The Minneapolis Downtown Council has launched a daring vision to breathe life back into the city center, aiming for bustling streets and vibrant energy by 2035. The 131-page blueprint blends practical goals—like tackling public safety, homelessness, and filling pandemic-emptied offices—with bold, eye-catching proposals: a pedestrian-only Nicollet Avenue, a skating rink, and even a Michelin-star restaurant.
“This is a starting point for addressing big issues,” said Adam Duininck, Council President.
Key highlights include transforming Nicollet Avenue into a pedestrian-friendly hub with green spaces and a dog park, enticing tenants with urban park access. Revamped skyways with better signage and hours, and ambitious plans to convert office buildings into residential spaces for over 40,000 downtown residents, are also on the table.
The riverfront post office is a prime target for redevelopment, though its overhaul may require Congressional approval. Safety remains a top priority, with efforts to expand police staffing, mental health services, and outreach to the homeless population.
“We want downtown to be a space where everyone belongs—youth, families, and visitors alike,” said Duininck.
The Council’s vision aligns with the city’s October revitalization plan, signaling a collaborative push to make Minneapolis downtown a destination again.
