Neighborhood Spotlight: North Loop
At the Cynthia Froid Group, we keep a close eye on our beloved downtown Minneapolis neighborhoods. In this blog post series, we will be highlighting neighborhoods across downtown and why we love where we live and work.
North Loop Neighborhood
Nestled at the North End of downtown, the North Loop is richly filled with both history and revival. Between its historical past to its burgeoning future, the North Loop is worth checking out - whether you’re in town for just a day, or deciding to call the neighborhood your next home!
History of the North Loop Neighborhood
The North Loop, named for a trolly line from the late 1800s, was the commercial hub of Minneapolis. Between the late 1880s to the early 1930s, it became a bustling manufacturing and distribution center. Along the railroad tracks, companies built their warehouses and factories, and benefitted from our extensive rail system for shipping and receiving. Amongst the companies situated in the neighborhood were wholesale businesses, farm implement dealers, to Milky Way candy bars, Creamette Pasta, and Lavoris mouthwash, to name a few!
As the North Loop Neighborhood Association notes, “a half million Model Ts were built at Ford’s assembly plant here, and farm implement dealers including John Deere received and shipped scores of plows, tractors and other machinery needed to break the prairie soil.”
By 1919 the wholesaling and warehousing business in the North Loop became a billion dollar industry.
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Companies eventually turned towards newer forms of transport that would allow for spread that allowed to not be located amongst the railroad. When the Great Depression hit, the North Loop steadily declined as the companies that built the area began to disperse. The buildings sat vacant for decades, and at the turn of the century began to revitalize, where historic warehouses began to become welcomed as housing and modern business centers.
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Find more history on North Loop buildings by perusing Loop Backs from the North Loop Neighborhood Association.
NORTH LOOP TODAY
From warehouses to chic condos, the North Loop’s real estate realm is vivacious and thriving.
Described by Forbes magazine as “One of America’s Best Hipster Neighborhoods.” It’s no wonder that Fodors Travel Guide puts the booming neighborhood on a list of 25 places in the world that avid travelers should check out and that Thrillist raved about the amazing “rags to riches” story.
From old, abandoned warehouses and livestock facilities, to living spaces, restaurants, and retail, the North Loop touts a grand revitalization. Keeping history alive while moving chicly into the future is what defines the architecture and vibe of the North Loop - and we’re here for it!
The Guide
to DO in the North Loop:
From breweries, cocktail lounges, and coffee hot-spots, to fine dining, you can find ample entertainment in the North Loop. We suggest:
Sipping in style at Spyhouse Coffee
Spyhouse Coffee’s fourth location does not disappoint. Opening in 2015 in a new NL apartment, Spyhouse was inspired by the North Loop community, including its aesthetic and design. It’s chic styling reflects the neighborhood and offers a welcoming lounge, work, and meeting space at the cafe within its doors.
Catching open mic night at Acme Comedy Co.
Founded in 1991, Acme Comedy Company is regarded as one of the best comedy clubs in the country! Located in the historic Itasca Building, Acme offers an intimate stand-up venue fit for open mics for the up-and-coming comedian to formal events with all-star stand up comics. While you enjoy the show, Sticks Restaurant is there to provide libations and a full menu to the club’s attendees.
Taking a stroll or ride along the river
With its winding trails along the riverside, the North Loop offers many paths for walking, jogging, and biking for activity throughout the seasons. Taking a stroll along West River Parkway will lead you to the Mill District, and on your way travel down the banks of the river through various walking paths and bridges, and stop at the North Loop Playground with your wee ones.
Shopping the North Loop “Strip”
From Cooks of Crocus Hill with its new and very welcome, Belle Cour pop-up addition to clothing shops, the North Loop offers a variety of shopping including some of our favorites such as D.Nolo, Parc Boutique, Pacifier, Russel + Hazel, Lululemon, Martin Patrick 3, and new additions West Elm and Madewell to name a few! Start out on N 1st Street and wind your way to Washington Ave for the perfect Saturday!
to EAT & DRINK:
Dine or Take-out at New Sushi Hot-Spot Billy Sushi
One of the most exciting additions to the North Loop scene this year is Billy Sushi. Billy sushi is owned by the founder of Sushi Fix, the first food truck in the metro which evolved into a downtown Wayzata brick and mortar staple. If that wasn’t impressive enough, “Billy went on to open a Mexican restaurant as well as start a poke burrito food truck that also evolved into a downtown Minneapolis location. But his “Sushi a-BILLY-Te” eventually led him back to his roots and the North Loop.”
Said best by Billy Sushi themselves, “If Billy is here when you visit, and he usually is, you’ll know it. His love of life and people will be obvious as he greets guests at the door, table hops, and laughs his way into your hearts.”
Pop-by the Bellecour Pop-up!
All is right with the world when Bellecour is involved. From the delectable pain au chocolat to the superbly crafted crêpe cake, these sublime creations are just what the neighborhood ordered! Located in Spoon and Stable at 210 N 1st street across from owner Gavin Kaysen’s Spoon and Stable, we hope the pop-up along with it’s award winning pastry chef Diane Moua never leave!
Dine outside in the North Loop Breeze
From Smack Shack, to Spoon and Stable, to BLG. The North Loop Galley, to Freehouse, to Borough and Parlour, to the exclusive Demi, the North Loop has dining options for any appetite. Lounge outdoors with expansive patios, and listen to the sounds of the city. Ahh, we can smell the Smack Shack fries from here!
LIVing in the North Loop
If you’re interested in living in the North Loop, here are a list of buildings both historic and new to call home. With each building offering a different, unique way of living, you can find your future home in the North Loop with the Cynthia Froid Group.
OUR ACTIVE LISTINGS IN THE North Loop
IN THE PRESS
A collaboration between two Twin Cities culinary kingpins is coming to the North Loop. Soon.
Bellecour chef/owner Gavin Kaysen and pastry chef Diane Moua are launching a temporary iteration of their Wayzata bakery in a portion of the space that Cooks of Crocus Hill uses as a culinary school and retail store.
- the Star Tribune, Chef Gavin Kaysen is opening a Bellecour bakery pop-up in the North Loop
Additional Sources:
Minnesota Historical Society • North Loop • Journal Mpls • StarTribune
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