The City of Minneapolis is gearing up to bring the community in on the latest developments concerning the New Nicollet Redevelopment Project, hosting an open house on March 7 at the Abyssinia Cultural Center, where they'll unveil new roadway and public space design concepts, this center is located at 322 W. Lake St., Minneapolis.
Looking to rebuild Nicollet Avenue between Lake Street and Cecil Newman Lane, the City eyes a transformation, envisioning a bustling high-density, mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly zone, following the demolition of the former Kmart building last November, they demolished this building to make way for redevelopment that is supposed to usher in enhanced living and working conditions for locals.
In a statement obtained by the City of Minneapolis, City Operations Officer Margaret Anderson Kelliher expressed her enthusiasm, saying "It’s so exciting to see the New Nicollet Redevelopment Project reach another important milestone," she also appreciated community involvement, noting that "This project is truly a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape this site in south Minneapolis and reknit the neighborhoods around the former Kmart site together."
With input from local residents, city policies, and the overarching goals of the project in mind, city staff have curated recommended concepts for the infrastructure and public areas; they are ready to present these to the community before proceeding to pitch them to the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey this coming spring, with the subsequent stage focusing mainly on further development and engagement set to kick off in the summer of 2024.
Interested locals are welcome to drop in at the open house event, scheduled from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, promising a family-friendly atmosphere complete with design displays and a chance to interact with the project staff. For more information about the New Nicollet Redevelopment Project and updates, visit the official website at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/news/2024/february/new-nicollet-redevelopment-project/.
