Oppidan considers townhomes or five-story apartment building

In the second option, a five-story building with 96 units of workforce housing would be built. It would include a parking garage with 55 cars and a surface lot with space for 41 cars next to the existing parking lot for the Lowa46 building. (Graphic submitted)

Community feedback on Cub site options will be solicited at Nov. 1 meeting

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Oppidan is considering a low-density and a high-density approach to the south end of the property that will soon house a Cub and a five-story apartment building with 148 units.
Drew Johnson of Oppidan asked for feedback on the two options during the Oct. 2 Neighborhood Development and Transportation (NDTC) meeting.
The proposal will also be discussed during a community meeting on Nov. 1, 6-7:30pm, at the Hiawatha School Recreation Center, 4305 E. 42nd St.
Lowa46, the five-story structure on the north end of the lot along 46th St. and Snelling, will be complete in 2019. Cub Foods is expected to open in April or May, and the apartment complex in June or July.
Phase two of the project involves the two-acre triangular shaped area on the south side, between the old Bridgeman’s and Dairy Queen.
Photo right: Drew Johnson of Oppidan shares two options for development on the south side of the Cub parcel with Neighborhood Development Transportation Committee members during the Oct. 2 meeting. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
This parcel was part of a 12-acre area identified as a Town Center site in a 2002 study based on neighborhood input. This plan provided the framework for Oppidan’s vision for high-density use at the site. The plan called for 450 units of housing clustered around the light rail station and 95,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, pointed out Johnson. In 2013, the study was updated, and a goal set to expand diverse multi-family housing options near the light rail station.
“We’re taking our framework from these documents, but we want to get feedback,” stated Johnson.
Two options
In the low-density option, Oppidan proposes the construction of eight townhomes in a row along the Min Hi Line. The front doors and parking would face west (towards the six-story apartment building that has been proposed by Reuter Walter on the old Bridgeman’s site).
However, the planning documents seem to support a denser plan, observed Johnson.
In the second option, a five-story building with 96 units of workforce housing would be built. It would include a parking garage with 55 cars and a surface lot with space for 41 cars next to the existing parking lot for the Lowa46 building. Access will be from the south along Nawadaha or north from 46th and the Snelling Ave. extension.
The new building would offer 580-square-feet studios (15 total), 750-square-feet one-bedroom apartments (37 total), 950-square-feet two-bedroom units (22 total), and 1,000-square-feet two-bedroom units (22 total).
While the Lowa46 building on the north side will be market rate with rent prices at about $2 a square foot or $1,800 for a one bedroom, Oppidan is proposing that the building on the south be workforce housing with rent prices at about $1.30 a square foot or $900 for a one-bedroom. This would be possible through the use of low-income housing credits, a national program that the state administers, said Johnson.
One of the major factors that will determine whether the high-density option is even possible is whether the large Xcel transmission tower is moved, observed Johnson. Oppidan would apply for a Met Council grant to help with the “extraordinary costs of moving the tower.”
Is community input valued?
Some have questioned whether Oppidan really factors in community feedback, as it didn’t seem to affect the grocery store chosen at the site.
According to Johnson, Hyvee was interested in the site but wanted the amount of parking you’d find in a suburban neighborhood. They said they’d come if the parking lot size was doubled, and the city wouldn’t agree to that. On the other hand, Cub was willing to work within the regulations at the site.
Also, for every person that suggested another option such as Aldi’s or Trader Joe’s, there were people saying, “I love Cub,” said Johnson.

Cub, Oppidan break ground on grocery store, apartment complex

The grocery store will be on the first floor of a five-story building that also includes 3,000 square feet of small-shop retail, 148 market-rate apartments, and a large public plaza. The grocery store is expected to open in the spring of 2019, and residents will begin moving into the apartments in the summer of 2019. (Graphic courtesy of Cub)

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
A Cub store at 46th and Hiawatha, featuring a new urban design, will be the first to anchor a residential complex being developed by Excelsior-based Oppidan Investment Company.
At 46,000-square-feet, the store will be about half the size of a typical Cub store. The existing Cub store on Lake St. that has recently been remodeled will remain.
“We’re going to build a pretty incredible store,” said Cub Foods President of Operations Chad Ferguson during a groundbreaking ceremony on Thur., Mar. 15. “This will be truly unique.”
He pointed out that in addition to stocking groceries for meals made from scratch, the new store will offer inspirational items that require some food prep, as well as full meals that are ready to go.
 

Photo right: “We’re going to build a pretty incredible store,” said Cub Foods President of Operations Chad Ferguson during a groundbreaking ceremony on Mar. 15. “This will be truly unique.” In addition to a large deli area with Quick and Easy® and made-to-order meals, the new urban store will feature a theater-feel popcorn shop, a farmer’s market layout in the produce section, enhanced floral gift space, and a pharmacy. Delivery services for the neighborhood and apartment complex will be available. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a spacious outdoor seating area, complete with bicycle parking, as well as a walk-up window serving coffees, ice creams, and signature cookie sandwiches year-round from the Refresh! juice bar. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
The design of the store features multiple entrances, lots of natural light, and an expansive indoor café-style space that welcomes guests to take a break or plug-in for work.
“We’re evolving our look and feel while showcasing new shopping innovations for a better experience for our customers. We feel this new format Cub is a perfect fit for this neighborhood,” said Anne Dament, Executive Vice President of Retail, Marketing, and Private Brands at SuperValu.
Fostering community
One of Cub’s four pillars is Cub in the community, pointed out Ferguson, and this new store will foster a community atmosphere in ways other Cub stores don’t because of its location within a transit-orientated, mixed-use development near a Blue Line station.
The grocery store will be on the first floor of a five-story building that also includes 3,000 square feet of small-shop retail, 148 market-rate apartments, and a large public plaza. The site was formerly home to the Creative KidStuff corporate office building that was recently demolished.
“We’re very excited to see the culmination of over a year of planning and development,” said Drew Johnson, Vice President of Oppidan Investment Company. “Cub has done a great job responding to and incorporating stakeholder feedback into their store design. The finished project will be a tremendous asset to the neighborhood.”
Photo left: “We’re very excited to see the culmination of over a year of planning and development,” said Drew Johnson, Vice President of Oppidan Investment Company. “Cub has done a great job responding to and incorporating stakeholder feedback into their store design. The finished project will be a tremendous asset to the neighborhood.” (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
“You couldn’t pick a better location,” said Andrew Johnson, Minneapolis Ward 12 Council Member. “It’s across the street from the busiest park in the state, on LRT and BRT lines with several prominent bike paths nearby, and a short walk to Minnehaha Creek and the Mississippi River.”
The development serves as the pilot phase of the two-mile “Min Hi Line,” a multi-modal pedestrian path and linear park that will eventually provide connectivity from Minnehaha Park all the way to the Midtown Greenway. This pilot project will be constructed on a section of former railroad right-of-way now owned by the city of Minneapolis.
“It’s an idea whose time has finally come with the Oppidan development because they choose to orientate their development to the line,” remarked Min-Hi Line co-founder Cora Peterson, who grew up in East Nokomis.
Photo right: The development serves as the pilot phase of the two-mile “Min Hi Line,“ a multi-modal pedestrian path and linear park that will eventually provide connectivity from Minnehaha Park all the way to the Midtown Greenway. “It’s an idea whose time has finally come with the Oppidan development because they choose to orientate their development to the line,” remarked Min Hi Line co-founder Cora Peterson, who grew up in East Nokomis. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
The line will help green the urban landscape and provide social connectedness, Peterson pointed out. “The development of the Min-Hi Line is the next step to ensure that Minneapolis and the Twin Cities continue to lead in quality of life nationally,” she said.
Innovative features
This new, urban design comes as the Stillwater-based Cub celebrates its 50th anniversary. Cub was established in 1968 as one of the nation’s first discount grocery stores. The organization was purchased in 1980 by SuperValu® and operates 80 grocery stores in Minnesota and Illinois. Nearly all of the large supermarket chains are testing smaller market stores in response to customers who may not want to walk through large stores anymore and are used to shopping online.
Ferguson credited the many Cub staff members who helped give life to the innovative features in this urban design.
In addition to a large deli area with Quick and Easy® and made-to-order meals, the new urban store will feature a theater-feel popcorn shop, a farmer’s market layout in the produce section, enhanced floral gift space, and a pharmacy. Delivery services for the neighborhood and apartment complex will be available.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy a spacious outdoor seating area, complete with bicycle parking, as well as a walk-up window serving coffees, ice creams, and signature cookie sandwiches year-round from the Refresh! juice bar.
“There will be so many cool touches that will make this not only a place to pick up groceries, but a place to gather—and create a social experience which I know is important to the area,” said Ferguson.
Development fulfills local vision from 2002
In the 1960s, a six-lane freeway was planned for Hiawatha Ave., but the neighbors said, “No,” recalled Hennepin County District 4 Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, who lives a few blocks away from the Oppidan development. Through the transformative power of the neighbor’s vision, the area is home to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), light rail (LRT), small businesses, apartments, and more.
In 2002, the county invested a small amount to fashion a plan for the area at 46th and Hiawatha, based on neighborhood input, pointed out McLaughlin. This plan provided the framework for Oppidan’s vision for high-density use at the site.
“This area of Minneapolis has experienced exciting growth with higher-density residential projects, due in part to its proximity to downtown, MSP Airport, the Blue Line light rail, bike trails and Minnehaha Regional Park,” said Oppidan Vice President of Development Drew Johnson. “However, the neighborhood does not have a full-serve grocery store to complement this residential growth. When this project opens, over 10,000 people will be within a 10-minute walk of this store.”
The grocery store is expected to open in the spring of 2019, and residents will begin moving into the apartments in the summer of 2019. The project’s general contractor is Anderson Companies, and the architect is Pope.

Well-known Minnesota chef plans to open restaurant in The Capp

Development near 46th and Hiawatha will also include grocery store, other retail, and 150 apartments

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
James Beard Award nominee chef Erick Harcey plans to open a new restaurant next year in The CAPP building, a mixed-use project near 46th and Hiawatha that will include a grocery store.
The restaurant at 3939 46th St. E. will be part of a five-story mixed-use development proposed by Excelsior-based Oppidan Investment Company. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2018.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to develop a restaurant in the Longfellow neighborhood,” Harcey said in a press release. “My team and I are looking forward to bringing an approachable space to the area and a destination for all.”
Name, concept still unknown
The new 4,000-foot, one-story restaurant building (illustration right provided by Oppidan) with outdoor seating will be located on the northwest slice of the property, between the extension of Snelling Ave. and the railroad tracks. The five-story building with the grocery store will be to the east, replacing the current structure that houses Creative Kidstuff’s corporate offices.
Harcey has not yet picked a name for his new restaurant, and other details, including concept and menu, are still in the works.
The new restaurant in Longfellow near Minnehaha Park comes at a time of flux for Harcey, who has recently stopped serving the “Perfect Burger” at his Victory 44 restaurant in North Minneapolis and shuttered the Upton 43 and Dirty Bird take-out in Linden Hills. The Upton 43, known for its modern spin on Nordic food, will be reopening at a smaller location in the North Loop.
Harcey’s deep Swedish roots are at the source of his cooking, according to his website.
“He has never quite recreated, in later life, the joy of coming home from school in Cambridge, MN, and smell, before he even opened the door, that his mother was baking potato dill bread. And it was several long talks near the end of his Swedish grandfather’s life that gave him the ultimate vision for Upton 43. But Chef Harcey is just as influenced by Marco Pierre White’s White Heat, and the insatiable inventiveness of Ferran Adría.”
When he’s not in the kitchen or planning a new restaurant, Harcey might be found coaching one of his four son’s baseball teams or trying to get a fat walleye to bite the end of his line.
No grocery store named yet
Both the restaurant building and the five-story structure with a grocery store, 150 apartments and pedestrian-friendly town center were reviewed by the city’s planning commission on July 17.
“We received project approvals from the Minneapolis planning commission about a month ago and are very excited, but still have some big challenges,” said Drew Johnson of Oppidan.
Photo right: James Beard Award nominee chef Erick Harcey plans to open a new restaurant next year in The CAPP building near Hiawatha and 46th, part of a multi-use development that will include 150 apartments and a grocery store. (Illustrations courtesy of Oppidan)
A grocer has not yet been selected.
“Now that we are approved, we’re going to the market to see who can best meet/achieve the specific land-use requirements of Minneapolis,” said Johnson.
Challenge ahead for the project include funding for the public improvements, including the new city street, Min Hi Line trail project, and relocating the Xcel power poles.
The city approved a variance to increase the maximum allowed gross floor area for commercial use from 20,000 square feet to 47,280 square feet, subject to a few conditions. Staff recommended that a principal entrance, accessible to the public during the open hours of operation, be prominently located at the corner of 46th St and Snelling Ave., and at least one commercial tenant space in addition to the grocery store face 46th St.
The city also requires that architectural elements, such as windows, shall be incorporated on the north, east and west building elevations to prevent blank, uninterrupted walls exceeding 25 feet in width as required by section 530.120 of the zoning code. On the west elevation of the elevator/stair tower and at the upper floors of the corner of the building facing 46th St and Snelling Ave, additional consideration shall be given to ensure the corner of the building is an attractive focal point with visual interest. Also, to be consistent with the zoning code, the exterior appearance of the face brick and thin brick cladding on the insulated precast wall panels will match, and the types of metal panel used will be limited to two, one of which will be an accent material.
At least 32 bicycle parking spaces must be provided for the nonresidential uses. Bicycle parking facilities provided between the building and 46th St. will be oriented parallel to the building. Oppidan was directed to explore relocating the bike parking to a location that is not between the building and a street, as well as options for installing discontinuous curbing to allow the on-site retention and infiltration of stormwater in landscaped areas.
The planning commission also gave a deadline for the project: all site improvements shall be completed by July 17, 2019.

No specific grocery store picked yet for 46th and Hiawatha

Residents crowd meeting for information and to share input on grocery store proposed for ‘town square retail’ site

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Over 100 residents showed up at the Hiawatha School Recreation Center to talk about a potential grocery store at 46th St. and Hiawatha during a Feb. 23 community meeting, filling up the available space and spilling into the hallway.
‘Why a grocery store at this site?’ wondered some.
“The demand for groceries in this part of the city is incredible high,” remarked Joe Bernard, Minneapolis Principal Planner. “There’s demand for more than one grocery store in this location.”
Illustration right: A market analysis shows that $1.5 million in grocery store sales are leaving the trade area each week. Grocery offerings not currently in the trade area include a hot bar with indoor/outdoor seating, a full deli, a bakery, floral and ethnic/specialty foods.(Illustration provided)
Oppidan has proposed investing $38-44 million in a five-story building. The 5.7-acre parcel that currently houses the Creative Kidstuff building, and sits adjacent to the Burger King, Holiday, strip mall and Falls Liquor.
According to Drew Johnson, Oppidan’s planning began with a review of the city’s transit-oriented development guidelines for the area, starting with the 2001 committee recommendations for the neighborhood and followed by the 2014 update.
Phase one would include 45,000 square feet of retail on the ground level with 146 apartments in upper levels and resident parking beneath. To encourage residents to use the nearby public transportation options, there would be less than one parking space allocated per apartment, according to Johnson. A second-story plaza would be used by building residents while a smaller outdoor plaza on the ground floor would be used by shoppers.
“Everything is preliminary,” stressed Johnson.
Photo right: According to Drew Johnson of Oppidan, phase one of the project would include 45,000 square feet of retail on the ground level with 146 apartments in upper levels and parking beneath for residents. Developers have not yet selected a specific grocery store, but note the space available would fit a medium-size store. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Developers have not yet selected a specific grocery store to fit into the 45,000 sq ft retail space, but note the space available would fit a medium-size store. To put that in perspective, a Hyvee is typically 90,000 sq ft, a Cub ranges from 65-80,000 sq ft, Lunds & Byerly’s range from 50-90,000 sq ft, a Trader Joe’s is 12,000 sq ft, and an Aldi is 19,000 sq ft.
A large, underground system would collect water run-off and treat it.
Other green space would be along the former railroad track, which those with the Mi Hi Line Coalition (www.minhiline.org) envision becoming a bike/walk trail and linear park.
Traffic concerns
Residents are concerned about traffic on 46th, especially the area near the railroad tracks where traffic currently empties onto the heavily traveled street.
“My concern with any development in this area is the traffic it will bring,” stated resident Kevin Baumgartner. “This is a really bad stretch of 46th.” He questioned adding another stoplight between the one on Hiawatha and Minnehaha Ave., and how it would add to the bottleneck near Burger King and Holiday. Plus he pointed out that those on the trail will want to cross 46th there and not move east to a stoplight.
Johnson acknowledged that traffic is a concern in the area, and pointed out that it was brought up by residents at the first community meeting on the project held in January.
They are currently working on a traffic management plan with the goal of improving traffic in the area, he pointed out.
Photo right: Residents Zak R. Stephens, Maja Bjornson, and Deb Stancevic learn about the development planned near 46th and Hiawatha during a community meeting on Feb. 23. Stancevic is excited about the plans and has been pushing for a grocery store in the area. Bjornson is a 61-year neighborhood resident and lives adjacent to the proposed site. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Developers are asking, “How low do we think traffic can go?” according to Johnson, and have set the goal of seeing at least 50% of residents use another form of transportation than a car. They’re also hoping that shoppers use the Blue Line, A Line, and other public transit options, as well as the nearby trail system for biking and walking.
Snelling extension, access closures
The plan to extend Snelling Ave. into the site and curve it over to Hiawatha would provide access to the area. The exact route of the roadway has not been determined, but eventually it would likely be the only access point from the retail area onto 46th.
Baumgartner pushed for the closure of the other accesses right away. “We can’t wait 20 years when there is a 40,000 sq ft grocery store there. Traffic is bad,” he said. “We need a future plan now.”
Bernard pointed out that the developer will need to meet current standards and mitigate the impacts of traffic from the site. However, the city can’t just remove accesses to businesses.
“We need to maintain access for private property owners to the street system,” said Bernard.
Additionally, 46th St. needs to be rebuilt within the next few years as it is at the end of its life. It may be done in the 2019-2020 Capital Improvement Project cycle; however, the county has 10 years worth of projects for the next five years, according to Hennepin County Transportation Engineer Bob Byers.
Residents expressed concerns about the hostile environment between Hiawatha and Minnehaha and suggested that more trees be planted.
Park Board won’t manage Linear Park
A bike/walk trail in this area would create a protected connection between the Midtown Greenway and Minnehaha Pkwy., and complete the Longfellow Grand Rounds, as noted in the Minneapolis Bicycle Master Plan.
However, District 5 Park Commissioner Steffanie Musich stressed that this trail will not be managed by the Park and Recreation Board, but rather by the city or county like the Midtown Greenway.
“This is not an area we have planned to invest in public land,” said Musich. “I don’t see us taking that on.”
While the Park Board had once owned the former railroad land, in 2007 it traded it to the city as representatives then thought it would make a good transit corridor. In return, the Park Board received the riverfront from Plymouth to Broadway in North Minneapolis, an area not as well served as South Minneapolis regarding parks.
Of course, Park Board planners will work with the city to connect any trails in the development to its existing trail system.
The main connection the Park Board would have with the project is that it would benefit from the park dedication fees paid by the developer. They could range from $230,000-280,000 and be used at the nearby Adams Triangle Park, Hiawatha School Park or Minnehaha Park. The money can’t be used on operations or to replace an amenity, but can be used on new amenities, according to Musich. For example, they couldn’t be used to fix a baseball field, but could be used to install multi-purpose fields at Hiawatha School Park.
Musich responded to a concern about the lack of enough trash cans at parks and how late bathrooms open in the spring. She pointed out that thanks to the financial agreement made with the city last year, the Park Board is working on an asset management plan and mapping out where items, such as trash cans, should be placed each season. With the additional funds, the Park Board will also hire more plumbers to open bathrooms quicker each spring. “This will get things done that affect your experience at the parks,” said Musich.
Share your opinions
“I am thrilled to see the turnout tonight,” said council member Andrew Johnson, who added that it shows how engaged the community is and how important this project it. “We will continue to take feedback on this important project that is really at the heart of our community,” he said.
To comment, contact the Longfellow Community Council or Johnson’s office.

Article appeared in the March 2017 Longfellow Nokomis Messenger.

Wishing for a large grocery store on south side of Longfellow?

Developers eyeing city-identified ‘town square retail site’ near 46th and Hiawatha for grocery store and apartments

By TESHA A. CHRISTENSEN
Are you going out of the neighborhood to grocery shop? You’re not alone.
“Third-party grocery consultants estimate that 85% of the available food dollars leave the Longfellow neighborhood—resulting in more traffic and road miles traveled,” according to Drew Johnson of Oppidan Investment Company.
In fact, parts of south Minneapolis are classified as a food desert by the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) because of low access to grocery stores.
Photo left: A grocery store and 140 to 160 apartments may be constructed at Snelling and E. 46th in 2017. The investment in phase one will be $38-$44 million. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Oppidan hopes to change that by building a new grocery store near the 46th and Hiawatha intersection.
Construction may begin soon.
“Despite grocery options along Lake St., across the river, or further west of Highway 55, a market analysis reveals the area as a ‘food desert,’ so having a grocery store there would serve the community well,” said Ward 12 Council Member Andrew Johnson. “What will be important, though, is which particular grocer moves in. For it to be most beneficial to the community, I believe it has to offer something differentiated from what we already have nearby.”
5.7-acre site
Oppidan owns the 5.7-acre site with a 75,000-square-foot warehouse that Creative Kidstuff leases for its corporate office at 3939 E. 46th St. A landscaping company uses the southern portion of the site near the Dairy Queen and Nawadaha Blvd. The long, triangular-shaped parcel abuts a railroad track that is no longer used.
Illustration right: Oppidan’s plan for the site fits with the city’s transit-oriented development strategy for the area, which places a town square retail site at Snelling and 46th Ave. E.
Oppidan has been working on plans for a mixed-use project in the northern part of the site, with the grocery store fronting 46th St. Snelling Ave. will be extended south into the development and likely curve over to the area between Burger King and the mall.
“This store will bring grocery goods and services not currently offered in the trade area, and what consumers have come to expect in a grocery store: hot food bar with seating areas, grab and go options, large fresh bakery and large deli, floral, and organic offerings, as well as standard ‘center isle’ items,” said D. Johnson.
Early phase one concept plans show between 140 to 160 apartments, and around 50,000 square feet of retail, the majority for the grocery store. The investment in phase one will be $38-$44 million.
D. Johnson pointed out that the plan for the site fits with the city’s transit-oriented development strategy for the area, which places a town square retail site there.
Development challenges include barriers to development such as the high-voltage lattice towers, the cost of new public streets, and managing traffic on 46th and Hiawatha. Additionally, there will be environmental clean-up from some of the former uses at the site, including a coal/fuel company, a lumberyard, a gas station, and diesel storage.
Oppidan was drawn to the parcel because of its large size and location with great transit connections.
“Done right, this project will offer positive features to both new and existing residents/neighbors: additional housing options in a market that has an extremely low vacancy rate, multi-modal access to grocery, cleaning-up impacted soils from historical uses, treating stormwater before it leaves the site, and public trails and plaza areas connecting to other redevelopments in the area,” said D. Johnson.
“Despite being located across the street from Minnehaha Falls, a block from the 46th St. light rail station, and on a bus-rapid-transit line, the property today is mostly a giant asphalt lot… they even pile wood chips out back!” said council member Johnson. “I believe there are much better uses for such an excellent location.”
The sheer size of the property may be its biggest challenge. “This makes a strong vision and good urban design essential, as it is all too easy for most developers to pursue the biggest, easiest, and cheapest project possible to maximize profit and move on. I have seen firsthand Oppidan’s willingness thus far to focus on the details and make the redevelopment of this property a good fit for the neighborhood,” said A. Johnson. “They are also planning ahead for the future so that this site could be combined with others nearby to make a little village for shopping, living, and entertainment that’s integrated with green space and paths to the park and transit.”
When A. Johnson first saw the plan, he suggested some revisions to activate the public realm on 46th St. with commercial spaces and pedestrian-friendly features.
“They broke up the long and bulky building into two separate buildings, and they made some other tweaks to fit better with the site and neighborhood,” observed A. Johnson.
“Moving forward, the city will play a pretty big role in helping make any development of this site a success, as there are some public infrastructure changes to consider, such as extending Snelling Ave. and converting the abandoned railroad tracks into a connection with Minnehaha Park,” added council member Johnson.
Min Hi Line: a linear park
The Min Hi Line Coalition envisions a linear park traversing the space now unused by railroad tracks, of which the area within the grocery store development is the southernmost link to Minnehaha Park.
Since 2001, the city’s master planning guiding documents have also promoted the old rail right-of-way being turned into a linear park. A bike/walk trail in this area would create a protected connection between the Midtown Greenway and Minnehaha Pkwy, and complete the Longfellow Grand Rounds, as noted in the Minneapolis Bicycle Master Plan.
The Min Hi Line Coalition (www.minhiline.org) aims to incorporate park space with public art, trails, streets, historical markers and storm water management. Successful precedents from across the country, such as the Atlanta Beltline, New York High Line, and Minneapolis Midtown Greenway serve as models and guide the work.
Share your comments
The developer’s next step is to engage with community stakeholders.
Learn more on Tues., Jan. 3 at the Longfellow Community Council’s Neighborhood Development and Transportation Committee meeting at the Longfellow Recreation Center (3435 36th Ave. S.), at 7:30 p.m.

Appeared in the December 2016 Longfellow Nokomis Messenger.