Kim Eslinger
Editor
612-321-8040
kim@millcitymedia.org

Brianna Ojard
Associate Editor

David Tinjum
Publisher
612-321-8020
dave@millcitymedia.org

Claudia Kittock
Columnist / Non-Profits
Email Claudia...

Becky Fillinger
Small Business Reporter
Producer / Milling About
Email Becky...

Michael Rainville Jr.
History Columnist
Email Michael...

Doug Verdier
River Matters

Mill City Times is a not-for-profit community service. We do not sell advertising on this site.

Community Partners

Thanks to our community partners, whose support makes Mill City Times possible:

MILL CITY FARMERS MARKET

With over 100 local farmers, food makers and artists, MCFM strives to build a local, sustainable and organic food economy in a vibrant, educational marketplace.

Visit their website...

HENNEPIN HISTORY MUSEUM

Hennepin History Museum is your history, your museum. We preserve and share the diverse stories of Hennepin County, MN. Come visit!

Visit their website...

MEET MINNEAPOLIS

Maximizing the visitor experience of Minneapolis for the economic benefit of our community, making Minneapolis the destination of choice among travelers.

Visit their website...

MSP FILM SOCIETY

Promoting the art of film as a medium that fosters cross-cultural understanding, education, entertainment, and exploration.

Visit their website...

GREAT RIVER COALITION

Enhancing the Minneapolis riverfront environment—for people and pollinators.

Visit their website...

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Minneapolis Riverfront News

Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share?  Contact us.

Monday
Nov032014

William Sidney 'Bill' Joyce

I got to know Bill Joyce throught the Men's Coffee Club of Mill City Commons. He was down to earth, humble, accomplished and successful, all at the same time.  That's hard to pull off, but he was the real deal.  From the Star Tribune:

Joyce, William Sidney "Bill" age 82, passed away at his home in Minneapolis on October 31, 2014 surrounded by his loving family and music. Bill was born in Indianapolis on September 5, 1932, the only son of Ian Joyce and Elydah Mary Wheeler Joyce. The rock and cornerstone of Bill's life was his wife Suzanne, whom he met on a boat carrying students to Europe. It was a seaboard romance that lasted a lifetime. Bill spent two years with the Army in Heidelberg, Germany, inspiring a lifetime of curiosity, travel and adventure. Bill's working career began at General Mills in sales and marketing. In 1973, Bill left the business world to join Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota as the VP for External Affairs. He then spent eight years at International Multifoods. Bill had a lifelong passion for theatre, holding board positions at the Playwrite's Center, the Cricket Theatre and the Guthrie. He was also an active board member of the American Red Cross, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and at the Basilica of Saint Mary and a founding board member of the Azmat Museum. In Crested Butte, Colorado, his beloved mountain home, he served for many years on the board of the Crested Butte Music Festival. Bill is survived by his wife Suzanne, and his 4 children: Alisa, Susan, Ward and Kevin. He will be greatly missed by his large family, including his two sons-in-law, David Barba and David Volkert, two daughters-in-law, Sarah Cousins and Martha Enson, and eight grandchildren: Maya, Patrick, Gina and Will Barba; Elydah Joyce; Zebadiah and Saskia Joyce; Ruby Enson Joyce. Services to honor Bill will be held at the Basilica of St. Mary on Tuesday, November 4th at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to: The Basilica Landmark Park Nicollet Hospice Mill City Commons

Monday
Nov032014

Webster / Downtown School Floor Plans are Coming Together

Here are the pictures of the most recent floor plan for Webster. There are some last updates that are currently being put into the plan, but it will overall be very similar to these plans. If you have questions, feel free to post them!

For perspective, the hypotenuse of the building is the entry side for this split level building, with that side being the middle level (shown in the plan with the top floor). Then the right angle side of the drawings shows the top and bottom floors on separate sheets.

 

Monday
Nov032014

[Photo] 3rd Ave Bridge - 1958

Courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society

Monday
Nov032014

Water Works Will Be a Public / Private Partnership

The Washburn-Crosby mills and railroad yard in Minneapolis, circa 1940. Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society.

By Bill Lindeke on MinnPost:

There is no more hallowed ground in Minneapolis than the spot where the Stone Arch Bridge meets the old mill ruins along St. Anthony Falls. It’s the spot that appears in a thousand photos and is the birthplace of the city’s milling industry.

Last week I went on a tour of the area with a group of architects from the design team SCAPE and Rogers Partners. They shared with me a new vision for the area that would unearth some of the history buried beneath today’s parking lots. The proposal, called Water Works Park, could cost somewhere just north of $20 million, and is full of exciting architectural ideas.

Read the article on MinnPost…

Monday
Nov032014

Letter from Doug Verdier to FERC re: Symphony Hydro

Local Hydro activist Doug Verdier weighs in on the proposed Symphony Hydro project, cites need to keep lock functional for emergency contingencies:

Download the letter...

Monday
Nov032014

North Loop Intersection to Get Safety Makeover

Based on a request from 3rd Ward Council Member Frey's office, the Minneapolis Dept. of Public Works conducted a study of a dangerous intersection at 2nd Ave N & 3rd St N in the North Loop.  The study found a number pedestrian safety issues that will be addressed in over the next 10 weeks:

Download the staff report...

Download a drawing of the improvements...

Monday
Nov032014

Thursday Night - DMNA Meeting

The November meeting of the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association will be held Thursday, November 6 at 6:00PM.  Join us at Open Book - 1011 Washington Ave. S.

Download the agenda...

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS:

 - Made Here Initiative.  Presented by Tom Hoch from the Hennepon Theatre Trust and Joan Vorderbruggen from Made Here.  With Made Here, Hennepin Theatre Trust showcases Minnesota’s wealth of artistic talent to activate the vibrant downtown Minneapolis Cultural District. From locally created visual displays in vacant storefronts, to pop-up parks and art galleries and live performances in commercial spaces, the rich diversity of the Twin Cities’ cultural community is front and center for all to share.  More info on Made Here...

 - Nicollet Hotel Block RFP.  The City of Minneapolis is seeking redevelopment proposals for the City-owned property located at 30 Third Street South. The 1.7 acre city block is bound by Third Street South, Washington Avenue, Hennepin Avenue, and Nicollet Mall and commonly referred to as the “Nicollet Hotel Block.”.  More details and download the RFP here...

 - North Loop Intersection to Get Safety Makeover.  Based on a request from 3rd Ward Council Member Frey's office, the Minneapolis Dept. of Public Works conducted a study of a dangerous intersection at 2nd Ave N & 3rd St N in the North Loop.  The study found a number pedestrian safety issues that will be addressed in over the next 10 weeks.  Download the staff report and drawing...

 - Crown Hydro Discussion.  A resolution will be presented opposing Crown Hydro.

Monday
Nov032014

Nicollet Mall RFP Presentation at DMNA Thursday Night

The City of Minneapolis is seeking redevelopment proposals for the City-owned property located at 30 Third Street South. The 1.7 acre city block is bound by Third Street South, Washington Avenue, Hennepin Avenue, and Nicollet Mall and commonly referred to as the “Nicollet Hotel Block.” The City’s development goals for the property include iconic high quality designed new construction of a structure(s) of not fewer than 20 active floors in height with a mix of commercial, retail, residential, office, and hospitality uses, active street front retail, and integrated public/green space amenities.

Questions regarding the RFP must be submitted in writing to Erik Hansen (City of Minneapolis, Department of CPED, 105 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401) no later than Wednesday, November 19 by 4:00 p.m. Questions will be answered and posted on the CPED website by Tuesday, November 24.

Download the RFP here...

Monday
Nov032014

Thursday Night - Discussion and Next Steps on Crown Hydro at DMNA

On the agenda of the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association meeting on Thursday Night, November 6 at Open Book.  I intend to introduce a resolution opposing the Crown Hydro project and make a motion that the DMNA submit a letter conveying the resolution to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Monday
Nov032014

Online Survey Participation Requested Regarding Northeast Athletic Field Park Recreation Building

The Minneapolis Park Board has posted an online survey available until November 12 for the planned Northeast Athletic Field Park Recreation Building.   Please take 10 minutes to share your ideas for this building and how it might best serve the community.  Contact Project Manager Dana Murdoch at 612-230-6446 ordmurdoch@minneapolisparks.org with any questions.

Survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NortheastParkRecreationBuilding1

Project Page:

http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=1482

Monday
Nov032014

Position Open: Marketing Strategist at Olive & Company

Job Description

Olive & Company is looking for a Marketing Strategist to provide ongoing strategic marketing leadership to our clients. You will collaborate closely with clients to develop holistic, innovative marketing plans while coordinating with our internal team to execute individual project components, measure campaign performance, and identify opportunities for growth and optimization. Ideal candidates must have a combination of marketing strategy, brand management, and client service experience, must be passionate about driving brand and business results for clients, and must be completely comfortable with emerging digital marketing trends and tactics.

Responsibilities

  • Partner closely with client teams to develop a complete understanding of their business, industry, brand, and goals.
  • Develop holistic, goal-oriented marketing plans and strategies for clients based on comprehensive research and analysis.
  • Communicate strategic plans and vision to clients, and help client teams build consensus among internal stakeholders and executive leadership.
  • Carefully define project scope and deliverables and develop detailed project estimates and proposals.
  • Develop detailed creative project briefs for our internal team.
  • Coordinate with a project manager to oversee workflow of individual project components while keeping projects tracked to their business objectives, deadlines, and scope.
  • Monitor and align all project work with client brand and business objectives.
  • Measure campaign KPI and ROI performance and provide reporting insights to client and Olive teams to optimize ongoing work.
  • Manage ongoing relationship with the client, and identify opportunities for client engagement growth.

Requirements

  • 8+ years agency experience in marketing strategy, brand management, and client service roles
  • Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills
  • Strong analytical and creative thinking skills
  • Proven ability to develop brand and marketing plans and effectively communicate recommendations to executive management
  • Ability to work with cross-functional teams in complex, high pressure situations
  • Understanding of marketing data and consumer research
  • Ability to manage multiple ongoing projects, challenges, and tasks without losing momentum on overall vision
  • Experience working with analytics reporting tools and data
  • Passion for rapidly building expertise on new businesses and industry verticals
  • Demonstrated negotiation and problem resolution skills
  • Experience presenting creative work, developing rationale, and selling with confidence
  • Experience managing a robust pipeline of creative projects with diverse deliverables (including strategic, digital, print, and multi-channel)
  • Up-to-date with latest trends and marketing best practices, with a deep understanding of emerging digital trends and tactics
  • Comfortable collaborating and communicating with writers, designers, and developers
  • Able to manage, serve, and lead demanding clients with confidence
  • B.S./M.S. degree in marketing

To Apply

Please send your resume and a cover letter that details the value that you will provide to Olive & Company and to our clients. Send materials to erik@oliveandcompany.com.

Monday
Nov032014

Intern Opportunity at The Loft - Marketing & Communications

Internship Posting—Winter/Spring 2015 Marketing & Communications Internship

Winter/Spring position (January/February – May, 2015)

10-20 hours per week, primarily daytime, Tuesday – Friday

Loft unpaid internships offer a flexible and enjoyable workplace, excellent supervision and mentoring, and the company of dedicated and creative colleagues.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Manage the Loft’s social media communities; create and curate engaging, clickable content relevant to the mission of the Loft. Monitor engagement and reply to messages sent through social media.
  • Assist in developing and coordinating content for the Loft’s blog, Writers’ Block. This includes the writing, editing, and publishing of blog posts.
  • Assist with event planning and the execution of select events.
  • Assist with the development and publication of marketing materials such as ads, flyers, brochures, and catalogs.
  • Research and maintain a functional media list.
  • Collect and compile event evaluation data, potentially including event attendance.
  • Research vendors and pricing for potential Loft-branded giveaway items.
  • Assess external communications patterns with fresh eyes.

Qualifications:                                 

  • A demonstrated interest in learning more about arts organizations and nonprofit marketing and communications;
  • An educational background in communications, marketing, or outreach;
  • Demonstrated writing ability;
  • Basic computer skills (MS Office);
  • Familiarity with a broad spectrum of social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Google+, and Pinterest.
  • Experience in graphic design and familiarity with InDesign and Photoshop is a plus.
  • The ideal candidate will be organized, detail oriented, and creative.

To Apply: Visit https://loft.submittable.com/submit/b8cb27b9-1982-4158-a08b-ccf49256a068

Monday
Nov032014

Intern Opportunity at The Loft - Development & Administration

Internship Posting—Winter/Spring 2015 Development & Administration Internship

Winter/Spring position (January/February – May, 2015) 10-20 hours per week, primarily daytime, Tuesday – Friday

Loft unpaid internships offer a flexible and enjoyable workplace, excellent supervision and mentoring, and the company of dedicated and creative colleagues.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Assist in daily operations for the processing and acknowledgements of charitable gifts to the Loft.
  • Assist with event planning and the execution of select events.
  • Assist with the tracking and analyzing of donor behavior and effectiveness of fundraising tactics.
  • Assist and coordinate outreach efforts for special fundraising campaigns.
  • Assess external communications patterns with fresh eyes.

Qualifications:                                 

  • A demonstrated interest in learning more about arts organizations and nonprofit development and management;
  • Experience in data entry, customer service, and fundraising;
  • Basic computer skills (MS Office and Excel);
  • Not required, but desired experience with Salesforce or CRM software.

The ideal candidate will be organized, detail oriented, and creative.

To Apply: Visit https://loft.submittable.com/submit/8fc44700-7120-41b6-b6c0-f5d765b0d611

Monday
Nov032014

Artist Spotlight / Terra Rathai - Avant Garden Photography

Minneapolis-based photographer specializing in food, garden, lifestyle, editorial, and place photography as well as fine art subjects.

Terra Rathai is an artist living in Minneapolis, MN.  Her work is a meditation on the extraordinary beauty and interest of the everyday. 

http://www.terrarathai.com/exhibitions-index/

Monday
Nov032014

Sorella Wine & Spirits 7th Anniversary

Sorella is celebrating their 7th Anniversary, and holding their annual Fall Wine Sale simultaneously!  Details Below:

Huge Savings in Every Department
November 6th-22nd
15%-40% All Wines

Kick-Off Tasting - Wine, Beer & Spirits
Friday, Nov. 7th, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

2 More Huge Wine Tastings
(Fridays) Nov. 14th & 21st, 5:30-7:30

All the details will be in next week's newsletter!

Monday
Nov032014

In The News on the Central Riverfront

News from the Central Riverfront Neighborhoods

CENTRAL RIVERFRONT / CORPS URGED TO LOCK OUT CARP AT LOCAL DAMS

http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/280269772.html

NORTHEAST / NORTHEAST MINNEAPOLITANS OPPOSE RIVERSIDE MAINTENANCE OPS BUILDING

http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/280423012.html

NORTHEAST / BETTY DANGER’S OFFERS MINNEAPOLIS ‘TREE-TOP’ DINING

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2014/10/28/betty-dangers-offers-minneapolis-tree-top-dining/

NORTH LOOP / FIRST LOOK: VELO APARTMENTS IN DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/homegarden/280315052.html

MILL DISTRICT / MPLS. PARKS FOUNDATION PLANS TO RENOVATE MILL RUINS PARK

http://kstp.com/article/stories/s3598314.shtml

MILL DISTRICT-NORTH LOPP-DINKYTOWN / LOVE THY NEIGHBORHOOD: YOUR GUIDE TO FALL BREAK IN THE TWIN CITIES

http://themacweekly.com/2014/10/love-thy-neighborhood-your-guide-to-fall-break-in-the-twin-cities/

Thursday
Oct302014

2014-2015 Snow Emergency Brochure Available Online

If you didn't receive one in the mail, you can view the 2014-2015 Minneapolis Snow Emergency Brochure online.

In additional to other important information, the brochure outlines ways to find out if a Snow Emergency has been declared, including: call 348-SNOW (7669), sign up for a text message, check online, or download the Snow Emergency app for iPhones and Android devices.

Wednesday
Oct292014

Are you a Foodie? You Won't Want to Miss the Oct 30 Talk of the Stacks at Central Library!

Talk of the Stacks with Dana Cowin
in conversation with Andrew Zimmern

Dana Cowin has been covering the world of food, wine and style for over 30 years. Food & Wine’s Editor-in-Chief since 1995 and a guest judge on Top Chef, she was inducted into the James Beard Foundation Who’s Who in Food & Beverage in America in 2012.

Ms. Cowin will be joined by friend and fellow foodie Andrew Zimmern to discuss her newly released cook book, Mastering My Mistakes in the Kitchen− a collection of recipes, stories of her own culinary ineptitude and invaluable lessons she has learned from some of the today’s greatest chefs.

Tuesday
Oct282014

The Encore 935 2nd St - CPED Staff Report

(From Planning Commission Agenda 10-27-2014)


The Encore (BZZ-6843, Ward: 3), 935 2nd St S (Hilary Dvorak).

Download the Staff report

A. Conditional Use Permit: Application by Tony Kuechle with Sherman Associates for a conditional use permit to amend an existing Planned Unit Development to construct a new 12-story, approximately 176 657 square foot, 122-unit residential building located at 935 2nd St S. The property is zoned C3A Community Activity Center District and is located in the DP Downtown Parking Overlay District and the DH Downtown Height Overlay District.

Recommended Motion: The Department of Community Planning and Economic Development recommends that the City Planning Commission adopt the findings and approve the application for a conditional use permit to amend an existing Planned Unit Development to construct a new 12-story, approximately 176,657 square foot, 124-unit residential building at the property located at 935 2nd St S, subject to the following conditions:

  1. The conditional use permit shall be recorded with Hennepin County as required by Minn. Stat. 462.3595, subd. 4 before building permits may be issued or before the use or activity requiring a conditional use permit may commence. Unless extended by the zoning administrator, the conditional use permit shall expire if it is not recorded within two years of approval.
  2. As required by section 527.120 of the zoning code, the development shall comply with the standards for some combination of the following amenities from Table 527-1, Amenities and those proposed by the applicant totaling a minimum of 15 points: underground parking, outdoor open space, decorative fencing, enhanced exterior lighting, pet exercise area and recycling storage area.
  3. There shall be a minimum of two visitor parking spaces designated on site.
  4. There shall be a minimum of one bicycle parking space per dwelling unit provided within the building.

B. Variance: Application by Tony Kuechle with Sherman Associates for a variance to increase the floor area ratio (FAR) of the building located at 935 2nd St S from the permitted 4.8 to 5.62.

Recommended Motion: The Department of Community Planning and Economic Development recommends that the City Planning Commission adopt the findings and approve the application for a variance to increase the floor area ratio (FAR) of the building from 4.8 to 5.62 located at 935 2nd St S.

C. Site Plan Review: Application by Tony Kuechle with Sherman Associates for a site plan review for the property located at 935 2nd St S.

Recommended Motion: The Department of Community Planning and Economic Development recommends that the City Planning Commission adopt the findings and approve the site plan review application to allow a new 12-story, approximately 176,657 square foot, 124-unit residential building at the property located at 935 2nd St S, subject to the following conditions:

  1. Approval of the final site plan, elevations, floor plan, landscaping plan and lighting plan by the Department of Community Planning and Economic Development.
  2. All site improvements shall be completed by October 27, 2016, unless extended by the Zoning Administrator, or the permit may be revoked for non-compliance.
  3. The applicant shall work with the utility company to try and locate the transformer along 10th Ave S to the south side of the building and then screen it with landscaping.
  4. The applicant shall design the east side of the twelfth floor and the south side of the first floor so as to not have any expanse of wall that is over 25 feet in length and blank.
  5. No less than six canopy trees or 12 ornamental trees shall be provided on the site.
Monday
Oct272014

Wednesday Night - The Superior Plating Task Group Meeting

The Superior Plating Task Group (SPTG5) will be held Wednesday:

            5:00pm to 6:30pm    

            October 29, 2014

            Ginger Hop (corner of 2nd St NE and East Hennepin)

Project & Meeting Materials

View aerial photos of the site:

https://lennar.app.box.com/s/js9tbl2gp2lcombrdxyc

Download the developer presentation:

https://app.box.com/shared/static/kolewngyjmbc83w29sbn.pdf

Download the meeting agenda:

https://app.box.com/shared/static/78tdpqqazzzmo4wevs1k.pdf