Minneapolis – North
What You Should Know About Moving Into North Minneapolis
North Minneapolis is more than just a city; it’s a vibrant and diverse community commonly referred to as the Northside. Residents here share a united commitment to improving the community for everyone. Take, for instance, Cookie Cart, a nonprofit cookie shop founded in 1988 by Sister Jean Thuerauf. Originally a literal cart she pushed around the neighborhood, it has since expanded into two bakeries (the other located in St. Paul). Cookie Cart helps neighborhood teens gain work experience while offering them support with schoolwork. Another impactful initiative is the Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ), dedicated to bridging the achievement gap for disadvantaged members of society, particularly low-income children of color, by guiding them through school and preparing them for college.
North Minneapolis encompasses various neighborhoods, each with its unique character. Victory, known for its commitment to social justice, is a welcoming community where you can savor ramen at Tori 44. Lind-Bohanon, named after the philanthropic Swedish opera singer Jenny ‘Swedish Nightingale’ Lind and the Bohanon family, is steeped in history. Webber-Camden, formed in 1995 by adding Webber to Camden, reflects a vibrant mix of cultures.
Artistic endeavors flourish in North Minneapolis, with the Northside Arts Collective (NAC) serving as a hub for all things artsy. The annual FLOW Northside Arts Crawl showcases the talents of community members of all ages. Parks play a significant role in the Northside Community, including favorites like North Mississippi Regional Park, Webber Park, and North Commons Park.
Food enthusiasts will find a variety of dining options in North Minneapolis, from the enticing flavors of Tori 44 to the cultural delights of City Afrique Restaurant, North Side Steakhouse, and Banana Blossom. The West Broadway Farmers Market provides not only fresh produce and natural beauty products but also a lively atmosphere with live music for a unique shopping experience.
For those interested in performance arts, the Capri Theater, owned and operated by the Plymouth Christian Youth Center (PCYC), engages disadvantaged youth in theater productions. North Minneapolis thrives on community gatherings, creating a vibrant and supportive environment for all.
History
North Minneapolis has a complex history marked by racial segregation and social justice challenges. In the early 20th century, it became a refuge for marginalized communities, particularly the Jewish and African American communities who faced housing restrictions elsewhere in Minneapolis due to racial covenants. Post-World War II, de facto segregation persisted, with increasing racial discrimination and anti-Semitism earning Minneapolis the title of ‘the capital of anti-Semitism in the United States’ in 1947.
Efforts to address anti-Semitism began in the city, but racial injustices faced by African Americans persisted. Tensions escalated and culminated in violent unrest in July 1967, fueled by underlying issues of racism. Despite promises of change, racial inequities persisted in housing throughout the 1980s. Initiatives like the Family Housing Fund and Twin Cities Housing Development Corporation aimed at equitable housing faced opposition, especially from conservative suburban interests resisting social integration.
In the 1990s, the Minneapolis Urban League and grassroots movements fought for social change, advocating for community health programs and voter education drives. Challenges persisted as suburban governments resisted integration, hindering well-intentioned programs meant for disadvantaged neighborhoods like North Minneapolis. Grassroots efforts continued, with the NAACP suing Minnesota in 1995 over systemic educational inequality resulting from constant segregation.
Despite ongoing struggles, the suburbs’ resistance to subsidized housing perpetuated segregation. Today, Minneapolis, despite its liberal reputation, remains one of the most segregated cities in the country. Activists persist in their work to bring about equality in North Minneapolis, gaining some political support for tangible and enduring changes. The journey towards true integration and social justice continues, fueled by a renewed commitment to break down systemic barriers.
What Are The Benefits Of Buying A Home In North Minneapolis?
Buying a home in North Minneapolis comes with several potential benefits:
- Community Resilience: North Minneapolis has a rich history and a resilient community that has faced and overcome challenges. Purchasing a home here allows you to be part of a vibrant and strong neighborhood.
- Cultural Diversity: The area is culturally diverse, with influences from various communities. This diversity is reflected in local businesses, restaurants, and events, providing a rich tapestry of experiences.
- Local Initiatives: Several local initiatives and organizations work towards community development, education, and social justice. Buying a home in North Minneapolis allows you to contribute to and benefit from these initiatives.
- Proximity to Parks: The neighborhood features parks like North Mississippi Regional Park, Webber Park, and North Commons Park. These green spaces provide recreational opportunities and contribute to the overall well-being of residents.
- Local Businesses: Support local businesses that contribute to the unique character of North Minneapolis. From ethnic grocery stores to independent shops, you’ll find a variety of offerings.
- Civic Engagement: The community actively engages in civic initiatives and events. Living here allows you to participate in local decision-making processes and contribute to the betterment of the neighborhood.
It’s essential to thoroughly research and consider your specific preferences and needs when deciding to buy a home, ensuring that it aligns with your lifestyle and goals.
North Minneapolis Real Estate
North Minneapolis boasts distinctive architecture and historical ties to noteworthy figures. Notably, Shingle Creek Elementary, constructed in 1958, showcases a unique Mid-century design featuring interconnected wings shaped like plus signs, forming what is known as a “Cluster Design.” Despite facing the prospect of demolition, it was preserved and now operates as the charter school KIPP Minnesota Public Schools. Another point of interest is Jenny Lind Elementary School in Lind-Bohanon, named after the Swedish Nightingale featured in “The Greatest Showman.” Though the school was initially built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1995, Lind’s philanthropic legacy lives on. Additionally, the Mikro Kodesh building, erected in 1926 as a center for the North Side Jewish community, stands as a testament to the neighborhood’s rich history and architectural heritage, currently serving as a church.
Environmental issues are inextricably entwined with social justice issues. and North Minneapolis has suffered for it. In 2013, Minneapolis came up with an innovative and progressive environmental plan that was praised by environmental activists, but critics pointed out that it did not seek any input from people in disadvantaged neighborhoods such as North, which are often the very areas that are the most affected by environmental disturbances. For example, Minneapolis has a 12.5 degree difference between cities in districts that had been historically redlined and those that hadn't. One thing that emerged from the Minneapolis Climate Action Plan Environmental Justice Working Group was the establishment of a Green Zones Initiative. The Green Zones were established by looking at different environmental factors including air quality, soil contamination, and some housing issues on different neighborhoods and focus on the ones that are hardest hit. Generally, these are communities with people who are at a steep economic disadvantage as well as these issues go hand in hand. There was a study of the different neighborhoods to see which needed the most help and the first two Green Zones were the Northside Green Zone and the Southside Green Zone. The Northside Green Zone was established in 2017. The Northside Green Zone Task Force was created in 2018 and worked tirelessly to identify the environmental issues in the Northside and to create solutions to them. In early 2020, an environmental policy plan entitled the Northside Green Zone Work Plan (2020 - 2025) was enacted. The main focus of the policy is on achieving twelve goals in the five-year period. Those goals include: increase the availability of affordable housing and environmentally high quality housing; increase access to healthy affordable food by supporting local systems of growing, production, ad distribution; improve air and environmental quality in business and transport, and; focus community healing from historical trauma and root shock, using community-based approaches to healing and health. The goals are pretty general, but they do provide action steps for each goal. For example, with the goal of increasing affordable housing and environmentally high quality housing, some of the actions proposed are: advance proposals to pay utilities on an income-based sliding scale. Research Philadelphia's model; support the "Intentional Community Cluster Development" ordinance proposed by the Minneapolis City Council which allows for tiny house clusters of very low-cost housing, and; create a Northern Green Zone Master Plan for development sites for affordable housing and community development.
Environmental issues are inextricably entwined with social justice issues. and North Minneapolis has suffered for it. In 2013, Minneapolis came up with an innovative and progressive environmental plan that was praised by environmental activists, but critics pointed out that it did not seek any input from people in disadvantaged neighborhoods such as North, which are often the very areas that are the most affected by environmental disturbances. For example, Minneapolis has a 12.5 degree difference between cities in districts that had been historically redlined and those that hadn't. One thing that emerged from the Minneapolis Climate Action Plan Environmental Justice Working Group was the establishment of a Green Zones Initiative. The Green Zones were established by looking at different environmental factors including air quality, soil contamination, and some housing issues on different neighborhoods and focus on the ones that are hardest hit. Generally, these are communities with people who are at a steep economic disadvantage as well as these issues go hand in hand. There was a study of the different neighborhoods to see which needed the most help and the first two Green Zones were the Northside Green Zone and the Southside Green Zone. The Northside Green Zone was established in 2017. The Northside Green Zone Task Force was created in 2018 and worked tirelessly to identify the environmental issues in the Northside and to create solutions to them. In early 2020, an environmental policy plan entitled the Northside Green Zone Work Plan (2020 - 2025) was enacted. The main focus of the policy is on achieving twelve goals in the five-year period. Those goals include: increase the availability of affordable housing and environmentally high quality housing; increase access to healthy affordable food by supporting local systems of growing, production, ad distribution; improve air and environmental quality in business and transport, and; focus community healing from historical trauma and root shock, using community-based approaches to healing and health. The goals are pretty general, but they do provide action steps for each goal. For example, with the goal of increasing affordable housing and environmentally high quality housing, some of the actions proposed are: advance proposals to pay utilities on an income-based sliding scale. Research Philadelphia's model; support the "Intentional Community Cluster Development" ordinance proposed by the Minneapolis City Council which allows for tiny house clusters of very low-cost housing, and; create a Northern Green Zone Master Plan for development sites for affordable housing and community development.