The City of Minneapolis is swinging its doors wide open to the public, showcasing the latest design concepts for the ambitious New Nicollet Redevelopment project. Scheduled for March 7, the open house will be located at the Abyssinia Cultural Center from 5-7 p.m., inviting residents to get an up-close look at the future of their community.

Following the demolition of the former Kmart building last November, the City's gears have been turning to revamp Nicollet Avenue into a vibrant street complete with mixed-use spaces, designed to foster a walkable neighborhood. Sitting between Lake Street and Cecil Newman Lane, the reconstruction site holds the potential to stitch together the fabric of South Minneapolis neighborhoods. Nonetheless, the displayed designs at the upcoming open house will not only present the roadway plans but also the various public spaces that are part of this major overhaul.

Officials have sifted through community feedback and city policies to handpick the proposed designs for the New Nicollet. These selections are set to be laid out before the community next month and then forwarded to the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey come spring. As outlined by the original announcement, the open house is shaping up to be a family-friendly affair where city staff will mingle with attendees, providing insights into the proposed concepts.

Moving ahead, the project will enter its next phase which includes the development plan. Until then, Minneapolis residents have a chance to weigh in on the transformative journey of The New Nicollet, planting seeds for a modern, high-density district that's ready to grow with the aspirations of its populace.