Scenes From the May 30 Mill City Farmers Market

It's starting already - more produce variety!  I'm not yet sure how they're going to come together, but I have a fridge full of pea pods, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, lettuce, smoked trout, cheeses and other goodies.  One thing is for sure, there will be HeathGlen Harissa and Sunrise Flour Mill pasta involved!  :)

We are absolutely delighted to welcome two new vendors to the Mill City Farmers Market - Northern Waters Smokehaus and Body Bliss. Look for future separate posts on these vendors under our Farmers Market blog.

The goat!

Northern Spark 2015 Partner Projects Spotlight: University of Minnesota (Northrop, Weisman Art Museum and the Bell Museum of Natural History)

Via a May 29 e-newsletter from Northern Spark/NorthernLights.mn:

NORTHERN SPARK 2015

Head over to the University of Minnesota's East Bank by foot, bike, or the Green Line for a night of music, spectacular dance performances, and more wildlife than you can (or should!) shake a stick at. Our partners at the Weisman Art Museum, Northr0p, and the Bell Museum of Natural History are preparing some wonders for NORTHERN SPARK 2015. Including . . .

 

 

A 20 x 20 ft live iron pour of the Mississippi by the artist Tamsie Ringler on the lawn of the Weisman Art Museum. Focusing on the importance of the Mississippi watershed to the US---as essential as the iron in our bloodstreams. (project hashtag: #nspk50)

Inside the Weisman, 3 ensembles choreographed by Morgan Thorson will perform Still Life (#nspk53). These endurance-based dance segments play with time as a central theme to movement-based performances (9 pm-midnight, June 13th & 2:30-5:30 am, June 14th).

Besides an iron pour and powerful dancers, you'll also find live owls, picnics, and a chance to share your musical tastes with strangers! Learn more about projects at the Weisman here. 

 

Follow the beat over to Northrop for an all night performance by the Sumunar Gamelan Ensemble. Musicians perform a mix of traditional and contemporary Javanese gamelan music from dusk til dawn. 
The first half of the evening will also feature several pieces choreographed by dance director Tri Sutrisno and performed by the Sumunar Dance Ensemble (project hashtag: #nspk62).  With 10+ projects at Northrop alone, there's lots of discoveries to be made here. 

 

Animal, insect, and diorama lovers, this is your chance to live your fantasy, cross the UMN campus to the Bell Museum of Natural History to spend a night at the museum.

 

3 artist-in-residence (Miranda Brandon, Sam Easterson, and Diane Willow) present their work inspired by the natural world and the museum's collection. Find out more here. 

CenterPoint Energy Project Status Update for Downtown Minneapolis

MN Limited, LLC. and Michels Corporation, two authorized CenterPoint Energy contractors, will continue installing natural gas pipeline in the following locations:

2nd Street N., from 2nd Avenue N. to 1st  Avenue N.:
•Beginning Monday, June 1st, final service lines replacements and restoration will occur

Near the intersection of 2nd Avenue N. and 2nd Street N.
•Final construction will occur from Wednesday, June 3rd to Thursday, June 4th. Restoration to follow.

Near the intersection of 3rd Avenue N. and 1st Street N.
•Final construction will occur from Wednesday, June 3rd to Thursday, June 4th. Restoration to follow.

At the intersection of 3rd Avenue S. and 2nd Street S.
•Construction is underway along southbound 3rd Avenue S. until Sunday, May 31st.
•Crews will cross this intersection and continue construction in the northbound 3rd Avenue S. lanes until Monday, June 1st.

2nd Street S., from 3rd Avenue S. to 5th Avenue S.:
•Beginning Tuesday, June 2nd, crews will work eastwards along 2nd Street S.

2nd Street S., from Portland Avenue S. to Park Avenue S.:
•Restoration is underway

2nd Street S., from Park Avenue S. to Chicago Avenue S.:
•This area is closed to traffic.
•Access is maintained to parking lots and ramps.

2nd Street S., from 11th Avenue S. to 12th Avenue S.:
•Crews continue to work eastwards along 2nd Street S.

At the intersection of 2nd Street S. and 12th Avenue S.:
•Traffic going east and west at this intersection is maintained.
•There is no through traffic going north and south at this intersection.

Please visit our website often to receive project updates, traffic alerts and any anticipated road or lane closures.

For further information, please contact Ashley Osteraas at 612-321-5546 or Ashley.Osteraas@centerpointenergy.com. Thank you.

Parkway Closures for Sunday, May 31

Via a May 28 Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter:
 
The following parkways will be temporarily closed May 31, 2015 for the Minneapolis Marathon:

6:30am to 3:00pm
Theodore Wirth Parkway Closure: From just north of Highway 55 going north to Memorial Parkway
Memorial Parkway Closure: From Theodore Wirth Parkway to 40th Ave N, then from 42nd Ave N to Webber Parkway
Webber Parkway Closure: From Memorial Parkway to Lyndale Ave N
St Anthony Parkway Closure: From 37th Ave NE to Marshall St NE
Main Street Closure: From 5th Avenue NE to the Stone Arch Bridge
East River Parkway Closure: From University Ave SE to Franklin Ave Bridge
West River Parkway Closure: From Franklin Ave Bridge to Godfrey Parkway
Godfrey Parkway Closure: From West River Parkway to Minnehaha Ave
West River Parkway Closure: From the Stone Arch Bridge to near 22nd Ave S
Stone Arch Bridge Closure
 
To see a map of this event route please click here.
 
*Please note that the duration of the closures is subject to change based on the event's start and finish times.
*A complete list of current and upcoming parkway closures is available online.

2015 Summer on the Plaza Event Schedule at Hennepin County Government Center Announed

Via a May 28 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Health and safety fair June 3 kicks-off Summer on the Plaza events at Hennepin County Government Center

Hennepin County will host a Health and Safety Fair on Wednesday, June 3 on the North Plaza of the Hennepin County Government Center. More than 25 health and safety resources will be available during the fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

We have a great line up of exhibits including emergency preparations, bike and pedestrian planning, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s department and local fire departments.

In the event of inclement weather, the Health and Safety Fair will be held indoors on the Skyway Level of the Government Center. 

This event is just the first of many Summer on the Plaza events. The series runs June through August during the lunch hour on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Performers include singers, drummers, dancers and educators.

A schedule can be found at www.hennepin.us/summerontheplaza. June events include:

• Wednesday, June 3 - National Safety Month Health and Safety Fair - 25 exhibitors on health and safety topics
• Thursday, June 4 - Jessska - Singer/songwriter
• Friday, June 5 - Tower Bell Foundation – Instrumental music from historic bell tower
• Wednesday, June 10 - Rock of Ages – Rock and roll band
• Thursday, June 11 – Jaztronauts – Four person jazz ensemble
• Friday, June 12 - New Ulm Summer Band – 5th – 7th grade band students
• Wednesday, June 17 - 2nd Annual Black Expo – vendor exhibits, speakers and performers
• Thursday, June 18 - Master Gardeners - presentation and questions
• Friday, June 19 - Wayzata Summer Band – 6th, 7th and 8th grade band students
• Wednesday, June 24 – Fairlanes ­– A cappella quartet
• Thursday, June 25 - Hennepin History Museum - exhibits about the history of Hennepin County
• Friday, June 26 - HubCap - Two person band featuring keyboard and drums

Week 3 at the 2015 Mill City Farmers Market

The theme of the May 23 Market was "Celebrating our 10th Season!".  Indeed, there is much to celebrate.  :D

Cute little shoppers.

Sunrise Creative Gourmet has a line of gluten free pastas.

The goat!  :)

Primrose Park Announces First Annual Spring Sale

Primrose Park Announces 50% Off Spring Sale

MAY–2015 Northeast Minneapolis based women’s boutique, Primrose Park, announces its “First Annual Spring Sale.” Everything in the shop will be discounted at 50% off the regular or sale price (excludes: jewelry, watches and scarves). 

The “First Annual Spring Sale” officially kicks off on Friday, May 22 and will run through the end of the month:  Sunday, May 31, 2015. 

Inspired by the charming, quaint and tony lifestyle of Primrose Hill, London, Primrose Park offers an array of fashion-forward clothing, jewelry, accessories, apothecary and gift items. From simple weekend wear to cocktail dresses, the boutique has something chic for every occasion.

Primrose Park appeals to multiple generations and price points, with the majority of pieces being under $125. Notable lines include Bella Luxx, See U Soon, Color Block, Red 23 and State of Being. 

About Primrose Park:

Primrose Park is located at 20 University Ave NE in Minneapolis, across the street from Surdyk’s in between JL Beers and Keegan’s in Northeast Minneapolis.  Primrose Park is open:  Monday – Saturday, 11-6 PM and Sunday, 12-4 PM.  Follow Primrose Park on Facebook and Instagram.

Northern Spark 2015 Partner Projects Spotlight: Peavey Plaza and Orchestra Hall + the Walker Art Center

Via a May 21 e-newsletter from Northern Spark/NorthernLights.mn:

NORTHERN SPARK 2015

Join us at the Electronic Playground at Peavey Plaza and the Game Bar in Orchestra Hall as these spaces are activated late into the night and early morning. In this area you'll find . . .

A Chamber Concert at Orchestra Hall titled from Amber Frozen by the MN String Quartet at 10:15 pm. A music mashup of contemporary electronica and traditional Indonesian gamelan on the main stage. (project hashtag: #nspk8)

The UCLA Game Lab  fosters the production of experimental computer games and other game forms. Orchestra Hall will keep going all night long until 5:26 am with UCLA Game Lab’s Game Bar offering a variety of unique artist-driven games and Fulton Brewery providing delicious brews. Witness and engage with games across platforms and formats—enter virtual realities, projection installations and performances; sit down for a board game; or pick up a deck of cards designed to question racial bias. The arcade offerings feature faculty, award-winning alums, and up-and-coming students. Test the limits of how games can be everything from a spectator sport to a full-body virtual experience.

VIETNAM ROMANCE Highlights (Dec 2014) from Eddo Stern on Vimeo.

Also at Peavey Plaza you'll find John Kim and Ben Moren's Game Grid a multi-player retro-arcade inspired game accessible to Northern Spark attendees and displayed on 3 big screens in the round. Players are required to interact IRL and move around the installation to play this game. (project hashtag: #nspk9)

The delightful folks at Can Can Wonderland (an arts and entertainment space opening in St. Paul in Fall 2015) invite you to be a part of their game Tron Human Foosball. It's the human-scaled version of the classic bar game---and yes, it will glow in the dark. (project hashtag: #nspk13)

The Orchestra Hall-Peavey Plaza area will be a game (and beer) lover's paradise! 

A big thanks to Fulton Brewery for sponsoring the Game Bar and the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District for sponsoring the one-night only Electronic Playground.

Let us know what projects you're looking forward to on Facebook & Twitter! @Northern_Spark #nspk.

Additional details about all Northern Spark Partner Projects online here. 

2015 Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Award Recipients Announced

Via a May 21 News Release from the City of Minneapolis:

2015 Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Award Recipients Announced

Thursday, May 21, 2015 (Minneapolis, MN) - Earlier today, Preservation Award partners Preserve Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission announced the recipients of 2015 Annual Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Awards during a luncheon at International Market Square. 

The following honors were presented at the 25th Annual Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Awards:

Historic Restoration, Rehabilitation, or Adaptive Reuse Project
ASI Turnblad Mansion Kitchen Restoration
Bennett-McBride House
Grain Belt Office Building Rehabilitation
Sandbo Roof Replacement
Valspar Headquarters/VAST Rehabilitation

New Addition to an Historic Building
Emanuel Housing

Grassroots: Advocacy & Education
Legendary Homes of the Minneapolis Lakes

The Steve Murray Award
Barbara Bezat

The Minneapolis Preservation Awards highlight the year’s best achievements for transforming a historic property, building, or landscape and reinventing it to incorporate both new and old elements in a way that is respectful to the past. Projects are judged on attention to the quality of design, architecture, workmanship, and materials as well as the positive impact on the surrounding neighborhood and community.

Awards are made based on nomination materials submitted. Projects were judged based on their careful attention to the quality of design, architecture, workmanship, and materials as well as their positive impact on surrounding neighborhoods and community. A jury comprised of three Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commissioners, two members of the American Institute of Architects Minneapolis Chapter, and two board members from Preserve Minneapolis reviewed the nominations.

The 2015 Minneapolis Preservation Awards program is attached for additional details on each of this year’s awards recipients. To learn more about the awards visit the Preserve Minneapolis website.

For more information about each project visit AIA Minnesota’s website.
 
About the Partners

American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects Minnesota, founded in 1892, is dedicated to strengthening our communities, improving our built environment and providing exceptional design. For more information on the organization and Minnesota architectural firms, reference our Web site at www.aia-mn.org and pick up a copy of Architecture Minnesota, the award-winning architectural magazine of the Midwest.

Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission
The Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) was formed in 1972 to serve as a citizen advisory body to the Minneapolis City Council. The HPC is part of a nation-wide network of groups dedicated to the preservation and celebration of our local and national heritage. The Commission holds public hearings on matters related to preservation twice each month. Projects that come before the commission are administered through professional preservation-planning staff in the City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development Department (CPED). 

These meetings are specifically held so that the Commission can hear from the public on matters related to heritage preservation. The public is welcome to attend and highly encouraged to participate.

Preserve Minneapolis
Preserve Minneapolis is a newly registered non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Minneapolis by recognizing, preserving, and revitalizing the architectural and related cultural resources of the city of Minneapolis.

City of Minneapolis Receives Three Proposals for 800 South Washington Avenue or the “Guthrie Liner Parcel”

Via a May 21 News Release from the City of Minneapolis:

City of Minneapolis Receives Three Proposals for 800 South Washington Avenue or the “Guthrie Liner Parcel”

Thursday, May 21, 2015 (Minneapolis, MN) – On Wednesday, May 20, 2015 the City of Minneapolis closed its request for proposal period seeking proposals for 800 South Washington Avenue, commonly referred to as the “Guthrie Liner Parcel.”  The 24,419 square foot site is the undeveloped portion of the block  on the north side of Washington Avenue between Chicago Avenue and Ninth Avenue and is immediately adjacent to the Riverfront (Guthrie) parking ramp. Three proposals were submitted to the City.

The City’s development goals for the site include maximizing the its development potential and contributing to the vibrancy of the Mill District area with a well-designed development that will bring employees, residents, customers, hotel guests and/or visitors to the area.  If housing is included in the proposal, the City would like to see a mixed-income project with at least 20% of the proposed units affordable to households at or below 50% of Area Median Income.  Additionally, the City would like to see proposals that, at a minimum, include retail at both corners fronting along Washington Avenue.
 
Proposals were received from the following:
· M.A. Mortenson Company
· Saturday Properties, LLC
· Sherman Associates Development LLC

All three proposals are anchored by a hotel project, with varying combinations of additional retail, office and restaurant space.

City staff will conduct an internal review of the proposals through June. Following this review, staff will engage in community outreach in collaboration with the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) and the Mill District Neighborhood Association. Minneapolis City Council is expected to select a developer by August with authorization on the sale of the property and terms for the redevelopment scheduled for fall 2015. Construction is anticipated to begin in early- to mid-2016.

The Piazza on the Mall Summer Programming Schedule

The Musicant Group is pleased to invite you to Piazza on the Mall, their flagship project on Nicollet Mall, produced with the support of Westminster Presbyterian Church.  Below is an overview of their summer programming schedule.

Minneapolis and Saint Paul Tie for First Place on The Trust for Public Land’s 2015 ParkScore® Index

Twin Cities Share Prestigious Title as Nation’s Best Park System, Edging Washington D.C., San Francisco, New York, and Portland

In a historic finish, the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul tied for first place on The Trust for Public Land’s 4th annual ParkScore® index, with each city earning a perfect 5 “park bench” rating from the nonprofit organization. Saint Paul Mayor Christopher Coleman and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board President Liz Wielinski will join Trust for Public Land officials to commemorate this historic achievement at Minneapolis’ East River Parkway at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

Saint Paul was included in the ParkScore rankings for the first time in 2015, as the index expanded from the 60 largest cities in the United States to the 75 largest (Saint Paul is the 66th largest city in the U.S., according to the Census Bureau). Minneapolis is ParkScore’s defending champion and retained its title for the third consecutive year. Washington D.C., San Francisco, New York, and Portland rounded out the top six.

“We're thrilled our park systems are getting the recognition they deserve. But we can’t rest on our laurels. As our cities grow and draw families to new and redeveloping neighborhoods, our park systems must evolve. At The Trust for Public Land, we’re working especially hard to increase safe and vibrant park space in underserved neighborhoods throughout both Minneapolis and Saint Paul, along key opportunity corridors where investment is occurring, in both cities’ downtowns, and along the world class Mississippi riverfront for all of us to forever enjoy. That’s what it will take to stay number one into the future,” said Susan Schmidt, Minnesota Director of The Trust for Public Land.

ParkScores are based equally on three factors: Park Access, which measures the percentage of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park (approximately ½-mile); Park Size, which is based on a city’s median park size and the percentage of total city area dedicated to parks; and Facilities and Investment, which combines park spending per resident with the availability of four popular park amenities. The park amenities evaluated by ParkScore are: basketball hoops, off-leash dog parks, playgrounds, and recreation & senior centers. The addition of basketball, dog parks and recreation & senior centers was the most significant change to the ParkScore system in 2015.

Minneapolis and Saint Paul scored strongly on all ParkScore rating factors. In Minneapolis, 95 percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, nearly equal to Saint Paul’s 96 percent. Minneapolis outranked Saint Paul for median park size (6.8 acres vs. 3.7), but Saint Paul came out ahead on park amenities, significantly outscoring Minneapolis for basketball hoops and playgrounds.

“We’re honored to stay in the top spot on the ParkScore Index and are thrilled to share this honor with our friends across the river. Though it’s great to be number one, we recognize the responsibility we have to take care of such an amazing park system. We will continue our work to ensure that parks and park services meet the needs of the community and are accessible to everyone, with a focus on the most diverse, underserved areas of the city.” said Liz Wielinski, President of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

“The legacy of Saint Paul’s beautiful and expansive parks reflects our commitment to sustainability and livability for people of all ages,” said Mayor Chris Coleman. “It is an honor to receive this recognition today. I know the people of Saint Paul join me in inviting visitors from all over the state, country and globe to come to our city and experience for yourselves the incredible Mississippi, the streams and lakes, the open spaces, the pathways, and the nature that is all around us.”

In addition to Saint Paul, several of the 15 new ParkScore cities had strong debuts in 2015. Cincinnati ranked as the nation’s 7th best park system and Plano finished in 17th. However, no city could match Saint Paul’s historic debut atop the ParkScore index.

“Our goal is for every American to live within a 10-minute walk of a park, and ParkScore is a good snapshot of how America's largest cities are doing in meeting that goal,” added Will Rogers, President of The Trust for Public Land.

“You can't have a great city without great parks,” said Adrian Benepe, Senior Vice President and Director of City Park Development for The Trust for Public Land. “Parks provide places for children and adults to be physically active, and they serve as community meeting places where friendships are built and a sense of community is strengthened.”

ParkScore uses advanced GIS (geographic information system) computer mapping technology to create digital maps evaluating park accessibility, making it the most realistic assessment system available. Instead of simply measuring distance to a local park, ParkScore's GIS technology takes into account the location of park entrances and physical obstacles to access. For example, if residents are separated from a nearby park by a major highway, ParkScore does not count the park as accessible to those residents (unless there is a bridge, underpass, or easy access point across the highway).

In addition to the one-to-five park bench summary rating, ParkScore features an in-depth website that local leaders can use as a roadmap to guide park improvement efforts. The website, parkscore.tpl.org, provides extensive data and analysis that pinpoints the neighborhoods where parks are needed most critically. The website includes interactive maps of each ParkScore city that allow users to zoom in and study park access on a block-by-block basis. The website is free and open to the public.

According to The Trust for Public Land, the 10 highest-ranking city park systems in the United States are:

1. Minneapolis (tie) 5.0 park benches
1. Saint Paul (tie) 5.0 park benches DEBUT YEAR
3. Washington, D.C. 5.0 park benches
4. San Francisco 4.5 park benches
5. New York (tie) 4.5 park benches
5. Portland (tie) 4.5 park benches
7. Cincinnati 4.5 park benches DEBUT YEAR
8. Boston 4.0 park benches
9. San Diego (tie) 4.0 park benches
9. Seattle (tie) 4.0 park benches

The 12 lowest-ranking park systems are:

64. Stockton (tie) 2.0 park benches DEBUT YEAR
64. Tucson (tie) 2.0 park benches
64. Wichita (tie) 2.0 park benches
67. Memphis 2.0 park benches
68. Jacksonville 2.0 park benches
69. Santa Ana, CA 1.5 park benches
70. Mesa, AZ (tie) 1.5 park benches
70. Oklahoma City (tie) 1.5 park benches
72. Louisville 1.5 park benches
73. Indianapolis 1.5 park benches
74. Charlotte (tie) 1.5 park benches
74. Fresno (tie) 1.5 park benches

For more information about ParkScore, visit parkscore.tpl.org and join the discussion on Twitter @TPL_org, #ParkScore.

On Wednesday, May 20, Saint Paul Mayor Christopher Coleman and Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board President Liz Wielinski will join Trust for Public Land Senior Vice President and Director of City Park Development Adrian Benepe to commemorate the Twin Cities’ ParkScore ranking at Saint Paul’s East River Parkway at 10 a.m. The East River Parkway is located at 2120 E. River Parkway in Minneapolis.

About The Trust for Public Land
The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. Nearly 10 million people live within a one-half mile walk of a Trust for Public Land park, garden, or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year. To support The Trust for Public Land and share why

June and July Volunteer Opportunities at MacPhail Center for Music

MacPhail Center for Music, 501 South Second Street, is in need of 2-4 people to help supervise Piano Camp II students during their lunch hour (Noon -1:00pm) during the following two weeks this summer:

June 22-26
July 13-17

Volunteers will monitor students during the lunch hour to assure everyone is fed and ready to return to class on time.

If interested, please contact Kjersti Francis, Corporate and Community Engagement Officer, at 612-767-5343 or email francis.kjersti@macphail.org.

Comment on the Pillsbuty A-Mill Hydro EAW

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has prepared the attached Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) to describe the environmental effects associated with the Pillsbury A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project, located in Hennepin County, Minnesota. This document has been prepared as a Mandatory EAW pursuant to Minnesota Rules, part 4410.4300, subpart 24 Water Appropriation and Impoundments. The DNR is the Responsible Governmental Unit for the environmental review of this project. The EAW is based off of an Environmental Assessment (EA) that has been conducted in accordance with Federal NEPA Requirements. This EA and its supporting studies have been incorporated into the EAW as Attachment 1.

Download the EAW (zip file, 12.8MB)...

A 30-day public review and comment period will begin on May 11, 2015, with the publication of the notice of availability of this EAW in the EQB Monitor.  The DNR invites public comments on the EAW during the public review period from May 11, 2015 to June 10, 2015 at 4:30 pm.  A copy of the EAW is available for public review at:

·         DNR Library, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4025

·         DNR Central Region, 1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN55106

·         Minneapolis Central Library, Government Documents, 2nd Floor, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1992

The EAW is also posted on the DNR’s website at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html è Public Inputè Environmental Reviewè See Pillsbury A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project EAW in the drop down list.

Written comments must be received by Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at 4:30 pm and sent to: 

Kate Frantz, EAW Project Manager

Department of Natural Resources, Division of Ecological and Water Resources

500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55155-4025

Electronic or e-mail comments may be sent to Environmentalrev.dnr@state.mn.us with “Pillsbury A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project EAW” in the subject line.  If submitting comments electronically, please include your name and U.S. mailing address.  Signed written comments may be sent via facsimile to (651) 296-1811.  For additional information, or copies of the EAW, please call (651) 259-5082.

Attachments:

Pillsbury A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project EAW

Pillsbury A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project Figures

Attachment 1: Environmental Assessment. This document is appended by the following reports:

-          Final Report: Unionid Survey for the A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project

-          Fish Entrainment and Mortality Study (A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project)

-          Hydraulic Modeling of Channel Downstream of the A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project

Download the EAW (zip file, 12.8MB)...

Week 2 at the 2015 Mill City Farmers Market

One of the fun things about the Market is that each week brings new items.  They don't always jump out at you, so take time to visit each vendor - you'll be surprised at the things you find that you didn't even know you needed! ;)

Above, Jamie from Barkley's Bistro is having a little fun with a new product - pigs ears, which they get from fellow MCFM Vendor, Red Table Meat Co.

Here's an example of something I just learned from Nicholas Heimer of Buffalo By Bike - grilled buffalo hearts make great taco meat.  Nicholas sells Wild Idea Buffalo products, and their philosophy is to waste nothing.

Enrich your garden soil or pots with empowered earth from Swede Lake Farm.

May Lee is never without a smile on her face.

You can get fresh coffee beans from Cafe Palmira.

The goat!

CenterPoint Energy - Downtown Minneapolis Construction Update

MN Limited, LLC. and Michels Corporation, two authorized CenterPoint Energy contractors, will continue installing natural gas pipeline in the following locations:

3rd Avenue N., from Washington Avenue N. to 1st Street N.:

• Final construction is underway.
• Restoration will begin the week of May 25th.

2nd Street N., from 3rd Avenue N. to 2nd Avenue N.:

• Final construction is underway.
• Restoration will begin the week of May 18th.

2nd Street N., from 2nd Avenue N. to 1st Avenue N.:

• Service line replacements will begin Monday, May 18th and continue until Friday, May 22nd.
• Restoration will begin the week of May 25th.

Near the intersection of 1st Street N. and 1st Avenue N.:

• Crews are working eastwards along 1st Street N. toward just west of Hennepin Avenue.
• Parking is not be allowed along 1st Street N., from 2nd Avenue N. to Hennepin Avenue.
• Two-way traffic will be maintained, but there is no through traffic on 1st Avenue N.

Near the intersection of 2nd Avenue S. and 2nd Street S.:

• Crews are currently working at this intersection.
• Until approximately Monday, May 25th, northbound 2nd Avenue S. traffic will be closed at the intersection of 2nd Street S. and 2nd Avenue S. One southbound 2nd Avenue S. lane will remain open.
• There will be no through traffic at this intersection on 2nd Street S. Please follow the posted detour.

2nd Street S., between 5th Avenue S. to Portland Avenue S.:

• Final construction is underway.
• Restoration will begin the week of May 18th and reopen fully by the end of the week.

2nd Street S., between Portland Avenue S. and Chicago Avenue S.:

• Crews are working eastward along 2nd Street S.
• Crews will be working at the intersection of Portland Avenue S. and 2nd Street S.
• Southbound Portland Avenue S. will be detoured, but northbound Portland Avenue S. will remain open.

Near the intersection of 2nd Street S. and 11th Avenue S.:

• Crews will begin working at this intersection on Monday, May 18th.

Please visit our website often to receive project updates, traffic alerts and any anticipated road or lane closures.

For further information, please contact Ashley Osteraas at 612-321-5546 or Ashley.Osteraas@centerpointenergy.com. Thank you.

Northern Spark 2015 Partner Projects Spotlight: Mill City Museum

Via a May 14 e-newsletter from Northern Spark/NorthernLights.mn:

One of our most active areas for NORTHERN SPARK 2015 will be along the Mississippi River (West River Parkway: between Portland Ave. and Chicago Ave.)

This year, the Mill City Museum area (sponsored by Nordstrom) will be a hub of activity outside in the courtyard, the train shed, and throughout the building from dusk on June 13th until dawn on the 14th! Expect music, films, projections, and opportunities to engage with artists, the city, and fellow explorers. Our partners in this area include Mizna, Arts Institutes International Minnesota, Minn_Lab in collaboration with the U of M's School of Architecture, the Northern Clay Center, the Hennepin County Library, Greater MSP, St. Cloud State, and Northern Voices. 

One way (of many!) to begin your evening is by following and creating the music! Just as the sun sets, hear world-class opera singers give their contemporary take on popular arias in Mill City Ruins Courtyard (3 timed performances, starting at 9:05 pm, more here). Inside the lobby of the Mill City Museum John Keston and the talented Art Institutes International Minnesota students will preform audience created compositions on the spot. And throughout the night you'll encounter the Northern Voice Festival singers, Kathy McTavish's mill city requiem, as well as the live score for Miko Simmons's mesmerizing In Ruins: A History of the Future's Past.

This year we're partnering with the Hennepin County Library on real life choose-your-own-adventure interactive project called Night Library. Guardians of intellectual freedom, find your way through a labyrinthian maze as you embark on a quest to battle the censors. You'll be given a flashlight and a book (of course!) to guide you. Chose your path wisely or books will burn! Readers of all ages, join us. (project hashtag: #nspk33)

We're also pleased to partner with Mizna (an organization devoted to promoting Arab-American arts and culture) and the acclaimed Twin-Cities based Syrian artist Osama Esid to premiere a portrait series titled Still/ Life/ Syria. As you walk among the Mill City Ruins, you'll see large projected portraits of Syrian refugees interacting with people in an unusual studio environment---hand-painted backdrops, a handmade camera, artifacts that they chose to include. Our partners hope to create a moment of stillness an reflection as audiences consider the richly colored, nuanced lives of refugees and their futures. (project hashtag: #nspk34)

Let us know what projects you're looking forward to on Facebook & Twitter! @Northern_Spark & at @MillCityMuseum #nspk

Additional details about all Northern Spark Partner Projects online here.

Congratulations to Ted Tucker, Recipient of the MPRB 2014 Remarkable Volunteer Service Award

At the May 6 Board of Commissioners meeting, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) recognized outstanding volunteers for their work in 2014. These volunteers are representative of the more than 8,300 individuals who donated over 178,000 hours of time and talent to the park system last year. The Volunteer of the Year Awards recognize these outstanding efforts, and signify the importance of every volunteer to the success of the MPRB.
 
Marcy-Holmes resident Ted Tucker was one of the five adults to receive the Remarkable Volunteer Service Award. He was honored for his work on the Central Riverfront Community Advisory Committee.   As an honoree he received a framed certificate of his award, and a donation of $500 will be made to the Central Riverfront program.

According to a May 12 MPRB announcement, Ted has volunteered for the MPRB and related park affiliates for several decades, most recently as chair of the Central Riverfront Community Advisory Committee. Ted’s leadership skills have allowed him to spearhead many committees, and while doing so, has encouraged and empowered the other volunteers connected to the project at hand. Ted has dedicated countless hours to various committees and efforts that effect and benefit the broader community. Ted personally engages, enjoys and respects people, as well as the community processes that ultimately get things done. His ability to communicate the importance of balance while evaluating urban and open space has brought successful and valuable results for the community and the parks. Minneapolis Park patrons near and far have benefited from the achievements gained within these processes, and Ted has been an incredibly active participant on many levels. 

Congratulations, Ted!

Pillsbury Sign Restoration Complete, to be Re-installed this Summer

Today, Lawrence Sign announced that it has completed restoration of the historic Pillsbury’s Best Flour sign located in the Saint Anthony Falls Historic District of Minneapolis.

The sign represents one of three national historic landmarks in Minneapolis; in 2014 Lawrence Sign was selected to rehabilitate the iconic Pillsbury’s Best Flour rooftop sign.

In efforts to preserve and revitalize the significant landmark, restoration of the Pillsbury’s Best Flour rooftop sign was a collaborative effort between Lawrence Sign and the City of Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission.

Dominium, the Plymouth, Minn.-based developer that has transformed the A-mill site into artist lofts, will re-light the refurbished sign during this summer. “We are proud to be a leader in preserving such historical local landmarks. Bringing this iconic sign back to life will make the renovation truly complete,” said Patrick Ostrom, development associate with Dominium.

The Pillsbury Company’s 30-foot sign has stood atop the Pillsbury “A” Mill Complex since about 1940, according to city records. It replaced a similar sign that stood since 1920, which featured a large flour bag. The sign remained lit until 2010.

Over the course of 75 years the sign deteriorated. Upon inspection and consultation from the Preservation Commission, Lawrence Sign determined that the letter faces and returns could be rehabilitated instead of replaced. The sign exhibited some degradation and compromise to the structure as a result of rust and weathering, but damage was mitigated with newly fabricated aluminum.

Lawrence also replaced the nonfunctioning neon lighting system with LED lights intended to replicate the original look. Lawrence Sign is an expert at LED lighting applications, utilizing the technology because of energy savings and minimal maintenance requirements.

“The Pillsbury’s Best Flour sign is an important historical landmark in Minneapolis and it was a privilege to be trusted to restore and update it with the workmanship, quality and beauty of the original sign,” said Robb Walker, president and CEO of Lawrence Sign and Nordquist Sign.

About Lawrence Sign & Nordquist Sign

For more than 80 years, Lawrence Sign has been assisting prominent companies to grow with new locations coast to coast with their multi-site sign program. Lawrence Sign proactively manages every aspect of their customers’ sign programs including design, regulatory compliance, fabrication and installation and ongoing maintenance.

Lawrence Sign utilizes advanced technologies and expansive facilities to provide direct in-house control of the entire sign fabrication process. The Company excels at serving companies with a multi-site national and international presence.

Nordquist Sign has been fabricating and installing interior and exterior signage, architectural elements and way-finding signage for more than 100 years. Nordquist’s customer base and scope of work includes custom signage and environmental graphics for hospitals, sports facilities, themed entertainment, corporate/financial and mass transit industries. Nordquist Sign also maintains a gaming division with offices in Las Vegas and St. Paul, Minn. to serve casino gaming markets throughout the United States.

In early 2012, Lawrence Sign combined with Nordquist Sign to unite the unique resources and capabilities of the two companies. Together, Lawrence Sign and Nordquist Sign offer their clients more than 175 years of experience in sign manufacturing and installation for all facets of the signage industry.

About Dominium

Founded in 1972, Dominium is a Minneapolis-based owner, developer, and manager of apartment communities nationwide. With more than 21,000 owned and/or managed units at 208 sites in 18 states, Dominium is known for creative solutions to unique and challenging development projects, and management expertise. For more information visit http://www.dominiumapartments.com.

Notice of Decision for the Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the Superior Plating Site Redevelopment

Via a May 11 City of Minneapolis News Release:

Notice of Decision for the Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the Superior Plating Site Redevelopment
 
Monday, May 11, 2015 (Minneapolis) – The City of Minneapolis has completed the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) process for the Superior Plating Site Redevelopment located on the properties at 315 1st Avenue NE, 101 4th Street NE, 115 4th Street NE, 119 4th Street NE, 125 4th Street NE, 108 5th Street NE, 116 5th Street NE, and 120 5th Street NE in Minneapolis.  On May 1, 2015, the City Council decided to not order the development of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), therefore making a Negative Declaration, and adopting the Findings of Fact and Record of Decision document. This City Council action was approved by the Mayor on May 8, 2015, and was published in the Finance and Commerce newspaper on May 9, 2015.
 
Copies of the EAW and the Findings of Fact and Record of Decision document are available for review in the office of the City of Minneapolis department of Community Planning and Economic Development, Land Use, Design and Preservation Section at 250 S. 4th Street, Room 300 Public Service Center.   Copies of these documents can also be provided to individuals upon request.
 
For further information contact Becca Farrar-Hughes, Senior Planner, at 612.673.3594 or via email rebecca.farrar@minneapolismn.gov. This EAW, supporting information and the Findings of Fact and Record of Decision for this EAW are also available for review on the City of Minneapolis website.