People Serving People - So Much More Than Emergency Housing

I remember noticing the neatly painted People Serving People(PSP) building while standing on the Light Rail platform at the Dome, and wondering what is was.  Well, now I know.

Amy Jenkins, Director of Development, and Lauren Rimestad, Development Coordinator, recently gave Dave and me an in-depth tour. We were amazed at what an incredible facility it is, and I'm almost at a loss as to where to begin sharing all the positive programs they have in place.

PSP has come a long way since 1982, when it began as a temporary homeless shelter for men with chemical dependencies. The first location was the former Francis Drake Hotel at 416 South 10th Street. 

Over the years homelessness changed from affecting mostly men with chemical and mental health problems, to affecting families with children.  Now located at 614 South 3rd Street, PSP has evolved to address that change.  It is a family-only shelter, which last year averaged 318 guests per night, with an average family size of three.  While there's no time limit on how long a family can live there, the average stay is 38 days. Click here for additional statistics.

Because it's so much more than emergency housing, extensive planning went into the current 10-floor facility.  This assured PSP could fulfull their mission to serve homeless children and their families, providing new opportunities for a healthy, stable family life, as well as self-sufficiency.

In addition to the 99 hotel-size rooms and 10 two-bedroom apartments, PSP houses:

22 Collaborative agencies, such as Minneapolis Public Schools, At Home Group Partnerships for Independence, and University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development.   The full list can be viewed on their website.

There is both an Infant Center and Early Childhood Development Center.  The schedule maintained at the ECD center provides daily structure to help children feel safe and ease anxieties.  There are 52 available spaces for children under 5, and PSP partners with Head Start when the demand is higher than spaces available.

The full service dining hall serves 1,000 meals every day, all prepared in the industrial kitchen.  In addition, the Culinary Arts Training Program takes place here.  This progressive program offers specific skills to those interested in culinary arts.  Students train for 13 weeks in areas of sanitation, food preparation, equipment, soups and more. Each graduate is given a uniform, cookbook, a set of industrial kitchen knives and a certificate.  More importantly, they are given an opportunity to earn a livable wage.

 

In the Technology Center, parents learn how to navigate the Internet for help with job searches and creating resumes.  Each family is assigned a Employment Counselor.  There are also classrooms for tutoring and after school activities, as well as a children's library.  Upon leaving PSP, children can take books with them.  Donations of children's books are always welcome, along with both children's clothes and items for the Career Ware Closet for adults.

The onsite health clinic is staffed by a Nurse Practioner, RN's and Public Health Nurse.  Hennepin County works with residents on health insurance matters.

To assure the facility is a safe environment for residents, staff, volunteers and collaborative partners, everyone entering PSP must first go through the security station (including metal detector). Just beyond security is the service center.  There are 5 Case Manager/Advocates on staff, and each family is assigned their own Case Manager. 

Thanks to funding from Cummins Power Generation and anonymous donors, PSP will be adding a rooftop vegetable garden this year.  Ecological Gardens of Minneapolis is designing and installing the project.  Their rooftop designs include features such as earthboxes, SIPs (sub-irrigated planters), raised beds, light weight soil mixes, trellising and shade and hail netting.  Although designed to be low-maintenance, PSP will be looking to volunteers to help make the vegetable garden a success. 

Each family's situation and challenges are unique, and the transition from being homeless to having a home is not easy.  PSP tries to stay in touch with families, but lack of a phone number and frequent address changes makes follow up communication difficult to maintain.  A new initiative being discussed is basic life skills training, such as personal finances.

In addition to a full time staff of 60 and the collaborative agencies, PSP operates with the help of numerous volunteers.   Last year, 1,000 volunteers performed 30,000 hours of service! Lindsey Tiede is PSP's Volunteer Coordinator.  She can be reached at 612-277-0256 or lindseyt@peopleservingpeople.org.

I've really only touched the surface, but luckily PSP maintains an informative website where you can learn more.

Mill City Times looks forward to partnering with PSP to assist with visibility, fundraising, and promoting volunteer activities.

City, Shamrock Still Sparring Over Parcel Next to Pending Park Vista Condo Project

From the Star Tribune:

Shamrock Development Inc. and Minneapolis city planners are sparring over a patch of land that the city owns near the Guthrie Theater.

The Coon Rapids-based developer in October submitted the sole proposal for developing 1100 2nd St. S. in the Mill District, a 9,730-square-foot plot, or less than a quarter of an acre, that the city owns. But the two still haven't struck a deal.

The city is asking $437,850 for the spot, which sits across the street from Gold Medal Park near the river and Interstate 35W. It's one of the last Mill District properties to be developed.

Price is the main sticking point but not the only one, said Miles Mercer, a project coordinator handling the sale with Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development. Mercer wouldn't describe the other issues.

Jim Stanton, the veteran developer who heads Shamrock, is tight-lipped. He won't say how important the land is to his plans for a new condo project next to the site. He would only say he wants the matter resolved.

Shamrock has proposed building a 150-unit condo building next to the parcel tentatively called Park Vista, and bought two bank-owned parcels on 12th Avenue S. and one at 1102 2nd St. S. for the project. The parcels had gone back to the bank after developer Steve Frenz tried unsuccessfully to develop a large upscale apartment complex there called the Marmont.

Stanton said he has no idea when he might break ground on Park Vista. Last fall he tangled with the city over the allowable number of parking spaces for the project.

Read the full article...

Fitness Professional Benefits from Using a Personal Trainer

Meet Carol - high-energy, exercise-loving spin instructor. 

Why on earth would Carol seek out a personal trainer?  She took time after her 75-minute Friday Night Happy Hour RealRyder spin class with Andrea at 501SP1N to explain why:

Email Andrea Austin at andrea@tweakmyworkout.com if you'd like to try a complimentary RealRyder spin class at 501SP1N, or if you have a fitness or nutrition question. 

501F1T Included in Star Trib's January 27 Special Publication "balance"

The Star Tribune has an ongoing series, Specialty Publications.  501F1T, a work out destination in the Mill District, and staff member Diana Broschka, were included in the most recent Specialty Publication, "balance". 

Mill District City Apartment Open House Held January 25

Earlier this week Mill District City Apartments held their Open House, showcasing the gorgeous features that weren't yet installed during our last visit for the November 2010 Ribbon Cutting ceremony.  Attendees were greeted by the lovely music of PR Con Brio.

Now 65% leased, residents enjoy a lengthy list of first class amenities.  Here are a few:

Below, the comfy lounge area just off the main entry includes reading material, flat screen TV and simulated fireplace.

Next, a top notch party room. Although not shown in this picture, there's a beautiful fireplace opposite the bar.

A cedar sauna is just outside the work out facility, which is equipped with top of the line equipment, flat screen TV's and enough weights, etc., to keep any hardbody from getting bored.

Along side the sauna and work out area is an indoor pool and jacuzzi. 

And what pool area would be complete without a movie screen?  Avatar was playing the during the Open House.

The movie screen is viewable simultaneously in the pool area and outside.  No doubt the patio area will see plenty of entertaining this summer.

This sculpture gives promise of the courtyard to come.  We look forward to visiting again when the courtyard is completed.

The living wall is doing well, too!

Stay tuned for information on who will be filling Mill District City Apartments' street-level retail space at the corner of Washington Avenue South and Portal Avenue! 

Live Tonight - Minneapolis Riverfront Design Presentations

Tonight at 7:00 PM.  If you don't have tickets, you can view the presentation webcast live on the Walker's MR|DC channel.walkerart.org, where it will also be archived.

Two-hundred and fifty free tickets became available on Tuesday, January 4, and by Thursday afternoon all available seats had been reserved.  The Walker will have an in-person wait list starting at 6:00pm prior to the lecture for those who check in at the box office.  Luckily, the event will be webcast live and archived at channel.walkerart.org.

The Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition finalists are:

Ken Smith Workshop | New York City
Stoss Landscape Urbanism | Boston
Tom Leader Studio | Berkeley
Turenscape | Beijing

The teams' collective work includes award-winning riverfront and industrial reclamation park projects, in places such as Shanghai, Memphis, Toronto, New York City, Dubai, Milwaukee and London.  Fifty-five design teams responded to the RFQ.

Paying Tribute to Betsy Doermann, Champion for the Mill District

Dave and I did not have the honor of meeting Betsy Doermann, nor were we familiar with the influence she had on the Mill District as it stands today.  However, when we were notified of Betsy's recent passing by Mill City Museum Director, Laura Salveson, we felt Betsy deserved a tribute in Mill City Times. 

Per Laura, "Betsy was a force of life, and will be remembered for her passion and for her work on many projects for the Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Board and the  Minnesota Historical Society, but perhaps most of all for her tireless work in coordination with many others to open the Stone Arch Bridge, opening the James J. Hill House to the public, Mill City Museum and engaging people in the story of the Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Zone and the redevelopment of the Minneapolis riverfront."

Betsy's obituary is available online.

Thoughtful Responses to Minneapolis Riverfront Design Survey

The Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition conducted a survey of Minneapolis residents on their thoughts and hopes for the Minneapolis Riverfront.  It was a rather long survey (I participated) covering a wide range of topics.  The survey results have been posted, and what struck me while reading the report was the time people spent giving detailed, meaningful answers.  There is passion for the future of our river, and I hope the jury for the design competition takes the time to thoroughly review what the respondents had to say.  The people behind the scenes of this competition are doing a great job so far.

Here's a small sample of questions and answers:

What recreational activities do you think are missing or are too far away from you?

"As mentioned, the northside is isolated unless one gets in a car or on a bus from the rest of the city trails and parks. The river front design should not be just linear as it currently appears to be. It needs to be designed to draw people to the river, to offer all that connection, especially those neighborhoods that are only a couple of miles from the river."

"We need a better canoe and kayak system, either private or public or both. We need better trail connections, completing the Mississippi River trail through N and NE, and between Main Street and the University of MN."

What kind of cultural activities do you think are missing or are not well represented in your community?

"Minneapolis has good cultural opportunities including excellent art museums, theaters, and orchestras. It is one of the reasons that I decided to move here. The idea of a bandshell on the Mississippi with the Minnesota Symphony performing on a warm summer night (with no planes flying overhead like Lake Harriet) is very attractive to me."

"Minneapolis has great immigrant communities from east Africa and Latin America, and would love to see more celebrations involving their culture. Also celebrate the past immigrant cultures who are still present today."

What excites you about this portion of the Mississippi and its banks?

"The potential of the river, if properly developed, to have a positive influence on the surrounding neighborhoods. This includes the well-to-do residents in condos near downtown and the poorer people who live within a stone's throw of the river but hardly ever experience it."

"The beauty of the rushing water and of the green shady trees along the river's banks make me feel a deep inner happiness, a sense of peace and of faith. I grew up near creeks and trees, and spent countless afternoons alone in the dappled sunlight, watching the water ripple over the rocks and fallen branches. Now as an adult, when I look out of my condo window at the Mississippi River, framed by the cottonwoods on the banks, I feel at home in my heart and so grateful to be alive--here."

"It creates a space for reflection in the heart of the city, a place where people meet nature every day, and a place that is constantly changing. It provides a wide open view that showcases our downtown and our historic milling district. Some days it is mysteriously misty with vapor, and the next it is a jjigsaw puzzle with jagged ice chunks. It provides a natural, linear feature for people to exercise and watch nature, and to understand how central water and nature are to our health. It is a vivid connector, while it appears to divide our community."

What brings you to the river?

"Many things. The need to commute to work, the desire for exercise and fresh air, the opportunity to be in a crowd of people, the chance to take a nice walk to a play at the Guthrie or to the downtown library without getting on a bus or driving a car."

"My nose, I usually end up there when out on walks - its a lovely destination and my best option from my house - do I go south the busy street and White Castle? North to the railroad tracks and industrial buildins? west through endless residential? or east to the gorgeous always changing infamous Mississipp? Its a pretty easy call."

What is the greatest impediment to your getting to the river?

On the west bank near downtown, the development along the river has been done in such a way that it forms a Great Wall between the city and the river. In sequence there are Gold Medal Park, the Guthrie, the old mill area, the RiverWest condos, the US Post Office, and the Federal Reserve. Each of these buildings/developments is at least two city blocks in length. This dead ends many of the streets that would otherwise terminate at the river. Granted, because of the elevation change it would have been difficult for these streets to end right at the river and the train tracks (now removed) made access historically difficult, but some better planning (Gold Medal Park, the Guthrie, RiverWest and the Federal Reserve aren't that old) could have made the path from the city to the river much more obvious and inviting. The Post Office doesn't have to be there any more (at least not as an industrial site with heavy trucks coming and going) and the Federal Reserve is mostly empty space these days because we use credit cards instead of paper checks and money (Take a tour in the summer and check it out. They are going out of business.).

What would compel you to go there (river or parkland above St. Anthony Falls) more often?

"I personally would like to see a series of unique experiences at different locations consistent with the fact that the river is flowing through a developed area and not a meandering across the wide open spaces. I live in the city because I want activity and I welcome development at the river that will draw more people to this area."

"Continuous trails and paths along both sides of the river with a natural shoreline, wetlands and trees. Residential communities along the river would add to the draw because it would bring additional people and activities. There should be places to stop for coffee, snacks and meals. Canoe and kayak rentals similar to bike rentals would be a nice feature so everyone does not have to bring their own canoe if they want to go for a short paddle on the river. There should be wildlife areas along the river that provide habitat but also enhance the opportunity to see and enjoy the beauty of nature."

Wines of France - Seminar Tonight at Sorella Wines & Spirits

Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm

Location: 1010 Washington Avenue South

Presented by Stephen Gaucher, President of Wine Adventures, De Moines, Iowa.

Stephen specializes in small, traditional French producers from both the prestige appellations and lesser-known regions. He has been a perrenial favorite at tastings and seminars both at Sorella and Liquor Depot. This seminar will feature selections from Champagne, the Loire, the Rhone, Lanquedoc and Bordeaux.

Please call the store, 612-339-4040, to reserve your space; space is limited to the first 22 people to respond for each event.

City Gardens Flower Mill - The Place to go for Unique Valentine's Arrangements and More

City Gardens Flower Mill is a wonderful floral and gift shop in the Mill District, located at 231 10th Avenue South in the Bridgewater Lofts retail section.  They serve the greater Minneapolis & Saint Paul areas and surrounding communities.

Dan and Kaia Seefelt opened the store in 2008, with the philosophy of offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by friendly and prompt service.   Think 'unique' and envision fresh and bold.

City Gardens Flower Mill carries a large inventory of fresh flowers and tropicals, along with an extensive gift line and greeting cards.  They create contemporary and traditional arrangements, European/dish gardens, high-style floral arrangements and silk arrangements, along with gourmet, fruit and gift baskets.

Prior to opening City Gardens Flower Mill, Dan and Kaia worked at Flowers by Reuven in New York, where Dan was Head Floral Designer on contracts with shows such as All My Children, One Life to Live, Ryan's Hope and Regis and Kathy Lee.  (Married 16 years, Dan and Kaia shared their first kiss in the flower cooler at Flowers by Reuven - just a sweet side note since we're nearing Valentine's.) 

Valentine's Day Ideas and Tips

Dan and Kaia can help you make this a memorable year for your Valentine. 

If you're looking for traditional roses, you'll find ultra fresh roses that arrive at the store the day after they're cut, with multiple colors to choose from.  Looking for something non-traditional?  City Gardens Flower Mill is your place for exotic orchids from the Philippines.  How about something between roses and exotic?  Consider a French country centerpiece, which is a tightly packed, low arrangement.  For more ideas, please call the shop at 612-332-7377 or email them at citygardens@mac.com.   They recommend placing your Valentine's order a week in advance, and consider delivery a day or two prior to the 14th. 

We've been extremely pleased with the arrangements from City Gardens Flower Mill.  When Dave and I stopped in the shop this past weekend, they were in the process of decorating for the Valentine's holiday.  Below are a few shots:

Mill City Times Welcomes Victoria Rico as a New Contributor

We are excited to have Victoria Rico as a new contributor to Mill City Times.  Her ongoing yoga-related series will include a wide range of topics, such as:

• Success Stories
• Upcoming Workshops
• Yoga Philosophy
• Yoga Playlists
• Bio's of Minneapolis Yogis
• Yoga sequencing
• Videos

With over 400 hours of teacher's training through CorePower Yoga and the Green Lotus Yoga and Healing Center, Victoria is certified to teach Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Hot Yoga, Hot Power Fusion, and Yoga Sculpt. Combining her love of healthy living with yoga and life long learning, Victoria creates yoga classes and workshops to refresh, stimulate and challenge the yoga practitioner.

Victoria says: "Yoga is a several thousand-year-old practice of physical, mental and spiritual discipline. I am honored to be a part of this great chain of wisdom. I invite you to join me in a class to share yoga traditions and asana training."

Victoria worked in the health food industry for 5 years managing health food stores throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul. She has studied and attended conferences and workshops including: holistic healing and homeopathy, vitamin and mineral supplements, vegan diets, gluten-free diets, hormone imbalances, menopause symptoms and cures, probiotics, herbal medicines, the beauty industry and mind, body spirit integration.

Free yoga workshops through January and February!
 
If you are new to yoga or just want to have some fun you can take a beginners yoga class with Victoria at the Zenith Condominiums.  Victoria is hosting a beginner’s yoga class in the penthouse #904 on Thursday January 27, at 6:30 pm.  Space is limited - the first 15 folks to call text or email Victoria will enjoy a yoga class with beverages and snacks after class. 

To make a reservation for a free yoga class at the Zenith Condominiums contact Victoria at 612-554-7755 or victoria@victoriarico.com

Victoria teaches at CorePower Yoga and wants to remind everyone that at Corepower Yoga (CPY) the first week is free.  Seven days of free yoga – what a treat?   Even if you do not want to join CPY – it is worth it just to take a couple classes in the heat – although there are classes without heated studios.   Not only are some of the classes heated but the humidity is cranked as well.  As you tap into your breath you will stretch, bend, twist, bind, sweat & detoxify.  In your yoga bliss (blissed –out) you will laugh at the wind-chill, snow and slush:   “Ah ha Ol’ Man Winter – you are not sending me to the Electric Beach; hot yoga is my new muse.”

CorePower Yoga, 501 Washington Avenue, is located on the 2nd floor.  With 3 studios, there are a variety of classes throughout the day.  For additional information regarding the various classes at CPY – go to http://www.corepoweryoga.com/. 

MacPhail announces Spring 2011 Classes

MacPhail Center for Music has published their Spring 2011 Class schedule.

MacPhail offers a wide variety of classes for young children, teens and adults.  Examples are Early Childhood Music (starting as young as 6 weeks old), Individual and Group Lessons, Voice, and the Certificate Program. 

They also offer tuition assistance and incentives, such as a sibling discount.  Click on this link for full details.

Great Article About the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL)

Dave and I had the pleasure of touring the SAFL last summer as part of the Greening the Riverfront series through the Mill City Museum.

An interesting article recently appeared in The Line Media regarding SAFL: "dale connelly, resident tourist: saint anthony falls lab, where water meets the future".

The Line Media is a quick read, provided to subscribers weekly via email.  Click here to go to their subscription sign up page. 

1st Precinct Announces "Put Your Junk in Your Trunk" Campaign to Counter Increased Vehicle Thefts

On January 5, the Minneapolis Police Department issued a Press Release regarding the First Precinct and the Downtown Improvement District (DID) partnering in a theft from motor vehicle reduction strategy and education initiative dubbed “Put Your Junk in the Trunk”.

The strategy is simple - valuables should not be left in the interior of a vehicle where a potential thief can see them.  Items such as purses, wallets, gym bags, cameras, laptops, briefcases, IPods, GPS units or any other valuable should be placed in the trunk prior to arriving at your destination.  While a trunk lock is fairly easily defeated, a thief will target cars with obvious valuables in sight long before he or she will take the time to explore locked trunks which may or may not yield valuables for the taking.

Click here to read more.

On January 20, Minneapolis Police Department issued a follow up email regarding continued thefts from motor vehicles and suggestions for both individuals and businesses to help prevent these crimes, along with the following links:

http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crime-prevention/

http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crime-prevention/docs/TIPSPREV.pdf

http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/outreach/docs/safe-staff-map.pdf

Click here to sign up for these email alerts from the Minneapolis Police Department. 

For questions, contact:
Renee Allen, Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, First Precinct
renee.allen@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
612-673-5163

While the bulk of these thefts are happening in the North Loop and Warehouse District, we are not immune in the Mill District.  "Put Your Junk in Your Trunk" isn't just a catchy slogan, it's common sense. 

Last Chance to Register for Snowshoeing at Boom Island Park this Saturday

This Saturday, January 22, from 10:00am-11:30am, you can snowshoe at Boom Island and check out the Mississippi River.  See a winter wonderland that is difficult to reach in the deep snow.  Watch for winter wildlife as you tromp through drifts. Snowshoes provided.

The group meets at Boom Island parking lot, 724 Sibley Street NE, just east of Plymouth Avenue bridge.

But hurry - Registration closes today at 12 Noon.

Register at http://www.minneapolisparks.org or call 612-313-7725. The cost is $10.

Check out What's in the Works for the Mill District and Neighboring Areas Along the River

Last night Cordelia Pierson, Executive Director of the Minneapolis Riverfront Corporation, and Scott Vreeland, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Commissioner, lead an interactive presentation with residents of the Bridgewater Lofts regarding organizations and initiatives related to property along and near the Mississippi River. Much of the information covered directly affects our Mill District neighborhood. 

Topics discussed during the meeting ranged from status of the I35W Memorial (work is scheduled to begin around April 1) to Gold Medal Park's future (when the current lease expires) to plans for the Fuji Ya site (there are 7 historical ruins there).

Following are website links pertaining to these and related topics:

http://www.mplsriverfrontcorp.org/plans.asp

http://www.mnhs.org/places/safhb/about_plan.shtml

http://minneapolisriverfrontdesigncompetition.com/resources/Fuji%20Ya%20Redevelopment.pdf

http://minneapolisriverfrontdesigncompetition.com/

http://www.safl.umn.edu/SAFL_awarded_renovation_funds.html

http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/mayor/docs/35WRemembranceGarden.pdf

http://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/environment/default.asp?pageid=110

https://www.niceridemn.org/news/2010/12/29/30/nice_ride_minnesota_expansion_-_read_the_planning_report

http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=1131

http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/riverfront_east_rfp_home.asp

Public meetings related to the local riverfront are held on an ongoing basis, and every one we are aware of is listed under the Event section of Mill City Times.

Quick Access to Police and Government Officials

For Mill District residents, find police and government information by clicking the Police & Government link under the Quick Links section on the left column of Mill City Times.

Want to review the most recent crime report or sign up for email updates?  Click on the link and scroll to 'Minneapolis Police Department Precinct 1'.

Need to contact Council Member Jacob Frey to discuss an issue? Click on the link and scroll to 'Minneapolis City Council Ward 3 Representative'.

Have a question for the Park and Rec Commissioner? Click on the link and scroll to 'Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Commissioner District 3'.

Our goal is for Mill City Times to be THE site to find what you need in the Mill District.  If there's anything you think would be a useful addition to the site, please let us know.

Minneapolis 79 - An Unedited View of Local Government

Through live and recorded webcasts and TV broadcasts, Minneapolis 79is a window to the City’s elected officials deliberating and deciding on the issues, policies and ordinances that affect day-to-day life in Minneapolis.  Using the above link, you can drill down on a specific topic of interest and access links to related city government information.

The Minneapolis RiverCurrent - an Additional Source of Information

A life-long Minneapolis resident and long time City of Minneapolis employee who is passionate about our riverfront generates a weekly e-newsletter called the Minneapolis RiverCurrent.  The RiverCurrent covers a larger geographical scope than we focus on with Mill City Times.  For example, there are events and festivals along the riverfront in other parts of the city that you won’t see listed in the Events section of Mill City Times, but they’ll be included in the RiverCurrent.  At the same time, there are going to be items that both venues list – such as a show at the Guthrie.
 
If you would like to subscribe to the RiverCurrent, send an email to: mplsrivercurrent@gmail.com.

Public Presentation by Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition Finalists is "Sold Out"

The public presentation by the Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition finalists is scheduled for 7:00pm on January 27 at Walker Art Center. 

Two-hundred and fifty free tickets became available on Tuesday, January 4, and by Thursday afternoon all available seats had been reserved.  The Walker will have an in-person wait list starting at 6:00pm prior to the lecture for those who check in at the box office.  Luckily, the event will be webcast live and archived at channel.walkerart.org.

The Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition finalists are:

Ken Smith Workshop | New York City
Stoss Landscape Urbanism | Boston
Tom Leader Studio | Berkeley
Turenscape | Beijing

The teams' collective work includes award-winning riverfront and industrial reclamation park projects, in places such as Shanghai, Memphis, Toronto, New York City, Dubai, Milwaukee and London.  Fifty-five design teams responded to the RFQ.

Each team will produce 21st-century parks designs for 220 acres of parkland and the surrounding neighborhoods along both sides of the 5.4-mile stretch of the Mississippi River from the Stone Arch Bridge in the historic downtown Mill District to the city’s northern limits. The winning design will be a comprehensive, integrated vision for the Upper Riverfront that establishes parks as the engine for economic development, transforms the river into a connector rather than a barrier between east and west banks, and refocuses Minneapolis toward what is one of the three great rivers of the world.