The city of Minneapolis wants residents to weigh in on roadway and public space design concepts for the New Nicollet Redevelopment Project, which includes plans to reconnect Nicollet Avenue between Lake Street and Midtown Greenway in south Minneapolis.
The city plans to construct Nicollet Avenue between Lake Street and Cecil Newman Lane and develop the remaining site into “a high-density, mixed-use, walkable area,” according to a press release. The city intends to demolish the former Kmart building on the site in March and begin construction on the road and bridge over the Midtown Greenway in 2025.
In addition to reconnecting Nicollet Avenue, project goals include improving access to the Midtown Greenway, bringing more affordable housing to the area, helping community businesses grow, creating outdoor public spaces for recreation and leisure, and building a “safe, fair and sustainable transportation network.”
Based on community input, city policies and project goals, the project team has created preliminary design concepts for the roadway and potential public spaces, the city said. Community feedback will “help shape the final concept,” which will go before to the Minneapolis City Council and mayor for approval in early 2024.
A survey is available in English, Spanish, and Somali on the project web page. The city is also planning an outdoor open house on Tuesday, Oct. 10, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The event will be held at the parking lot of the former Kmart on Lake Street.
