mpls downtown council Announces Holidays on Nicollet

Shops will be open November 24 - January 5, Tuesdays - Saturdays, 11a - 6p

Holidays on Nicollet will feature festive decorative storefront windows and shopping supporting local small businesses to enjoy as you take in the holiday experience downtown. 

Ten storefront windows lining Nicollet will be transformed into holiday celebrations that feature figures from Dayton’s Eighth Floor scenes reimagined by a variety of local artists. 

The storefront window displays will add to the Nicollet holiday shopping experience, as four pop-up holiday shops will also be opening along Nicollet at 50 S 6th Street, City Center, IDS Center and U.S. Bancorp Center. The four shops will feature roughly 70 total vendors offering a variety of products including clothing, jewelry, gift shopping and much more. 

The pop-up shops complement eight existing Chameleon Shoppes locations downtown featuring local BIPOC small businesses—part of roughly 450 restaurant and retail shops in downtown’s five distinct neighborhoods. 

“We are excited to unveil a collection of unique holiday experiences you can only enjoy downtown,” said Steve Cramer, President and CEO of the mpls downtown council. “Holidays on Nicollet activities are not only unique to downtown, they help support local small businesses and artists. It includes great locations to visit, browse and shop, and add to the experiences of dining, shows, games and performances you are enjoying downtown this holiday season.” 

Locations for Holidays on Nicollet storefront window displays include:

• 60 South 6th 
• City Center (two locations) 
• Gaviidae Common 
• IDS Center 
• Meet Minneapolis Visitor Information Center 
• The Dayton’s Project 
• U.S. Bancorp Center
• Young Quinlan (Strive Bookstore) 

Each storefront holiday window display will be created by Minneapolis-based artists and designers, featuring more than 10 historic figurines once displayed during the Dayton’s Eighth Floor holiday displays throughout the course of 26 years. They are starting to build their scenes now, and the storefront windows will be unveiled on Saturday, November 25. 

Hennepin Theatre Trust, Minnesota’s nationally recognized performing arts center in the heart of downtown, holds 34 of the vintage figurines that once graced the annual Holiday Show events on the eighth floor of Dayton’s in downtown Minneapolis. Ten of the figurines will be refurbished and on view during Holidays on Nicollet.

“This holiday season, there’s no place more magical than downtown Minneapolis,” said Todd Duesing, President and CEO of Hennepin Theatre Trust. “We’re proud to lend these classic figurines and partner with the mpls downtown council and local businesses to bring the quintessential memories of Dayton’s Holiday Show back downtown in a new format, while advancing the vibrancy of our city.”

The initiative, part of the Vibrant Storefront work through the City of Minneapolis, is being produced by the mpls downtown council in partnership with Hennepin Theatre Trust and the City Arts & Cultural Affairs Department, and support from Meet Minneapolis, the Minnesota Orchestra, Dayton’s, and Ryan Companies.

“We are thrilled to be supporting this project that is re-animating historic Nicollet Mall during the holiday season,” said Ben Johnson, Director of the Department of Arts & Cultural Affairs for the City of Minneapolis. “So many people have treasured memories about coming to Downtown, and we want to capture this energy again. I am also excited to see the unique work of the Minneapolis-based artists that are providing their talents in creating these special holiday windows for everyone to enjoy.” 

Holidays on Nicollet artists include Alexandra Beaumont, Jerry and Cyrus Carlson, Heather Cole, Rachel Coyne, Dusty Dembley, Betsey Giles, Kada Goalen, Modern Day Me team of Jared Hanks and Simone Alexa, Stacie Kammerling, and Wil Natzel.

Roughly 485 total events and activities are taking place downtown between Thanksgiving and the New Year, including 310+ weekend events. These holiday stops are great additions to your downtown experience.

For more information on ways to maximize your downtown holiday experience as a whole, look for shopping, performances, caroling schedules and more on the mpls downtown holiday page.

For more information on holiday experiences in mpls downtown, visit www.mplsdowntown.com/events and follow @mplsdowntown and on Instagram.

Take a Minneapolis Skyway Tour!

Highlights: Foshay Tower, IDS Building, Rand Tower, Capella Tower, Government Plaza, Minneapolis Public Service Building, Target Field, Target Center, Mayo Clinic, Dayton's, Medical Arts Building, and Young-Quinlan Building

Tour offered year-round - ​Mon / Tue / Thu / Fri
Start time: 10:00am, Duration: 2 to 2-1/2 hours
Tour starts & ends at Foshay Tower (W Hotel), 821 Marquette Ave S

Minneapolis is home to the largest, contiguous skyway system in the world. Originally designed to counter the 1950s post war suburban boom by revitalizing the city's retail core, today the second story walkways connect 80 city blocks and meander more than 9 miles. There are so many treasures within downtown's unique architectural landscape, and the skyway system is sometimes the only way to see them.

Check out the Minneapolis Skyway Tour (and other Tour options) from Mpls City & Skyway Tours here: https://www.minneapoliscitytours.com/walking-tours.html.

The Dayton’s Project Announces Third Annual Winter Maker’s Market

The Dayton’s Project recently announced the launch of its third annual Winter Maker’s Market, a curated retail experience highlighting legacy — and soon-to-be legacy — Minnesota brands. The market will feature 78 independent vendors and will include the return of The Dayton’s Santa Bear. 

The 2023 Winter Maker’s Market will open on November 16 and remain open through December 30. The market hours are 10:00am to 6:00pm on Mondays through Saturdays, and 11:00am to 5:00pm with Sundays.

"The Dayton's Project has always been an integral part of our community," said Kristin Longhenry, General Manager of The Dayton's Project. "We are proud to welcome The Departments at Dayton's Winter Market to showcase so many incredible artists, makers, and local businesses that make our community strong." 

This year’s market will feature 48 returning brands and 30 new vendors, including Art By Aleshia, Austin Fowler, Brooke and Lou, Coccinella, Deano’s Parkas, Evla Pottery, Faxon Farms, Field and Foliage, Fit Butters, Giftywrap, Hagan and Oats, Hammermade, HEPP’S Salt, Joel Kaplan Water Colors, Junita’s Cookies, Leather Works of Minnesota, Mable Concessions, Northmallow, O Grace C, The Olive Branch, Shop in the City, Sota Clothing and Urban Undercover. The total of 78 vendors for the market will also feature 25 giftable gourmet foods located in a designated gourmet foods market along with a flower market.  

Santa Bear is back!

The 2023 limited edition Santa Bear will be available through Shop in the City within the market for $49.95, which features a festive hat containing a silhouette of Minnesota and a matching tote bag.  

"We have an exceptional set of local, Minnesotan vendors at this year's Departments at Dayton's!" said Mich Berthiaume, the market curator. "We’re so excited to bring the Santa Bear back and continue to celebrate the holiday season by highlighting our incredible local makers. Whether you're shopping for a friend, a loved one, or even just yourself, there's something for everyone at The Departments at Dayton's!" 

The Departments at Dayton's will pop-up on the first floor of The Dayton's Project, at 700 Nicollet Mall, accessible from both 8th Street and Nicollet. The Dayton's Project, a landmark historic redevelopment in downtown Minneapolis is a 1.2 million square foot building that impressive tenants like Ernst & Young, Unilver, Sezzle, Prudential Financial, and others call home. The building has recently seen increased leasing activity because of its strong amenity set that allows employers to bring employees back to the office as a magnet, not a mandate.

Celebrating 15 Years of Generosity This Give to the Max Day

A message from Jenna Ray, Deputy Executive Director, GiveMN

Every November, Minnesotans come together to support the causes that make our state a great place to call home. Give to the Max Day, Minnesota’s annual giving holiday is celebrating 15 years on Thursday, November 16. We can’t wait to share it with you.

And while Give to the Max raises millions of dollars for nonprofits and schools each year, it’s much more than a fundraising campaign: it’s a reminder that when we come together to support the causes we love, we can do millions of dollars worth of good together—$10, $50, and $100 at a time. Donors have given more than $290 million to more than 10,000 organizations since the first Give to the Max Day in 2009. And those dollars translate to impact beyond our wildest dreams.

You may have participated in Give to the Max before, and for that, we thank you! This year might be the beginning of your giving story. Either way, we hope you’ll celebrate 15 years of generosity, Minnesota, as we work together to ignite generosity and grow giving this November. Here are a few ways to join in the festivities:

1. Search for favorite causes and discover new ones.

Give to the Max is quick, easy, and fun! Simply visit GiveMN.org from November 1-16 to search for nonprofits and schools by name, category, location, and more. With thousands of organizations to choose from, you can find a variety of causes and make multiple donations with one, easy checkout!

2. Maximize the power of your gift.

When you donate any amount on GiveMN.org November 1-16, you could see your generosity boosted! GiveMN is awarding more than $100,000 to participating nonprofits and schools by drawing random gifts and granting a “Golden Ticket,” with prizes ranging from $500 to $10,000!

3. Support organizations making big impacts in your community.

In every community across our state, nonprofits and schools help our friends, neighbors and loved ones meet basic needs, find homes for four-legged friends, and improve our lives through education, art, sports, and parks. For many small and medium organizations, Give to the Max Day might be their biggest or only fundraiser. Your gifts help to power their work and impact all year long.

Give to the Max is a testament to what can happen when tens of thousands of generous people like you and me share whatever we’re able with causes we love. On behalf of the thousands of nonprofits and schools working to make Minnesota brighter, we are so grateful for your support.

Visit GiveMN.org as your partner in giving and follow along throughout November for updates as we celebrate 15 years of generosity.

2023 Twin Cities Con Happens Nov 3-5 at the Minneapolis Convention Center

The Pop Culture Festival Brings in Dozens of Celebrities, including Kevin Smith, Jason Lee, Danny Trejo, Rachael Leigh Cook, and Steve Burns

The third annual Twin Cities Con returns to the Minneapolis Convention Center, Friday, November 3 through Sunday, November 5, 2023. Twin Cities Con is a three-day celebration of comics and pop culture, including TV, film, cosplay, gaming, and anime.

Fans of all ages are invited to join the fun and meet dozens of internationally known TV and movie actors, wrestlers, anime voice actors, comic creators, and other entertainers. This year will be bigger and better than ever with the largest guest list Nerd Street has ever put together.

Attendees will have the chance to meet actors from the “Clerks” and the made-in-Eden-Prairie film, “Mallrats,” movies including Kevin Smith and Jason Lee; Minnesota-born stars like Rachael Leigh Cook and Sean Waltman aka professional wrestler X-Pac; Danny Trejo; Steve Burns, the original host of “Blues Clues;” David McCormack, the voice of Bandit for the popular children’s series, “Bluey;” “Star Wars” writers and voice actors; and so many more.

Celebrity guests scheduled to appear include*

Kevin Smith (“Clerks,” “Mallrats”)

Jason Lee (“Mallrats,” “My Name is Earl”)

Jason Mewes (“Clerks,” “Mallrats”)

Jeremy London (“Mallrats,” “Party of Five,” “7th Heaven”)

Danny Trejo (“Machete,” “Desperado,” “Spy Kids”)

Rachael Leigh Cook (“She’s All That,” “Josie & The Pussycats”)

Ross Marquand (“The Walking Dead,” “Avengers: Infinity War & Endgame”)

Steve Burns (“Blue’s Clues,” Musician)

David McCormack (Voice of Bandit on “Bluey”)

Tony Todd (“Final Destination,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Spider-Man” video games)

David Yost (“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”)

Steve Cardenas (“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”)

Dante Basco (“Hook,” “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “American Dragon Jake Long”)

Zach Tyler Eisen (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”)

Jack De Sena (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”)

Sean Waltman aka X-Pac (WWE Hall of Famer)

Trish Status (WWE Hall of Famer)

Amy Dumas aka Lita (WWE Hall of Famer)

Ashley Eckstein (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Wars Rebels”)

Matt Lanter (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “90210,” “Ultimate Spider-Man”)

James Arnold Taylor (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Batman: Brave and the Bold”)

Yuri Lowenthal (“Ben 10,” “Spider-Man” video games, “Prince of Persia” video games)

*For a complete list, please visit twincitiescon.com.

Tickets: Adult tickets range in price from $35 for a one-day ticket to $70 for a weekend pass. (Advance online discounts are available through Monday, October 30). Admission for children 13 & under is only $10 for the entire weekend.

 *  *  *  *  2023 VIP Passes  *  *  *  * 

The Twin Cities Con Weekend VIP Pass - $149. Includes three-day admission, early entry, priority lines, a t-shirt, and an art print

The Kevin Smith VIP Pass - $350. Includes everything included in VIP admission plus one in-person autograph, one photo opp, priority panel access, a special badge, and priority lines

For more information and to order online, visit https://www.nerdstreetusa.com/twincitiestix/

For the most up-to-date information, please follow Twin Cities Con @TwinCitiesCon on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter.

The DMNA 2023 Annual Meeting is Monday, November 6, at the Mill City Museum

The DMNA 2023 Annual Meeting is Monday, November 6, at the Mill City Museum, from 6pm to 8pm. The evening will include entertainment, a cash bar, and free appetizers catered by D’Amico. The meeting is open to all Downtown East and Downtown West residents and is free to attend, but please RSVP via Eventbrite so they can plan accordingly for food and refreshments.

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Elections to the Board of Directors will take place at this meeting. There are four seats up for election this year; three with three-year terms; and one with a two-year term. You must live, work, or own property in the Downtown East or Downtown West neighborhoods to be eligible for a seat on the board. If you have an interest in running for a seat on the DMNA Board, please submit your application: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/dmna2023boardapplication.

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The DMNA Board will also be giving out the 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award during this Annual Meeting. The Volunteer of the Year Award is the highest honor offered by DMNA. It began to honor an individual who has advanced the mission of the DMNA to promote the common good and general welfare of the residents, businesses, and employees of Downtown Minneapolis. Any individual who lives, works, or owns property in Downtown East or Downtown West and advances the mission of the DMNA through their volunteerism or advocacy is eligible. Generally, current board members and current employees are not eligible. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the staff and board of directors. Recipients are chosen by a small group comprised of the DMNA board and committee leadership.

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If you have any questions, please email DMNA Executive Director Christie Hantge at christie@thedmna.org 

Preserve Minneapolis' 2023-2024 Lecture Series Kicks Off November 17 at the Mill City Museum

Preserve Minneapolis has announced four new historic preservation lectures for 2023-2024, with options for virtual and in-person lectures. Join scholars for an in-depth look at topics in Minneapolis history. These in-person and virtually hosted lectures last approximately one hour and require registration. Lectures are free, with suggested donation to Preserve Minneapolis.

Dr. John AnfinsonThe first lecture takes place November 17, 7pm, at the Mill City Museum, featuring John Anfinson, Ph.D., on the topic of saving St. Anthony Falls.

Dr. Anfinson has been researching, writing, and speaking about the upper Mississippi River for over 35 years, first as district historian and cultural resources program manager of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and later in roles including superintendent for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service. Since 2022, he has been a guest speaker on American Cruise Lines boats on the Mississippi River. His lecture will focus on the history of and problems with the massive “Cutoff Wall” that literally holds up St. Anthony Falls and which has not been seen or inspected since 1876.

Cost: Pay as you can at the door. Registration

Information on all four lectures.

Fall Adult Education Classes at the Guthrie Begin in November

The Guthrie Theater has announced their schedule of Fall Adult Classes, all starting in November. One of note is Play Reading: Through the Lens of an Actor with Jack Reuler (former Artistic Director of Mixed Blood), taking place Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm, with the first session on November 7th.

During this 6-week class, readings will tackle plays ranging from comedies to dramas by playwrights spanning the continuum of age, race and gender. There will also be discussions on the content and literary artistry of the plays, as well as the complexities of choosing and producing these masterpieces.

All experience levels welcome!

World Premiere of The Secret of Chimney Manor opens at Theatre in the Round, November 17

The Secret of Chimney Manor runs November 17 to December 17 - Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) continues their 15th annual Agatha Christie mystery tradition with the world premiere of The Secret of Chimney Manor by Todd Olson, a new adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel The Secret of Chimneys, running weekends November 17 to December 17, with a Monday Pay-What-You-Can performance on December 4.

Anthony Cade is hired to deliver a manuscript to a London publisher, but after being mistaken for a British agent, he becomes embroiled in a web of international intrigue involving blackmail, stolen letters, and a missing prince. Full of twists and turns and eccentric characters, The Secret of Chimney Manor is a fresh, funny, and rollicking version for the stage.

L. Robert Westeen directs the twelve-member cast with sets designed by Madeline Achen, costumes by Deb Murphy, lighting by Andrew Vance, props by Bobbie Smith, and sound design by Abe Gabor.

Tickets are $25. For information, call the theatre’s box office at 612-333-3010 or visit www.TheatreintheRound.org.

October 21 Trip to the Mill City Farmers Market

The Mill City Farmers Market 2023 season is winding down (October 28 is the final outdoor market, and then they switch to November-April winter dates inside the Mill City Museum). The above photo is our haul from the October 21 market. I would have picked up more produce, but the freezer is already full! :D

POSTERS for PARKS Virtual Shop Open Until October 21

Minneapolis Parks Foundation would like to remind you that your purchase supports local artists and community parks - but this online opportunity is only available through Saturday, October 21st!

Now's the time to collect or give stunning works of original art featuring Minneapolis parks - and the people, plants, and animals that share them. Nearly all 44 designs are still in stock at PostersForParks.org - but some are very close to selling out. Gallery goers snapped up nearly 600 posters the October 14 in-person show. 

Virtual sale details:

• Dates: Now through Saturday, October 21, while supplies last
• Cost: $50/poster, plus flat $12 packaging/postage rate for your entire order
• Good-to-Know: No shipping fees if you pick up your online order the Longfellow House, in Minneapolis, on Wednesday, October 25, from 2pm-6pm. See details at checkout.

RAWR! It's Art Attack 2023!

Image by Barret Lee

During Art Attack, the Northrup King Building showcases four floors of amazing art and gifts that will attack all your senses – in a good way!

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Come and meet the talented artists, witness captivating demonstrations, uncover one-of-a-kind treasures, kick start your holiday shopping, and let your creativity loose with interactive art activities - all featured in this beautiful and historic art building.

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With over 400 artists under one roof, and nourishment provided by KCM Eggrolls, Potter’s Pasties and P.F. Café, the Northrup King Building is a fantastic place to spend a delightful autumn day, or to be honest, maybe even a few days given the sheer size of the iconic structure and the abundance of art it holds.

And this is just the beginning! This event is part of NEMAA’s Fall Open Studios, with three glorious days to immerse yourself in a world of fun, vibrant colors, and boundless inspiration – take time to explore all the sister buildings and see the exciting creativity that the Northeast Arts District has to offer.

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Art Attack Dates and Times:

Friday, November 10, 5-9pm
Saturday, November 11, 12-8pm
Sunday, November 12, 12-5pm

Free Parking, Passenger Elevator, ADA Parking and 4 Floors of Wow!

MCFM Vendor, Pure Ginger For You, Opens Juice Bar in Prospect Park

Pure Ginger For You Grand Opening

Sunday, October 15, 1–4:30pm

3408 University Ave SE, Minneapolis

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Mill City Farmers Market vendor Pure Ginger For You (PGFY) will be opening a brick-and-mortar location in the Prospect Park neighborhood of Minneapolis with a grand opening celebration this Sunday, October 15, from 1pm until 4:30pm.

Pure Ginger for You is an immigrant-owned, social enterprise producer of delicious, energizing beverages for the greater Minneapolis area. Beauclarc (Beau) Thomas founded PGFY with a mission to ensure Minnesotans have access to affordable, fresh food, which was a journey for him when he immigrated to the Twin Cities from Liberia:

“When I arrived in the U.S. and reunited with my family, we had just escaped a decade of brutal civil war in Liberia. Due to scarcity, the nutritional value of food was not considered, therefore when we immigrated, we ate everything as we had nothing to eat during the unrest.”

Beau decided to make a change for his health and started making nutrient-dense fruit and vegetable juices, which led to his new company being founded in 2020. With PGFY, he hopes to support not only his own health, but also his family and the greater community.

The fresh-pressed organic ginger juices and shots are made with whole ingredients, the majority of which are sourced directly from local and sustainable farmers. For example, the apples and honey are from Ames Farm, carrots are from Burning River Farm, and melons are from Nistler Farms; these are all connections that he has made and cultivated with his fellow vendors at local farmers markets in the past few years.

Beau with Brian Fredericksen of Ames Farm

Beau with Mike Noreen of Burning River Farm

Beau at Nistler Farms

PGFY juices will allow you to feel revitalized, invigorated, and ready to take on the day while supporting local growers and makers. Stop by the storefront on University Avenue to stock up on your favorite fresh pressed juices – the store will be open with limited hours in the coming weeks (Monday-Thursday from 12:30-6pm, Friday-Sunday 3-6pm). Follow on Instagram for updates on hours, products, upcoming events and more. 

Chloe by Vincent Announces Next Guest Chef in MN Dinner Series

Scott Graden

Chloe by Vincent welcomes New Scenic Café’s Scott Graden for a 5-course tasting menu with a French wine-pairing Sunday, November 5, starting at 5pm. Chef Graden will be alternating courses with CbV’s chefs, Vincent Francoual and Kai Loa, for a truly magical evening. The New Scenic Café has been a treasure to Duluth and a must-stop destination for Twin Cities’ travelers heading up North, since opening in 1999.

Reservations can be made via www.chlobyvincent or on RESY. The cost is $130, including, 5-courses, wine pairing by New France Wine Co. or special NA cocktails, and gratuity. Sales tax will be added at check out. Chef Graden will also be signing his latest cookbook, New Scenic Café -The Second Cookbook, which will be for sale at the event.

This is the second in Chloe by Vincent’s Minnesota Chefs Dinner Series, which promotes collaboration with the outstanding chefs outside the Twin Cities who are cooking amazing cuisine in small towns and resort areas. When two talented chefs get together to create a meal, it creates a special dining experience for the guests fortunate to score tickets, but also for the chefs who can learn from each other in a convivial (and fun) kitchen setting. Both chefs then present their courses to the diners, which allows them instant feedback on their art. Wine pairings will also be highlighted.

The first chef in the series was Matthew Jensen of La Femme in Alexander, MN. Additional guest dinners in this series will be announced in January.

NIEBNA Announces October 19 Community Meeting and Board Elections

NIEBNA Annual Community Meeting

Thursday, October 19, 5:00p to 7:00p at Riverplace and via Zoom

Nicollet Island – East Bank Neighborhood Association (NIEBNA) board meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month and are open to the public. 

October 19 Agenda

ZOOM Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83753338156

In October NIEBNA will be voting for new board members. If you are interested in getting involved in this way, or know someone who would be a good fit, use the links below to learn more. Current board members whose terms are done need not re-apply to be considered for another term.

NIEBNA Board Elections Candidate Form.

If you have any questions about the process or about board membership, please contact Brenda Delaney, NIEBNA Coordinator, at info@niebna.org.

NIEBNA coverage map

Third Avenue Bridge Lights!

Thank you to Nancy Verdier for this photo of the new overhead lights on the Third Avenue Bridge - taken last night, October 7th. We can't wait for the bridge to re-open at the end of this month! 

Minneapolis Downtown Parks Fall Fest - October 13 at The Commons

Enjoy your favorite things about Fall at this FREE event hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board!

Fall Fest highlights include:

• Drag Bingo with great prizes from restaurant gift cards to Joji concert tickets!
• Glow in the Dark Mini Golf
• Cornhole
• Live Music featuring:
  • DJ Jacques
  • Tre Aaron and the Undergroove
• Bonfires
• Enjoy local food trucks: Phal's Best Steak & Gyro and KCM Eggrolls
• Fall Beverages including Beer, Wine and food for purchase!

Help Light the Merriam Street Bridge!

There is a fundraising initiative currently underway to fund a $75K lighting project for the Merriam Street Bridge.

Here is the community campaign donation page: https://givebutter.com/lightthebridge. We were happy to contribute, and hope our neighbors will join us in helping take this project come to fruition!  :)

New MPRB Online Tool Lets You Explore Minneapolis Parks Projects

A new interactive tool offers information about improvements and other projects in parks throughout Minneapolis. 

View of the dashboard map showing 71 park locations where projects are in progress.The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's (MPRB) new Park Projects Dashboard features information on capital improvements as well as rehabilitation and other projects.

Through the dashboard's charts, maps, tables and various filters, users can get information about specific projects as they cycle through phases from pre-planning to completion. Projects that are on hold or pending assignment are also included.

As a convenient resource for the public and Park Board Commissioners, the MPRB Park Projects Dashboard also complements another interactive tool, the MPRB Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Dashboard, which focuses on funding allocations for planned physical improvements in the park system.

Links to both dashboards are featured on MPRB's page for Current Projects. 

October 2023 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via an October 3 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.

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.

Project Map

Latest Project News

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews continue to work on lining the existing storm tunnel at the Mississippi River with concrete. Excavation will resume later this fall when they can access the storm flow again.

2nd Ave

• Crews continue to work on lining the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection.

Portland Ave

• Crews continue to work on lining the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection.

Lining progress

In September, crews continued to work on the concrete tunnel lining pouring about 1,500 cubic yards of concrete. To date 9,700 cubic yards of concrete have been poured. As noted in the infographic above, this is just under three times the volume of an Olympic swimming pool. This process is approximately 64% complete.

Long-term closures/restrictions

• The north westbound lane, bike lane, and parking lane remains closed on Washington Ave between Portland Ave and Park Ave. These closures will remain in place until the project is completed.
  • During this closure, pedestrians can still use the sidewalks along Washington Ave.
  • Crosswalks across Washington Ave and Portland Ave will remain open.
  • Bicyclists will share the traffic lane.
  • The existing left turn lane on Washington Ave at the Portland Ave intersection will temporarily become a left turn and through lane.

• Northbound lane of Portland Ave will be periodically closed between Washington Ave and 2nd Closures will happen during the workday only.
  • Closure is for the placement of concrete into the tunnel.
  • East crosswalk across Washington and north crosswalk across Portland will be closed.
  • Sidewalks will remain open to businesses and residences.

• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains restricted between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall.
  • During these restrictions, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remains open.

• The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains restricted through the end of the project. The dewatering well and pumps are installed in this area.
  • Pedestrians can 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 remains open.

• The west sidewalk of Portland Ave south of Washington Ave will remain restricted to pedestrians around the dewatering well and pumps until the project is completed.

• The parking lot and trail near Mill Runs Park remains open until November 1.
  • The trail will continue to have flaggers to allow concrete trucks to pull into and out of the work site until the parking lot closes for the winter on November 1.

• 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Ave and 1st St S. Access will be restricted until the project is completed.
  • Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S remain open. There may be short-term access delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

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.

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418