A Vision Of Hawthorne's Bright, Shining Future

Draft Image Only

Today an image was forwarded of the exciting proposed project discussed in the previous story, click here or see the story right below.

It should be emphasized this image is only a draft, and the final project might look different. In the picture, the world's largest YWCA is to the right, and the commercial development at 800 West Broadway is to the left.

Word of this project is generating excitement not only in Hawthorne, but in north Minneapolis.

World's Largest YWCA Planned For Hawthorne Neighborhood

Margo Geffen presented to the Hawthorne Board recently about a plan to build the world's largest YWCA right here in Hawthorne.

Pictured above is Executive Director Laban Ohito and some members of the Hawthorne Board on the historic night this major development was announced. News of the plan has generated considerable excitement in North Minneapolis but the project has actually been quietly in the works for a while.

The plan has three main features: the world's largest YWCA, a commercial building at 800 West Broadway, and a parking ramp. Here is a breakdown of the plan:

1.) World's Largest YWCA

The YWCA entrance, the Police Safety Center entrance, and the ramp entrance are strategically placed to provide safe, direct, welcoming connections. The running track and fitness rooms have views to a green roof and the Minneapolis skyline.

The YWCA building will match the set back of the new proposed 800 West Broadway setback. This will allow the addition of parallel parking to support the mixed use development without narrowing West Broadway. The south-facing pool will activate the street with light via a 2-story glass wall. The facility will reportedly have two pools.

2.) 800 Building Commercial Development

The existing 800 West Broadway building will be renovated for retail and restaurant on the first level with outdoor dining along Aldrich and Broadway. Proposed office space on the second level will enjoy skyline views.

The 800 building's first structural bay will be removed to provide for a 28 foot, 6 inch wide street section with pedestrian and transit oriented streetscape to provide a safe environment.

3.) Parking Ramp
The parking ramp incorporates safety features such as direct connection to the YWCA, and a Police Safety Center adjacent to both pedestrian and vehicular entrances.

All buildings will be designed to promote sustainability and energy efficiency.

4.) Tours Planned

There will be tours to discuss this plan of the Great Neighborhoods! Development Corporation. Tours are planned for January 28, at 2:30, and February 25, between 10 am and 12:15 pm. The tours will start at the GNDC office on Franklin Avenue, go to the YWCA in Midtown, and will end up at the project site. (800 West Broadway Building)

For questions or to be part of the tour, contact Margo Geffen, Director of Real Estate, Great Neighborhoods! Development Corporation, 1113 East Franklin Avenue #202, Minneapolis, MN 55404-2977. (612) 870-7555.

Email for Margo is margogeffen@greatneighborhoodsdc.com

Laban Ohito Gets Married!

The Executive Director of Hawthorne Neighborhood Council, Laban Ohito, recently married in Manila, Philippines. This blog posting will be updated as more details become available, such as the name of his lovely wife.

Congratulations, Laban.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) application for the NCE Commission

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is accepting applications from residents for one position on the newly created Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission.
The role of the commission will be to shape how the City engages its residents and works with neighborhood and community organizations, as well as oversee programming details and funding for neighborhood revitalization work.

The resident who will be appointed by the MPRB on January 2, 2009 will be part of the 16-member commission. Of the remaining members, eight residents will be selected by neighborhood organizations and seven will be appointed by the Mayor and Council Members of Minneapolis.

The application deadline for the MPRB appointed commission position is December 19, 2008. Applicants are required to be Minneapolis residents who do not hold a current election certificate. Current MPRB employees are not eligible. Applications are available at: www.minneapolisparks.org (click on news item)·

612-230-6400
MPRB Customer Service Area,
2117 West River Road, Minneapolis, 55411
MPRB Recreation Centers

Sincerely,
Annie Young
Citywide Park Commissioner