Minneapolis residents are being asked to pick a favorite in a high-stakes neighborhood makeover at the former Kmart site where Nicollet meets Lake Street. City staff have posted proposal summaries for the first phase of the New Nicollet redevelopment and opened a short, multilingual survey for neighbors to weigh in. The clock is ticking, though: responses are due by 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, which leaves a tight window to compare what each plan puts on the table.
What the proposals would build
According to the City of Minneapolis, the survey is offered in English, Somali and Spanish and closes at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 5. The city has laid out two options for the southeast corner of the 10-acre site in this first phase: one proposal led by Aeon and another by Trellis. In the city’s summaries, the Aeon concept focuses on roughly 76 affordable apartments along with nonprofit space and park-facing space, while the Trellis plan calls for a larger building with roughly 119 units that would include apartments reserved for people experiencing homelessness and units for residents with disabilities.
Why this matters for South Minneapolis
The city bought the tract in 2020, and the old Kmart building came down after a 2023 fire, clearing the way for Nicollet Avenue to be reconnected and new parkland to be added. Coverage by the Star Tribune details how the city’s Development Framework imagines a walkable, mixed-use district that combines affordable homes, street-level retail and a new park. The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is coordinating with the city on plans for the park and potential indoor programming space. Throughout a multi-year engagement process, neighbors and local leaders have repeatedly highlighted deep affordability, room for small businesses and strong public access as key priorities.
Next steps and how to weigh in
City staff say the survey responses will help shape a recommendation to the mayor and City Council in late March or early April so the project can seek affordable housing funding this year, according to the city’s project materials. If one proposal is selected and approved, detailed design work and funding efforts for Phase 1 would start up, although building out the entire New Nicollet site is expected to take several years. The survey page from the city includes the brief questionnaire along with links to the proposal summaries so residents can compare the two concepts side by side…