Happy New Year!

Wishing our neighbors all the best in 2015!   :D

Ride Metro Transit Free on New Year's Eve!

Celebrate New Year’s Eve responsibly and get a free ride!

On Dec. 31, customers can ride free from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. on all Metro Transit routes – buses, METRO lines and Northstar. No fare, no coupons – simply hop on and take a seat for free.

Whether you’ll be out celebrating or you’re not interested in driving alongside those who are, riding Metro Transit is an easy, safe alternative.

Miller Free Rides is a community service program in partnership with Metro Transit, J.J. Taylor Distributing Company and Miller Lite.

Learn more at 1-800-FREE-RIDES or visit MillerLiteFreeRides.com.

3 Days Remain to Make a 2014 Tax-Deductible Donation for Northern Spark 2015

Only 3 days left to support Northern Spark 2015. Here's a sampling of our contributor perks below. To see them all visit our Indiegogo page. Supporting Northern Spark, helps artists realize big ideas and bring a night of wonder to the city!

Give today and claim one of the following perks for yourself or someone you love (or, if you chose not to claim a perk, your gift is 100% tax-deductible):

$10 / Sparking Toy to #Spark5 - All gift levels $10 and up. (Pickup only.)

$25 / 2015 T-shirt - Design is forthcoming. (Please add $5 for shipping.)

$30 / Tincture Workshop - Learn how to make your own medicine with foraged herbs and your own vodka or brandy with Powderhorn Kitchen artists Jess Hirsch and Ginny Sims. (Only 11 spots left!)

$55 / "Wonder" Limited Edition Print by Robin Schwartzman (NS 2012 artist). Archival print of artwork inspired by NS 2012. Print approximately 26x12 inches. Edition of 50.

$75 / Floating World In White (2014) by Kate Casanova (NS 2014 artist) Archival Pigment Print of Original Paper Collage. Dimensions approximately 25x21 inches. Edition of 50.

$100 / Project Yourself onto the Gold Medal Silos with Luke Savisky and 4 friends. Meet Luke. Enjoy a test run of his project. Includes digital file of group photo. Limit 5. Test run photo of 2014 staff pictured above. (Only 1 left!)

$100 / EXTENDED PLAY Spark Pack - Launch Party, Breakfast, + T-shirt.

$500 / SPARK VIP Pack for 2 - All of the following for one dynamic duo: 2015 T-shirt x2 2015 Art Print x1 Launch Party x2 Curated Bus Tour x2 Pancake Breakfast x2 Jump the Line for 2.

$500 Robin Schwartzman (NS Artist, 2012) Original sign art - CNC routed foam with lights and hand-painted text. New art created exclusively for this campaign and inspired by NS 2012. (Only 1 available!)

AND MORE!

We hope you will HELP FUND 5 NEW ARTIST COMMISSIONS by Dec. 31st by contributing at any amount to our Indiegogo campaign. Your support directly contributes to making new artists projects a reality and gives artists an opportunity to dream big and present on a large scale. Help us continue to energize our creative community and vibrant city! Please give today!
 
Northern Lights.mn is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization whose mission is to transform our sense of what’s possible in public space. Northern Spark is one night, but Northern Lights.mn shines throughout the year with projects such as Creative City Challenge for the Minneapolis Convention Center, Art(ists) on the Verge, the Giant Sing-A-Long at the Minnesota State Fair, and permanent, interactive public art for Saint Paul’s Union Depot.

Save the date: Northern Spark 2015 returns on Saturday, June 13th!

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Mark Your Calendars / January 19 & 22

January 19 at the Mill City Museum

Downtown 2015 - Project & Priorities for the Year Ahead

Joint Mill District & Downtown Neighborhood Associations Event

A Public Forum

3rd Ward Council Member Jacob Frey leads an expert panel in taking a look ahead at 2015.  Bring your questions and opinions on Downtown priorities and projects.  The event starts at 7:00PM and includes audience Q&A.

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January 22 at the Mill City Museum / 6:00PM - 7:30PM

Minneapolis After the Locks - Unlocking Opportunities

Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership

The lock is scheduled to be closed in June 2015.  Its closure will change river management practices and have an environmental and an economic impact far beyond the Falls and the local area.  The Forum is designed to help us better understand both the immediate and longer-term consequences of the closure and to hear ideas about how the site and the river can be used in new and different ways.

MPRB Winter Park Highlights Brochure Available Online Now - Coming Soon via Mail

From a December 28 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board e-newsletter:

Looking for some fun-filled activities for you and your family this winter? Check out the newest edition of our park highlights inside the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Community Education catalog, which will arrive in almost 200,000 Minneapolis households between December 29 and January 9!

Our four-page insert is loaded with fun facts and activity ideas that we hope will inspire you to explore the parks and discover all the great events and activities offered at our parks and recreation centers through April 30.

For those residing outside of Minneapolis – or for a sneak peak – you can check out an electronic version of the park highlights brochure online! Copies will also be available at 47 Minneapolis recreation centers and 15 Minneapolis libraries.

On this Christmas Day: Imagine

Playing for Change unites people across continents through music.  Let this video continue running after "Imagine" to enjoy more inspirational songs. 

I don't want to imagine a world without music!

Nominations Sought for Third aWards!

Via a Dec 22 e-newsletter from the office of Council Member Frey:

Join Council Member Frey for his 1st annual State of the Ward Address and Third aWards. Awards will be given for Leader of the Year, Local Business of the Year, Neighborhood Project/Initiative of the Year and Youth Leader of the Year.
 
“The Third aWards is a time to recognize our amazing residents and small business owners that help make the Third Ward a spectacular place,” said Council Member Jacob Frey. 
 
Individuals interested in making a nomination should write a brief description of the accomplishments that deserve recognition. Please submit Third aWards nominations via email, fax (612-673-3940) or by mail to Council Member Jacob Frey, 350 South 5th Street, Room 307, Minneapolis, MN 55415 by Thursday, January 22, 2015. 
 
The State of the Ward and Third aWards will take place Thursday, January 29, 2015 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Nye's Polonaise Room, 112 East Hennepin. Please R.S.V.P early by calling 612-673-2203 or emailing zack.farley@minneapolismn.gov.

Mill City Times Newsletter / 12/22/2014

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. “

- Anne Frank

[PHOTO] PIC OF THE WEEK

Mill Ruins in Mid Air

https://www.flickr.com/photos/millcitytimes/15444429364/in/set-72157648773188916

[PHOTO] READER PIC

The Other Side of the Stone Arch Bridge (Kim Rinde)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/millcitytimes/15447106043/in/set-72157649102100600

Have a photo to share? Send it to dave@millcitymedia.org – or post it to our Facebook page http://Facebook.com/MillCityTimes

BREAKING: TRADER JOE'S COMING TO DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS

Mill City Times Exclusive - Trader Joe's is coming to Downtown Minneapolis! We've confirmed through two independent sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations that agreement has been reached for a Trader Joe's grocery store in the planned Thresher Square project in the Mill District/Downtown East neighborhood of Minneapolis:

http://millcitytimes.com/news/breaking-trader-joes-coming-to-downtown-minneapolis.html

[VIDEO] ST. ANTHONY FALLS REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN OVERVIEW

Watch video of the area being planned for and hear from Committee Chair Ted Tucker and some of the committee members.  Another community service video produced and directed by Peter Zenner:

http://millcitytimes.com/news/video-st-anthony-falls-regional-park-master-plan-overview.html

SYMPHONY HYDRO DEAD IN THE WATER?

The first two government agencies to weigh in have both submitted letters to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) last week opposing the Symphony Hydro proposal to build a hydroelectric facility in the soon to be closed Upper St. Anthony Falls lock:

http://millcitytimes.com/news/symphony-hydro-dead-in-the-water.html

[VIDEO] BIRD LOVERS, VIKINGS STADIUM OPPONENTS LOSE BID TO STOP DOWNTOWN PARK AT PARK BOARD MEETING

A coalition of bird advocates and Viking Stadium opponents turned out in force at the December 17 meeting of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) to oppose the the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Minneapolis and the MPRB for MPRB ownership and leaseback to the City of the planned park in Downtown East Minneapolis adjacent to the new Vikings Stadium.  Watch the passionate (some misguided, some spot on) pleas from advocates and the contentious discussion between MPRB Commissioners, who eventually voted to approve the MOU:

http://millcitytimes.com/news/video-bird-lovers-vikings-stadium-opponents-lose-bid-to-stop.html

[VIDEO] THE METROPOLITAN BUILDING / MILL CITY HISTORY

28 minutes of unedited color video of the Metropolitan or Northwest Guaranteed Loan Building of Minneapolis taken in August of 1961, months before it was demolished:

http://millcitytimes.com/news/video-the-metropolitan-building-mill-city-history.html

TONIGHT - SOUNDS OF BLACKNESS AT THE GUTHRIE

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS – A MUSICAL FANTASY / Minnesota’s three-time Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness returns with its 36th Anniversary performance. The Night Before Christmas – A Musical Fantasy is a contemporary adaptation of the beloved poem “A Visit From St Nicholas.” This family-friendly musical production brings Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph the Rappin’ Reindeer to life in hilarious song and dance as they learn the true meaning of Christmas. The music ranges from R&B/Hip-Hop to Jazz, Blues and Gospel and features Sounds of Blackness singers and band in show-stopping, roof-raising songs and scenes:

http://millcitytimes.com/news/tonight-sounds-of-blackness-at-the-guthrie.html

IN THE NEWS

FROM WAYFINDING TO THE ART WALK: A LOOK AT THE LATEST DESIGNS FOR THE $50 MILLION REMAKE OF NICOLLET MALL

http://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2014/12/wayfinding-art-walk-look-latest-designs-50-million-remake-nicollet-mall

LIVING WITH THE MISSISSIPPI: THE BOHEMIAN FLATS

http://riverlife.umn.edu/2014/12/living-with-the-mississippi-the-bohemian-flats/

REPAIR COSTS FOR MINNEAPOLIS BRIDGES COULD TOP $130 MILLION

http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/286518861.html

MORTENSON SEES 31-STORY TOWER FOR OLD NICOLLET HOTEL SPOT

http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/286033681.html

10 DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS THAT WILL TRANSFORM MSP IN 2015

http://www.thelinemedia.com/features/10developmentprojects12102014.aspx

PARENTS PUSH TO MAKE DOWNTOWN FAMILY-FRIENDLY

http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/parents-push-to-make-downtown-family-friendly

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

[PHOTO] PIC OF THE WEEK

History in the Window:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/millcitytimes/16027022745/in/set-72157648773188916

[PHOTOS] READERS PICS

Vikings Stadium at Sunset (from reader Will Bracken):

https://www.flickr.com/photos/millcitytimes/15841165209/in/set-72157649102100600

SORELLA WINE & SPIRITS CLOSING DECEMBER 31

http://millcitytimes.com/news/sorella-wine-spirits-closing-december-31-new-owners-format-t.html

CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS LAUNCHES OPEN DATA PORTAL

http://millcitytimes.com/news/city-of-minneapolis-launches-open-data-portal.html

TOYS FOR TOTS DROP OFF AT BIBELOT SHOP

http://millcitytimes.com/news/toys-for-tots-drop-off-at-bibelot-shop.html

SCENES FROM THE DECEMBER 13 MILL CITY FARMERS MARKET

http://millcitytimes.com/news/scenes-from-the-december-13-mill-city-farmers-market.html

IN THE NEWS - PROPOSALS FOR REDEVELOPING THE NICOLLET HOTEL BLOCK

http://www.startribune.com/blogs/285620231.html

http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/285689811.html

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/blog/real_estate/2014/12/downtown-minneapolis-nicollet-hotel-block-duval.html

http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/developers-reach-for-the-sky-in-nicollet-hotel-block-proposals

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/27624167/minneapolis-considering-proposal-to-build-tallest-building-in-city

[PHOTO] PIC OF THE WEEK

Gigantic Head:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/millcitytimes/15776653247/in/set-72157648773188916

[PHOTOS] READERS PICS

Before the Storm - Pillsbury "A" Mill (Chelle Stoner):

https://www.flickr.com/photos/millcitytimes/15936639906/in/set-72157649102100600

NYE'S IN THE NEWS

http://millcitytimes.com/news/photos-nyes-in-the-news-last-week.html

MPRB TO OWN DOWNTOWN EAST PARK AFTER ALL

http://millcitytimes.com/news/mprb-to-own-downtown-east-park-after-all.html

MILL CITY HISTORY

http://millcitytimes.com/news/1805-lieutenant-zebulan-pike-negotiates-a-treaty-with-the-da.html

45-DAY COMMENT PERIOD OPEN FOR CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI RIVERFRONT REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN

http://millcitytimes.com/news/45-day-comment-period-open-for-central-mississippi-riverfron.html

REFLECTING ON THE RIVER

http://mplsparksfoundation.org/2014/12/01/reflecting-on-the-river/

THE FILM SOCIETY OF MINNEAPOLIS ST. PAUL'S DECEMBER LINEUP

http://millcitytimes.com/news/the-film-society-of-minneapolis-st-pauls-december-lineup.html

 [VIDEO] MINNEAPOLIS TOPS IN THE NATION IN NATIONAL NIGHT OUT PARTICIPATION

http://millcitytimes.com/news/minneapolis-tops-in-the-nation-in-national-night-out-partici.html

WATER WORKS PARK ON MPR

http://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/11/24/daily-circuit-water-works-park

[DOWNLOAD] A-MILL HYDRO PROJECT / FISH ENTRAINMENT AND MORTALITY STUDY

http://millcitytimes.com/news/download-a-mill-hydro-project-fish-entrainment-and-mortality.html

LA RIVE CONDOMINIUMS BECOMES ENERGY INDEPENDENT

http://millcitytimes.com/news/la-rive-condominiums-becomes-energy-independent.html

NEW NORTH LOOP SHOP FOCUSES ON MANUFACTURERS

http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/new-north-loop-shop-focuses-on-manufacturers

NEW LUNCH SPOT DOWNTOWN

http://millcitytimes.com/news/new-healthy-lunch-spot-opens-downtown.html

NEW PROGRAM FOR ADULTS 55+ FROM MACPHAIL CENTER FOR MUSIC - MACPHAIL MUSIC FOR LIFE!

http://millcitytimes.com/news/macphail-music-for-life-offerings.html

OUR LADY OF LOURDES' FAMOUS FRENCH MEAT PIES NOW AVAILABLE

http://millcitytimes.com/news/our-lady-of-lourdes-famous-french-meat-pies-now-available.html

MILL CITY TIMES PHOTOS HIT THE ONE MILLION VIEWS MARK

http://millcitytimes.com/news/our-flickr-photos-hit-the-one-million-views-mark.html

[PHOTO] PIC OF THE WEEK

"Dancing Lights" -  (American Academy of Neurology Water Feature)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/millcitytimes/8019289828/in/set-72157648773188916

NEW 4TH ST. TO 35W NORTH RAMP OPENS

http://millcitytimes.com/news/new-4th-st-to-35w-north-ramp-opens.html

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STAY UP TO DATE

EVEN MORE NEWS FROM THE CENTRAL RIVERFRONT NEIGHBORHOODS OF MINNEAPOLIS:

http://Facebook.com/MillCityTimes

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SUBSCRIBE TO MILL CITY TIMES NEWSLETTER

BREAKING: Trader Joe's Coming to Downtown Minneapolis

Mill City Times Exclusive - Trader Joe's is coming to Downtown Minneapolis! We've confirmed through two independant sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations that agreement has been reached for a Trader Joe's grocery store in the planned Thresher Square project in the Mill District/Downtown East neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Plans also call for a direct skyway link to the core business district at the corner of Chicago & Washington, connecting through the planned parking ramp serving the new Vikings Stadium.

The grocery store, to be located on the corner of Chicago & Washington Ave S, will be part of the Thresher Square project from Sherman & Associates.  The mixed use residential/commercial development will occupy 3/4 of the block which includes the Advance Thresher building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  For more background on the project, see:

Project Page:

http://www.sherman-associates.com/713-south-washington-avenue/site-plan/

News coverage from earlier this year:

$100M Thresher Square development fills Downtown East gap

Developer plans hotel, apartments in downtown's Thresher Square building

[Video] Bird Lovers, Vikings Stadium Opponents Lose Bid to Stop Downtown Park at Park Board Meeting

A coalition of bird advocates and Viking Stadium opponents turned out in force at the December 17 meeting of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) to oppose the the the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Minneapolis and the MPRB for MPRB ownership and leaseback to the City of the planned park in Downtown East Minneapolis adjacent to the new Vikings Stadium.  Watch the passionate (some misguided, some spot on) pleas from advocates and the contentious discussion between MPRB Commissioners, who eventually voted to approve the MOU:

[Video] The Metropolitan Building / Mill City History

28 minutes of unedited color video of the Metropolitan or Northwest Guaranteed Loan Building of Minneapolis taken in August of 1961, months before it was demolished.

Tonight - Sounds of Blackness at The Guthrie

Monday, December 22

Time: 7:30pm

Location: Wurtele Thrust Stage, Guthrie, 818 South 2nd Street

Sounds of Blackness

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS – A MUSICAL FANTASY

Minnesota’s three-time Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness returns with its 36th Anniversary performance. The Night Before Christmas – A Musical Fantasy is a contemporary adaptation of the beloved poem “A Visit From St Nicholas.” This family-friendly musical production brings Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph the Rappin’ Reindeer to life in hilarious song and dance as they learn the true meaning of Christmas. The music ranges from R&B/Hip-Hop to Jazz, Blues and Gospel and features Sounds of Blackness singers and band in show-stopping, roof-raising songs and scenes.

This is a must-see performance during the holiday season at the Guthrie Theater.

[Video] St. Anthony Falls Regional Park Master Plan Overview

Video produced and directed by Peter Zenner of Zenmation

Watch video of the the area being planned for and hear Committee Chair Ted Tucker and some of the committee members.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) invites public comment on the Draft Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park (proposed renaming to St. Anthony Falls Regional Park) Master Plan through January 18, 2015. Once approved, the master plan will guide park investment along both sides of the Mississippi River near St. Anthony Falls for years to come. The draft plan is the result of a 16 month process that included 12 meetings of a Community Advisory Committee, 10 meetings of a Technical Advisory Committee, three community open houses, an online survey, and one-on-one conversations with residents.  Based on comments received from the public, the draft plan will be revised and presented to the Board of Commissioners for a public hearing and approval in early 2015.

Download the plan...(53MB)

Comment on the plan...

Below: Current park boundaries

Symphony Hydro Dead in the Water?

The first two government agencies to weigh in have both submitted letters to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) last week opposing the Symphony Hydro proposal to build a hydroelectric facility in the soon to be closed Upper St. Anthony Falls lock.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers letter states “As the proposed Symphony hydropower project is incompatible with the current Congressional authorization for navigation and flood control, it appears that licensing of the hydropower project located within the lock chamber at USAF is not appropriate at this time.”

The U.S. Department of the Interior letter includes a statement identical to the one above from the the Corps.

Download the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers letter...

Download the U.S. Dept. of Interior letter...

Minneapolis #1 in Nation for High Credit Scores According to NerdWallet Number Crunchers

Sara Collins of consumer finance site NerdWallet recently notified me of a new study they completed.  After analyzing data for the nation's largest metro areas to find the highest average credit score, they found that out of 143 places Minneapolis ranked #1 as the most financially responsible place in the country.

Their analysis also produced these findings:

• Of the top ten places with the highest average credit scores, eight are in the Midwest, including four metros in Wisconsin.

• Of the ten places with the lowest average credit scores, eight are in the South.

Click here for the article outlining these findings.  For anyone whose credit is less than stellar, the article also includes tips for improving your credit.

Holiday Lights in the Mill District: Snow or Not, the Show Goes On

This past Saturday night we took a stroll down 2nd Street South and back on West River Parkway.  Hands down, our neighbors at Stonebridge Lofts are the most festive this year, although it's more evident in person than one would gather from pictures.  Runner up: The Stone Arch Lofts.  :)

Click here for the first set of pictures.  There may be a second set if we get out again in the next few days.

Childish Films at the Central Library is a Special Monthly Event for Families

Childish Films is a fun family event happening the 3rd Saturday of the month through April, 2015, at the Central Library.   It's a free program of children’s cinema and arts for all ages.  Each screening features a pre-show activity, an educational introduction, and complimentary healthy snacks. Admission is free with open seating to the public.

Most films are best enjoyed by ages 3 and older, but children and people of all ages are welcome to attend.

The December 20 feature is The Wind in the Willows – Winter Tales.

Warm up with Young Fiddlers Association and enjoy a wintry mix of magical stop motion animated adaptations based on Kenneth Grahame’s classic, The Wind in the Willows.

• Winter Sports, Cosgrove Hall, A&E Entertainment 1985, 20 min At the first real snow of winter, Toad digs out his skis and enthusiastically dreams up a winter sports competition for his fellow river-bankers.
• The Yuletide Entertainment, Cosgrove Hall, A&E Entertainment, 1984, 25 min Badger produces a Christmas variety show in Toad Hall that goes awry when Toad gags on a moustache.

Doors open at 10:00am for seating, snacks, and hands-on activities. Live pre-show performances begin at 10:30am.

Future dates:
January 17 - Adventures in Music
February 21 - Feathers and Fins
March 21 - Comedy Carnival
April 18 - Film Festival Finale with the Bunny Clogs

If you have specific questions about the content of a particular film, please e-mail our curators. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 612.543.8107 for more information.

Thursday, December 18 - Holiday Extravaganza at Primrose Park

Looking for a special something for a special someone (or youself)?  Be sure to check out Primrose Park (20 University Avenue NE, across from Surdyk's) this Thursday night.  :)

Thursday Night STAWNO Small Area Plan Meeting

From the St. Anthony West Neighborhood Organization:

As we continue to move forward on a process for the St. Anthony West neighborhood's Small Area Plan, the Land Use and Planning Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, to discuss a proposal from the University of Minnesota's Metropolitan Design Center. The meeting is open to all. Location: MainStreet Lodge, 909 Main St. NE, Minneapolis (lower-level meeting room). This is an accessible location.

Thursday Night - Elliot Park Land Use Meeting

The Building, Land Use & Housing Committee (BLUH) meets Thursday, December 18^th, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Elliot Park Recreation Center, 1000 East 14^th Street.

AGENDA

• 17^th Street Proposed Highway Sound Barriers—Presentation and community discussion.
• 7^th Street I94 Ramp—Construction Update
• Downtown Service Area Master Plan Community Advisory Committee
• Review of 2014 Projects & 2015 Upcoming Projects