The North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis is one of the most unique neighborhoods in the city. Home of the new Minnesota Twins Target Field and extending from the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market at I-94 and Glenwood all the way to the Mississippi River and Hennepin Avenue this area is like a crazy quilt mosaic of different uses.
The neighborhood gets it official name from the ‘north loop’ of railroad lines and streetcars that ran through the area and made it the commercial hub and industrial center of Minneapolis in the 1800s. As the industrial boom declined and shipping favored trucks over trains this area also declined.
Now a vibrant urban community in the shadow of downtown Minneapolis, its resurgence started in the 1970s when artists discovered that the old warehouses offered large spaces with low rents and it became the home of artist lofts and galleries. Although this area still has some art galleries, the Minneapolis art scene has now moved more to Northeast Minneapolis… and the North Loop, often referred to as the Warehouse District, now includes both the entertainment district and an intriguing mix of industrial, commercial, offices and residential lofts both old and new.
The shift to residential lofts started in the 1980s when the Itasca became the first warehouse conversion from industrial use to business and residential lofts in Minneapolis. Since that time development has included both original warehouse loft conversions and new construction in the open loft style.
It’s hard to truly get a feel for the area simply by driving through it. When you get out and walk the streets you can feel the energy and unique juxtaposition of industrial, commericial and residential, with fine local restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques thrown in… don’t expect to find any chains in this neighborhood!
The northern border of this neighborhood is the Mississippi River and James I. Rice West River Parkway… right on the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, a 50-mile circuit of bike paths and walking trails through parks and around lakes and rivers.
This area has newly constructed rowhouses, and spacious luxury townhomes bordering the riverfront parkway. Contact us if you are interested in living in this vibrant neighborhood.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – Email– Minneapolis Lofts Realtor
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