Message from Council Member Kevin Reich

Looking back on the past year, I am pleased to be able to say that 2012 has ushered in a significant increase in economic strength and development for the First Ward, with a parallel improvement in our community’s livability and vitality. The Solar Arts Building in the Logan Park neighborhood is a stellar example of the development occurring in the community. This 100-year old former factory has been thoroughly and carefully renovated and takes its place as the newest addition to the Arts District. In the Marshall Terrace neighborhood, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization’s new headquarters opened this fall and serves as a visible demonstration of MWMO’s mission to safeguard and improve water quality. Central Avenue has also seen some changes. First & First’s new Broadway development at the old Land O’ Nod location at Broadway and Central broke ground this year, while Hillcrest Development has also begun work on repurposing the long-neglected Burger King site at Central and 18th Avenue NE. 2012 also saw welcome progress at our historic Hollywood Theater on Johnson Street. On December 14 the City Council granted exclusive development rights for the Hollywood to developer Andrew Volna. This designation will give Volna time to determine the feasibility of a development proposal. Last year the City Council made a change in City ordinance that allowed breweries to open taprooms and sell their beer in Minneapolis. That change has borne immediate fruit in Ward One, with the opening this year of Indeed Brewery in the Solar Arts Building and the planned openings of 612 Brew and Northgate in early 2013, as well as other potential breweries and taprooms in our community. Northeast is quickly becoming Minneapolis’ “Brew District”, making us a destination spot for entertainment dollars. Last, but perhaps most importantly, 2012 has been a banner year for the Second Precinct in terms of providing a safe and crime-free environment. At our recent Public Safety Community Reception, Inspector Schafer shared some stellar statistics about the First Ward.  - Kevin Reich --- Contact Kevin Reich 350 S. 5th Street Room 307 Minneapolis, MN 55415 612-673-2201 Kevin.Reich@minneapolismn.gov