 Today, Mayor Jacob Frey announced that the City is officially moving forward with the flexible-open street concept for George Floyd Square — a major milestone years in the making and a pivotal moment for the community’s future.
After extensive engagement with residents, businesses, and local leaders, the City is advancing a community-driven vision that honors George Floyd while creating a space centered on healing, unity, and shared growth. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.
“Thousands of voices shaped this plan, and today we turned years of work into real progress,” Mayor Jacob Frey said. “Approving the flexible open option means we are finally moving forward together."
With the flexible-open street design now approved, the project will move into the next phase of detailed design and implementation. The project team will continue engaging with the community as the plan is finalized. The design ensures that essential upgrades can move forward while preserving space for memorials, art, and community gatherings.
“I am so excited about the approval of the flexible open option for George Floyd Square/38th and Chicago,” said Council Member Andrea Jenkins. “This action represents a victory for community voices and a commitment to the future of this sacred space. Throughout years of engagement, the residents, business owners, and stakeholders of Ward 8 made it overwhelmingly clear that they wanted a solution that honors George Floyd's memory while supporting the economic vitality of our neighborhood. This flexible approach does exactly that; it preserves the square as a place of reflection and remembrance while creating opportunities for Black-owned businesses to thrive and our community to gather.
Jenkins continued, “George Floyd's life mattered, and this decision ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire justice, healing, and economic empowerment for generations to come. I am proud to stand with my community in making this vision a reality. I want to thank my colleagues and all of the community members who continue to stand strong on their convictions.”
“As someone who owns property here and cares a lot about this neighborhood, I’m encouraged to see a plan that finally brings us together,” said PJ Hill, local property owner and business leader. “The flexible-open design respects the history that shaped George Floyd Square while creating a path forward that invites people back to support local shops, take part in community events, and feel proud of this space again. I’m grateful to see the City and community working together toward a solution that benefits everyone.”
Background
Since 2020, the City has partnered with community members through forums, focus groups, workshops, and neighborhood dialogues to shape the future of George Floyd Square. This years-long process produced a comprehensive vision that includes:
- Racial and cultural values and priorities to guide the future of the Square.
- Criteria for the use and community-centered stewardship of the People’s Way site.
- Locations and processes for future memorials.
- A recommended street and sidewalk design that supports art, memorials, transit access, and safe public use.
Approved Flexible Open Street Design
The newly adopted street concept for 38th Street East and Chicago Avenue features a flexible open design that allows the street to be closed for public gatherings and community events. The design:
- Makes it safer to walk, roll, and bike.
- Restores Metro Transit service along Chicago Avenue, including the busiest bus route in the state.
- Maintains vehicle access while ensuring no transit or vehicle traffic crosses the location where George Floyd was murdered.
- Provides new sidewalks, planted boulevards, green stormwater systems, pedestrian lighting, off-street bikeways, and additional trees.
- Preserves and expands space for memorials, art, and community expression.
The reconstruction work — identified as necessary even before 2020 — will replace aging infrastructure, remove lead service lines, and coordinate with future memorial and redevelopment plans for the People’s Way site.
Learn more about the City’s work at George Floyd Square.
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