A-Whirl for almost 10 years and performing just about every job function during that time to make it a recurring success - social media, launching a website, managing volunteers, recruiting sponsors - to your current position as Executive Director. What do you want the community to know about the work that goes into bringing Art-A-Whirl to life each year? 

A:  Wow, I’m really flattered that you have been paying attention to my career within NEMAA! Yes, this will be my 10th Art-A-Whirl. Time flies.

It takes a massive effort to produce Art-A-Whirl. There are so many moving pieces: communications, marketing, artist and business member recruitment & management, web development, volunteers, traffic and safety, advertising sales, sponsors, fundraising, printing, distribution, admin…I could go on. Art-A-Whirl doesn’t just happen. It takes months and months of advanced planning to organize the event and make sure the platforms and information people are using to learn about and navigate it are high quality.

I think a lot of people assume that because Art-A-Whirl is huge, that NEMAA is too, when in fact we are quite tiny. This year I was able to hire another full-time employee, bringing our staff up to 2.5, with some stellar contractors that we work with for graphic design and web development. So what people are really seeing when they interact with NEMAA and Art-A-Whirl is not the efforts of a big team, but a few people taking on a variety of roles and tasks and giving it their best.

Q:  Art-A-Whirl brings 45,000 visitors into Northeast Minneapolis each year, benefiting the artists of course, but also restaurants, bars and shops. Do you collaborate with local businesses to make the most of the unique opportunity? 

A:  The Arts District and the greater Northeast neighborhood is an ecosystem that thrives because of the diversity of elements - the arts, the restaurants and breweries, the local shops and businesses, the parks, the homes, etc. All of these things can enrich one another if we respect each other and openly communicate. 

We work with neighborhood businesses to include them in Art-A-Whirl as members or sponsors, making sure they get on our maps and that their programming is included in the Art-A-Whirl Activities listings. Member restaurants and breweries are featured in our Dining and Brew Guides. 

We also have a fun program with the "I Bought Art” sticker, which NEMAA member artists give to their buyers. People wearing the sticker receive special discounts at restaurants and breweries during Art-A-Whirl weekend.

Q:  Do you assist artists to be better business people? If yes, how do you do it? 

A:  For several years NEMAA has worked with Springboard for the Arts and utilized their Work of Art workshop series to provide the Northeast arts community with information on topics ranging from marketing, photography, grant writing, and more. We’ve produced our own workshops on topics such as pricing, digital marketing, health insurance, and taxes. We also collect and publish calls for art, available space, grants, and job postings which keep our members up to date on current opportunities.

In 2020, in response to COVID shutting down an in-person Art-A-Whirl, we built a web platform that gave every NEMAA member artist and gallery the option to build an online shop. The next year we built a NEMAA Shop that also brought all those individual shops’ products into one place, so web visitors can discover new artists through their work. Lately we’ve been focused on educating the members on how to use our site to sell their work online in addition to in-person sales. We talk a lot about shipping. :)

Q:  How should a first timer approach Art A Whirl?

A:  Use NEMAA’s website to find an artist you like and make a plan to go visit them wherever they may be. But also, don’t drive. Use the Free Metro Transit passes NEMAA provides, or the free trolleys to get around the Arts District. Bike, walk, skate, or rideshare. Trust me on this one.

If you are not looking for anyone specifically, where you go depends on your attitude towards crowds. Do you love them? Do you get a boost from lots of people? If that’s the case, make a beeline to the nexus of buildings in the heart of the Northeast Arts District just northwest of Central Avenue & Broadway - Northrup King, Thorp, Solar Arts, Q.arma and Waterbury buildings.

The Casket Arts Building is located at 681 17th Avenue NE  Photo: Joe and Jen Photo

If you are looking for a lot of artists with a more relaxed vibe, get out a little farther: Casket Arts, California Building, Grain Belt, 2010 Artblok on East Hennepin. If you want something even less crowded, visit the standalone sites with small groups of artists for a more intimate experience.

Q:  What is your favorite aspect of Art-A-Whirl?

A:  I like talking to the artists. I send and receive a heck of a lot of emails, so I like face-to-face. My goal is eventually to be able to delegate enough of the day-of event logistics to be able to just swan around all weekend and chat with people.

Q:  I hope you get to that point, too! How may we follow your news? 

A:  Sign up for our monthly Audience Newsletter with open studios, member events and classes.

We’re also active on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and soon Tik Tok. @nemaamn

Gamut Gallery to Celebrate a Decade of Art and Community in the Twin Cities with Art Is For Everyone, June 11 – July 9

Gamut Gallery has enjoyed a decade of art, music, performance, and collaborations and invites you to join them in celebrating during their first summer exhibition of the year: Art is for Everyone

In honor of their 10th anniversary, ten of Gamut's supporters have agreed to lend the the Gallery one of the pieces that first caught their eyes and captured their hearts. The loaned work will be displayed in tandem with new, original pieces by the corresponding artists. For this group exhibit, Gamut is welcoming back artists Ash Hane (2012), Urban Camper (2015), John Foster (2016 & 2019), Rodrigo Oñate (2016 & 2021),  Bunny Portia (2017), Barret Lee (2017 & 2021), Kristi Abbott (2018), James Zucco (2019), Lora Hlvasa (2020 & 2021), and Aldair Dosmil (2021). As a special compliment to the month-long retrospective display, portraits captured within the homes of the featured collectors will be on view along with a few words of their own stories that embody Gamut’s mission of bridging artists and their communities to life.

“Come for the art and stay for the party!” 

10-Year Anniversary Party is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 4 PM - 10PM, with food, live music and more: • Music by Daniel Volovets, Digital Nap, Atim Opoka, James Patrick & Sassy G • Icy Icy Baby Snowcone Truck • Live art by Hibaqq Ibrahim, Evan Weselmann & Jamie Owens • Photobooth with Caleb Timmerman ($15 pre-sales now available, $20 at the door, FREE for members.)

There will also be a Colab Art Night, June 22, 7-10pm ($5 pre-sales available soon, $10 at the door) and an Art is For Everyone Makers Market Finale event on July 9, 1-4pm (Free).

Share the River Nordeast 2022 is set for June 22

Wednesday, June 22, 5pm–8pm at MWMO

Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) invites you to join them for an evening of community, canoeing and cookies when Share the River Nordeast returns June 22nd.

Stop by anytime between 5pm and 8pm for a free introductory canoe ride on the Mississippi River, then grab a free cookie and enjoy a variety of fun and educational activities at the Stormwater Park and Learning Center.

This family-friendly event is great for kids and adults of all ages. Please note, participants must weigh at least 30 lbs. in order to fit the provided life jackets.

In addition to learning to paddle on the river, participants will also have opportunities to learn about the Mississippi River’s history, water quality, plants, animals and more. You’ll also be able to connect with other local organizations about their work in the community for the environment.

Canoe rides will be led by guides from Wilderness Inquiry, with support from National Park Service rangers from the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and Mississippi Park Connection staff. 

Minneapolis, St. Paul, Xcel Energy and HOURCAR Launch EV Spot Network

Soon it will be easier than ever to use an electric vehicle in the Twin Cities.

The City of Saint Paul in partnership with the City of Minneapolis, Xcel Energy and HOURCAR launched the EV Spot Network today, May 13.

Evie Carshare will be the first 100% renewably powered municipally-owned carshare in the country and provide residents with cleaner and more affordable transportation options.

Evie Carshare will have over 150 all-electric vehicles for one-way trips by the minute, hour, or day around Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Sharing the same system with HOURCAR, members will have access to both one-way Evie Carshare and hub-based HOURCAR services.

Learn more about the EV Spot Network.

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project - May 13 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

Concrete work continues on Phase 3 of the project between 5th and 7th Streets. This week brought more sidewalk installation and some bike lane concrete segments as well as curb and gutter. Intersection work at 7th has begun and will continue over the coming weeks.

What's Coming Up

The 7th Street intersection will remain down to one lane of traffic as concrete paving occurs next week.  Concrete curb, sidewalks, and bike lanes will continue to take shape over the next couple weeks.  And work will begin at 5th Street in preparation for the LRT shutdown in early June.

Spring plantings will begin next week from 5th to Washington.

More information.

Contact Us

For more information on this project contact: 

Project email: hennepinCM@minneapolismn.gov

Phone: 612-255-4049

Website: www.hennepindowntown.com 

4th Street Reconstruction Project Update - May 13

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 will be maintained between 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N.

• Crews have completed roadway reconstruction on the north half of the roadway between 2nd Ave. N and 1st Ave. N. Local access will now be maintained on the north side of the roadway as crews begin pavement removal and curb and gutter work on the south half of the road.
• Crews will be paving the roadway, sidewalk, and bike path on the north half of the road between 1st Ave. N and Hennepin Ave.
• Hydrant work and utility upgrades will occur on the northwest and southwest corners of the 1st Ave. N intersection.

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

Stakeholder Meeting

Occurs every Friday from 9-9:30 a.m.

Via 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

Banksy Exhibit at Lighthouse Artspace in Northeast Minneapolis

Article by Becky Fillinger

The Art of Banksy exhibit opened May 12 at Lighthouse Artspace, 1515 Central Avenue NE. The exhibit features more than 100 works - original and authenticated - associated with one of the most fascinating outdoor, temporary and political artists in our time. What will you see? Prints, canvasses, screen prints and other limited-edition pieces. The show is sourced from private collections from around the world.  

The exhibit has some controversy surrounding it. Would Banksy approve of the price tag ($35 to $55) for admission? Probably not. Did he authorize the show? No. Does it draw people to Northeast Minneapolis who might wander into other galleries in the area? Probably. Does it gather private works from around the world into one place for viewing? Yes! 

A preview event drew a crowd even with the very real threat of tornadoes in the area. The wind howled and the skies darkened but did not dampen the mood of the crowd. What did the attendees have to say? 

Ross Raihala (left) and Patric Richardson

Patric Richardson, the laundry evangelist, and domestic partner, Ross Raihala, pop music critic, thought the show was irreverent, historical and fun.

Gloria Freeman 

Gloria Freeman, serial entrepreneur, cheered the show’s producers for bringing the show to Minneapolis – and for staging the show in the Northeast Arts District.

Herman Milligan (right) and Jeff Stitt

Herman Milligan of the Fulton Group appreciated the historic overview of Banksy’s works - especially highlighting all the different things he has done in his career.

Show producer Vicente Fusco told me why Minneapolis was a key site for the touring exhibit. “Minneapolis is home to a thriving arts community in addition to a stunning variety of public art. It is not uncommon to see art spilling into the streets in Minneapolis, from Eduardo Kobra’s stunning Bob Dylan mural at 5th Street and Hennepin Avenue to the beautiful facade of the Juxtaposition Arts Building on Broadway. We like to share Banksy's art where people have an appreciation for public art. And Minneapolis absolutely fits that criterion.”

Barbara Weston as Girl With Balloon

I also asked him what a novice art viewer should look for when viewing Banksy works. “Banksy is always trying to evoke a reaction with his art, and he accomplishes this by using bold imagery depicting war, corruption and crime contrasted against more lighthearted imagery like happy faces, angel wings and heart-shaped balloons. Sometimes he's just trying to get you to crack a smile, but often times, he is drawing attention towards injustice and civil strife with his work.”   

The show runs through July 10, is self-guided and audio guides are provided. You may purchase tickets here.

Turf War, London, 2003

WORKSHOP becomes The Print Shop for Art-A-Whirl Weekend

Be sure to visit The Print Shop at WORKSHOP®, 1300 Quincy Street NE, to catch incredible artists and local musicians during Art-A-Whirl, May 20-22!

For Art-A-Whirl weekend, WORKSHOP, 1300 Quincy Street NE, is transforming to The Print Shop. They will be celebrating the type of art that shows up on your walls, in your closet, or as a gift to someone special. Bold colors, pattern, typography are all welcome here. Posters, buttons, zines, patches, stickers, mugs, shirts, books, prints, cards…these items – and more – can all be found at The Print Shop.

The studio is located at the center of Art-A-Whirl planned activities - directly across from Art-A-Whirl headquarters and neighboring Able Seedhouse & Brewery, Indeed Brewing Company and Centro. They are partnering with neighboring Q.Arma Building to host musicians on an outdoor stage throughout the weekend. You can find the artist line up here.

New "Uncommon Goodness" Mural in Northeast Minneapolis is More Than Just a Fun Graphic

Article by Becky Fillinger

Scott Parkin strikes a pose in front of the new Uncommon Goodness mural commissioned by Noodles & Company.  Photo: Amy Sperling 

We have a delightful new mural in Northeast Minneapolis. How does a mural make its way to the side of a building? I talked to a local community leader and to a corporate marketing manager to get the inside story.

Scott Parkin, Director on the Board of the Nicollet Island -East Bank Neighborhood Association (NIEBNA), tipped me off to the new mural. He noted that NIEBNA had been looking at several locations for a mural project and were beaten to the punch by Noodles & Company, which commissioned this piece. He explained, “They moved fast – they worked with Asana Partners, who own the building and are great community partners, to obtain the space. They hired the artist. It was completed in less than a week – it started on Monday and was finished by Friday.”  

Scott was enthusiastic about what a project, a mural, can mean to a community. “These ‘Instagrammable moments’ show that Old Town is a fun place to go – for shopping, eating, drinking and carrying on as we do here - and it similarly enhances the community for people who live and work here. But more than that – it discourages graffiti on an empty ‘dead’ wall. It’s bright, it’s fun.”

So, I had more questions. Why did Noodles & Company pick this space and location (the mural is located in the alley behind Masu Sushi & Robata on Fourth Street SE between E Hennepin and Central Avenue) for a mural? For this, I spoke to Stephanie Winslow-Sell, Marketing Manager at Noodles & Company, about the project.

Q:  What was the genesis of the mural in Northeast Minneapolis?

A:  We recently introduced our new brand positioning, Uncommon Goodness. Through Uncommon Goodness, we are bringing our purpose to life by elevating the uncommon goodness that has been core to our brand for more than 25 years. From how we treat our team members and create a unique guest experience, to how we carefully select ingredients and positively impact the communities we serve, we strive to infuse Uncommon Goodness into everything we do.

As we looked at ways to spread Uncommon Goodness, we envisioned a mural that would inspire people and good for the community. The mural features a QR code at the bottom right corner that, once scanned, donates $1 to Marcy School for the Arts (maximum donation of $10,000). The QR code will also bring each person scanning to a landing page offering a free rice crispy redeemable at any Minnesota Noodles & Company restaurant.

Day 1 of the project. Photo: Scott Parkin

Day 4 of the project. Photo: Scott Parkin

The completed project! Photo: Konnect Agency

Q:  It’s beautiful - did the artist design the mural?

A:  Yes, we provided a creative brief and then let the artist, Chuck U, take it away. Chuck U is a local Minneapolis painter, illustrator and muralist who specializes in whimsical yet intricate works that celebrate the unusual and unexpected.

Q: How did you select the artist? Was there a competition?

A:  There was not a competition, we worked with a company called Muros who helped us source the artist. They helped us picked the location and then gave us five artist options and we selected Chuck because we felt like his whimsical and unexpected work was a great fit for highlighting Uncommon Goodness.

Q:  Is Noodles doing this in other cities?

A:  With 45 Noodles locations in Minnesota, we chose Minneapolis as the first city to receive a mural. We’re exploring other cities as well but we’re proud to bring it to Minneapolis first.

Q: Thank you for brightening up our city. Will Noodles change it up over time?

A: We cannot wait to find new and unexpected ways to spread Uncommon Goodness throughout Minneapolis and beyond. To find out what’s next, we encourage our guests to follow us on social media: Facebook, and Instagram.

The Mill City Times Interview: Dudley Edmonson, Photographer, Author and Filmmaker

Article by Becky Fillinger

Dudley Edmonson during a recent Learn to Bird event with MWMODudley Edmondson is a well-known photographer, author and filmmaker. He was one of the first to nudge the outdoor conservation movement to become more inclusive. In 2021, Dudley was appointed to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, which is tasked with making funding recommendations to the legislature for the protection and restoration of Minnesota’s prairie, wetlands and forest habitats using Clean Water Land and Legacy funds.

We caught up with Dudley at a Learn to Bird session, sponsored by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO). We talked about migrating birds, of course, and how Minnesota is home to 430 species of birds. But we also talked about his legacy in the outdoor movement and the value of lifelong learning.

Birding at North Mississippi Regional Park   Photo: MWMO

Q:  The Black & Brown Faces in America's Wild Places: African Americans Making Nature and the Environment a Part of Their Everyday Lives was published in 2006. Have you witnessed greater numbers of diverse faces enjoying the natural world in the last 16 years? 

A:  Yes, I have. Looking back on it now, the book was a little out of place, maybe just a bit ahead of its time in some ways. There are a lot more people of color in the outdoors today and I think some of it may have been driven by the need for people to get out of their homes during the height of COVID. More people slowed down and noticed the natural world around them. Hopefully they found some peace and comfort during those troubling times and have now decided they want to continue to enjoy nature for their own mental and physical health. Safety is still a major issue for people of color in the outdoors. Being outside often requires you to venture outside your community and it's very possible to find yourself in areas where certain white people feel you don't belong and they act accordingly. America's public/Native lands belong to everybody. 

Q:  I admire your move from Ohio to Duluth - you knew no one in the Duluth area but you wanted to photograph hawks - which were abundant in the Hawk Ridge area. What lesson do you want to pass on to other people who may need to move to pursue their passions?

A:  This is true. I only had a few acquaintances but no family of friends quite yet. I knew I needed to be close to wilderness and Duluth offered me the ability to find quiet places and plenty of wildlife fairly close to home. Once I decided I wanted to be a nature photographer, I couldn't think of a better place to access wild places and wild things than Duluth. Planning for such an adventure can only get you so far. Once you commit, you have to be willing to see it through, which may include a period of uncertainty and that's ok. Be determined, patient and flexible and you will most likely succeed.

Above, Dudley was featured on the Weather Channel for Black History Month

Q:  I know that you're a lifelong learner. You advise people to keep acquiring knowledge throughout life. What knowledge and skills are you developing now, besides wildlife photography?  

A:  This is true, I love learning. I am continuing to expand my knowledge of the natural world. I am learning more and more about pollinators and their importance to our daily lives. I am installing a 15 by 24 foot native prairie in my front yard this summer so I can continue to provide habitat for them and study their behavior. I've read where one in three bites of our food is made possible by pollinating insects. There is really so much to learn about the natural world that you could never learn it all in one hundred life times. Just knowing that makes me hungry to learn as much as I can in my lifetime.

Q:  You have so much to teach us - about nature, learning, embracing change, etc. How may we follow your news and lessons learned?

A:  I am terrible at social media, so I could probably post more information than I do, but I'm getting better.  The best place is probably on my Instagram or my website dudleyedmondson.com.

Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update and Tunneling Progress – May 9

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

Hennepin Ave

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

 2nd Ave

• Crews continue tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Avenue from the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection.
  • 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.
  • There may be short, periodic delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

Mississippi River Portal

• Minor activities will periodically occur at the Mississippi River portal site through Summer 2022. Work will resume fall 2022.
  • The parking lot off Portland Ave east of the Stone Arch Bridge, near Mill Ruins Park, is now open through summer 2022.

Tunneling Progress

Crews have built the new shaft at Washington Ave and 2nd Ave and have been tunneling the connection to the new parallel storm tunnel approximately 90 feet. Crews have tunneled approximate 70 feet from the Portland Ave access shaft towards Chicago Ave. This work will continue through the summer. Crews have also tunneled approximately 40 feet from the Hennepin Ave access shaft towards 2nd Ave S. This work will be put on hold and will resume in fall 2022.

Long Term Closures

• 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.

What to Expect

• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.
• Schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

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

Public Has Until May 13 to Provide Feedback on 2nd Street S Corridor Improvement Project

Minneapolis Public Works is evaluating improvements on 2nd Street S from 2nd Avenue S to 13th Avenue S. They will accept public feedback regarding the 2nd Street S Corridor Improvement Project until May 13th.

The City will remove and add a new layer of asphalt and install a new bikeway along 2nd Street S. Additionally, the proposed project will identify opportunities to improve safety for all modes of travel, with a specific focus on encouraging safer travel speeds, shortening crossings for pedestrians, upgrading the existing street corners to ADA standards, and upgrading the bike lanes along 2nd Street S. The project will also evaluate upgrading the bikeway connections to West River Parkway, including one block of 13th Avenue S. In addition, the project will evalutet the feasibility of intersection safety improvements on Park Avenue, 10th Avenue S, and 11th Avenue S.

The anticipated timeline is as follows: 

• January-June 2022: Concept design and community engagement
• June 2022 - March 2023: Detailed engineering and public hearing for assessments
• Summer/fall 2023: Construction
• Spring 2024: Completion 

Participate! Public Works will be accepting comments on this project through May 13. Contact Dan Edgerton, Senior Project Planner at 612-207-5722 or dan.edgerton@minneapolismn.gov.

New Vendor Highlights from the May 7 Mill City Farmers Market

The Mill City Farmers Market's 2022 outdoor season kicked off May 7th with a wonderful mix of vendors and plenty of warm sun.

In addition to produce, meat, eggs, quark, Pure Ginger for You and crackers, we were delighted to include an air plant from Ink ‘N Flower to our market basket.

Thank you to MCFM sponsor Cynthia Froid Group for hosting their annual herb plant give away.

Redwolf Chai serves hot and iced chai, along wtih Mulawah (chapati), an East African crepe made to eat with honey and tea. We brought a chapati home from the Market - it was delicious and we will for sure be enjoying more!

Rudy’s Breakfast Bagels is a Latino family-owned company. The menus look tasty and we plan order a few breakfast bagels next Saturday and share photos.

Ink ‘N Flower offers wildflower-inspired floral arrangements, home decor and greeting cards. Owner In Kyung Yang is a florist with more than two decades of experience in South Korea and Minnesota. Look for hanging baskets, macrame, terrariums, preserved flowers, candles and more.

3LECHE is a group of service industry professionals who banded together to start a fermentation company. In late 2021, they moved into the Food Building and have a product line including fermented botanical beverages, various beverages and culinary products made with waste from Food Building makers, and a full suite of nonalcoholic beverages. Find them next to the Baker’s Field Floor & Bread team every Saturday outside the train shed.

A neighor raved about the 3LECHE beverage they ordered.

Sweet Lou’s Craft Sausage and Butchery partners with local farmers to source the highest quality brats and sausages. For our first visit, we chose a package of breakfast sausage for an indulgent biscuits with sausage gravy breakfast.

The Bakery on 22nd St. offers a selection of sourdough breads made with high quality ingredients from our region, including heritage wheat from Sunrise Flour Mill and other organic whole grains, for table loaves, frozen pizza crusts, crackers, pitas and more. We picked up a bag of crispy herbed crackers, and look forward to trying the pita bread on our next visit.

The Muddy Tiger food truck features modern Indian street food, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.

Congratulations to Marty and Darrold Glanville of Sunrise Flour Mill on their recent SBA Minnesota Encore Entrepreneurs of the Year Award!

Shout out to Pure Ginger for You. While they're made to drink straight up, I love using these juices as the base for veggie and fruit breakfast blender drinks.

April 2022 State of the Downtown Market from Cynthia Froid Group

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group. Additional details available here.

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project - May 6 Update

Hennepin Ave. 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

Concrete sidewalks and curbs are installed along the West side of the two block stretch from 5th to 7th St.

The storm sewer and hydrant work was completed this week as well.

What's Coming Up

Next week will bring more concrete sidewalk and curb along the West side as well as some bike lane concrete along the east side.

Major construction in the 7th Street intersection will begin mid next week.  This will reduce traffic down to a single lane thru the intersection.  Expect delays.  This will remain in this configuration for approximately 2-weeks.

Additional closures along 5th St from Hennepin to 1st Ave will also be implemented next week.

For more information see attached update  Hennepin_Update_Vol90.pdf

Contact Us

For more information on this project contact: 

Project email: hennepinCM@minneapolismn.gov

Phone: 612-255-4049

Website: www.hennepindowntown.com