Upper Harbor Terminal Plan Unveiled for North Minneapolis

North Minneapolis is abuzz with the formal unveiling of the Upper Harbor Terminal Master Plan, a transformative vision set to redefine 48 acres of prime Mississippi Riverfront land. This long-awaited initiative promises to convert a historical industrial site into a vibrant hub of public parks, housing, and economic activity, significantly impacting the future of the community.

Reclaiming the Riverfront: A New Chapter for North Minneapolis

For decades, the Upper Harbor Terminal served as a working industrial port, largely inaccessible to residents. Its closure presented a unique opportunity to reclaim this significant stretch of the Mississippi River for community benefit. The City of Minneapolis, in collaboration with private developers United Properties and Thor Equities, has steered a comprehensive planning process aimed at addressing historical inequities and fostering sustainable growth in North Minneapolis.

The 48-acre site, located just north of downtown, is envisioned as a mixed-use development that prioritizes public access, green space, and community well-being. This ambitious plan seeks to not only create new amenities but also to spur economic development and job creation right here in our neighborhoods.

Key Pillars of the Upper Harbor Terminal Master Plan

A Transformative Riverfront Park and Amphitheater

Central to the plan is the creation of a expansive public riverfront park, designed to become a major destination for residents across Minneapolis. This park will offer green spaces for recreation, walking trails, and direct access to the Mississippi River, an asset long underutilized by the community. A state-of-the-art amphitheater is also planned, poised to host concerts, cultural events, and community gatherings, bringing vibrant new energy to the river’s edge.

Mixed-Income Housing with an Affordability Focus

Addressing the pressing need for housing, the master plan includes a significant component of mixed-income residential development. A strong emphasis has been placed on ensuring a substantial portion of these units are designated as affordable housing, aiming to create a diverse and inclusive neighborhood. This approach seeks to provide stable housing options for current and future residents, mitigating concerns about gentrification and displacement.

Commercial Spaces and Local Job Creation

Beyond residences and recreation, the plan dedicates space for new commercial development, including retail, office, and light industrial uses. The goal is to create thousands of permanent and construction jobs, prioritizing local hiring and business opportunities for North Minneapolis residents and entrepreneurs. This economic engine is designed to circulate wealth within the community and provide accessible career pathways.

Environmental Remediation and Enhanced River Access

A crucial aspect of the redevelopment involves environmental cleanup of the former industrial site. Remediation efforts will ensure the land is safe and suitable for public use, aligning with the vision for a healthy, vibrant riverfront. Additionally, the plan significantly improves public access to the Mississippi River, connecting communities to one of our city’s most important natural resources through new pathways and vantage points.

Community Engagement and Equity at the Forefront

Throughout the multi-year planning process, extensive community engagement has been a defining feature. Local residents, community organizations, and city leaders have collaborated to shape a vision that reflects the needs and aspirations of North Minneapolis. The plan explicitly aims to advance racial equity by ensuring that benefits such as jobs, affordable housing, and business opportunities are directed to those who have historically experienced disinvestment.

The city’s Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department has played a pivotal role in facilitating these discussions, ensuring that the master plan is not just a development project but a community-driven initiative for equitable growth and riverfront revitalization.

What’s Next for the Upper Harbor Terminal?

The unveiling of the master plan marks a significant milestone, but the project is a long-term endeavor. Implementation will unfold in phases over many years, with initial efforts likely focusing on critical infrastructure, environmental cleanup, and the development of the public park and amphitheater. Residents can expect ongoing opportunities for engagement as specific development proposals come forward.

Here’s a snapshot of the core components:

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Upper Harbor Terminal Master Plan?
  It’s a long-range plan to redevelop 48 acres of former industrial land along the Mississippi River in North Minneapolis into a mixed-use district featuring public parks, housing, commercial spaces, and an amphitheater.
• Who is leading this redevelopment?
  The City of Minneapolis, in partnership with private developers United Properties and Thor Equities, is spearheading the project.
• Will there be affordable housing?
  Yes, a significant component of the plan includes mixed-income housing with a strong focus on affordability to ensure housing access for a diverse range of incomes.
• How will this project create jobs for locals?
  The plan aims to generate thousands of construction and permanent jobs, with strategies in place to prioritize local hiring and business opportunities for North Minneapolis residents.
• When is construction expected to begin?
  While the master plan is unveiled, the project will unfold in phases over many years. Initial infrastructure and public space development are likely to begin first, with specific timelines to be announced.

As this historic redevelopment takes shape, your continued involvement in community meetings and city processes will be vital to ensure the Upper Harbor Terminal truly becomes an equitable and vibrant asset for all of North Minneapolis.

Upper Harbor Plan Transforms North Minneapolis Riverfront