The current building renaissance in downtown Minneapolis is incredible, no where more evident than in the area around the new US Bank Stadium and Wells Fargo Towers. Bordering the new 4.2 acre public green space known as The Commons, this 'square' on the site of the former Star Tribune complex transforms this area to feel like a gateway to the city, opening up a fabulous view of the central downtown skyline.
'Boutique' seems to be the word used to describe both apartments and new hotels near the stadium… signifying smaller buildings and services in unique settings. Three Edition boutique apartment buildings open onto the park Commons, and two boutique hotels are also in the works nearby. Radisson Red is scheduled to open November 16, 2016… a hotel with a bar but no front desk, staff 'creatives' will circulate with iPads to offer help checking in, getting keyless room access, ordering food… all with a smartphone app. The historic Thresher Square building, a longtime favorite building of mine, is expected to become a boutique Canopy by Hilton hotel in time for the Super Bowl in 2018.
But perhaps what excites me the most is the anticipated arrival of Trader Joe's at the corner of Washington and Chicago. Although condos have developed in the Mill District along the riverfront over the past 20 years with beautiful views and walking paths there haven't been services nearby so it really isn't a walkable neighborhood… Trader Joe's arrival is a welcome step in that direction.
These are but a sampling of the many new building projects throughout East Town, you can hardly make a turn without seeing construction equipment somewhere!
It's interesting that I wrote my very first neighborhood blog post in 2008 on the new Gold Medal Park next to the Guthrie Theater built a couple years earlier on the riverfront. Historic buildings and apartments were being converted into condos in this Mill District, and many new condo buildings were being constructed in the area at that time.
It amazing how much the trees have grown and the neighborhood has developed in the last 10 years… we were even able to walk to Izzy's for homemade ice cream when we were recently in the area. East Town Minneapolis is growing up.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – Downtown Minneapolis Realtor
HomesMSP Team - Sharlene, John, Angela – Minneapolis-St. Paul Neighborhoods
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