1000 block of Hennepin Ave & Hawthorne Ave for sale

[minnyapple]

Block E owners (Minneapolis Venture) offer up two large downtown Minneapolis parcels.
http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/b ... ntown.html

[lordmoke]

That's in-line with some of the rumors that this site might finally see (big) movement. It's weird that Lux would sell without developing anything here.

[nordeast homer]

The article talks about the two other partners selling, but Lux maybe being involved in any potential developments.

[Minneboy]

Those two parcels would have been prime if the new Vikings stadium had been built down that way. They aren't bad locations though. Plenty of parking and just a few blocks from the LRT not to mention if it was residential and/or a hotel component it's very suitable to Target Field and Target Center. God I forgot all about that Ramada Inn being there.

[nickmgray]

I've been wondering why nothing has been proposed for those sites. The fact that there are virtually no restrictions for development means we could see anything go in here. Honestly, I think one of the blocks is a prime location for a 30-40 floor office tower. It would have great visibility and access from 394 and 94 for those coming into downtown from the west. It would also connect to the skyway through the A ramp.

[John]

As the article mentions, the vacant 1000 block on Hennepin is an easy parcel to be developed in a relatively quick time frame. The location is awesome with both good public transit and highway access. No height restrictions. Should be snapped up in no time.

[twincitizen]

More deets and quotes: http://finance-commerce.com/2014/04/key ... he-market/

Sidebar: Some might disagree, but I'd really like to see the "Hawthorne" street designation go away. I know it dates back to before these streets were re-aligned, but nowadays it's just a unnecessary & confusing name change from the far more prominent 1st Avenue N.

[mattaudio]

I'd really like to see the "Hawthorne" street designation go away.

I agree. And I've always wondered why the exit from I-394 inbound is still signed as 12th St N now that 1st Ave (Hawthorne) is two way and you actually have to turn right to get onto 12th St. But it was probably because the street was technically Hawthorne instead of 1st Ave N, and everyone knows where 12th Street is (especially in relationship to exits at 6th and 4th Streets) but would have no idea about Hawthorne. Personally I'd love to see the exit on 394 be signed as "FIRST AVENUE" in honor of the street.

Edit: It would also be great to see development with a provision for future air-rights improvements over the 394 trench since the Ramada block plus the Firestone block are the inflection point for the trench and also the street grid... with some creativity, this could really connect the area past Lee's Liquor Lounge and up to the proposed Royalston redevelopment area (despite the city's massive value-sucking public works building).

Another Edit: I used to be in a band that had a practice space in the building at 11th and Currie (the back end of the Ramada block) and I can tell you the area could definitely stand to see some improvement.

[BigIdeasGuy]

I know this will be an unpopular opinion but I've always that that the block facing Hennepin would be a great location for concert/opera hall. Something completely different than either the State or Orpheum, something along the lines of Royal Albert Hall in London or Carnegie Hall in New York or a world class opera hall that could provide a full time home for the Minnesota Opera. It would also give the Hennepin Theater district a strong south anchor which currently ends rather lacklusterly.

[Silophant]

I don't think that'll be an unpopular opinion. Seems like a good idea to me. We need something in that dead space, and it doesn't need to all be towers.

[David Greene]

It would also be great to see development with a provision for future air-rights improvements over the 394 trench since the Ramada block plus the Firestone block are the inflection point for the trench and also the street grid... with some creativity, this could really connect the area past Lee's Liquor Lounge and up to the proposed Royalston redevelopment area (despite the city's massive value-sucking public works building).

I like that idea. I'd also like to see Linden Ave. reconnected over I-94 to provide a connection from the Basset Creek Valley to the North Loop/Downtown. It could really help development in the valley and on Glenwood.

Another Edit: I used to be in a band that had a practice space in the building at 11th and Currie (the back end of the Ramada block) and I can tell you the area could definitely stand to see some improvement.

Indeed. That whole area needs some love, staring with public works getting out.

[Azel]

That area of downtown really needs a name/brand along the lines of North Loop, Mill District, Downtown East, Elliot Park, Loring Park, etc. That's what probably killed the Viking's stadium push there - when they were calling part of the land the "Basilica Site."

Love the Opera House idea, maybe then the "theater district" would work - although its hard to imagine that name being a magnet for new development, residents or businesses.

[Wedgeguy]

That area of downtown really needs a name/brand along the lines of North Loop, Mill District, Downtown East, Elliot Park, Loring Park, etc. That's what probably killed the Viking's stadium push there - when they were calling part of the land the "Basilica Site."

Love the Opera House idea, maybe then the "theater district" would work - although its hard to imagine that name being a magnet for new development, residents or businesses.

There will be no opera house. The opera has the Ordway which is undergoing an expansion. I really don't believe that we can add yet another venue to an already crowded market. Add in the renovated Northrup and you have more seats to fill than we can probably handle for at least 10-15 years.

[Minneboy]

That area of downtown really needs a name/brand along the lines of North Loop, Mill District, Downtown East, Elliot Park, Loring Park, etc. That's what probably killed the Viking's stadium push there - when they were calling part of the land the "Basilica Site."

Love the Opera House idea, maybe then the "theater district" would work - although its hard to imagine that name being a magnet for new development, residents or businesses.

There will be no opera house. The opera has the Ordway which is undergoing an expansion. I really don't believe that we can add yet another venue to an already crowded market. Add in the renovated Northrup and you have more seats to fill than we can probably handle for at least 10-15 years.

How about a planetarium or some type of science museum. I'm all for something educational but hopefully not at public expense.

[FISHMANPET]

If we're building a planetarium it's going on top of the library, no ifs ands or buts.

[Nathan]

related/unrelated. I think the vacant lot next to 1st ave would make an awesome MN music hall of fame/museum.

[Minneboy]

If we're building a planetarium it's going on top of the library, no ifs ands or buts.

Well that's obviously your desire but that and those who spend the money might think otherwise.

[Wedgeguy]

If we're building a planetarium it's going on top of the library, no ifs ands or buts.

Well that's obviously your desire but that and those who spend the money might think otherwise.

Best of my knowledge is that the planetarium is going to the St. Paul campus with a combine with the new Bell museum.

[Minneboy]

^That's cool, I was just throwing out ideas. Not to be ridiculed or corrected.

[Wedgeguy]

Not ridiculing or correcting, just letting those who are less in the know, understand why some ideas will not fly. As we have people from other areas out side the Cities that do read this blog too. A lot of people do not have a clue as to the over duplication of facilities we have in the Metro area, I'm talking suburbs too. This is in sports, cultural venues, and convention facilities.