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.
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.
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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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Andrea's leadership, combined with the girls' commitment and hard work, yielded these incredible results!
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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.
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.
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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.
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
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
Dar Williams at the Guthrie Theater
MacPhail Spotlight Series: Jekyll and Hyde Come Alive
Weekend Brunch
Saturday
Brunch at Spoonriver
Reservations recommended
10:00am - 2:00pm
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
A dance / music video shot on the Stone Arch Bridge.
The Stone Arch Bridge is located in the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We hadn't revisited the 4th Avenue Playground site since our September 20 posting, but a tip from our neighbor Rachel sent us back there. She wasn't kidding - it's really taking shape!
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The detail put into this project is incredible, and the setting on the river is absolutely beautiful.
Since opening earlier this year, Mill City Market Grocery and Deli (1020 Washington Avenue South) has evolved into a well-stocked neighborhood grocery with an expanding list of products. Rick and his staff are friendly and accommodating, and the store is always clean and tidy.
The daily hot entrees and soups are consistently delicious, and the rotisserie chicken is a great instant dinner. If you like to cook from scratch, there are plenty of options for that too.
It's baking season for me, and thankfully all the ingredients I use are at Mill City Market - from nutmeg to almond extract to cocoa powder. And with the Mill City Farmers Market closed for the season, it's nice to be able to pop in before work for a few pieces of fresh fruit or veggies.
These are just a few reasons why we love having Mill City Market Grocery and Deli in our neighborhood. We hope anyone who hasn't discovered them yet will do so soon. They are a true asset to the community.
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Above, a Boar's Head representative was at the store October 23 providing samples of their products stocked at Mill City Market Grocery and Deli.
The Mill District City Apartments onsite sales office opened October 22. We spoke with leasing agent Dan on Friday evening, and he gave us an update on their fast moving progress.
The first residents are taking occupancy today, October 25. A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for November 11, and the fitness center and Living Wall are slated for completion mid-November.
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Above, a view of the main entry on Portland Avenue. The sales office is to the right, directly under the Mill District City Apartments signage. (If you look real close, you can see Dan sitting at his desk.)
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New details have been appearing daily on the 2nd Street South side. Above, the rusted metal trim ties in with the history of the neighborhood. First floor residents have private entries.
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Above, signage on the corner of Portland and Washington went up last week. Below, the Living Wall is under construction. It receives light through a wall of windows overlooking the courtyard.
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Mill District City Apartments adheres to the National Association of Home Building "NAHB Green Building Standard". Below, natural finishings in the lobby are part of the developers commitment to green construction. Read more on this topic.
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Our last update on the Plank Road Replacement Project was posted October 11, at which time there was one section of planks yet to be replaced with cement.
The below pictures were taken while we were out for a stroll this past Friday night. Although all the planks have now been replaced with cement, the road was not yet open on the Portland side.
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According to an August Star Tribune article, the replacement project was scheduled for completion this October.
The Minneapolis City Council approved the financing and land sale on Friday, the final steps needed for the global headquarters to be built in the city's Mill District, across the street from the Guthrie Theater. When completed, 125+ news jobs will move to the neighborhood. Construction on the 5 story building is slated to begin in early 2011, completed and ready for occupancy in Spring of 2012.
The American Academy of Neurology is the world's largest professional association of neuroscience professionals and neurologists, with more than 22,500 members.
Visit the Mill City Market Grocery & Deli on Saturday between 10a & 2p and enjoy free samples of fruits, vegatables, cheeses, dips and salsa.
Mill City Market is located at 1020 Washington Ave S.
Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis:
Friday, October 22
The Soap Factory's Haunted Basement Open Thursday-Sunday throughout October
Merry Sisters of Fate Reading and Conversation at The Loft
Musical Theater: MEA Camp at the Guthrie
Saturday, October 23
6th Annual Youth in Music Band Championships at the Dome
Second Story: Marina Budhos, Kirsten Cronn-Mills at The Loft
Family History Fair at Minneapolis Central Library
Discover Saturday: Chemists in the Library at the Mpls Central Library
Halloween Mask Boooooks! at MCBA
Twin Cities Yoga Festival at the Holiday Inn Metrodome
Weekend Brunch
Saturday
Brunch at Spoonriver
Reservations recommended
10:00am - 2:00pm
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
We're excited to launch the Mill City Fitness Blog on November 1. We've lined up an expert guest blogger, Andrea Austin, who will contribute fitness tips and amazing client success stories.
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Andrea is a Certified Master Personal Trainer with 20 years experience, and is a RealRyder instructor at 501SP1N, 501 Washington Avenue South. Please visit Andrea's website to learn about her background, credentials and innovative approach to fitness.
We're honored to have Andrea on board as a guest blogger!
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