This River, This Place: Musing above the Mississippi with Pillsbury A Mill’s quintessential artist, Aldo Moroni

Story and Photos by Susan Schaefer

Artist Aldo Moroni 

Minneapolis, MN, May 31, 2016 – If he were inclined, from this perch overlooking St. Anthony Falls “could Minneapolis’ artist Aldo Moroni literally look across the river to the Mill City side and peer into the windows of some of the well-heeled private collectors who own one or more of his sculpted towers, wall sconces or commissioned works?”

Ever respectful of his collectors’ privacy, he only acknowledges that this could be the case. He counts celebrities and CEO’s among his numerous collectors.

Just under a year ago, Moroni scored a primo spot on the St. Anthony Main side of the river in Pillsbury A Mill building, becoming a prototypical tenant this newly opened artist collective development. Ensconced in the cozy, light-filled two-bedroom unit he shares with his two sons, Moroni is one of A Mill’s most prominent, and perhaps prolific, working artist inhabitants.

Iconic Moroni towers perched on sill

The long awaited A-Mill Artist Lofts, designed for artists committed to a life in the arts, features a number of shared work and studio spaces for special projects or daily work for use. In Moroni’s case, he makes yeoman’s use of the ceramic studio, equipped with state of the art kilns.

Moroni in ceramic studio with kiln

On an overcast Saturday morning, as we share a stellar view, strong coffee and engaging conversation, Moroni readily rattles off facts about art theory, religious movements, and more. His curiosity and knowledge about topics that inhabit and inform art – history, religion, sociology, urbanism, geography, music, light, color – are vast, and his authentic interest is infectious.

The Chicagoan arrived in the Twin Cities to attend MCAD (Minneapolis College of Art and Design) in the early 1970s. His emergence on the formal art scene reads like a fable. Young Moroni was whisked from the halls of college to the halls of the renowned Walker Art Center in one fell swoop. None other than then-Walker Director, the late, great Martin Friedman, who saw the subtext Moroni already was providing in his work, navigated that magic carpet ride.

World in Progress

Known for recreating civilizations in small-scale sizes, he wanted his viewers to question how we live in cities; to engage in conversations about where and how our civilizations emerge; to explore the consequences and rewards of urban existence.

Moroni invited viewers to become Gulliver in the land of the Lilliputians. His work termed early earth or action art, followed on the heels of Dadaism. Timing was in his favor.

Over his 40 plus years, his handiworks have shifted from massive to miniature and back. Audiences could peer down on occasionally vast landscapes, like his infamous Babylon project, a performance art piece of creative destruction, or more recently behold his tame replica of ‘old’ Dinkytown.

Many of his miniatures evoke Hieronymus Bosh-like narratives, filled with catawampus buildings and impossible configurations just recognizable enough to engage viewers in studies of urban design gone slightly awry. Others, with more authentic scale and form, like his new study of Georgetown where his daughter has been living as a student, simply evoke a whimsical sense the urban realm.

Artist with large-scale tower wall installation ready to be delivered to client

However, it would be incorrect to mistake his ‘interpretations’ as fairy tale. Moroni may take liberty with narrative, much like novelists he admires such as James Michener, Ken Follett and Dan Brown, but the underpinning of his work is solid scholarship mixed with his heartfelt desire to evoke critical questions about urban life. Moroni bristles with that Bauhaus analytical idealism that maintains: “Art asks, design offers solutions, and architects and engineers implement.”

Moroni believes that: Art asks, design offers solutions, architects and engineers implement.

Such a cerebral stance combined with sharp sculptural prowess accounts for Moroni’s exulted status as a Minnesota arts trifecta honoree: He’s earned the McKnight, Jerome and Bush Fellowships, and going for the grand slam, the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Midwest Award. This is no small feat.

His vision and scope is epitomized in his opus, This River, This Place, a 6,000-pound epic stoneware wall sculpture commissioned by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. The work is a topographical map of the bank’s service area, the entire Ninth Federal Reserve District.

Exemplifying Moroni’s quest for historical detail and meaning, This River, This Place can be read on multiple levels – as a geographical map of the six district states and as cultural and historical microcosms. “Major geographical features such as Lake Superior, Isle Royale, the Rocky Mountains, Lake Oahe, the national forests of northwestern Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula, the Mississippi and Missouri rivers can be easily identified by the naked eye from any vantage point in the Federal Reserve Bank's lobby.”

Yet, on closer observation viewed with binoculars, telescope or a zoom lens, Moroni’s “various cultural icons and historical images of the Great Plains states. Paul Bunyon's statue in Bemidji, MN, a herd of buffalo (including a sacred white buffalo) in North Dakota, motorcyclists gathered in Sturgis, S.D., the State Capitol at Bismarck (tallest building in North Dakota), the Wounded Knee Monument in South Dakota, an overflowing Red River in Grand Forks—and much, much more,” have been incorporated in his archetypal style.

Originally commissioned in 1996, the 33.5’ x 12.5’ piece, composed of 270 brick-shaped tiles, made of Minnesota white stoneware, fired and glazed, and covering 396 square feet of reinforced wall space took Moroni four months of research and six months to execute working with a team of seven artists.

Such collaboration is also a hallmark of Moroni’s ethic. Known as an activist, he embraces numerous life long relationships, mentors and guides others in their art and projects, and serves indefatigably in the service of social justice, environmentalism and inclusion. Moroni is a wildly beloved and respected local legend.

In fact, this coming Monday, June 6, 2016, from 6 – 9PM at the Solar Arts Building in Northeast, he will be one of the prominent panelist selected to discuss, “Creative Sustainability: What’s it Mean for the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District and Northeast Minneapolis,” alongside City Council members, Kevin Reich and Jacob Frey, Myron Orfield from the University of Minnesota, Kelley Lindquist of Artspace, among others. Moroni’s platform regards exploring expanding the boundaries of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District and creating a citywide arts center.

Moroni creates from a place of passion so deep and true that he captivates those lucky enough to enter his sphere with his fascination for how, why and where civilizations rise and fall and what role arts plays in this thrust of history. A three-dimensional mythmaker, Moroni’s worlds bring thoughtful examination about urban progress and sustainability.

Susan Schaefer can be reached at susan@millcitymedia.org.

Helping Paws Demonstration at the June 7 Music & Movies in the Park Event at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park

Helping Paws is an organization that trains and places service dogs with individuals with disabilities.  They are sponsoring the June 7 showing of Finding Nemo at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, part of the Music & Movies in The Parks series. 

There will be an 8:30pm demonstration by Helping Paws service dogs.  Be sure to stop by their information table. Donations are welcome! Helping Paws is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so any contribution you make is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

Music starts at 7:00pm (Brianna Lane plays June 7), and the movie starts after the Helping Paws demonstration. For full enjoyment of the night, bring a blanket or chair, sunblock and bugspray.  Music & Movies in The Parks is produced by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

Streetscapes: Living in downtown Minneapolis was a badge of shame in the days of the Gateway
“If you don’t stay in school and work hard, this is where you’ll end up.”

City Hall bells will go silent for renovation
Time will fly by silently this summer in downtown Minneapolis, when City Hall's clock tower bells cease chiming during a long-anticipated restoration project.

Minneapolis adopts 'complete streets' policy
When the City Council approved the policy Friday, Minneapolis took it a step further than most, giving priority to pedestrians, followed by cyclists and transit riders and, finally, drivers.

Stanton's latest downtown condo project clears hurdle
Coon Rapids developer Jim Stanton received approval this week from the Minneapolis Planning Commission for his biggest downtown condo project yet: the Legacy, a 374-unit building near the banks of the Mississippi River. Next stop for the project is a vote by the Minneapolis City Council.

Are condos making a comeback in downtown Minneapolis?
Ten years ago, downtown Minneapolis was in a condo-building frenzy. Hardly a week passed without someone announcing a new project or conversion. Developers could barely keep up with the feverish demand for condo units, while investors were pocketing profits from flipping units as the national housing boom continued to push prices higher.

Want to tour U.S. Bank Stadium? There are options
The architectural and sports curious still have options for getting passage into U.S. Bank Stadium for either a preview or a behind-the-scenes tour.

Glam Doll Donuts is opening a second shop in Northeast
Soon, Northeast Minneapolis residents won’t have to travel to Eat Street to feast on their favorite donuts.

Lu’s Sandwiches is expanding to Northeast’s Red 20
Lu’s Sandwiches, a sandwich shop in Whittier known for its banh mi sandwiches, is expanding with a higher-end location in Northeast Minneapolis. The new restaurant will open next month in the new Red 20 apartment building in the Nicollet Island-East Bank neighborhood. Owner Quang Pham said while much of the beloved food will stay the same, the business model will be of a higher-end fast casual restaurant serving beer, wine and made-to-order food.

The Bad Waitress to open second diner in Northeast
Owners Mary and Andy Cohen are planning to open a second diner and coffee shop in the 700 Central project in Marcy-Holmes. The apartment development from Wayzata-based Nolan Properties Group is transforming two warehouse buildings into 80 market-rate apartments and retail space.

Way Above the Beer and Bratwurst - THANK YOU to our Vets

THANK YOU to all have, currently are, and will in the future serve this country. (Yes, I realize Memorial Day is not the same as Veterans Day. But while we honor those who gave their lives, it's always appropriate to say Thank You to those who are alive to hear it.)  

MCBA Announces Kickstarter Campaign to Finalize Establishment of the World’s Most Comprehensive Working Rubber Stamp Archive

70,000 individual rubber stamps. 300 sign and educations stamp sets. A collection spanning 120 years. Accessible to all artists in their creative practice.

The mission of the H/G Archive is to preserve historical, rare and unique tools of artistic expression while maintaining their accessibility to artists wishing to incorporate them into their creative practice. It is a living archive where use by artists and researchers is encouraged.

Significant investments have already been made to support the H/G Archive, but for it to succeed they are raising $13,000 as a start-up initiative to cover the costs of cataloging, artist work stations, technology for access, and archival storage. With your help, these rare and unique tools of artistic expression will serve and inspire the arts community for years to come.

Visit the Kickstarter project page to pledge your support and earn unique and inspiring rewards!

Jefe Urban Hacienda: The New Boss on St. Anthony Main

Story and Photos by Julie Craven

Just days after their opening, Jefe Urban Hacienda has the look and feel of a well-established restaurant. The only giveaway to the fact that they opened less than a week ago is the adrenalin-rush-delight the staff has as guests come in the door. Esti welcomed us, Luisa served us and they were both gleeful and insistent that we meet everyone.

Luisa is from a town about an hour from Mexico City, so when I asked her about the menu she had a lot of references to her hometown. We started at the top of the menu, the Mexican Street Food section, and ordered the Oxtail Quesadillas. Braised oxtail, corn tortillas, shredded lettuce, chipotle crema and rajas. Tender, cheesy and rich, there would be a photo, but Doug helped himself as soon they arrived and that was the end of that!

If you want to go Mexican bold, Luisa suggested another street food item, the Jalapeños with Tocino. Jalapeños with poblano cream cheese, bacon and salsa de tamarindo. On a hot day, she predicted the Fruta con Limon will be a frequent order. Refreshing and light, it's a combination of mixed tropical fruit, fresh lime juice, chili powder and sea salt.

Next on the menu are Tacos. There are two to an order and Luisa called out two on the list: a vegetarian choice with the Wild Mushroom and the Ropa Vieja, a flank steak taco for beef lovers.

Among the tamales and pork items on the Especiales portion of the menu there's one very non-Mexican sounding entree: Cauliflower Pastor. It's a combination of pineapple and caramelized cauliflower, fried onion, grilled jalapeño, mixed together.  An order of tortillas on the side and you can make your own unique taco. Chili Relleno is already standing out as star and it's one of Luisa’s favorites as well.  A poblano chili stuffed with monterey and cream cheese, ranchero sauce with sides that include refried lentil and saffron yellow rice. Not spicy and super flavorful.

The Americano section, or gringo items as Luisa referred to it, has a State Fair Pulled Pork Sandwich and a Salmon entree. And there's a burger, too - Juicy Lucia (get it?!).

Amy Spartz and her husband Jeff Arundel launched Jefe. They also have the Aster Cafe just down the street. Amy commented that in their experience over the past six years, summers on St. Anthony Main were good, but the winters were hard. About two years ago they saw that change and as the density in the neighborhood increased, year round business was notably better. That's when they decided to open a second restaurant concept (I know you're smiling, Jacob Frey!) The “where” came before the “what”. The landlord of this location is a friend and she and Jeff both loved “the kooky, the character and the soul of the building.” But she described it as “tired” and there was work to do.

“Jeff had the aesthetics and did all the interior - he could see the end result,”  Amy noted. It made them both smile when within an hour of the opening, three people asked “who is your decorator?” Paul Tierney, a metalwork artist, and friend of the couple, did the doors and the statue of Zorro. His work is also featured in the interior and the exterior of the Aster Cafe.

“Then it was the ‘what’ options and that fell to me," Amy said. "I looked at the neighborhood, at Mexican options accessible to this community and had conversations with neighbors at the Phoenix and the A Mill Artist Lofts. A Mexican concept felt like the missing piece of the puzzle.”

Bar manager and the creator of the Jefe’s craft cocktail menu, Andrew Campbell stopped by our table. Formerly with Bradstreet, his first order of business was to create a Jefe Margarita. His philosophy? Do simple things correctly. His starting point was fresh squeezed Curaçao and then began playing with it. His goal is to keep the ticket time under 10 minutes, which is great service for each of the 12 craft cocktails options. Even with 12 craft cocktail options, Andrew wants the experience to be approachable and there are times when folks, including himself, want the $2 beers for happy hour. That’s on tap, too. Jefe translates to “boss” and this great new restaurant certainly is Boss!

Hours: 4pm till close, everyday

Location: 219 Main Street SE Minneapolis, MN

Website: jefeminneapolis.com

Julie Craven can be reached at julie@millcitymedia.org.

Northern Spark Preview - Focus on the Mill City Museum

Northern Spark, presented by Northern Lights.mn, returns for a 6th year on June 11 at 9:00pm.

There's a LOT going on - here's some of what you'll find in and around the Mill City Museum:

Step inside the Mlll City Museum Train Shed, presented by Northern Lights.mn in partnership with Make It. MSP. Inside, #act, #interconnect, and #nourish with a wide variety of creative, interactive projects.

Afterglow Garden feelie boxes. Image: <jɑː↓>

At Christine Baeumler's Backyard Phenology: Tracking Nature’s Cycles in a Changing Climate see how art, science, and place-based observations can come together to catalyze awareness of and action on climate change.

Step into the light at the Afterglow Garden, created by <jɑː↓>, a botanical installation and sensory workshop that highlights a shifting global ecosystem by juxtaposing our climate-present with an imagined climate-future.

Make a wish for the future at Robin Garwood's Wishing Well. Dig for treasure: real coins, where every cent equals 350 tons of the carbon that will be burned worldwide during Northern Spark. And then make your choice. Will you extract the money? Or will you leave it in the ground, as a wish for a future free of catastrophic climate change?

Mill City Museum Train shed, Northern Spark 2015. Photo: Nathan Santos.

Visit Soil Laband, with the help of artists Monica Haller, Sebastian Muellauer, and Nic Jelinski, and U of MN scientists test the soil from your own backyard. Full instructions for how to bring your soil for testing are on our website.

Curve your path toward Gregory Fitz' A Bend in the River, a sculpture composed of cedar replicas of stream bank rehabilitation cribs. The arrangement matches their intended use as an engineered solution to rebuild eroded riverbanks, usually in cold-water trout streams.

Explore your energy at Roger Nieboer's Energeia. Part science ¬fair, part lab¬ practical, and part philosophical inquiry, Energeia will challenge you to reflect upon your own consumption of energy and your individual, ¬ increasingly important role as a human on the planet.

Activities in the Train Shed look to welcome all people to the festival; look for the Radical Welcomers from Make It. MSP. saying hello, and share a bite of food and climate conversation as guests break the Ramadan fast at sunset at the Interfaith Iftar, organized by Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light.

Minneapolis Riverfront, in Pare Lorentz’ “The River”. Movie still: Pare Lorentz

When you need to take a chill out break from all the excitement of Northern Spark's interactive projects, stop by the Mill City Museum and enjoy films old and new about our changing environment.

Instead of burning oil at the drive-in, enjoy outdoor film in the outdoor space adjacent to the Mill City Museum Ruin Courtyard. Curated by Tim Peterson, Latitudes: Artists from Six Continents Reflect on Earth’s Changing Environments will feature recent single channel works by a diverse lineup of six internationally-acclaimed artists, whose selected videos explore a range of topics addressing climate change.

At What Cost: The Films of Pare Lorentz is an all-night screenings of Pare Lorentz’s pioneering documentaries, considering environmental change from the historical perspective of the 1930s. Inside the West Engine House Theater at the Mill City Museum, watch The Plow That Broke the Plains (1936) and The River (1938) highlight the ecological and social catastrophes that culminated in the Dust Bowl and devastating flooding, and promote the New Deal’s solutions to these environmental problems.

Midiyanto, shadow puppeteer.

Sumunarwill present a wayang kulit at Northern Spark, inside the courtyard of the Mill City Museum. In Bimo Gugah (Bimo Prevails), a hero discovers that the volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and drought destroying his country are the result of corrupt leaders. Amidst the climate chaos, people are hungry for change—can Bimo save the day? Performed by master puppeteer Midiyanto, enjoy political commentary and social satire, along with fast action scenes, all to the accompaniment of a full gamelan orchestra. Join us under the stars for an Indonesian tradition you won’t want to miss! 

See more! Go to the Art & Events page, and browse events for Mill City Ruins, Mill City Museum and Mill City Train Shed.

During the Launch Party (7pm-9pm), the Mill City Museum Ruin Courtyard will be host to many ways of nourishing your imagination. This incredible, open-skies location positions you right in the middle of the art you are supporting when you buy a ticket.

Job Opportunity: Cynthia Froid Group

The top real estate team with Keller Williams is looking to hire a full time Executive Assistant interested in being part of the Cynthia Froid Group. 

The Executive Assistant will work closely with the fast paced, high energy real estate team supporting four full time real estate agents, implementing and managing the day-to-day systems, operations and databases, processing paperwork, managing real estate transaction files, and most importantly representing our team with integrity.  This person would be the face of the Cynthia Froid Group. 

Applicants must be computer saavy, highly organized, resourceful, a problem solver and capable of shifting gears many times throughout the day.  Prior real estate experience is not required but candidate must be responsive, self-driven and detail-oriented with an interest in the real estate industry. 

Please send resume and inquiries to Sarah Lavelle at admin@cynthiafroid.com

Volunteer to Help Out with the 6th Avenue SE Greenway!

Volunteers are needed to help plant on June 4 and care for the 6th Avenue SE Greenway!  Gloves provided, you bring a trowel!

Rain Dates: If a Sunday event, will be rescheduled for Monday night. If the Saturday, June 4, event is rained out, planting will take place on Sunday, June 5.

Click here for all volunteer dates thru October 30.

If you have questions, please contact Cordelia Pierson at cordelia.pierson@gmail.com, or the Marcy-Holmes office: 612-623-7633, office@marcy-holmes.org.

Minneapolis Edges out Saint Paul as Nation’s Best Park System, According to The Trust for Public Land’s 2016 ParkScore® Index

Via a May 26 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board e-newsletter:

Minneapolis – Minneapolis is the nation’s best park system, narrowly besting cross-town twin Saint Paul, according to The Trust for Public Land’s 2016 ParkScore Index, which was released today by the nonprofit organization. Saint Paul ranked second in the analysis of the 100 largest cities in the United States. Last year, the cities tied for first.

ParkScores are based 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: basketball hoops, off-leash dog parks, playgrounds, and recreation & senior centers.

“Every American deserves to live within a 10-minute walk of a park, and ParkScore helps us measure which cities are meeting that mark,” said Will Rogers, President of the Trust for Public Land.

“We’re honored by the top ranking, but not resting on our laurels. We are working continuously to improve our parks, with a focus on the most racially diverse and economically challenged areas of the city. During the last five years, we have invested significantly in parks throughout the city but especially in north and upper south Minneapolis with new community centers, athletic fields and the first natural swimming pool in North America. With the support of the city and the citizens of Minneapolis, we recently approved a monumental funding plan that will provide an additional $11 million annually into our neighborhood parks,” said Jayne Miller, Superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

This Summer "Go Outside" with Events at the Gov Center South Plaza and Target Field Station

Downtown Minneapolis and Hennepin County encourage you to Go Outside this summer!

Head to the Government Center South Plaza and Target Field Station for live music, fitness activities, free reading material, yard games, outdoor movies and more.

* * Government Center South Plaza, June 1 – August 31 * *

Hennepin County Government Center South Plaza (300 S. 6th Street) is a tree-lined, circle plaza with a grassy knoll located between 6th and 7th Streets in Downtown Minneapolis. Stop by the Government Center South Plaza to enjoy an outdoor piano, added seating options, free reading materials and these special events each week:

- Tuesdays, 12 pm – 1 pm: Scheduled performances on the outdoor piano at South Plaza.

- Wednesdays, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm: Enjoy the featured food truck every Wednesday, added yard games, a meditation space and the craft/game cart.

- Thursdays, 6 am – 6 pm: Visit the Downtown Farmers Market every Thursday.

* * Target Field Station Events * *

Target Field Station (335 N. 5th Street) is a dynamic transportation hub that connects Downtown Minneapolis with 500 light rail lines and 1,900 buses each day as well as the Northstar Commuter Rail. But it is also a major entertainment destination. Opened in May 2014, Target Field Station offers a large green space for gathering, a big screen for movies and other viewing opportunities, and an amphitheater for musical performances. Located next to Target Field and nestled into the Warehouse District/North Loop, it is close to downtown residential communities, businesses, entertainment, dining, breweries and coffee shops.

Look for free events and entertainment scheduled at Target Field Station through the Go Outside with Hennepin County program. Events will range from fitness opportunities, a movie series and fun for all ages: Monday Movie Nights, Wednesday Trivia, Sunday Family Days, Aquatennial Events

Preserve Minneapolis Announces 2016 Summer Walking Tours

See the city's history and architcture, from landmarks to hidden gems, with Preserve Minneapolis! The 2016 season runs from June 5 through September 25 and features twenty-four tours.

New topics this year include:

• Black history and its influence on the East 38th Street Community, led by Ward 8 residents and community leaders;
• The second generation of brewer’s houses of Lowry Hill East, followed by a tour of the LynLake Brewery;
• ​A riverfront tour including St. Anthony Falls, Nicollet Island and Boom Island, focusing on the mills, brushes with destruction, and the area’s importance to the original Native American population;
• The small lake cottages built south of Lake Calhoun in the late 1800s, which are now being replaced by much larger homes and the impact of evolving design styles;
• ​The old Minneapolis of Nicollet Avenue from 5th St. to the river, ending with an optional visit to the Mill City Museum.

They're also bringing back several popular tours from the past, including visits to the Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery; the historic theaters of Minneapolis; and the Fort Snelling Upper Post. 

Each tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, and distances vary; please see each listing for specific details. Tickets are $9 each.  More Info

Minneapolis Park and Rec Board Summer Highlights Guide Now Available

Via a May 24 Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter:

Never have a dull moment this summer

Plan your summer fun with the help of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's (MPRB) latest Park Highlights brochure.

The publication features a sampling of MPRB activities, programs and events, destination and excursion ideas, upcoming park improvements and long-term projects underway, registration dates for upcoming sports leagues, volunteer opportunities, and everything else the parks have to offer between June and August.

You can find the brochures at MPRB buildings (including recreation centers), Minneapolis libraries, coffee shops near parks and other Minneapolis locations. The brochure is also available on our website for online viewing and downloading.

Downtown Real Estate: Nitty-Gritty Night with Cynthia Froid Group, June 1

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

New tailgating plan for Vikings games moves forward
A new smaller tailgating zone for Vikings has cleared a City Council committee. The zone includes eight surface parking lots near the new Vikings stadium. The Vikings have been working with neighborhood groups and the city for more than two years to craft a plan for tailgating — a challenging task given that new development has reduced the supply of parking lots available for pre-game festivities.

Smaller tailgating zone near U.S. Bank Stadium wins preliminary approval at City Hall
A revamped, smaller zone for tailgating in downtown Minneapolis near U.S. Bank Stadium won preliminary approval Tuesday at City Hall.

Pollution agency moves to stop operations at Minneapolis metal shredder
A long-running environmental battle in Minneapolis took a new twist Thursday when a state regulator announced legal and administrative action to halt operation of a north Minneapolis metal shredder that it blames for repeated violations of air-quality standards.

Mpls. City Council should approve proposed 40-story condo tower
History and modernity can coexist to the city's benefit.

When a church, developer and nonprofit meet, an apartment project comes together
The rates will be affordable, the views good and there's a mystery partner, too.

Work on Minnesota Vikings' new home drawing to conclusion ahead of equity hiring goals
U.S. Bank Stadium project has hired many women, minorities, workers from poorer neighborhoods.

Housing for low-income artists predominantly serves white people, study says
Fancy rentals go mostly to whites, U researchers find.

The Artist Loft: Affordable Housing (for White People)
Do these tax-subsidized apartments perpetuate segregation by excluding some low-income households?

Sneak peek: Stem Wine Bar brings elegant vino and snacks to Northeast
Since Northeast has become ground zero for breweries, things can seem that much more dire for the oenophile. Where's a wine lover to go north of the Hennepin Avenue bridge?

Drone footage set to Atmosphere is a very Minneapolis video [VIDEO]
We might think of drone operators as renegades, living just on the edge of the law, or in its absence, soaring quietly out of the view of authority and society. But this wholesome video tour of Minneapolis could probably get unanimous approval by the City Council.

Scenes from the May 21 Mill City Farmers Market

Phil Nusbaum interviewed Ariel Pressman of Seed to Seed Farm and Mike Noreen of Burning River Farm during a live broadcast of Bluegrass Saturday Morning.

Jenny Breen prepared Spring Greens with Risotto during the Mill City Cooks demo. Look for a separate Mill City Cooks article later this week under our Farmers Market blog.

History Hound from the Minnesota Historical Society hammed it up with visitors and vendors. 

Sign your kids up for the Power Of Produce (POP) Club.  It's free, it will introduce them to a new veggie or fruit each week, and they'll receive a $2 token to spend on produce at the Market. Look for POP at the Info Booth.

Talk about addicting - these cheese curds from Cosmic Wheel Creamery are top shelf.  Hint for maximum flavor:  spread them on a plate (trying to not let them touch) and zap them in the microwave for 15 - 20 seconds. Unless you have more willpower than me, you won't be able to stop until the plate is empty.

Above, shoppers enjoyed wine samples from Saint Croix Vineyards; and below, the sweet smells of custom blended teas from Mrs. Kelly's Teas.

New art vendor, Brenda Johnson of Billboard Bags, debuted at the May 21 Market.  Look for a separate article on Billboard Bags later this week under our Farmers Market blog.

Below, The Eddies perform.

The goat! :)

Top Five Reasons to Go to Brasa Premium Rotisserie

Story and Photos by Julie Craven

Before you even walk onto the patio at Brasa Rotisserie there are the smells. From specialties inspired by the traditional flavors of the southern U.S., Caribbean and Mexico, the aromas alone make you think about two things: a local beer and a menu. Chef Alex Roberts, with his Brasa locations and Restaurant Alma, is on the exclusive list of Minneapolis chefs doing amazing things with casual cuisine.

Here are five more great reasons to visit Brasa:

1. The menu has changed a lot in the last two years. Brasa was, and still is, known for shareable, family-style portions and now they've added a plate category. Individual options of their menu favorites. The family option is still on the menu, items that feature their signature, locally sourced and organic ingredients and fair trade coffee and tea.

2. The great outdoors! Patio dining plus stunning weather equals instant amnesia for a Minnesota winter. May 1st is typically when the big doors open, but as the natives know, some years winter tends to hang around, so that date has been subject to change.

3. There are daily specials as well, and the weekend specials sound particularly appealing - ribs and wings! Brasa’s Facebook page is the place to go for live music updates, and the music is oftentimes a month-long residency.

4. The chicken! We ordered chicken two ways: a Rotisserie Chicken Plate, roasted whole with a Creole-style dry rub, and the Pulled Chicken Plate, smothered with a saucy combination of light cream pepper gravy. Both were delicious.

5. Brittany! Our server was a delight, so knowledgable about the menu and enthusiastic with our questions. Brittany's personal favorite entrees are the Rotisserie Chicken and the Slow Roasted Pork. Her favorite sides? Collard greens, rice, and one a bit more unexpected - yucca, thick cut and like French fries with a dipping sauce. She solemnly declared that Brasa, “is the best place to work because everything is so delicious.”

Brittany's advice for first time guests at Brasa? The Rotisserie Chicken with collard greens and the Spicy Masa Corn Cakes. Next time, I'm going for one of the bowl items. The Gumbo Fried Rice with Okra, Shrimp, Peppers Andouille & Scrambled Egg looks absolutely terrific!

Location: 600 E Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55414

Website: www.brasa.us

Julie Craven can be reached at julie@millcitymedia.org

The Sounds and Scenes of Summer - Free Music and Movies in Minneapolis Parks

More than 250 free outdoor concerts and movies, sponsored by Comcast, will be hosted in Minneapolis parks this summer as part of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) Music and Movies in the Parks program.

Music in the Parks
Lake Harriet Band Shell (Monday–Saturday at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 2 pm and 5:30 pm)
Nicollet Island Park (Mondays at 7 pm)
Father Hennepin Bluffs Park (Tuesdays at 7 pm)
Minnehaha Park (Wednesday–Friday at 7 pm)
Bryant Square Park (Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 pm)
Theodore Wirth Park (June 14, July 12, August 16 at 7 pm)

Movies in the Parks
Monday through Saturday evenings at more than 45 neighborhood parks throughout the summer. Movies start 15 minutes after sunset.  2016 Movie Themes are:  New Releases - Family Favorites - Minnesota Connection - Movies That Inspire - The Classics - Action Adventure

Concerts and movies are free, and everyone is welcome to attend. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, pack a picnic, and don’t forget bug spray! For the most up-to-date schedules and weather related information, visit www.mplsmusicandmovies.com. You can also get these updates by following Music and Movies on Twitter and Facebook.

Franklin Avenue Bridge Construction Update

 

Crews are working extended hours to meet the aggressive schedule of
removing and replacing the bridge deck before Labor Day.

Large sections of concrete have been sawed and removed from nearly
half of the bridge deck. The typical size of each concrete section
being removed measures 12 feet by 28 feet and weighs more than 25
tons.

As panels are removed, they are lowered onto barges in the river
below and transported by trucks to a crushing yard. They then
separate the concrete from the steel and recycle.

Cranes are positioned along the bridge to assist in deck panel removal.
In total, there are five cranes onsite - each focusing on a different
section.

Crew members assist as a crane is used to remove a deck panel.

To support the new deck, new deck beams have been fabricated. They
are made offsite and transported to the bridge site.

With the deck panels removed, crews can place the new deck beam using
a crane.

In the context of constructing bridges, ABC stands for "Accelerated
Bridge Construction." The ABC period on the Franklin Avenue bridge
began after crews closed the bridge to traffic on May 8.

A growing trend across the United States, ABC aims at reducing the
duration of traffic impacts. For example, this bridge should only be
closed to traffic for 17 weeks rather than up-to-two years that it
might otherwise take.

To achieve the goal of being complete by Labor Day, 366 deck panels
were manufactured ahead of time. They are ready to be floated down
the river on barges and lifted into place by cranes.

Celebrate National Historic Preservation Month by Entering the #Mplspreservation Photo Contest

May is National Historic Preservation Month! The City of Minneapolis department of Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) is calling all photographers to participate in a photo contest to celebrate the historic resources that make our city a special place to live.

Minneapolis has 170 locally designated landmarks and 15 historic districts. Capture the characteristics of these places for a chance to be featured in the City of Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission’s annual report, the City’s Heritage Preservation website and other CPED websites.

Rule alert: all photos should not contain identifiable people. To enter the contest, post your photo on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #MPLSpresevation by Tuesday, May 31. By entering, submissions may be used by the City of Minneapolis in future prints and digital publications, with proper credit to the photographer. Winners will be announced in early June. View map of Minneapolis Landmarks and Districts.