Minneapolis Love
Photo courtesy of Spacecrafting
We love downtown, and had a feeling you did too. We were overwhelmed with the amount of responses we received when we asked you all to share the answer to two simple questions- What do you love about downtown? What do you think would make downtown even better?
It was amazing to read about how many of you truly love this beautiful city and all of the ideas on how to make downtown an even better place to live. We received so many responses that we couldn’t share everything, but we found a few specifics were repeated.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT Downtown MINNEAPOLIS?
A lot of people love the green spaces and walkability of Downtown:
“The amazing walkability to shopping, restaurants, pro sports venues, concerts, bike trails, and yoga! Also, let’s not forget the amazing parks and the Stone Arch Bridge!” - Dan Watje
“I love how walkable everything is downtown and how there are always new places to explore. I love our skyway systems and love how clean it is for a big city.” - Grace Skarda
“It’s a walkable city and has lots of small businesses.” C.
“The paths, parks and trails along the river – clean, bikeable and walkable.” Mark Mele
Many others highlighted the beauty and energy of living downtown:
“We have the most gorgeous skyline! The buildings rising up over and reflecting into the river at night? Wow!” - Margit Berman
“Being in the middle of the Urban core, the center of social life, the energy of the city! To be able to walk/bike to the store, to your neighborhood bar, brewery, restaurants, theatre, sporting events, music venues, shops, and museums. Bonus: we have the river, lakes, bridges, green spaces and wildlife all around us in the city!!
I feel like I'm part of the downtown community even if I'm just in my condo with my balcony door open, I can always hear people, cars, the light rail and even live music!” - Christina Frey
“I love the gorgeous old library and the kind souls who work there knowing it is a space of myriad purposes and perplexities. I love the view from the Foshay roof deck and the powerful wind that shocks you with immediacy. I love watching the little youths in line at First Ave, excited and nervous for their first show at an iconic venue.” - K.
Events are also a huge draw for downtown living:
“So much to do: Cultural opportunities, fun bars and sports events. Like the energy when people come in from the suburbs for games.” - J.
“Love the number of events that happen throughout the year; the farmers markets, Art shows and beer dabblers.” - Jennifer Brown
“Entertainment amenities: US Bank, Target Field/Center, Acme Comedy, Armory” -C.
what do you think could make downtown even better?
Rendering courtesy of Nicollet Project
The top response to this question was transportation. Changes to the light rail was singled out in particular:
“Safer light rail and more restaurants in Elliott Park.” - Dan Watje
“More scrutiny in monitoring safety on the light rail.” - C.
“I wish there were more bike paths!” - Jennifer Brown
We also received a lot of push for increased retail space:
“Bring back some major retailers – all that beautiful retail space – all dressed up and no place to go! The city ought to be aggressively courting a major anchor retailer or boutique outlets with significant, long-term tax, parking and lease incentives – pitching the growth of the downtown population.” - Mark Mele
“More convenience/drug stores.” - L
“We need more retail ... downtown Minneapolis use to have a great retail presence with Dayton’s/Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Barnes and Noble ... now that the residential population is growing we need more retail.”- J.
There were also many ideas about more investment in community:
“Upkeep of green spaces (median with trees and flowers), more public restrooms, trashcans, skyways open in the evening. Community groups doing safety walks, clean ups, adopting areas to care for and work with Police to have dialogue of what concerns residents have and how to assist.” - Christina Frey
“What would make downtown better is if people would come back! It’s coming back slowly but it’s so sad having it be so empty. Another thing that would make downtown better if if there were more options open later. I work downtown and used to love eating dinner after work, but now I leave when I get hungry because spots are so limited to eat.” - Grace Skarda
“Livable cities and vibrant communities are because of people. Inspire us again to meet one another. Inspire us to participate in the dance of life. Inspire us to discover her old wonders and new tricks. Inspire us to represent her and seduce her as our own. Inspire us to make sure she is cared for and showcased and preserved for all she is.” - K.
“In the 1980s, the warehouse district was an arts district like Lowertown or NE are now. Friday nights were gallery openings, wine, cheese, people in the streets. I would love to see that kind of energy and activity back in downtown Mpls. again.” - Margit Berman
We’d love to hear from you. What do you love about downtown? What do you think could make downtown even better? Let’s continue the conversation-send us an email, and your answer might be used in a future feature.