Growing Minneapolis February: News and Information from the City of Minneapolis department of Community Planning and Economic Development

Growing Mpls 2

February 2019

The City Assists Wealth Building Opportunity for Local Artists

Flux Arts Building Grand Opening

Art studio space photo

Clay Squared to Infinity studio space. (Source: Potek Glass and Clay Squared)

The Flux Arts Building is opening with the support of the City of Minneapolis. A year ago the City sold the property located on Lowry Ave NE to four Northeast artists. The City had purchased the property from Hennepin County from the tax forfeit property list and selected the artist group through a Request for Proposals process. The artists from Clay Squared to Infinity and Potek Glass collaborated with the California Building Company team to renovate the building into artists’ studios, showroom and office space. The City also provided financing to the project from its 2% Loan program.

The project reactivates a long vacant commercial space near Central Ave, adds studio space along the northern edge of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District and creates a wealth building opportunity for local artists to own and occupy their studios. The building’s grand opening is Friday, February 15, from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.


Celebrate New Public Artwork on 26th Avenue North

Art sculptures on Northside Mpls photo collage

(L to R) Christopher Harrison's Aqurbane, Christopheraaron Deanes' "Big Book" and Esther Osayande's Purple Raindrop. (Source: The City of Minneapolis)

Please join in celebrating the completion of three new artworks by Christopheraaron Deanes, Christopher Harrison and Esther Osayande. A guided bus tour will be given by the artists to see the artworks at three locations on 26th Avenue North - Theodore Wirth Parkway, Nellie Stone Johnson School and Farview Park. The tour will be Monday, February 25, from 1:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The 26th Avenue North/Assemble Project is a public art initiative along the new 26th Avenue North Bikeway, connecting Theodore Wirth Park and the Mississippi River. The projects’ theme, Assemble, is about creating community connections and gathering spots that relate to Northside community identity and voice.

All three artists have strong roots in North Minneapolis, have worked together on previous projects and are members of ROHO, a network of visual artists of color in the Midwest.

The public is invited to join the tour at any of the three locations. PLEASE NOTE: to ride the bus from location to location, please make a reservation through Eventbrite to reserve a spot on the bus.


Project For Pride In Living's New Career Center

exterior of Project for Pride in Living's career center photo

Exterior of Project for Pride in Living's new career center located at 1021 East Franklin Avenue. (Source: Project for Pride in Living)

Project for Pride in Living (PPL) has moved their career center to 1021 East Franklin Avenue. Located in the Franklin Theater, the innovative new space allows PPL to continue to prepare the growing workforce for career opportunities. The City of Minneapolis provided a $500,000 Great Streets Gap Financing loan to PPL. Funds were used to assist with the rehab of the Franklin Theater; most of the theater space will serve as the new home of PPL’s Employment Training Programs.

The City’s Employment and Training Program division works closely with PPL, partnering and funding many training services at the new PPL Career Center, including health career and public sector pathways. The new center will allow more Minneapolis job seekers to access the skills training programs they need to enter the workforce and earn a living wage.


Step Up Applications Close Feb. 10

Minneapolis youth Step Up Intern at work photo

Becoming a Step Up Intern: The Step Up application period for 2019 closes Tuesday, Feb. 12. Minneapolis youth are gearing up for the 2019 summer Step Up internships, ready to learn life-long skills and kick-start their career.

Pledging to be a Step Up Employer: Employers interested in hiring a Step Up intern for 2019 can do so until April 2019 at stepupmpls.org. Step Up prepares Minneapolis youth for tomorrow’s careers.

As one of the country’s leading youth employment programs, Step Up recruits, trains and places nearly 1,600 young people (ages 14-21) in paid internships at more than 200 employers each year. With a collective of partners spanning 15 industries and multiple sectors, Step Up is the largest and most enduring program of its kind in our region. It is a backbone of support that unites businesses, schools, nonprofits and the city together in a common goal: to build and strengthen our future economy and the talented youth who will power it.


Small Business Team Attends Community Connections Conference

Small Business Team's table at the Community Connections Conference

The Small Business Team (SBT) participated in the City of Minneapolis’ Community Connections Conference this past weekend. The SBT met with city residents, current and future business owners, and business providers such as insurance agents, language translators and marketing firms.

Along with providing assistance, the SBT directed people to other exhibitors at the conference that offer business services and entrepreneurship classes. For example, the SBT referred people to community organizations such as the Small Business Administration (SBA), Somali Chamber of Commerce, Hennepin County Library, Solid Waste and Recycling and Center for Energy and Environment. The SBT staff themselves also made connections with the above representatives to foster dialogue on how to strengthen the City's business community. 


Nominations Sought for 2019 Minneapolis Preservation Awards

Pillsbury Mills building photo

The Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission, Preserve Minneapolis and AIA Minneapolis are accepting nominations to recognize projects, individuals and community organizations that celebrate the heritage and historic character of Minneapolis.

Categories of nomination include:

  • Historic Restoration, Rehabilitation, or Adaptive Reuse
  • New Construction
  • Preservation Gem
  • Grassroots: Advocacy & Education
  • The Steve Murray Award

To nominate a building project, individual or community organization complete the online nomination form by Wednesday, February 13. Nominees may self-nominate. All projects for nomination must be located in the City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Park System Property, MSP Airport or the Unorganized Territory of Fort Snelling.

The awards celebration will be Thursday, February 28, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The celebration is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. The event is free but advance registration is required.

To learn more about the awards, including the selection criteria, or to view a list of past Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Awards winners, visit the AIA Minneapolis website.  


Nominate a Great Minnesota Small Business Owner or Champion

The deadline to submit nominations for the Small Business Association's (SBA) 2019 Small Business Week Awards is Friday, February 22 for state awards. 

Learn more and nominate a winning business today.

Small Business Association Award Icon

Minneapolis Property Owners: Sign Up for Lottery to Buy a Low-cost Tree

Minneapolis property owners can enter the lottery any time now through March 13. Lottery entrants will hear back March 18. About 800 property owners will each be able to order a 5-to 8-foot tree to plant in their yards. Large species shade trees are $30 each. Fruit trees and smaller species are $40 each.

The 14 varieties available this year include large species, flowering trees and several kinds of fruit trees. Any Minneapolis property owner can register in the lottery to order a tree to plant on private Minneapolis property this spring. Comparable trees cost about $125 at a nursery.

Healthy trees are an important part of our quality of life in Minneapolis, but they need our help. Share this short video about some of the benefits of our urban forest and how we can help.

  • Low-cost trees are available for Minneapolis residents, businesses and nonprofits.
  • Limit one tree per address.
  • Trees must be picked up May 18, 19 or 20 at the City of Minneapolis Impound Lot. Volunteers will be on hand to help load each new tree and a complimentary bag of mulch into vehicles. Anyone who orders a tree can check here after May 1 for confirmed dates and location. 

Enter the lottery here.


Business Training & Resources

D-TAP Small Real Estate Developers Training Solicitation 2019
The City of Minneapolis is requesting proposals to teach and enhance the Small Real Estate Developers Training Course (D-TAP). The City is looking for trainers for two scopes: a). training, and b). curriculum and case study development. Respondents can propose one or both scopes. Proposals are due by February 8, 2019.

Alternative Financing Program
The Alternative Financing Program provides Islamic-compliant financing without interest to Minneapolis small businesses to make building improvements and/or to purchase certain equipment. A private lender provides at least half the financing at its rate of return, and the City provides a match, up to $50,000 at a 2 percent rate of return.


Events

LoLa Winter Fine Art Exhibit logo

2018 LoLa Winter Fine Art Exhibit
Friday, February 15; Sunday, February 17 & Monday, February 18; 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Squirrel Haus Arts, 3450 Snelling Ave.

The League of Longfellow Artists is hosting its first fine art exhibition. With artist reception featuring DJ Phil Borreson–Solid State Vinyl Records, plus drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Come see a diverse collection of art by member artists in a gallery setting. Most of the artists will attend the reception, so it's a great chance to get to know the organization and ask any questions you might have about the work and process of the artists.
More Information

Conversations on the Creative Economy - Kim Bartmann: From Coffee Shop to Dining Empire
Thursday, February 21, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Food Building, 1401 Marshall Street Northeast

Kim Bartmann loves the creativity and energy that comes from imagining and opening a restaurant. Her career started with one coffee shop. She now owns numerous Twin Cities restaurants like Barbette and Tiny Diner. As her business has grown and expanded so has her activism, from supporting women chefs to embracing sustainability. Join Chris Farrell to learn more about Bartmann’s creative journey and her plans for the future.
More Information

Lake Street Minneapolis logo

Lake Street Small Business Saturdays
Saturday, February 23, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
La La Homemade Ice Cream, 3146 Hennepin Ave. S.

Tacos, music, ice cream, books and more! Let's support our small businesses and shop local together. On the last Saturday of every month from January through May, join as Lake Street hosts a series of pop-ups at some of their favorite Lake Street businesses.

This month stop by La La Homemade Ice Cream to sip hot cocoa and indulge in pie a la mode, win prizes and get fun Visit Lake Street swag.
More Information

Neighborhood Roots Winter Market @ Bachmann’s
Saturday, February 23, 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
6010 Lyndale Ave. S.

Eat and shop healthy, even in winter. 
More Information

2019 Minneapolis Preservation Awards Celebration
Thursday, February 28, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
A-Mill Artist Lofts, 315 Southeast Main Street 

Join fellow preservation practitioners, enthusiasts and boosters with a celebration of the 27th Annual Minneapolis Preservation Awards. Re-imagined with an after-work, informal, happy-hour vibe, this year’s awards event will feature live music, appetizers, cash bar and a concise and lively program recognizing the 2019 winners, and plenty of time to mix and mingle with Minneapolis’ preservation movers and shakers.
More Information


New/Expanding Businesses

Food/Beverage

coffee drinks photo

Health/Fitness

Coworking Space


In the News

Minneapolis is No. 2 in the nation for women who make more than their male partners
Read more in City Pages

Patisserie 46 baker makes Team USA’s baking World Cup team
Read more in Southwest Journal

Hai Hai and 'Top Chef' contestant win big at Twin Cities Charlie Awards
Read more in the StarTribune

Downtown Council Launches Effort to Boost Minneapolis Retail
Read more in Twin Cities Business

NDC turns troubled street corners into areas of opportunity in Minneapolis-St. Paul
Read more in the StarTribune 


About this Newsletter

Growing MPLS is published monthly by the City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development Department. If you have questions, please contact Kelly Stacken.

For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please call 311 at 612-673-3000.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users can call 612-673-2157 or 612-673-2626.

 

Para asistencia 612-673-2700, Yog xav tau kev pab, hu 612-673-2800, Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 612-673-3500.

minneapolismn.gov