A Very Good June for Friends of the Mill District

Article by Claudia Kittock

It has been a very busy and very good June for the Friends of the Mill District. The community participation and support has been fabulous.

We started the month on June 8th with the Mill City Singers' 3rd performance at the Loring Park Music Festival. If you're interested, check out this video from the Festival (go to the 18-minute mark to see J.D. Steele and the Singers - the video ends with their final song).

On June 15th, the Friends held a book drive for YouthLink. Camille Burke organized the event and we are so thankful for her leadership and for the donations from the community. Because of these donations, we were able to take almost 2000 books to young people whose access to books is limited. What a wonderful day.

On June 22nd, we partnered with the Cedar Riverside community and Allina Free Bikes 4 Kidz program to help hand out 350 bikes. The Friends handed out bike locks and water bottles. It was an incredibly fun day with palpable excitement that began at 8 a.m. and the line started forming at 5:30 a.m. Those in line were fitted for a free bike, bike helmet, locks and water bottles. Almost 100 volunteers helped make everything go smoothly.

Friends of the Mill District board member, Jan Merchon

We love what we do. It is amazing to be part of this amazing community. Our neighborhood is stronger because of you and the ways you all help. Thank you for what you do. There is more to come. 

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About Claudia Kittock

Claudia is a resident of the Mill District. In addition to writing for Mill City Times, she is a founding Board Member of Friends of the Mill District. Claudia is the author of Health Through Chaos, mentors young adults at YouthLink, and has served on the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA).

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Contact: claudia@millcitymedia.org

Eleven Secures Construction Financing

Minneapolis’ first luxury condominium project designed by a world-renowned architect has secured financing. Eleven will be the first residential project in the city to be designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), based in New York City.

Luigi Bernardi of Arcadia LLC is serving as the project sponsor and co-developer and Ryan Companies is serving as co-developer, builder, and is partnering with RAMSA as the architect.     

Dougherty Funding LLC, whose team is led by Executive Vice President Murray Kornberg, has arranged Eleven’s construction financing with two of the largest condominium construction lenders in the country. Eleven’s financing represents the largest construction loan ever secured for a condominium project in the state of Minnesota. 

“Having two of the industry’s leading capital providers approve the largest loan ever for a ground up multi-family project in the state is a testament to the vitality of this project,” said Kornberg. “These lender’s participation in the project is a significant endorsement, and consistent with the response we are currently seeing from buyers and the community at large.  With the equity investment from the project sponsors already committed, the project has cleared one of the last hurdles before commencement of construction.” 

The 550-foot, 41-story Eleven tower will be Minneapolis’ tallest residential building. Eleven’s slim sculptural quality finds it origins in the Art Deco tradition. This familiar, slender, aesthetic can be seen in Minneapolis’ Rand and Foshay Towers, whose stepped-back crowns create strong silhouettes in the skyline. Eleven is similarly inspired by many of the pre-war residential buildings of New York and Chicago; long celebrated for being collections of homes in the city and sky.

“While the city of Minneapolis is home to many office towers, museums and theaters designed by world-class architects, Eleven is the first residential building that can claim that designation,” said Luigi Bernardi, president of Arcadia LLC. “Robert A.M. Stern Architects, along with an amazing group of Minneapolis firms, have ensured that every detail of Eleven will be best-in-class. Combining that attention to detail with the panoramic views of the Stone Arch Bridge, Gold Medal Park and Downtown Minneapolis - it’s easy to see why Eleven will be an icon for centuries to come.”

Soon to be a premier address in the Mill District, Eleven will typically have four units per floor, transitioning to two units per floor, and finally one unit per floor in the upper portion of the building. Each home includes a large private terrace which is at least 14 x 14 feet.  RAMSA, Ryan, and local firms Peterssen/Keller Architects and Martha Dayton Design and Sotheby’s International Realty have ensured the building interior is as thoughtful as its exterior. Amenities include a large landscaped terrace that will be unlike any other in the city including a 75-foot lap pool, a private motor court,  a 24/7 doorman, an expansive fitness suite, a multi-sport court, a library, a golf simulator, a children’s splash pad, retail space (ideally for a restaurant), a demonstration kitchen with dining, residential and guest parking, storage, and more. 

“This is a testament to the team we’ve assembled, the building they’ve planned, and the strength of the Minneapolis market,” said Mike Ryan of Ryan Companies. “We’re excited to get underway with this timeless addition to our skyline and city.” 

RAMSA has a highly regarded portfolio of work around the globe including single family homes, academic buildings, museums, and luxury towers. Their residential towers can be found in New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, L.A., Toronto, Vancouver, Shanghai, China, Taipei, Taiwan and - with the addition of Eleven - Minneapolis.

For reservation inquiries, contact Sotheby’s at (612) 340-9000.

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

Editor's note - This is an ongoing series of updates as the North Loop Reconstruction and Pedestrian Improvements project.

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

The North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements Project consists of two separate projects:

1. A full street reconstruction along 3rd St N between 10th Ave N and 5th Ave N
2. A pedestrian improvement project generally bounded by 10th Ave N on the north, 1st Ave on the south, West River Parkway on the east, and 4th St N on the west

North Loop Reconstruction Updates

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

5th Ave N

• Continuing water work at 5th and 3rd St N

7th Ave N

• Continue grading in preparation for placement of the first lift of asphalt
• Set up string line for asphalt paving
• Asphalt paving was cancelled and has not been rescheduled yet

8th Ave N

• Amended poor soils
• Finished utility work

9th Ave N

• Finished utility work

3rd St N

• Hydrant installation 8th Ave N and 5th Ave N

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

5th Ave N

• Continuing water work at 5th and 3rd St N
• May begin utility work

7th Ave N

• Finish water work
• Finish grading in preparation for placement of first lift of asphalt

8th Ave N

• Begin bringing in subbase and grading in preparation for placement of the first lift of asphalt

9th Ave N

• Amend poor soils between 3rd St N and the alley-NOTE exit and entrance on 9th Ave N will be off of Washington Ave today 6-28-19
• Begin bringing in subbase and grading in preparation for placement of the first lift of asphalt

3rd St N

• Isolated removals for water work only between 8th Ave N and 5th Ave N, there will be a temporary water shut off on the night on Sunday June 30, 2019. If your property is effected, a notice will be placed on the door of your property in 48 hours’ in advance for impacted businesses, 24 hours’ in advance to impacted residences

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

North Loop Pedestrian Improvements Updates

The Contractor will be holding off on opening any new intersections until after the 4th of July weekend

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

2nd St N NW Corner

• 2nd Ave N – finish sidewalk and place asphalt
• 3rd Ave N – nothing
• 4th Ave N – all but a few panels, ped ramp, finish 1sy ½ of driveway, base and bituminous
• 5th Ave N – sidewalk, ped ramp, finish 1st ½ of driveway, base and bituminous
• 7th Ave N – ped ramp, base and bituminous
• 8th Ave N – removed pole and foundation, installed curb and bituminous, some sidewalk

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

No work is anticipated for the week of July 1.

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

Miscellaneous

Stakeholder Meeting - These meetings are informal, held biweekly and intended to offer residents and businesses on the job an opportunity to get construction updates, ask construction and access related questions.

Date/Time:  July 10, 7:30am - 8:30am

Location:  Corner Coffee 514 N 3rd St #102

As always, feel free to contact myself (612-673-3365) or John Benjamin (651-443-1096) with any construction related questions or concerns.

Contact Stephanie Malmberg (612-673-3365) or John Benjamin (651-443-1096) with any construction related questions or concerns.

Artwork on Buses Highlights Connection Between Transit and Regional Parks

Large, colorful butterflies may give you a ride to a regional park this summer. Metro Transit has wrapped two 40-foot buses, dubbed Nature Connectors, with a beautiful painting created by Minneapolis muralist Greta McLain and created in her studio, GoodSpace Murals. The painting prominently features monarch butterflies.

The buses are now traveling on routes that lead to some of the region’s most popular regional parks – Minnehaha and Theodore Wirth in Minneapolis and Como and Lake Phalen in Saint Paul – as part of an effort to highlight the connection between transit and parks.

A map highlighting the routes that serve select regional parks can be found at metrotransit.org/parks. Temporary sidewalk clings featuring butterflies will mark the path between each park and select bus stops.

Check out this video to see how the wraps are applied to the buses.  

Millers Landing Community Blood Drive, July 10

Our neighbors at Millers Landing Senior Living invite you to the Millers Landing Community Blood Drive on Wednesday, July 10, 11:00AM - 2:00PM. They are located at 155 5th Avenue S in the Ceresota building across from MacPhail Center for Music. Participants receive a free T-shirt (while supplies last) and lunch.

Memorial Blood Centers is offering blood donors the chance to win Minnesota State Fair tickets! Donate and be automatically entered to win a pair of tickets. Visit MBC.ORG/FAIR for details. 

All blood types help save lives, and all blood types are needed - especially O negative (O-) and O positive (O+).

Fire Fighters for Healing & Sherman Associates Partner on New Healing Center

Via a June 24 News Release:

Firefighters For Healing partners with Sherman Associates to Provide Housing for Firefighters and Burn Trauma Survivors

Firefighters for Healing and Sherman Associates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the future construction of the Firefighters For Healing Transitional Healing Center. This one-of-a-kind housing will be located just one block away from Hennepin Healthcare's burn unit and outpatient clinic and will support burn and trauma survivors, firefighters and their families. These 'home-away-from-home' apartments will provide a close and comfortable place for families and survivors to rest, recharge and recover.

Jake LaFerriere“Children who have survived burn trauma have unique challenges and often a very lengthy recovery. Their families are often displaced for weeks if not months while they support their child's recovery. There is an increase in the number of Firefighters seeking medical attention. Firefighters For Healing is working together with the community to meet the needs of these families to support their physical and emotional recovery.” said founder Jake LaFerriere. “We show up with compassion, understanding and the ability to take action.”

George Sherman, CEO of Sherman Associates pursues projects that make a positive impact on the community and looks forward to the partnership. According to Sherman, “Firefighters For Healing is a passionate organization. We are inspired by their commitment to supporting the healing process. It will be a wonderful center for these children and their families.”

About Sherman Associates

Sherman Associates is a Minneapolis based firm that develops and manages properties throughout the Midwest and Colorado.  Sherman currently has over 6,000 multi-family units, over 600,000 square feet of commercial, two Starbucks, two solar gardens, and four hotels in its portfolio. Sherman Associates is driven by their mission to build communities and enrich neighborhoods.

About Firefighters For Healing

Non-profit Firefighters for Healing was established in 2010 after Minneapolis firefighter Jake LaFerriere suffered 3rd and 4th degree burns in a backdraft explosion while battling a house fire. It was at the hospital while being treated for his burns that Jake met young children who were undergoing the same painful treatment for their injuries. He wanted to help. Jake founded Firefighters For Healing, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, with the mission of supporting burn survivors and firefighters.

Downtown Life: Living in Downtown Minneapolis

Our weekly news & lifestyle digest for Downtown Minneapolis, in collaboration with Cynthia Froid Group:

WEEK OF JUNE 24, 2019

Suburban empty nesters 'start fresh' in new downtown Minneapolis condo building
An empty-nest couple transitioned from a house in the suburbs to a condo in downtown Minneapolis, with a designer assist.

Seven new projects, including 20-story apartment building, reach Mpls. planners this week
20-story downtown building, six others go before Mpls. planners this week.

RBC Gateway Breaks Ground; Tower’s Office Space Nearly 85 Percent Leased
Pohlad Companies will relocate to tower, take three floors of space.

Neighbors, council member fight Airbnb-style rentals in Minneapolis
94 short-term rentals would dominate one downtown building.

Once scorned, short-term rentals now courted by Twin Cities landlords
Boom helps fill units but has cities looking at new rules.

Designer tips for furnishing an urban condo
Designer Sue Hunter of Home for a Change shares her insights.

Lynette Dumalag: Following Her Immigrant Parents' Directive to "do good here"

Article by Claudia Kittock

I met Lynette Dumalag when I began serving on the Task Force to End Street Homelessness. I was immediately impressed with her breadth of knowledge about all things concerning homelessness, her youth, and her obvious expertise in commercial real estate. We have served on this committee together for 5 years, and through those years have gotten to know each other, and my initial impressions were not only correct, but my admiration for her has grown. She is a human dynamo and one Minneapolis is so lucky to have on ‘our side’. 

Lynette DumalagLynette is the child of immigrants who came here from the Philippines, looking for a better life. She was taught to ‘do good here’ and to help others and was strong imbued with a sense of duty. From middle school on, Lynette volunteered, and early in her career in commercial real estate, was invited to Aeon to share a meal. Sitting down to share a meal is a wonderful way to meet people on an equal basis. She was hooked!

Lynette is now the chair of Aeon’s board and serves on many other boards, always working to help people who need a hand up, making sure that she ‘does good here’.

Here are her answers to my questions:

How did you get the position as Chair of Aeon's board?

I had been volunteering with the organization for a few years. First as a committee member on their Young Professionals committee where we held events, did fundraising and volunteered at certain properties. I was then asked to join the board a few years later and have been on the board for 8 years. I recently rolled off as Chair and will be involved on the board for one more year.

What do you do in that position?

The board follows governance model called the Carver Model. We get to create policies and executive limitations for the organization so that the CEO has permission/freedom to do the work that needs to get done. We also get to hear about external/market forces and policy changes that impact the work that the organization does.

What are you doing that is working?

We as a board and as an organization have been able to respond to the growing need to preserve Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing, or “NOAH”. This has been a focus for those in the affordable housing space and we’ve been invited and asked by communities to come in and help.

What do you want the policy makers to know about the work you do?  How can they help?  How can all of us help?

A lot of work goes into development, acquisition, and management of affordable housing. Obviously access to capital is always going to be an issue, but even policies at the local level can greatly impact the work that Aeon and others do. I’d invite policy makers and others that are interested to learn more about how housing is created and how to support those that might need additional services so that they are successful at keeping their housing. 

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About Claudia Kittock

Claudia is a resident of the Mill District. In addition to writing for Mill City Times, she is a founding Board Member of Friends of the Mill District. Claudia is the author of Health Through Chaos, mentors young adults at YouthLink, and has served on the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA).

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Contact: claudia@millcitymedia.org

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements Update

Editor's note - This is an ongoing series of updates as the North Loop Reconstruction and Pedestrian Improvements project.

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

The North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements Project consists of two separate projects:

1. A full street reconstruction along 3rd St N between 10th Ave N and 5th Ave N
2. A pedestrian improvement project generally bounded by 10th Ave N on the north, 1st Ave on the south, West River Parkway on the east, and 4th St N on the west

North Loop Reconstruction Updates

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

5th Ave N

• CenterPoint will complete the removals of old gas line
• Started water work at 3rd St N and 5th Ave

7th Ave N

• Removed street lights and foundations
• CenterPoint Energy completed the removals of old gas line
• Finished amending the soils between 3rd St N and 4th St N

8th Ave N

• Continued utility work

9th Ave N

• Continued utility work

3rd St N

• Started the water work between 10th and 8th Aves N
• CenterPoint will begin work at 3rd St N and 10th Ave N on June 20

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

5th Ave N

• Continuing water work at 5th and 3rd St N

7th Ave N

• Continue grading in preparation for placement of the first lift of asphalt
• Set up string line for asphalt paving
• Paving from Washington Ave to 4th St N is tentatively scheduled for Thursday 6-27, there may be times where access into and out of your property or business will be difficult.

8th Ave N

• Amend poor soils
• Begin bringing in subbase and grading in preparation for placement of the first lift of asphalt
• May place the first lift of asphalt at Washington Ave intersection  

9th Ave N

• Finish utility work
• Amend poor soils between 3rd St N and the alley
• Begin bringing in subbase and grading in preparation for placement of the first lift of asphalt
• May place the first lift of asphalt at Washington Ave intersection

3rd St N

• Isolated removals for water work only between 8th Ave N and 5th Ave N, there will be a temporary water shut off on the night on Sunday June 23, 2019. If your property is effected, a notice will be placed on the door of your property in 48 hours’ in advance for impacted businesses, 24 hours’ in advance to impacted residences
• There will be parking restrictions on 3rd St N to accommodate the water work and to maintain two-way traffic.

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

North Loop Pedestrian Improvements Updates

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

2nd St N NW Corner

• 2nd Ave N – saw, removals, CB, install curb & landing, ped ramps and some sidewalk and concrete base
• 3rd Ave N – saw
• 4th Ave N – saw, removals, install curb and part of the driveway
• 5th Ave N – saw, removals, install curb, pedestrian ramps and ½ of the driveway
• 7th Ave N - saw, removals, install curb and sidewalk
• 8th Ave N – saw, removals, install curb, install CB, some sidewalk and concrete base

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

2nd St N NW Corner

• 2nd Ave N – finish sidewalk and place asphalt
• 3rd Ave N – removals, place curb, ped ramp, sidewalk, base and bituminous
• 4th Ave N – sidewalk, ped ramp, finish driveway, base and bituminous
• 5th Ave N – sidewalk, ped ramp, finish driveway, base and bituminous
• 7th Ave N – ped ramp, base and bituminous
• 8th Ave N – finish sidewalk, ped ramp, bituminous

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

Miscellaneous

Stakeholder Meeting -These meetings are informal, held biweekly and intended to offer residents and businesses on the job an opportunity to get construction updates, ask construction and access related questions.

Date/Time:  June 26, 7:30 am to 8:30 am

Location:  Corner Coffee 514 N 3rd St #102

Contact Stephanie Malmberg (612-673-3365) or John Benjamin (651-443-1096) with any construction related questions or concerns.

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Ave. reconstruction project, led by City of Minneapolis Public Works, will be reconstructed between 12th Street and Washington Avenue beginning Spring 2019. The project will reconstruct the pavement from building face to building face, including improvements to public and private utility infrastructure, and improved infrastructure for pedestrians, bicycles, transit, and vehicles.

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Latest Project News

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Utility work continues throughout the corridor from 12th to Washington.  Progress is being made on the Sanitary Sewer Replacement from 9th to 7th.  The Private Utility Companies are continuing their upgrades from 5th to Washington.

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What's Coming Up

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The Sewer work will be progressing across 8th Street in the coming days and proceeding north toward 7th.  This will close East Bound traffic crossing at 8th Street. 8th Street is open east of Hennepin and access from North Bound Hennepin.

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The Private Utility Companies will be completing their new fiber work north of 5th Street.

The City Water Dept. has begun the watermain replacement work at 10th Street this week and will head south over the next few weeks.

Additional info: Hennepin_Update_Vol6.pdf.

New Summer Series at the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam: Sunset on the Lock

The National Park Service, Mississippi Park Connection and Friends of the Lock and Dam would like you know about a new summer series at the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam: Sunset on the Lock, the only chance to experience the best of Minnesota summer nights in one of the most picturesque locations in the Twin Cities, the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam. Get close to the falls and the Mississippi River. Stroll along the lock wall with panoramic views of the river and surrounding area, with a classic Minneapolis sunset as the backdrop.

The first Sunset on the Lock is scheduled for Friday, June 28, 5 PM – 9 PM at the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam 1 Portland Avenue. (The lock will also be open for extended evening hours on Saturday, June 29 from 5 PM to 9 PM, with special photography programming.)

The event is free and open for all to enjoy. Perfect for a unique date idea, night out on the town with friends, family summer gathering, pit stop on your way to a show or dinner, or as part of your evening stroll along the river.

Future Sunset on the Lock dates include July 26 & 27 and August 30 & 31.  View the full list of events from the Mississippi Park Connection: https://parkconnection.org/events/

Boatsetter: Airbnb for Boats

Want to get out on the lake without the hassle of owning your own boat or pontoon? Consider Boatsetter, an Airbnb for boats!

Officially launched in 2012, Boatsetter currently manages about 5,000 vessels and has more than 30 full time employees. Renting out a boat on Boatsetter is easy - simply visit the site and search for a boat based on location, date and party size, connect with a boat owner/captain and book your experience. The renter must be 18 years or older with a credit card in their name.

If you would like to captain your own boat (not all boats are eligible), you will either need a drivers license or a special permit, depending on local rules. Rentees also have the option to “add a captain," which allows them to assure their riders have a stress free time on the water. Boatsetter has 500+ U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains.

The same rules apply whether it's a privately owned boat or a chartered boat. The owner sets the rules in terms of requiring a captain or not, and they also get to screen potential renters who want to drive on their own. Users can rent out a boat on Boatsetter for half a day, full day or multi-day.

CEO and Co-Founder, Jackie Baumgarten

CEO and Co-Founder, Jackie Baumgarten got the idea for the service when two of her brothers were considering selling their boats due to the high costs associated with boat ownership. When she asked her brothers why they didn’t just rent their boats out to cover their costs, they made her aware of an insurance issue that prohibited occasional rentals. She quickly realized that if she could solve the insurance problem, she could create a completely new industry – peer-to-peer (P2P) boat rental. After spending eight-months putting together the world’s first P2P insurance policy with top experts in the field, Boatsetter was born.

Public Hearing on Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan Scheduled for June 26

Via a June 19 e-announcement from Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board

Mississippi Gorge Regional Park includes the trails and green space along West and East River Parkways in Minneapolis between Bohemian Flats and Minnehaha Regional Park

Public hearing set for Wednesday, June 26 at Mary Merrill Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Headquarters

A public hearing on the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan is scheduled at 6:30 pm during the regular Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commissioners meeting Wednesday, June 26, 2019, 6:30 pm at Mary Merrill MPRB Headquarters, 2117 West River Road. 

The Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan creates a new long-term vision for 132 acres of beautiful riverfront parkland between Bridge 9 (Dinkytown Greenway bridge) and Minnehaha Regional Park. 

The master plan is split into ten sections, which are linked below. It's also available on the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan project page, in the right column under "Key Documents." 

Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan

Table of Contents and Acknowledgements

Chapter  1 – Introduction

Chapter  2 – Park Conditions, Analysis, and Opportunities

Chapter  3 – Visitor Demand

Chapter  4 – Public Engagement

Chapter  5 – Vision and Guiding Principles

Chapter  6 – Master Plan Recommendations

Chapter  7 – Design Guidelines

Chapter  8 – Interpretation and Public Art

Chapter  9 – Implementation

Chapter 10 – References and Appendix

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East River Flats Park near the University of Minnesota East Bank Campus is part of the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan

Process and Next Steps

The plan was shaped through months of in-depth community engagement that included hosting and attending numerous public meetings, open houses and focus groups, online and in-person surveys, feedback from technical and project advisory committees, and eight Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings. The CAC was comprised of 21 members of the public appointed by MPRB staff and commissioners, City Council Members, local neighborhood associations and the University of Minnesota Student Government.

A draft of the plan opened for a 45-day public comment period on Jan. 25, 2019 after more than a year of in-depth community engagement and design work. The comment period closed March 10, 2019. Since then, MPRB staff and consultants worked to refine the plan in response to comments from the park users and stakeholder groups.

After the public hearing, commissioners on the Planning Committee will consider approval of the plan. If approved, it will move to the full Board of Commissioners for final approval at the next Board meeting, scheduled Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at Mary Merrill MPRB Headquarters.

The park concepts linked above are also available on the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Master Plan project page under “Key Documents” in the right column.

Turtle Theater Collective Announces the Regional Premiere of What Would Crazy Horse Do?

Turtle Theater Collective is proud to present the regional premiere of What Would Crazy Horse Do? written by Larissa FastHorse. FastHorse is an award winning playwright, director and choreographer based in Santa Monica. Larissa co-founded Indigenous Direction, a consulting firm that helps organizations who want to create accurate work by and for Indigenous peoples. Her produced plays include Urban Rez (Cornerstone Theatre Company) Landless (AlterTheater), Average Family (Children’s Theater Company of Minneapolis), Teaching Disco Squaredancing to Our Elders: a Class Presentation (Native Voices at the Autry), Vanishing Point (Eagle Project), Cherokee Family Reunion (Mountainside Theater) and The Thanksgiving Play (Artists Pre and Cap Stage). Larissa was awarded the PEN USA Literary Award for Drama, NEA Distinguished New Play Development Grant, Joe Dowling Annamaghkerrig Fellowship, AATE Distinguished Play Award, Inge Residency, Sundance/Ford Foundation Fellowship, Aurand Harris Fellowship, the UCLA Native American Program Woman of the Year and numerous Ford and NEA Grants. She is a current member of the Playwright’s Union, Director’s Lab West 2015, Theater Communications Group board of directors, Playwright’s Center Core Writers and is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Sicangu Lakota Nation.

What Would Crazy Horse Do? is a dark comedy inspired by an actual event. The play is set on a Lakota reservation in South Dakota, although the tribe is fictional. "The play is the tale of a single photo and the strange bedfellows it reveals. The Klan and a tribe of Indians joining together for a Pow Wow. What could these two groups find in common ground? This powerful play examines manipulations, genocide, racial purity, hate, love, fear and trauma. It is a play that will challenge your beliefs, stir your emotions and leave you wondering. We thank you for joining us and would like to warn some may find triggering moments and language in this production,” said Brian Joyce, Director.

“I had the honor of being a part of the Minneapolis staged reading of What Would Crazy Horse Do? in the spring of 2016 right here at Mixed Blood Theatre. This show, more than any other, started so many conversations amongst the audiences who came to see it. I was awestruck by the play’s ability to be funny, severe, dark, hurtful, difficult and ignited a conversation about what we are seeing reflected in our society and how hate is often times allowed to survive. I knew the moment I took part in this reading, I wanted to see this show performed, if only to start a conversation and to remind people to be vigilante, because sometimes the people who speak softly can do more damage to our society than those who shout loudly,” said Ernest Briggs, Artistic Director of Turtle Theater Collective.

Turtle Theater Collective is committed to producing high-quality, contemporary work that explores Native experiences and subverts expectations about how and when Native artists can create theater. In addition to producing Indigenous plays, we center Native bodies and voices by situating them within the broader theatrical canon, providing opportunities for Native artists to grow and play.

The Turtle Theater Collective is: Ernest Briggs (White Earth Ojibwe), Marisa Carr (Turtle Mountain Ojibwe), Sequoia Hauck (White Earth Ojibwe/Hupa)

The Turtle Theater Collective Advisory Committee is: Heid E. Erdrich, Carra Martinez, Sarah Rasmussen, James A. Williams

Directed by Brian Joyce

Cast: Ernest Briggs, Jei Herald-Zamora, David Rand-McKay, Maretta Zilic Production crew: Katie Johns (Stage Manager), Mitchell Frazier (Lighting Designer), David Lewis-Frazier (Sound Designer), Barb Portinga (Costume Consultant), Sarah Salisbury (Prop Master), Marisa Carr (Producer), Ernest Briggs (Artistic Director)

Performances at Mixed Blood Theatre: 

Wednesday, July 10 - 7:30 pm

Thursday, July 11 - 7:30 pm

Friday, July 12 - 7:30 pm

Saturday, July 13 - 7:30 pm

Sunday, July 14 - 2pm

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Tickets can be purchased in advance at Brown Paper Tickets. Please note, walk-up tickets can be purchased by cash only. For questions about tickets please contact: turtletheaterboxoffice@gmail.com. 

Updated Designs for the Great Northern Greenway River Overlook

A bird's eye illustration of the Great Northern Greenway Overlook, formerly called the 26th Avenue North Overlook

Iconic North Minneapolis riverfront park attraction expected to break ground this fall and open in 2020

Today the Minneapolis Parks Foundation and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board shared the updated vision for the Great Northern Greenway Overlook, which will link North Minneapolis to the Mississippi River through an iconic new park destination.

Along with the announcement, the Parks Foundation has extended an invitation to the public to participate in the RiverFirst Capital Campaign, which will bring $17.9 million in philanthropic contributions to create transformative parks on the city’s Upper Riverfront. The two RiverFirst projects supported through this public campaign, Water Works and the Great Northern Greenway Overlook, are expected to break ground in 2019 and be open for the enjoyment of all in 2020.

Community members are invited to become a part of the historic effort – the largest philanthropic campaign to create new parks in Minneapolis – by contributing any amount at MplsParksFoundation.org/SupportRiverFirst. Every gift through December 31, 2019, will be generously matched by the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, up to $250,000.

Project Details: Great Northern Greenway Overlook & Water Works

The Great Northern Greenway Overlook – which is the first project in a larger multi-phase Great Northern Greenway River Link plan – is located at the east end of 26th Avenue N where the City of Minneapolis recently completed an off-street bike and pedestrian trail that connects the Grand Rounds at Theodore Wirth Regional Park with the Mississippi River through the heart of North Minneapolis.

Features will include an oval loop trail that will perch like a nest above the riverbank, a 50-ft-tall beacon, visible from a distance of half a mile or more, and opportunities for “pop-up” interactive experiences and temporary art installations. Elements of the Overlook concept are informed by engagement and design ideas developed by Environmental Design Studio apprentices at Juxtaposition Arts, a partnership brought to the project by the Parks Foundation.

The broader vision for the project includes connections to downtown Minneapolis and West River Road trails, together with new parks stretching north and south from the Overlook along the riverfront. Once complete, the full River Link will unite downtown to North Minneapolis along the river, open up a new 40-mile trail loop in Minneapolis, and eventually reach to Northeast across the river.

The Overlook’s companion project is Water Works in the Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park. Already home to iconic landmarks, including St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge, Water Works will be an expansion of Mill Ruins Park and become a much-needed destination for the more than 2.5 million annual visitors to the area, a number that is expected to double in the next decade. Among the new amenities will be a park pavilion with a restaurant by James Beard Award-winning The Sioux Chef; revealed and restored historic mill remnants; a city steps gathering and performance space; and places to picnic and play.

Both projects are expected to break ground in late summer or early fall of 2019. The Overlook’s grand opening is anticipated in spring 2020, with the Water Works grand opening to follow in fall of the same year.

Read the full news release on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board website

Gutter Punk Coffee becomes Wildflyer Coffee, but the Mission Remains the Same

Article by Claudia Kittock

Wildflyer Coffee, formerly Gutter Punk Coffee, was established to create jobs for youth experiencing homelessness. Carley Kammerer grew up around coffee as her parents owned and operated coffee shops. At her mother’s funeral, she heard stories about the impact coffee and her mother had had on many people.

Carley majored in social work in college and became drawn to young people experiencing homelessness. She worked at a coffee shop in Denver that employed youth experiencing homelessness and was hooked on the idea. When Carley moved back to Minnesota, she saw young people cycling through programs, unable to get the traction they needed to move out of homelessness. That often revolves around the ability to get, but not keep, employment due to instability in housing and a lack of employment skills. It's not that they don’t want to work, it's that sometimes they don’t know how to.

She met Ben Griswold in 2015 when he moved to Carley’s neighborhood after working in Houston, TX in the finance world, and they discovered a shared passion for coffee and youth homelessness. In 2017, they launched Gutter Punk Coffee, a mobile cart that has employed 10 young people since opening. They can currently be found at the Linden Hills and Fulton Farmers markets.

Gutter Punk is being rebranded as Wildflyer Coffee. They are currently looking for shop space and hope to be able to announce something soon. They have a goal of raising $165,000 to make the retail shop happen. 

Wildflyer Coffee exists to create employment opportunities and cultivate living skills to empower youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability, and who want to exit street life. They employ youth who identify as, but are not limited to, couch-hoppers/couch-surfers, unstably housed, gutter punk, transient, highly-mobile or street-involved. As Carley and Ben love to say, “We make coffee to empower.”

In their own words:

We can bend the arc of tomorrow. We are seeking to build the intersection between potential and opportunity in the form of a coffee shop, where we can:

• Increase our available employment hours from 200/year to a minimum of 3000/year
• Open up 8-10 employment spots/year
• Have the ability to offer each youth a total of 16 living skills groups and 36 individualized employment check-ins
• Have maximum impact on equipping youth to leave homelessness and maintain independent housing and stable employment

If you are interested in learning more about Wildflyer and/or book them for an event, go to https://www.wildflyercoffee.com/.  Facebook

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About Claudia Kittock

Claudia is a resident of the Mill District. In addition to writing for Mill City Times, she is a founding Board Member of Friends of the Mill District. Claudia is the author of Health Through Chaos, mentors young adults at YouthLink, and has served on the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA).

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Contact: claudia@millcitymedia.org

The Secret is Out; the Bold North is Hot: Minneapolis/St. Paul Sets Visitor Record

Via a June 17 News Release from Meet Minneapolis

New study shows increased number of visitors added $8 billion to the region’s economy

The Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan region welcomed a record 34.5 million visitors in 2018, according to new research released today by Meet Minneapolis, and conducted by DK Shifflet. This represents a healthy 3.7% increase over the number of visitors in 2017. According to the research data, those visitors generated significant economic impact, pumping $8 billion in spending into the region’s economy in 2018, a 3.3% year-over-year increase.

“These serious increases in visitors and visitor spending in the Minneapolis region means we’re moving in the right direction for achieving one of our goals: showing the rest of the world that Minneapolis is a world-class destination,” stated Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “This is also good news for our economy. The tourism and hospitality industry accounts for close to 36,000 jobs in Minneapolis – the fourth largest driver of jobs in the city by industry – underscoring the role tourism plays in our economic success.”

By many counts, 2018 was a healthy year for the tourism and hospitality industry. The visitor impact on hotels generated a 70.8% occupancy rate for the year, up from 68.5% in 2017. Currently, Minneapolis has 40 hotels that each offer 50 rooms or more, and a total of more than 9,200 hotel rooms. In addition, the number of tourism and hospitality jobs enjoyed a 3% increase in 2018, up more than 1,100 jobs from the year prior.

“We work for the economic benefit of our community,” said Meet Minneapolis President and CEO Melvin Tennant. “Whether it’s a convention at the Minneapolis Convention Center that brings in thousands of attendees, or a marquee sporting event, our goal is to support the economic well-being of our workers and to show off all of our city’s great assets and amenities.”

2018 By the Numbers:

• 34.5 million total visitors to Minneapolis/St. Paul region in 2018, up from 33.3 million in 2017
• $8 billion in total visitor spending in 2018, up from $7.8 billion in 2017
• Visitors also generated more than $8 million in lodging taxes alone for the city of Minneapolis, which helps reduce the property tax burden for residents.

As for what made 2018 stand out, Tennant pointed to the Super Bowl and other large events. The American Legion’s 100^th National Convention in August, brought in nearly 10,000 attendees, and the Society of Women Engineers Conference in October, included 12,000 attendees from across the country adding to our city’s economy.

Meet Minneapolis continues to score big events for Minneapolis and the region. An estimated 23,000 youth and staff will converge July 11-15 at the Minneapolis Convention Center and U.S. Bank Stadium for the 2019 Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Youth Gathering.  The X Games will bring thousands more visitors between August 1-4, marking that event’s third consecutive appearance in Minneapolis.

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS

Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to maximize the economic benefit to the greater Minneapolis area.

Mississippi Park Connection River Events and Activities

The Mississippi Park Connection would like you to know about these riven events and activies:

Murder on the Mississippi

Description: Murder on the Mississippi combines performance art, education, entertainment, boating and philanthropy to create a unique, social experience out on the river in a national park. We bet there isn't anything quite like it in the country!  

Mississippi Park Connection and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in collaboration with Fearless Comedy Productions, brings an immersive murder mystery theatrical experience to life, Murder on the Mississippi. Cruise down the Mississippi River while enjoying a beverage, taking in gorgeous scenery, and helping to solve a murder mystery on this unique Jonathan Padelford riverboat experience.

Plot: It's 1856 and traffic on the Mississippi River has reached an all-time high. Competition from the rail industry is increasing every year. Immigrants are moving north to the Minnesota Territory and the young towns of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Board the Jonathan Padelford riverboat as it travels up the river from St. Louis and help stop a crime before it happens. Experience the diversity of the population that called the Mississippi River home during the mid 1800's and figure out who the killer is to save someone from murder!    

Dates and Ticket Information:

June 26

July 24
August 22
September 18

Price: $25 ($20 for members of Mississippi Park Connection)

Mississippi River Paddle Share

Description: Mississippi River Paddle Share is a new and exciting recreational and transportation opportunity for people who have some kayaking experience, don’t own a boat, and want a safe and enjoyable river experience. This is a first of its kind in a national park and in the country.  

Mississippi River Paddle Share provides you with everything you need for an enjoyable experience on the river. Simply reserve your kayak online, unlock your boat and equipment from the lockers, launch, and enjoy! There are plenty of things to see and do on the river — paddle past a heron rookery for some fabulous birding, stop for a bite to eat at one of the city's riverside restaurants, and enjoy spectacular skyline views from the Mighty Mississippi!  

2019 dates (weather permitting!)
June 8-9, 15-16, 21-23, 28-30
July 4-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28
August 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30-31
September 1-2, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29

Cost: $25 for a single kayak rental; $40 for a tandem kayak rental

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Nightime Nature Fun

See which types of creatures and critters crawl at night by setting up sheets and black lights at Coldwater Spring with Ranger Sharon Stiteler and entomologist Jessica Miller. We might also hear other night active critters like deer, owls, raccoons or even coyotes as we explore the park after dark summer series.

Dates: 9PM - 11PM

Thursday, June 13, 2019 

Thursday, July 18, 2019 

Thursday, Aug 29, 2019

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Bike with a Ranger at The Commons

Friday, July 12, 2019

Thursday, Aug 1, 2019

1:00 PM  2:30 PM

The Commons

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Saturday, September 7, 2019

11:00 AM  12:30 PM

The Commons

Description: This Bike With a Ranger program begins at the Commons in downtown Minneapolis where the ride will take us to historic stops along the river. Witness the evolution of a mill city that grew around water, power, and massive flour mills.  Significant sites that groups will be stopping at for a short talk by a park ranger are:  Nicollet Island, Boom Island, Bohemian Flats, and the only waterfall on the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls.  

What makes this event unique? --- Water, Flour, and Power. What this route doesn’t cover in distance easily makes up for in explosive history, the power of water, and a river that connects it all.  The only waterfall on the entire Mississippi River lies at St. Anthony Falls, the birthplace of what is now the mill city of Minneapolis.  These falls powered the mills that once fed the world, making Minneapolis the biggest flour producer in the world by 1880.  Participants will also visit the only site that utilizes the power of the falls to generate electricity today.  A glimpse into the rivers past will take us to points that look towards the future, where kayak stations have replaced sawmills, and reverence and recreation have replaced industry.     

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NEW Paddle with a Ranger

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Tuesday, July 9, 2019
6:00 PM  8:00 PM

Description: Get up close and personal with a heron rookery, spot bald eagles, peregrine falcons and other wildlife as you kayak down the Mississippi River with Park Ranger Sharon Stiteler. You will also pass by the site for the Upper Harbor Terminal Project, and several industries on the river. This four-mile paddle from North Mississippi Regional Park to Boom Island Park includes a kayak, paddle and personal flotation device rental from Paddle Share.

Cost: $35 ($30 for members of Mississippi Park Connection) 

June 19 Art Opening at the Bridgewater Lofts

Sandy Marquart and Bridgewater Neighbors and Friends of the Arts invite you to the next art opening at the Bridgewater:

Intrepid

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Bridgewater Lobby, 215 10th Avenue S

Art, Wine and Appetizers*

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All residents and their guests are welcome.

Please RSVP to bnfacommittee@gmail.com.

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This FREE event is generously sponsored by Sandy Marquart, RE/MAX Advantage Plus. Sandy’s 15 years of experience in the Downtown Market, combined with Remax Advantage Plus's vast resource base and networking capabilities, help her provide you with the service you deserve in your real estate transaction.

*Appetizers are provided by Smith & Porter, an independent neighborhood restaurant in the Mill District, with a variety of menu offerings and a full-service bar.

Cynthia Froid Group Invites You to Their 6th Annual Ice Cream Social, June 26

6th Annual Ice Cream Social featuring Izzy’s Ice Cream!

The Cynthia Froid Group is happy to host you and your neighbors for a good old-fashioned summer celebration of togetherness, complete with complimentary ice cream and yard games.