Range of building types, uses proposed for Peoples’ Way

Four applicants submitted varying plans for developing the Peoples’ Way (site of the former gas station) at 3744 Chicago Ave. in response to the city of Minneapolis’ request for qualifications.

Minnesota Agape Movement, currently located at 3741 Chicago Ave., is proposing a six-story building that would include, from the first floor up: a café, lobby and gift shop; a civil resilience museum focused on civil unrest and the resilience of George Floyd Square; a business incubator; a media hub with a music studio, podcast and radio station; an entertainment venue with a bar/restaurant; and a rooftop garden with community event space. Memorials would be integrated throughout.

P3 Foundation (David’s Place) would build a community center with meeting rooms, event and recreational spaces, art studios and gallery, and a business incubator. Services would include youth mentorship programs, adult life skills courses in literacy and financial planning, and mental health and wellness workshops. Memorials would be integrated into the space, and a memorial garden would be designed with native plants, benches and educational signage that conveys the history and significance of the site.

Rise & Remember, which has preserved thousands of offerings and street art at George Floyd Square both on and off site since 2020, proposes to create a memorial garden, a covered memorial structure and a greenhouse, and install self-cleaning public restrooms. They would remove the existing building but preserve its façade and move it to the western edge of the property. The memorial garden and greenhouse would provide residents and visitors a space to reflect, and the gathering space could be used for public events.

Urban League Twin Cities is proposing a four-story building that would include a George Floyd Museum to serve as the primary memorial site, as well as a multi-purpose community space with college and career readiness programs, workforce and job training, home ownership resources, and a theater project. Street art would be integrated into the structure. Mutual aid services would continue, and an outdoor gathering space would include an Indigenous garden and 24-hour public restroom.

The city of Minneapolis, which owns the property, is looking for community input on the proposals before selecting one to bring to the city council and mayor for approval. Project staff are holding informational pop-ups to answer questions and get feedback.

 

• March 4, 2-5 p.m. at Hosmer Library (347 E. 36th St.)

• March 8, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Bichota Coffee (3740 Chicago Ave.)

• March 11, 3-6 p.m. at Powderhorn Recreation Center (3400 15th Ave., Room 103)