Over the next several weeks, a new project to add homes to one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Minneapolis will come in front of the Planning Commission, and you can show support to help to make it happen. The land, at 600 Main St SE near the Mississippi River and just across the street from the Stone Arch Bridge and Father Hennepin Bluff Park, is currently a parking lot.

However, the park board lacks the funds and has declined any future plan to acquire the site; the owner has also indicated that they have no interest in selling the land to the MPRB.

Instead, the owner is proposing a project to add 104 homes for senior citizens. They also plan to work with the MPRB to design, build, and maintain pedestrian and/or bike trails at private expense to connect with trails at Father Hennepin Bluff Park.

Why more homes on this site could be a net positive or win-win scenario:

While we would support the conversion of this property into park land, there appears to be no plan for that to take place. The proposed trail next to these future homes could fulfill many of the original goals that the MPRB set to begin with, while also creating 104 homes in an area with walking access to parks, restaurants, grocery, retail and high-frequency transit. The MPRB has indicated support for the project to the developer and to the City. This would be an excellent outcome for the site and help create more connected parklands and more homes for our neighbors!

How to Help

This project will go to the Planning Commission's Committee of the Whole on Thursday, June 25th at 4:30 PM. Then it will go to a public hearing in the future.

Email or call city council members and members of the planning commission this week to let them know that we support more homes in Minneapolis! This is especially important if you are a resident of Ward 3. We are also seeking folks to attend the public hearing to speak in support of the project, or simply pack the room with supporters. Together, let’s tell the city council and the public that this development delivers more homes and recreational green space open to public use.