Minneapolis Review

The City is hosting two open houses this month to share information about the 38th and Chicago Re-Envisioned Project – an opportunity for the community to partner with the City on redesigning and reconstructing the intersection. The project team will share project goals, the engagement approach and feedback gathered during recent listening sessions with community stakeholders.

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer at the intersection of 38th and Chicago. Since his death, the intersection has become a gathering space for racial healing and reflection. The City will reconstruct the intersection after conducting a community engagement process to re-envision the intersection.

Upcoming open houses for the 38th and Chicago Re-Envisioned Project

• In-person open house

  Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 3740 Chicago Ave.

• Online open house

  5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 26

  Visit the project website to learn how to participate.

This project will seek to balance traditional asset management needs with the intersectionality of justice, healing, placemaking and culture. The streets of 38th Street East and Chicago Avenue South were built in phases between 1957 and 1963 and have exceeded their useful life. Residents and businesses have also faced access challenges traveling in the area given the expansive memorial and artworks. Given the age and condition of the streets, as well as evolving uses within the space, a reconstruction is necessary to support a re-envisioned intersection.

The reconstruction project will involve the entire public right-of-way and will include new sidewalks, ADA pedestrian ramps, pavement, curb and gutter, lighting, and utility improvements.

The City and community stakeholders will evaluate a range of options that represent transportation, utility, and community-centered public realm needs. This work will also thoroughly consider and explore the integration of METRO D Line bus rapid transit and local bus service on routes 5 and 23.

To learn more about the project and to sign up for updates, visit the City’s website.

Original source can be found here.