Finalists Chosen for Riverfront Design Competition [Video]

Video of the Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition Press Conference

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and Minneapolis Parks Foundation, with Creative Partners, University of Minnesota College of Design and Walker Art Center, announced the Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition finalists yesterday:

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, and the 13-member jury noted that the quality was exceptionally high. Says Bill Morrish, MR|DC jury member, and Dean of the School of Constructed Environments and Associate Dean, Parsons The New School of Design in New York City, “The four teams we short-listed comprise innovative and inspirational people who will work very hard to create great concepts for the Minneapolis riverfront.” Learn more about their work on the Teams page.

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.

Learn more...

• Ken Smith Workshop, [PDF] New York.

• Stoss Landscape Urbanism, Boston.

• Tom Leader Studio, Berkeley, Calif.

• Turenscape, Bejing, China.

Signs of Mill City

The North Star Woolen Mill Sign at Night

The Northstar Mill is located in the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis.

American Red Cross Blood Donor Center Open Today and Waiting for Your Donation

You benefit too when you donate at the Red Cross:

- It feels great to donate!

- You get free juice and cookies.

- It's something you can spare – most people have blood to spare... yet, there is still not enough to go around.

- You will help ensure blood is on the shelf when needed – most people don't think they'll ever need blood, but many do.

- You will be someone's hero – in fact, you may help as many as three people with just one donation.

Location: American Red Cross Minneapolis Blood Dononation Center, 1201 West River Parkway

Time: 10:45am - 5:15pm

Donation Types: Blood

Phone: 800-448-3543

Mill City Museum Job Posting

The Minnesota Historical Society seeks applicants for an Interpreter I to engage, educate, and entertain visitors to the Mill City Museum and present lessons to school groups using a variety of interpretive and performance techniques to communicate historical information. This is a part-time, regular position (832 annual hours) located at the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis, MN.

For complete details visit http://www.mnhs.org/about/jobs/836.html

Cool Things are Always Happening at CorAzoN

CorAzoN, 1026 Washington Avenue South, is a real gem of a gift shop in our neighborhood.  

This past Friday night, they hosted a book release party for "when words get in the way" by John "Charlie" Hanson.  Below is a video from the publisher in which Charlie shares the inspiration for his book.

Below, Charlie with Sue Zelickson, well known locally as the former host of WCCO Radio’s Food for Thought, the Sue Zelickson Awards, and the Sue Z Says section of Minnesota Monthly.

On the same night, a new taste sensation was debuting at CorAzoN:  Buttercrisp Toffee by S-Squared Sweets.  Below are Suzanne Kane and Susie Greupner with their milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate varieties.

Their product ingredients include hormone-free butter, California almonds and Callebaut Belgian chocolate.  I sampled the milk chocolate variety - YUM!  A great hostess gift, stocking stuffer, or treat to share with company or co-workers. 

The next book signing event is scheduled for Friday, December 10, when Jodi Hillswill be at CorAzoN with her latest work "friend'. 

Click here to join the CorAzoN 'rare' email list - be notified of art openings, events, and sales.

This Weekend in Mill City / November 05-07

Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis:

Friday, November 5

Mentor Series: C.J. Hribal at The Loft

Lunch with MacPhail

Book Release Party at CorAzoN

Live Music at the 501 Club

Saturday, November 6

Holiday Note Cards (Beginners) at MCBA

Washburn A Mill Tour

Equilibrium: Doug Kearney at The Loft

A Disappearing Number at the Guthrie

Live Music at the 501 Club

Sunday, November 7

Steve Roehm Drumset Master Class “Improve Your Groove” – Understanding your Role in a Band at MacPhail

An evening with Eileen Myles at The Loft

Vikings vs. Cardinals at the Dome

Weekend Brunch

Saturday

Brunch at Spoonriver

Reservations recommended

10:00am - 2:00pm

See the menu

Sunday

Brunch at Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-339-3388

brunch buffet 10am- 2pm Sunday
$12/person (kids 3 and under eat free, 4-12 years are 1/2 price!)

includes: eggs, bacon, french toast, hash browns, fresh salad and fruit, pastries, build your own omlette bar and more...

featuring absolut bloody bar for $5.

also offering fair trade coffee and full bar. 

The Siren Has Been Silenced

At 1:00 pm yesterday, the first Wednesday of the month, the siren was silent.  Great news for the neighborhood, and the family with the 5 month old baby living right next to it.

See update from original article below:

Update on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 11:06AM

Ruth from City Council Member Lisa Goodmans' office called this morning with good news - the siren has been deactivated!  The City is searching for a new location, and I've been put in touch with the person in charge - stay tuned for more as it becomes available.

Wish I could say it was the result of this story, but the truth is far less dramatic.  The truth is heartening as well - all it took was one phone call to City Council Member Lisa Goodmans' office and some behind the scenes work by Ruth.  Our immediate neighborhood is now just a little bit better place to live, and I've had a positive first experience working with the City of Minneapolis.  Thank you Ruth and Council Member Goodman.

BTW - to be fair to the City of Minneapolis, they did not put the siren next to residential buildings, the siren has been at this location for many years.  The buildings actually went up near the siren.

Park Vista Condos Inch Closer to Approval

Last week the Minneapolis Zoning and Planning Commission recommended the City Council approve an appeal by Shamrock Development to increase to number of parking spaces allowed at the proposed Park Vista condo development across from Gold Medal Park in the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis.

At its Sept. 7 meeting, the planning commission approved the conditional-use permit for the Park Vista project. On the parking issue, the planning commission approved 1.8 parking spaces per residential unit. The planning commission also added the condition that Stanton provide a shared car, such as HourCar, at the project.

Stanton appealed, making a case for 1.85 spaces per residential unit and protesting the shared-car requirement. Stanton's number includes the 10 visitor parking spaces - seven more than are required by the city. Stanton is proposing underground parking, not a surface parking lot.

From an article by Dolan Media

The appeal goes before the full council at its meeting on Friday November 5, 2010.

Replaced Stretch of West River Parkway Now Completely Open

We've seen a noticeable reduction in traffic on South 2nd Street since West River Road between 11th Avenue South and Portland Avenue recently opened to through traffic from end to end.

2010 Nice Ride Season Ends at 10pm, Sunday, November 7th

According to the Nice Ride Minnesota website, the inaugural Nice Ride season comes to a close at 10pm on Sunday, November 7th, when Daylight Savings Time ends. They will begin removing equipment from the street on November 8th, and all bicycles and stations will be placed in storage for the winter. 

Nice Ride will return to service in April of 2011.

Mill City Farmers Market and Mill City Times Announce Partnership

Mill City Farmers Market and Mill City Times announced a partnership today aimed at strengthening the ties between local businesses, local sustainable organic agriculture, and building community engagement.

As part of this effort, Mill City Times has become a sponsor of the popular farmers market, located in the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis.

"We are thrilled to have Mill City Times as a new partner of the Mill City Farmers Market! We share a commitment to engaging our community and spreading the word about our wonderful Mill District neighborhood and look forward to working together," said Marjorie Hegstrom, Executive Director of the Mill City Farmers Market.

Read the full press release...

Could this Siren be in a Worse Location?

This emergency siren sits a few feet from the Bidgewater Lofts in the Mill Distrcit of Minneapolis, near the corner of Washington Ave S. and 10th Ave. S.  A 5 month old baby lives in the condo directly to the left of the one pictured below.

WARNING - the siren is really loud, be prepared for it at the start of the video below.

Same siren the following month.

The Bridgewater is not the only building affected, as you can see below.     

 

The first video has had a large number of views, and comments.  The consensus is it needs to be moved.  Here's a sampling of the comments on YouTube:

"The siren really needs to be moved. I couldn't stand living right next to it like that."

"Is the rotator broken? If so, feel lucky. If the horn rotated, or broke when pointing at you, it would be even louder. I agree the placement is very bad, they should have mounted it higher."

"It sounds like you have a pretty good attitude about it being there despite the fact that it was placed so poorly. Good luck with getting it moved to a better spot. They're important devices so have but this is a good example of a poor installation plot."

"I'm just glad they finally disabled the rotator on it so it won't point back around at you guys! There used to be a much smaller building there when the siren was installed, so I can see why it is where it is, but I agree that they should've moved it when that complex was built. On a side note, it is neat to see one from that point of view!"

"Ah, just let it rotate! If the neighbors don't like it, they can just move!

Seriously though, that city really needs to move that siren. The people a mile away that are on the back side of it won't be able to hear it very well during a tornado warning, because it doesn't rotate."

"Not to be rude but thats not the Loudest Siren in the World. out door sirens are loud up close because the sound travels 200 Feet. the siren is a Federal Signal 2001-SRNB.

Nice video though!

I do agree with you about the sirens location. They should put it on the stadiums property."

"geez i bet 500 ppl are upset"

We contacted the office of City Council member Lisa Goodman 3 weeks ago for help on who to speak to regarding moving the siren.  We are still waiting for a response.

Update on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 7:40AM by David Tinjum

I heard from City Council Member Lisa Goodman this morning.  Her office is still working on this, we should know more soon.  We'll keep you informed throughout the process as we try to get this thing moved.

Update on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 11:06AM by David Tinjum

Ruth from City Council Member Lisa Goodmans' office called this morning with good news - the siren has been deactivated!  The City is searching for a new location, and I've been put in touch with the person in charge - stay tuned for more as it becomes available.

Wish I could say it was the result of this story, but the truth is far less dramatic.  The truth is heartening as well - all it took was one phone call to City Council Member Lisa Goodmans' office and some behind the scenes work by Ruth.  Our immediate neighborhood is now just a little bit better place to live, and I've had a positive first experience working with the City of Minneapolis.  Thank you Ruth and Council Member Goodman.

BTW - to be fair to the City of Minneapolis, they did not put the siren next to residential buildings, the siren has been at this location for many years.  The buildings actually went up near the siren.

Kathy and Beth - A Sisters Success Story

This is the first in an ongoing series of personal health and fitness success stories, brought to us by Mill City Times Fitness Expert, Andrea Austin.

I met Kathy and Beth Friday night after their RealRyder spin class led by Andrea at 501SP1N.  They shared their weight loss journeys and healthy lifestyle transformations:

Kathy began working with Andrea 2 years ago.  Below, she shows a "Before" picture, taken prior to her 45 pound weight loss.

Beth has lost an amazing 140 pounds since March 2009 (Yes - that's an entire person in 18 months!).  Below, she displays her "Before" picture. 

 Andrea's leadership, combined with the girls' commitment and hard work, yielded these incredible results!  

The 5pm Friday Happy Hour RealRyder spin class at 501SP1N helps Kathy and Beth stay fit.  Email Andrea andrea@tweakmyworkout.com if you'd like to try a complimentary class, or if you have a fitness or nutrition question.

Another Unique Show at MacPhail

We are hooked on the MacPhail Center for Music. 

Saturday night we attended our third event in the beautiful Antonello Hall - "Jekyll and Hyde Come Alive".  As the 1920 silent film played, a combination of MacPhail instructors and local musicians provided live music and sound effects to accentuate the scenes. It was a treat to see a classic silent movie on the big screen, and combined with the live music - Wow!

Below, Paul Babcock greeted the audience and provided a bit of background.   The huge screen assured everyone had a clear view.

 

The three events we've attended so far have been fun, and each were very different genres.   As Mill District residents, we are lucky to have this cool source of entertainment within a few blocks walk.

This Weekend in Mill City / October 29-31

Brace yourself for a spooky weekend in the Mill City.  Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis:

Friday, October 29

Dar Williams at the Guthrie Theater

The Soap Factory's Haunted Basement Open Thursday-Sunday throughout October

Jeff Arundel CD Release at Aster Cafe

MacPhail Spotlight Series: Jekyll and Hyde Come Alive

Live Music at the 501 Club

Saturday, October 30

The Nearly Departed at the Minneapolis Central Library

Spooky Stories, Creepy Creations: A Halloween Writing and Bookmaking Adventure at the Loft

OLLUWEEN PARTY at Ollu Dogwash

Anime Showcase at the Minneapolis Central Library

39 Steps opens at the Guthrie

Dar Williams at the Guthrie Theater

MacPhail Spotlight Series: Jekyll and Hyde Come Alive

Live Music at the 501 Club

Weekend Brunch

Saturday

Brunch at Spoonriver

Reservations recommended

10:00am - 2:00pm

See the menu

Sunday

Brunch at Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-339-3388

brunch buffet 10am- 2pm Sunday
$12/person (kids 3 and under eat free, 4-12 years are 1/2 price!)

includes: eggs, bacon, french toast, hash browns, fresh salad and fruit, pastries, build your own omlette bar and more...

featuring absolut bloody bar for $5.

also offering fair trade coffee and full bar.

Saturday & Sunday

501 Club Hash House Brunch

Best Video Ever of Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis

A dance / music video shot on the Stone Arch Bridge.

The Stone Arch Bridge is located in the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis.

Pic of Planned American Academy of Neurology HQ Building

An artists rendering.  It will be interesting to see how the actual building compares when complete in Spring of 2012.

Across from the Guthrie Theater in the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis.

Tonight at the Guthrie - Cadence Hip Hop Series

Time: 7:30pm

Location: Dowling Studio at the Guthrie

Featuring P.O.S. with Big Zach from Kanser, hosted by Dessa from Doomtree

The letters of the P.O.S acronym remain the same today, but the meaning constantly changes. Promise of Skill. Product of Society. Pissed Off Stef. Everyday is different and each definition has a purpose. P.O.S., a rapper/producer that also fronts a punk band, an artist influenced by Minor Threat as much as Dr. Dre, a musician that is self-taught to play guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and can still ride a skateboard. From seventies funk to eighties hardcore to nineties rap, P.O.S has the unique ability to incorporate all his influences into a cohesive style without being calculated or contrived. Hosted and created by Dessa of Doomtree, the Cadence Hip Hop Series will invite P.O.S. with special guest Big Zach from Kanser.

Order Tickets

http://www.doomtree.net/

Pet Park Safety Tips - An Ongoing Series from Curtis L. Sanford, DVM

Our neighborhood is a haven for dog owners, and we thought it would be beneficial to have an ongoing series specifically for them.  This is the third installment of Pet Park Safety Tips from Curtis L. Sanford, DVM.

All pet companions should be vaccinated for the following contagious diseases by a veterinarian at the recommended intervals: The Distemper Combination Vaccination (DHPPL), Bordetella (kennel cough), and Rabies. Vaccination status should be available for review within 24 hours in case of a fight.

All pet companions should be heartworm tested annually and placed on a heartworm preventive product (most products contain a heartworm and intestinal parasite preventive product) year round to prevent the spread of intestinal parasites.

Dr. Sanford is a Veterinarian and Owner/Founder of Minneapolis Veterinary Hospital in the Mill District.   He can be contacted at 612-746-0300 or mplsvet@live.com.

Tonight at Mill City Museum - The Minneapolis Horror: Tales from the Night Shift

Times: 6:30pm, 7:00pm, and 7:30pm

Location: Mill City Museum

Visit the Washburn A Mill at night as costumed actors dramatize the dangers of working the night shift and the many horrific disasters that have befallen the mill over the years. Hear accounts of the deadly 1878 mill explosion and the dangerous man-lift elevator, and enjoy dramatic nighttime views of the Ruin Courtyard and the Minneapolis Riverfront from the ninth-floor Observation Deck.

The program takes its title from the headline of an 1878 American Miller magazine story that read, ”The Minneapolis Horror: Destruction, Devastation and Death.” The story described the disastrous flour dust explosion on the evening of May 2, 1878, that destroyed the Washburn A Mill and killed 18 workers.

Fee: $14 adults, $12 seniors and college students, $10 children and MHS members.

Reservations required, please call 612-341-7555.