The City of Minneapolis unveiled further details regarding its plans for the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue. Now dubbed “George Floyd Square,” the intersection and its surrounding areas will eventually undergo a makeover as the city seeks to “re-envision” the area.
According to a press release, three development concepts are currently being considered for the intersection itself, and the stretch of Chicago Ave. between 37th Street and 38th Street.
The first is an open concept which will outfit the aforementioned portion of Chicago Ave. with larger sidewalks and boulevards. Public traffic would still be able to drive through the avenue and the intersection, while bus stops for the area would be moved just south of 38th Street. According to the city, this concept would preserve and expand “community uses for gathering, art, and memorials.”
The second concept would turn the area into a “Transit Mall.” In this version, vehicle access would be limited to residents and businesses, through traffic would be discouraged, and dedicated bus lanes would be added to the stretch of Chicago Ave. between 37th and 38th streets. Similar to the open concept, wider sidewalks and boulevards, along with art, memorials and gathering spaces, would be featured in this option.
The final option would be a “Pedestrian Plaza.” In this iteration, vehicle access would be limited to local residents, businesses, and emergency vehicles; through traffic would be restricted while bus routes in the area would be absent. Additionally, a portion of Chicago Ave. just north of 38th Street would be turned into an open pedestrian plaza where residents could gather and set up memorials and gardens.
Regardless of which option is selected, the city’s goal is to turn the place into an “Inclusive Community Gathering space” featuring public artwork and memorials. Furthermore, the city wants the project to “balance traditional asset management needs with the intersectionality of justice, healing, placemaking and culture.”
By the end of the year, the city is expected to draft a final report on its plan for “George Floyd Square.” Public input and comments regarding the intersection’s makeover can be expressed at “visioning” workshops hosted by the city.
Minneapolis is also working to develop a nearby site called “People’s Way.”
Located on the corner of “George Floyd Square,” People’s Way is a property that used to be a gas station. However, that gas station was vandalized, boarded up, and turned into a protest spot during the summer of 2020. Eventually purchased by the city, Minneapolis’ plans for the property include turning it into a space that can “serve the needs of the community,” “honor the memory of George Perry Floyd,” and “promote racial justice and healing.”
The renovation of “George Floyd Square” has been a stated goal of the city’s for several years. After Floyd’s death in May of 2020, the intersection turned into a large public memorial and protest location. Before long, large barricades were put up around the intersection and remained in place for over a year. During that time, shootings, violence, and murders occurred in the area.
In November, businesses in the area sued the city for its actions surrounding George Floyd Square, stating in a lawsuit that the city “allowed crime to overtake the barricaded area, which led to severe physical and economic consequences for businesses within the area, including Plaintiffs.”
Luke Sprinkel
Luke Sprinkel previously worked as a Legislative Assistant at the Minnesota House of Representatives. He grew up as a Missionary Kid (MK) living in England, Thailand, Tanzania, and the Middle East. Luke graduated from Regent University in 2018.
