Interesting side note that there were 26,000 people living downtown in 1991 versus 35,000 in 2012! The Target store was very controversial at the time, but it has panned out to be a great asset to downtown. There was some neighborhood opposition to the initial Target Tower proposal which was about 49 stories. if I recall correctly, that was mainly due to concern about obstructing the views of residential buildings nearby. The Minneapolis skyline was much smaller then. I don't think there would be as much controversy now with a very tall building in this area There is so much more high rise density along Nicollet Mall compared to 1991.
I really like the rehab of the buildings at 10th and Nicollet. My only gripe is I wish there was a cafe or restaurant included that would front Nicollet Mall. That would complete and reinforce the identity of this 4 block stretch of the mall as "restaurant row". It would be particularly appealing in the summer with an addition of a sidewalk cafe.
I bet you 20bucks we'd get at least 25% running without jackets even if it's sub zero!! haha
I love when people tell me I'm wrong that way I can correct myself and then become right again 
...it's true I don't travel down Nicollet much lately but when do people usually use the space? is it weekends or weekdays such as the lunch rush? Yes, it's not that much of a green space I would agree but the space they are planning to build a garden is that gonna dwarf the current space in comparison? ...I doubt it... Also the Plaza one block south is also/will be again a nice green space (or should we say relaxation space to better describe it?) Is it very critical to the welfare of the Target staff they have garden full of flowers and plants in order for them to function? How is that a better usage than adding retail space instead? Is the extra liability the only reason they are doing this instead of retail space?
