West Broadway revitalization showcased at expo
03/01/2009
The City of Minneapolis, the West Broadway Coalition (WBC), and the Northside Arts Collective (NAC) hosted a Community Development Expo on February 7 at the Plymouth Christian Youth Center High School. Attendees gained a clearer understanding of how, despite troubled economic times, community organizations, developers and the City are working to forge ahead on transformative projects for West Broadway Avenue. A number of efforts are underway to implement the recently approved plan, West Broadway Alive: A Revitalization Plan for North Minneapolis' Main Street.
Many of these projects were on display, and public input was solicited. The projects showcased included: The design and programming of a new public plaza for the Hawthorn Crossings Shopping Center - it may support an outdoor community market as well as community festivals and events; a review and feedback on a proposal to rezone property to support the land use and development policies in the West Broadway Alive plan; eight development projects for different locations along West Broadway; maps related to the light rail and bus rapid transit lines being considered as part of the current Bottineau Boulevard Alternatives Analysis; and two new façade grant programs to support businesses interested in sprucing up their storefronts to add to the visual character of West Broadway - one of these programs will begin to brand West Broadway as an Art Street by pairing business owners with artists to create one-of-a-kind façade features.
A recent press conference also showed off spectacular renovation plans for the Historic Capri theater lobby and marquee along with improved lighting and sound equipment. Visit http://wcco.com/ entertainment/minneapolis.capri.theater..2.920406.html.
Note: If you're an artist living on the Northside, join the Northside Arts Collective; visit nacarts.org or contact info@nacarts.org.