Van Gogh Hot Air Balloon

Photo: FOX 9

Did you happen to see the Vincent van Gogh hot air balloon Saturday, October 30? It was launched from Boom Island to celebrate the extension of the Immersive Van Gogh Minneapolis exhibit (now running to February 2022).

The Van Gogh hot air balloon is a reproduction of Van Gogh’s 1887 painting Self Portrait with Grey Felt Hat. The balloon was created by a European specialty hot air balloon company with brush strokes depicting a precise copy of the artist’s iconic piece. It has been launched in numerous cities.

You can view 100's of photos from the event here. They are spectacular!

Art Attack! is Back - November 5 - 7

Art Attack returns to the Northrup King Building November 5, 6 and 7. Enjoy live music by Mwago Kuria and Ben Abrahamson; treats and refreshments will be available for purchase from Potter's Pasties, Sandy's Grill & Italian Ice, and Thirsty Dragon Drinks. Look for special gallery openings, receptions and exhibitions. Click here for the list of artists.

Friday, November 5, 5 - 10pm
Saturday, November 6, Noon - 8pm
Sunday, November 7, Noon - 5pm

The Lumber Exchange Building

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

Lumber Exchange Building, 1886The Lumber Exchange Building, one of the last remaining structures of Minneapolis past that thankfully survived our city’s Urban Renewal era in the 1960s and 70s when so many of our beautiful buildings were torn down to make way for parking lots. The Lumber Exchange has stood tall for well over 100 years at Hennepin Avenue and Fifth Street, watching the ups and downs of this ever-changing metropolis.

The lumber industry in Minnesota served as the catalyst for economic growth and prosperity during the first decades of statehood, and a dedicated space to conduct business and make deals was necessary for not just the continued success of the industry, but the growth of our westward-expanding nation. The decision to create a lumber exchange in Minneapolis came in 1885 with the architectural team of Franklin Long and Frederick Kees in charge of the design. This architect firm also created the Hennepin Center for the Arts, formally known as the Masonic Temple, the Flour Exchange Building, City Hall, and the original Minneapolis Central Library.

Expansion under constructionWith construction starting in 1885 and ending in 1887, the original Lumber Exchange stood ten stories tall, was situated along South Fifth Street, and featured exceptional Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. This structure was a shadow of what the building looks like today. There were thirteen bays of windows spanning 142 feet along Fifth and just three bays of windows spanning about thirty-eight feet along Hennepin. Shortly after completion, Long and Kees were hired once again to expand the building. Staying true to the original building in terms of style and appearance, the expansion wrapped up in 1890 and extended the Hennepin side to sixteen bays of windows, covering 170 feet, and two additional floors were added, bringing the total to twelve.

Once the expansion was completed, the total cost of the building’s construction came to a total of $1,200,000, or over $35,000,000 after inflation. Using the historical definition of “skyscraper,” this was the city’s first, and it is still the oldest high-rise building in the city. Outside of New York City, the Lumber Exchange is the oldest building that is twelve or more stories in the entire United States, and it was known as one of the first completely fireproof buildings in the nation.

This last moniker was put to the test within a year of the building’s completion when a fire broke out at a neighboring paint and hardware store along Fifth Street during the winter of 1891. The original, more slender section of the Lumber Exchange was semi-fireproof, known as “slow-burning,” and the two-story addition on top, that was fully fireproofed, had yet to be furnished and was still under minor construction in order to incorporate it into the rest of the building. These factors lead to the fire next door spreading to the semi-fireproof parts of the Lumber Exchange. The blaze was controlled and extinguished, and to the surprise of many, there was minimal to no damage to the two-story addition.

Aftermath of the fire, 1891

The Lumber Exchange served as a case study, the perfect example of why it’s important to completely fireproof new buildings as American downtowns began to expand upward. As part of the post-fire renovations, the entire Lumber Exchange was converted from semi-fireproof to completely fireproof, making it one of, if not the first, fireproof buildings in the country - quite an important feature for a lumber exchange if you ask me.

After the lumber industry slowed down in Minnesota, the building needed to find new tenets. Over the years various businesses have called the Lumber Exchange home, including a barber shop, bank, and many bars. In fact, the notorious Kid Cann used the barber shop as an alibi during the 1936 trial for the murder of New York Times journalist Walter Liggett where Cann was quickly acquitted. Over the years, the building has also been adorned with some interesting pieces from around the world. The basement features marble floors from an early twentieth century bathhouse in Turkey, and the 100-year-old brass revolving door that once connected Grand Central Station to the Commodore Hotel in New York City was brought to the Lumber Exchange in 1979 and now serves as the main Hennepin Avenue entrance. Because of its architecture, fireproofing technology, and importance to the lumber industry in the state and country, this building was included in the National Register of Historic Places in May of 1983.

Current day Lumber Exchange Building. Photo: R2 Companies

Today, the building is home to Trieste Café, The Pourhouse, The Exchange & Alibi Lounge, and the Lumber Exchange Event Center to name a few. I actually had the opportunity to step inside the building and Event Center this past Friday for the wedding of one of my friends and graduate school classmates, so if anyone asks about my whereabouts on Friday, October 29th between the hours of 4pm and midnight, that’s where I was. Nowhere else.

Michael with girlfriend Theresa and the newlywed couple, Jessy and Eric, in the Lumber Exchange Event Center.

For 136 years, the Lumber Exchange Building has stood the test of time, from fires to Urban Renewal. The next time you visit downtown, go to a sporting event, pick up a book from the library, or enjoy a night out at the many bars and restaurants, take a good look the historic Lumber Exchange as it peers over Hennepin Avenue, watching the city grow as it has for so long.

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About Michael Rainville, Jr.

A 6th generation Minneapolitan, Michael Rainville, Jr. received his B.A. in History, Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies, and M.A. in Art History from the University of St. Thomas.

Michael is a historical interpreter at the Minnesota History Center and has been a lead guide at Mobile Entertainment LLC, giving Segway, walking, and biking tours of the Minneapolis riverfront for 9+ years.

 

He can be reached at mrainvillejr@comcast.net

Nonprofit Spotlight: Haven Housing

Article by Becky Fillinger 

Emily SeddonSo many organizations fulfill their mission, day in and day out, without much fanfare. Are you aware that Haven Housing has provided supportive housing for women for over 40 years? We spoke to Emily Seddon, Development Director, about the many programs available and how you can get involved. 

Q:  2021 was the 40th anniversary of Haven Housing. Please tell us your history, mission and how many fellow citizens you've served.

A:  Our mission at Haven Housing is to provide women and children in crisis or transition with a stable environment, and the opportunity to explore options for their future. Haven Housing began in 1981 when the Sisters of St. Joseph Carondelet opened Ascension Place in a former convent to provide supportive housing for women in Minneapolis based on Dorothy Day’s Catholic Worker model. Since then, our programs, now secular, have expanded to meet the emerging needs of women facing complex problems such as homelessness, mental illness, chemical dependency, abuse and incarceration. In 1990, we opened St. Anne’s Place Emergency Family Shelter to serve women-led families and pregnant women experiencing homelessness. In 2011, we established a third program - Next Step Housing - to provide permanent supportive housing to women and families in Hennepin County.

For four decades, Haven Housing has been North Minneapolis’ provider of shelter and housing for women and families in need of refuge, stability and opportunity. We have had the honor of serving nearly 15,000 people in that time.

Q:  Congratulations on your successes! What are your current programs?

A:  Haven Housing operates three programs for women and families, providing varying levels of support: 

• St. Anne’s Place Emergency Family Shelter provides sixteen private bedrooms for women-led families (up to 55 women and kids total) experiencing homelessness. Meals, individualized case management, children’s activities, tutoring and housing help are offered. In 2020, we served 107 moms with 171 kids, who stayed with us for an average of 63 days. 
• Ascension Place offers thirty-two rooms of sober, supportive housing for adult women to heal from trauma, address chemical or mental health needs, and benefit from a nurturing community with the support of their peers and staff. In addition to a private bedroom, we offer nutritious meals, on-site case management and activities. In 2020, 53 women found a safe haven to heal at Ascension Place, where they stayed on average for one year. 
• Next Step Housing provides permanent, supportive housing to adult women and mothers with children. Housing is located in our 12-unit apartment building and in apartments throughout the metro. In 2020, 40 women and 33 children participated in our Next Step housing program. Next Step Housing residents may live with us and stay in the program as long as they wish.

Q:  Please tell us about the poster art competition for the four-decade celebration.

A:  In recognition of our 40th year of service, Haven Housing launched the “Picture Safe Haven” Poster Art Competition in the summer of 2021 in partnership with the Roho Collective, a network of artists of color in the Twin Cities. The competition asked artists to answer the question “What does safe haven mean to you?”

Picture Safe Haven winning poster by Cassie Berg

The four winning artists, Angela Davis, Cassie Berg, Christopher E. Harrison and Kprecia Ambers, received a cash prize and recognition at our Picture Safe Haven event on July 31, which was included as part of the FLOW Northside Arts Crawl. We’re thrilled with the winning posters and have shared them with supporters, Haven guests and residents, and partner organizations, as well as incorporating the designs into some of our own promotional materials. You can see the winning posters and read about the artists on our website. We’re grateful to the artists who contributed their vision to our 40th Anniversary commemorative year, as well as to the Roho Collective for their leadership in this project.

Q:  Do you welcome volunteers?

A:  Yes! Haven Housing welcomes individual or group volunteers for a variety of projects every year. Currently, some volunteer opportunities are limited or virtual due to COVID-19, but we are currently recruiting volunteers for help with playground and field trip assistance, leading virtual activities for residents and guests, and meal support. Volunteer donation drives for in-kind contributions like linens, cleaning supplies and clothing items are also vital to maintaining our programs. You can see all our volunteer opportunities and fill out a volunteer application online, or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Kathy Moe, at kmoe@havenhousing.org if you would like to volunteer.

Q:  What are the priorities for 2022 and beyond?

A:  Our first priority is always maintaining safe and supportive shelter and housing opportunities for women and children in crisis or transition. This year and going forward we are deepening our chemical and mental health support services. As we work to continuously improve our programs, we know it’s important to recommit to equity in our work. We’ve contracted with Lissa Jones-Lofgren, a Culture and Inclusion Coach based in North Minneapolis, to help the Haven Housing board and staff build a stronger foundation of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility into our programs and work. 

The flip side of the coin to our programs is our properties. We are focusing on making sure our buildings are safe, dignified places for women and children to heal, find permanent housing, and make progress towards their goals. We are currently fundraising for significant repair and maintenance needs at our three buildings. The former convents that are home to St. Anne’s Emergency Shelter and Ascension Place Sober Supportive Housing are over 80 years old, so the features that were built to last 100 years are starting to fail, and honestly, there are better options available now for HVAC, fire suppression, and making the most of small spaces.

Maintaining our buildings is one commitment we make to our program participants and our neighbors. Being a good neighbor is just one part of our expanding community engagement efforts. We’ve been working with other Northside partners on neighborhood clean-ups, serving as block leaders for National Night Out, participating in Open Streets, and working with other housing organizations to advocate for those experiencing homelessness.

Q:  Thank you for speaking with us. How may we follow your news?

A:  There are many ways to follow Haven Housing! You can sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

You can also find out more information about our program on our website and blog.  

Halloween Moon by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Mill District resident Ric Rosow

Are you ready for Halloween? This eerie looking image is a combination of seven images of the moon rising over Lake Superior in the evening, which were combined and blended back into the first moon image. I then blended that combined moon image into two photos of Minneapolis, one of downtown and the other of the river. Finally I blended in a photo of Puerto Vallarta. The blending process selects portions of each image based on lightness, darkness, hue, saturation or luminosity in the images being blended together. Sometimes the blending process produces very subtle effects, and other times much more dramatic, as with this image.

You can see more of my photography @ricrosowphotography, @treslechesartgallery and @nemaa.

Mill District History Video from the DMNA

This video is part of the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) Historic Signage Project. 

Gamut's 10th Annual Holiday Sale, Raging Art On, Opens December 2nd

Gamut Gallery’s annual holiday pop-up, Raging Art On, will feature floor-to-ceiling artwork, handcrafted gifts and more from over 50 Minnesota artists. Since the inception of Raging Art On in 2011, Gamut Gallery has hand selected the artists, but left the rest up to them. In doing so, they choose their “best of the best” artworks spanning all sizes and price points creating the full Gamut of work. The gallery will feature 25 new artists alongside familiar names they've shown throughout the years.

*  *  *  *  *  FEATURED ARTISTS  *  *  *  *  *

Third Daughter Restless Daughter, Astralchemy, Alexis Politz, allison anne, Anton Horishnyk, Amit Michael, Ashley Nichole, Bekah Worley, Benja Wuest, Biafra, Black Daze, Cassie Garner, Carter Casmaer, Destiny Davison, Eli Libson, Emily Forbes, Emily Quandahl, Evan Weselmann, Flahn Manly, Heather Renaux, Jamie Owens, Jenna Richardson, Jordan Wiebe, Jorie Kosel, Juliana Ferguson, Kathryn Flora, Lauren Storm, Linnea Maas, Liza Ferrari, Lora Hlavsa, Lucy Comer, Manthra Studio, Martzia, Marne Skusa, Nichole Showalter, Pompa Goods, Olivia Kor, Phaedra Odelle, Philipo Duyali, Rachel Schroder, Roland & Darwin Patrick, Russ White, Sara Kahn, Scott Seekins, Sherstin Schwartz, stace of spades, Suyao Tian, Tierney Houdek, Tiffany Lange, Tom Jay, Trace, Zach Julen

Gamut Gallery Members are invited to get a preview of the festivities on Wednesday, December 1, from 5pm–9pm, followed by three weeks of in person shopping open to the public, plus a bonus day for those last minute gift grabs. Gamut's holiday sale will also be online December 2, 2021 - January 10, 2022.

2021 - 2022 Snow Emergency Info

This is Minnesota, so winter can strike at any time. Being prepared might save you a few headaches, inconvenience and money.

By now you should have received the Snow Emergency Information mailer from the City of Minneapolis, but if you didn't (or it accidentally got thrown out with all the political flyers), there are a number of ways to keep up to date on weather-related restrictions, etc.

Go to http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow/ and you'll find it all: If a Snow Emergency is in effect, the Snow Emergency hotline 612-348-SNOW (7669), towed vehicle info, instructions for downloading the Snow Emergency app and more. You can also follow them on Facebook.

October 30 Halloween Party in the North Loop

The North Loop Neighborhood Association is hosting a Halloween Party this weekend. Come for the candy and stay for the movie!

The event will take place at Nordic Plaza, 729 Washington Avenue N (the outdoor plaza shared by The Freehouse, FRGMNT Coffee, Fuzzy's Taco Shop Taqueria).

There will be prizes for the best costumes. Kids, adults and pets will be rewarded!

Stay for the showing of Hocus Pocus at 6:15 pm. 

Theatre in the Round Players Names New Managing Director

Via a recent Press Release:

Larisa NetterlundTheatre in the Round Players (TRP), the oldest theatre in Minneapolis and one of the oldest community theatres in the nation, today announced that Larisa Netterlund will join the organization as managing director.

In her role, Netterlund will be at the center of the crosscurrents of information, communication and day-to-day decision making. Her duties will include managing daily operations, staff and volunteer experience, financial oversight, facility management, community engagement and fundraising, and programming and productions.

Netterlund comes to TRP with over a decade of arts administration and higher education administration experience.  She served as executive director of The Moving Company in Minneapolis, and as advising supervisor and academic advisor in Arts and Humanities at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

As managing director, Netterlund will ensure the values of TRP: community, volunteerism, artistic integrity and fiscal responsibility, as well as equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). She also will build upon the successful history of TRP as a place of self-reliance, creativity and ingenuity, and where volunteers, artists, and audience members feel at home.

“Theatre created for an arena stage is a beautiful metaphor for community. There is a shared experience, but every person has a slightly different perspective from their particular seat,” said Netterlund. “I am thrilled to be at an organization where this practice of theatre-making is – quite literally – at the center of its mission.  As TRP’s managing director, I am excited to be a champion for this practice of theatre-making and philosophy of community-building at all levels of the organization.”

She succeeds longtime executive director of TRP, Steven Antenucci, who retired in 2020. Her arrival comes at a pivotal time for TRP, which like other performance venues, is making a cautious return to live audiences after more than 18 months of darkness due to COVID-19. The theater launched its 70th season Oct. 1 and is implementing an abbreviated five-show season for this year.

“Theatre in the Round has such a long and important history in the Twin Cities’ theatre ecosystem. I am so honored to be a part of it and excited to play a role in envisioning the next chapter,” said Netterlund.

Netterlund holds a Master of Arts in Theatre from the University of North Dakota.

“We are thrilled that Larisa will be joining TRP, bringing her experience and passion for theatre, community and developing people,” said David Stevens, president of TRP’s board of directors. “She will be a strong partner as we build on TRP’s 70 years of history in the Twin Cities community and position it to grow and develop into the future.”

Theatre in the Round is located at 245 Cedar Avenue S

The Dayton’s Project Announces Second Round of Maker’s Market Brands

Via an October 25 Press Release:

Another ten vendors announced for The Departments at Dayton’s

Today, The Dayton’s Project announced the second round of brands to be hosted in its inaugural maker’s market, The Departments at Dayton’s. The building and the maker’s market will open to the public on November 18, 2021, after undergoing a $350 million historic redevelopment.

“This collection of makers really demonstrates the breadth and quality of brands that will be available at The Departments at Dayton’s, and only at The Departments at Dayton’s,” said Tricia Pitchford, Principal of Mid-America Real Estate. “We are incredibly excited for The Dayton’s Project to be a platform for these incredible makers.”

Brands that are part of the inaugural cohort include: Grass Lake Furniture, craftsman style furniture and cutting boards; Wewerka Photography, Atmospheric landscape photography; Handmod, Handmade art with personality; Seventeen Birch, Upscale lifestyle clothing and products; Herbal Alchemy, Nature-based advanced skincare; Molly Pepper, LA-based sleep-lounge-lifestyle brand; Minnesota Awesome, MN-made MN pride clothing and accessories; SJC Body Love, Handcrafted health-focused skincare products; Shop in the City, Specialty lifestyle gifts and clothing (including Dayton’s gear); Hacienda San Jose, Mission-driven high quality chocolate. 

For the first time since 2001, shoppers will be able to purchase Dayton’s-branded clothing items, including shirts and hoodies featuring the Dayton’s logo. 

“This holiday season is all about quality goods that reflect the community. The Departments at Dayton’s brings a retail experience you simply can’t get anywhere else,” remarked Mich Berthiaume, the curator of The Departments at Dayton’s. “Shopping local not only allows you to support your local economy, it also helps to bypass the issues we’re seeing with the global supply chain.”

The Departments at Dayton’s is the newest addition to The Dayton’s Project, a landmark historic restoration development in downtown Minneapolis. The Dayton’s Project offers 1.2 million square feet of Minneapolis history transformed for modern city life. Global professional services firm, Ernst & Young Global Limited, signed a 30,000 SF lease at The Dayton’s Project earlier this year. They will have access to The Dayton’s Project’s best-in-class amenities, including a 10,000 SF fitness center, library, rooftop deck and tenant lounge.

The building is set to announce the final set of the 30 total vendors in early November. Follow @thedepartmentsatdaytons on social media or visit thedepartmentsatdaytons.com for more information.

Small Business Spotlight: Monique Maxwell Unlimited

Article by Becky Fillinger

Monique MaxwellIn Minneapolis, we have no need to fear supply chain problems as it relates to holiday gift giving. Check out the locally produced offerings at Monique Maxwell Unlimited. We talked to Monique about the inspiration for her tagline and where to find these gorgeous products.

Q:  Your tagline is Be A Kind Human. What does that mean to you?

A:  Be A Kind Human. (It’s as simple as that.) It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that we as human beings need kindness. Especially in today’s world. Saying hello to someone who catches your eye can shift their day, as well as yours. We never know what’s happening in someone else’s world. We all have had times in our lives when things were tough. To create clothing that helps shift our perspective and bring forth something good in someone else’s day gives me GREAT joy.

Being out in the world selling these goods has opened my world up to the power of communication. To witness people each saying hello and to watch the shift in their thinking, their energy, right before my eyes is so heartwarming. To have people share with me how it made them feel or why they needed to read that message is priceless. To experience a vulnerable moment with another person is rare. To me, being an ear, a smile, a hug, whatever form of kindness I share is how we can spread change, spread love, and make a difference.

Q:  Do you have a brick-and-mortar store? How did the COVID pandemic affect your business?

A:  I don’t have a brick-and-mortar store. I am very lucky to know Molly, the owner of Statement Boutique, in the North Loop. She carries my brand and keeps the messages moving through the world. Before the pandemic I would travel to various states as a vendor with Lifetime Empower training program and do pop-ups throughout the city. The pandemic stopped all of that. I jokingly say my business took a big nap for more than a year and I’m now waking it back up again.

Q:  May I say – Welcome Back! Will you have holiday specials for our Mill City Times readers?

A:  We will have surprise holiday specials throughout December. You can find me and my product lines on Instagram, Facebook or at my website. I look forward to meeting many of your readers!

Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via an October 22 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.

Latest Project News

• Work will soon begin at the southwest corner of the Washington Avenue and Portland Avenue intersection. The right lane of Portland is temporarily closed to install a temporary dewatering well on the southwest corner of the intersection.
  • During this closure, bicyclists will share the open traffic lane and pedestrians should use the eastern sidewalk.
  • This closure is anticipated to remain in place for three weeks, or until crews finish installing the temporary dewatering well. 
    
    
• There will be an overnight closure of 2nd Ave S between Washington Ave and 2nd St from 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 27 to 6 a.m. Thursday, October 28. This closure is needed to lay additional pipe across the road. Access to properties off 2nd Ave S will be maintained.
  • 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Avenue 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.
    
    
• The east lane of 4th Ave S between 3rd St S and Washington Ave remains temporarily closed. This closure is needed to complete installation of the dewatering well and pump setup. This work is anticipated to be completed in approximately two weeks.
  • The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains temporarily closed until the temporary well is setup. Pedestrians will be able to 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 remain open. There may be short-term delays while crews move equipment and materials around the area. 
    
    
• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains closed between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall through spring 2022. The contractor will be utilizing an existing shaft to perform work for connecting the existing tunnel to the new tunnel. 
  • During this closure, pedestrians will share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remain open.
    
    
• Work continues at the Mississippi River portal site. Crews are completing soil testing and investigation work in preparation for the excavation work that will begin soon.
  • The parking lot off Portland Ave east of the Stone Arch Bridge, near the Mill Ruins Park, remains temporarily closed for the winter and will reopen Spring 2022. This closure is necessary to complete the work in this area safely and efficiently.
  • The parking lot near Portland Ave and W River Pkwy remains open.
    
    
• 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

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:

https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

MPRB Approves New Comprehensive Plan - an Operational Guide Thru 2036

Via an October e-announcement from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board: 

Plan will guide organizational policy, programs and services, annual budget, and park improvements through 2036

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) completed a new Comprehensive Plan that will guide the organization’s policy and priorities through the year 2036! At its Oct. 20, 2021 meeting, MPRB Commissioners approved the plan, called “Parks for All.”

Parks for All is based on the shared values of communities the MPRB serves, organizations and agencies the MPRB works with, and MPRB Commissioners and staff. It was created, revised and finalized through three years of research and feedback.

Parks for All will provide guidance in developing policy, establishing or changing programs and services, setting the annual MPRB budget and creating park improvements over the next decade and a half.

“The work that went into creating the Park for All Comprehensive Plan was phenomenal,” said MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura. “It truly reflects the values of this agency and I am excited to bring the Parks for All vision to life over the next 15 years.”

At the Oct. 20 meeting, Park Commissioners made several minor amendments before passing the plan. The amendments are posted under “Attachments” on Resolution 2021-309, Resolution Approving Parks for All, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board 2021 Comprehensive Plan.

The amended text has been redlined into the full plan is linked below. The graphic design team will work the amended text into an updated plan and post to the MPRB website soon.

View entire announcement here.

Explore the Intersections of Ancestry and Memory in Ashwini Ramaswamy’s Let the Crows Come at The Cowles Center

Via an October 21 e-announcement from Artspace:

Ashwini Ramaswamy’s Let the Crows Come features local powerhouse dance talents Ashwini Ramaswamy, Berit Ahlgren, and Alanna Morris-Van Tassel for two in-person and livestream performances from The Cowles Center’s Goodale Stage on November 20 and 21. Tickets range from $20-$25, learn more at thecowlescenter.org/let-the-crows-come.

This is Ramaswamy’s second tour of Let the Crows come after the production reached acclaim in 2019, earning ‘Best of the Year’ recognition in the Star Tribune, Minnpost, and City Pages - who named Ramaswamy one of its Artists of the Year. “The Cowles is so pleased to be presenting this production,” shares Jessi Fett, Co-director at The Cowles Center. “Not only is it stunning in every sense, but we are proud of our deepened relationships with the three dance artists – Ramaswamy, Ahlgren, and Morris-Van Tassel – who we’ve engaged on our stages and through our programs.”

Ashwini Ramaswamy’s Let the Crows Come is a multi-dimensional work that invokes the metaphor of crows as messengers for the living and guides for the departed to channel memory and homeland, guidance and dislocation. The work evolved from a simple idea; when a DJ remixes a song, its essence is maintained while its trajectory is changed; through dance, music, and stunning visuals it explores the ways in which memories are both shared and individual.

Ramaswamy, Ahlgren, and Morris-Van Tassel deconstruct and recontextualize the South Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam against their own movement specialties (Bharatanatyam, Gaga, and contemporary/African Diasporic, respectively) through and with an original recorded score from

dj/rupture aka Jace Clayton, electro-acoustic cellist Brent Arnold, and featuring Carnatic musicians Roopa Mahadevan (vocals); Rohan Krishnamurthy (percussion); and Arun Ramamurthy (violin).

“I could not be more thrilled to bring Let the Crows Come back to Minneapolis, in a format where it can be experienced live around the world,” said Ramaswamy. “I have performed at the Cowles Center since it opened in 2012, and the organization is incredibly supportive of my choreographic vision. I look forward to continuing our relationship well into the future.”

Learn more and purchase in-person and livestream tickets at thecowlescenter.org/let-the-crows-come.

FUNDING CREDITS

Let the Crows Come is commissioned by The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s Liquid Music Series and is made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project and the MAP Fund (both supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation). The development of Let the Crows Come was made possible in part by residencies at the Baryshnikov Arts Center (New York, NY) and the National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron (NCCAkron).

ABOUT ASHWINI RAMASWAMY

The foundation of Ashwini’s work and aesthetic begins with decades of Bharatanatyam training with her gurus - her mother Ranee Ramaswamy, sister Aparna Ramaswamy (Directors of Ragamala Dance Company) and the legendary Smt. Alarmel Valli of Chennai, India. As a founding member of Ragamala, she has toured extensively, performing throughout the U.S. and in Russia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan, the U.K, and India. Ashwini has received commissions from the SPCO’s Liquid Music Series, American Dance Platform, and the Great Northern Festival, residencies at the Baryshnikov Arts Center (NYC), UNC Chapel Hill (North Carolina), and the National Center for Choreography (Akron, OH), and support from the National Dance Project, the MAP Fund, US Artists International, the Minnesota State Arts Board, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, South Asian Arts Resiliency Fund, a Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship and McKnight Foundation Artist Fellowships for Dance and Choreography. She is currently a Visiting Professor at Macalester College and will bring Let the Crows Come to several national venues in the 2021-22 season. www.ashwiniramaswamy.com

ABOUT THE COWLES CENTER

The Cowles Center is a dance and performing arts hub that promotes movement and growth for artists through supportive programs and spaces; engages audiences through dynamic performances; and educates learners of all ages through robust and inclusive education initiatives. The Cowles Center is owned and operated by Artspace.

Redistricting: Making Sure Everyone is Fairly Represented in Minneapolis

Exerpt from an October 20 e-news from the City of Minneapolis:

After every census, Minneapolis updates the boundaries of its 13 City Council wards and six Park Board districts to reflect new population counts. The Redistricting Group, made up of 24 Minneapolis volunteers, builds the new maps with input from their communities. The Redistricting Group needs your help with the redistricting project to make sure all voices are heard. The 2021 municipal election is based on the 2010 census maps, but City Council members elected in November will serve a term of two years rather than four. Another City Council election in 2023 will be based on the new maps from the 2020 census. Participate in the redistricting project Explore the redistricting webpages. Draw and submit draft maps. Register for redistricting meetings presenting draft maps for public discussion. 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17. 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15. 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Sign up to get notices for all redistricting meetings. Email comments or questions.

Small Business Spotlight: Roseline’s Place

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Roseline FriedrichRoseline Friedrich’s candle and gift shop, Roseline's Place, at 2430 Central Ave NE is chock full of wonderful things to touch and smell and ogle. All of these reactions are welcome – you can even take a class to learn to make your own wonderful creations. We talked to Roseline about her immigration story, inspirations and overcoming the challenges of a startup.

Q:  We love highlighting the immigration stories of our business community. Please tell us yours.

A:  I came to the United States when I was 14 – directly to Minnesota. I joined family here and enrolled in school. I missed everything about Cameroon. It was excruciatingly cold here – I was out of my comfort zone in climate and every other way too. I graduated from Roosevelt High (2007) in South Minneapolis, and then I went to the University of Minnesota, graduating in 2012. I love what I do and am happy to be here – it’s an American success story. 

Q:  Tell us about the start of Roseline’s Candles.

A:  I started making candles in 2019 for myself and friends. I was working full time in my career as a case manager serving youth and our fellow citizens suffering with housing crises. The candle making became more than a hobby as people wanted to buy them. It grew organically as I was just selling candles via text to friends and then it started growing. I decided to do a website and try an e-commerce site. In 2020 I went from making candles with friends to starting a business. In 2021 I went from an e-commerce business to opening a physical store and candle making bar on September 30th. The candle business allows me to utilize my creativity, make beautiful sustainable products and give back to my community. 

Q:  You mention ‘giving back’ as important to you. How do you define the concept?

A:  I’m giving back to causes that are important to me – youth education and mentoring. I’m also giving to help our communities heal after incidents of trauma. When George Floyd was murdered a year ago, I was angry and sad. I was one of the protesters on the 35W bridge when the trucker drove into our group. I have PTSD from that day. I did what I could to help the community. I created 600 George Floyd remembrance candles and left them at George Floyd Square. More recently, Daunte Wright was murdered near my home.  I did a fundraiser for his son Julian and donated all profits to the family.

Candle making bar

Inside the shop at 2430 Central Ave NE 

Q:  What do you want Mill City Times readers to know about your shop?

A:  You will walk into my store and will immediately be immersed in the wonderful candle fragrances. Our candles are 100% soy. I make eco-friendly products. The high-quality candles are in beautiful, recyclable jars. We also carry cards, jewelry, art and great home goods. Our store is full of wonderful gifts that are sustainable too. I want readers to also know that they may take a candle making class in my store. Get a group of friends together and take a class – you’ll love the end product!

IDA Awards Top Industry Honor to Mpls Downtown Improvement District

Via an October 18 Press Release from mpls downtown council:

The International Downtown Association (IDA) has recognized the Mpls Downtown Improvement District with the Downtown Achievement Pinnacle Award for its work and initiatives related to its Street Show Artists Unite for Justice Initiative.

Each year, IDA recognizes outstanding projects as winners of the Downtown Achievement Awards which identify advances to urban centers by organizations world-wide. The industry’s highest recognition, the Pinnacle Award, represents the most inspiring innovations in urban place management. This year’s projects were awarded by a jury of IDA members in the following categories: leadership development; organizational management; economic development; marketing, communications and events; planning, design and infrastructure; policy and advocacy; and public space management and operations. Street Show Artists Unite for Justice won in the category of marketing, communications and events. This is the second time in the past three years that the Mpls DID’s has been recognized with the top award; the first time for their efforts to reactivate the newly redesigned Nicollet Mall.

”Digital programming in the time of COVID-19 was obvious. But when you have a world-wide social justice movement erupt in your own back yard, you must go beyond performative allyship,” said Lisa Middag, Mpls Downtown Improvement District Director of Nicollet Activation. “We had the opportunity to provide artists the platforms they have earned, and their resilience and radical joy is helping to heal our city.”

Beginning as a virtual expansion of the Street Show performance program (streetshowmpls.org), Street Show Artists Unite for Justice produced live streaming shows from the regular slate of street performers as curated by Minneapolis-based non-profit performance presenter the Warming House. Specially recorded and edited “Street Show Gems” were later taped at quintessential locations throughout downtown Minneapolis. Payments to performers were matched 1:1 with donations to local social justice organizations selected by the artists. Street Show virtual programs featured 56 unique performances and performers that streamed on Facebook Live and YouTube from May through December 2020 gaining more than 26,000 views.

The program highlighted eight premier locations from across downtown Minneapolis. Venues were thrilled to see positive activity downtown and their unique places featured, including several rooftops, U.S. Bank Stadium and Target Field, IDS Center Crystal Court, Brit’s Pub and more. The program reached 12,000,000 viewers through these and other social media platforms, including a promotional partnership with Hennepin Theatre Trust. Viewers and artists alike learned more about the Street Show program and the artist selected social justice organizations.

In 2021, Street Show Artists Unite for Justice continued matching tips that Street Show performers received during dozens of in-person performances along Nicollet in the downtown core, aligning with activations like the Nicollet Farmers Market and Makers Market. The Street Show Artist Unite for Justice initiative has allowed artists to direct investment to the organizations they felt were most productively advancing the cause, and even though many artists were facing extraordinary economic hardships already due to the pandemic, they had the opportunity to support important social change efforts in the city. More than $16,000 has been donated to these social justice organizations to date in 2020 and 2021. From 2017 through 2021—not including digital performances in 2020—Street Show has provided more than 2,000 hours of performances on Hennepin and Nicollet.

“Street Show Artists Unite for Justice helps ensure the promise of an inclusive downtown is not an empty one, and showcases our vibrant artist communities, the resiliency of our people and places, and all of our efforts toward equity,” said Middag.

“Mpls Downtown Improvement District’s innovative project received the IDA Pinnacle Award for setting the new standard for improving cities around the world,” said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. “The Street Show Artists Unite for Justice initiative has made an impact on its community and the people who live, work and play there, and is evidence of the continued commitment to champion livable, vital and thriving urban centers.”

Washington, DC-based IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Mpls Downtown Improvement District is the urban place management organization representing the interests of property owners in Minneapolis.

IDA will convene this October for a three-day conference themed Modern Momentum to discuss topics facing downtowns and city centers. The Mpls DID will be recognized for their award-winning project during the Downtown Achievement Awards ceremony at the 67th Annual Conference & Marketplace, October 20-22, 2021. For more information about the session and conference, please visit the event webpage. IDA’s Annual Conference & Marketplace is the premier gathering for professional placemakers and urban champions creating vibrant and healthy cities around the world. The conference features educational sessions, Master Talks (short keynotes from industry leaders), marketplace exhibitors and networking opportunities.

IDA’s members have a proven track record of creating collaborative public-private partnerships to tackle weighty issues. More than 2,500 downtown management districts exist in cities throughout the U.S. and Canada. Place management organizations affect significant change in every major metropolitan area throughout North America in an industry that is growing rapidly around the globe. Place management work touches every discipline of city building, including economic development, leadership, marketing, events, public space management, policy, planning and infrastructure.

Additional information on the Pinnacle award winners can be found online at downtown.org.

About the Mpls Downtown Improvement District

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) is a business funded non-profit focused on creating a more vibrant downtown. DID leads and collaborates on programs that make downtown safer, cleaner, and greener. DID convenes people across sectors and jurisdictions to work on issues of mutual interest; develop innovative solutions to complex public space challenges/opportunities including strategic activation and seeks continuous improvement of ongoing programs including the ambassadors.

About IDA

IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Our members are city builders and downtown champions who bring urban centers to life, bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. We represent an industry of more than 2,500 place management organizations, employing 100,000 people throughout North America and growing rapidly around the world. Founded in 1954, IDA is a resource center for ideas and innovative best practices in urban place management. For more information, visit www.downtown.org.

Third Avenue Bridge Pier Demolition

Submitted by Mill District Resident, Doug Verdier 

Significant demolition has been underway on the Third Avenue Bridge pier nearest to West River Parkway. The exterior walls of the upstream side of the pier are being removed and will be replaced. The base of the pier beneath the demo area is protected from the falling concrete by heavy timbers. The below photos show part of the interior of the pier as well as the steel girders that will support the bridge deck when it is replaced.

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North Loop Neighborhood Association's Parks Committee Seeks Community Feedback on Future Third Street Park

The North Loop Neighborhood Association has formed a parks committee to gather community feedback on the future Third Street Park. The first community listening session took place October 6 - click here for the slide deck from that meeting. Over the next several months they'll be developing a recommendation report to submit to the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board, based on community engagement and feedback.

The next listening session for the new park will be Wednesday, November 3 at 7 p.m. at the Colonial Warehouse Tenant Lounge. Please contact Quentin Misiag at quentinmisiag@gmail.com or 319-541-8216 for more information, or if you'd like to get involved.