StoryMain event: 3000 Minnehaha Avenue / 3033 Snelling Avenue redevelopmentJune 23, 2026

Controversial Redevelopment of Former Third Precinct Site Approved Amidst Community Outcry

The Minneapolis City Planning Commission advanced plans for a two-story addition and site improvements at 3000 Minnehaha Avenue, despite strong opposition from local businesses and community groups regarding access, parking, and potential economic harm.

Published Jun 25, 2026

The contentious redevelopment of the former Third Precinct site at 3000 Minnehaha Avenue and 3033 Snelling Avenue took another step forward as the Minneapolis City Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit, rezonings, and vacations for the project. The decision came despite fervent opposition from adjacent property owners and community advocates, who raised significant concerns about vehicular access, parking availability, and the potential economic repercussions for established local businesses like the Hook and Ladder Theatre.

City staff and project architects presented several modifications to the plan, particularly to address maneuverability issues raised in previous meetings. Andrew Frenz, a staff member, detailed these adjustments for the proposed 16,600 sq ft two-story addition and site improvements.

The largest change that has been made since May 18 is to reconfigure the southeast corner of the site to provide additional maneuvering area and to widen the proposed dead-end alley segment to allow for larger commercial vehicles serving the adjacent property at 3010 Minnehaha to travel between Minnehaha Avenue and Snelling Avenue.

— Andrew Frenz, City Staff

These changes were specifically designed to accommodate larger commercial vehicles, a key concern prominently voiced by the Hook and Ladder Theatre. Jennifer Anderson-Tuttle, an architect with LSC Architects, confirmed that the design now accounts for very large vehicles, even modeling for a 50-foot RV after meeting with the theatre.

When we had private meetings with them, they shared they had a big event the night before we met with them and at that event, they had a 50-foot R.V. , so we reran all of the maneuvering modeling and had a civil engineer do that and a 50-foot R.V. is what we have now modeled.

— Jennifer Anderson-Tuttle, Architect, LSC Architects

However, the issue of long-term parking availability and formal shared use agreements remains a point of contention for local businesses. While discussions about potential future arrangements were mentioned by city officials, a concrete, signed agreement has yet to be formalized.

Not here today but I have had communications with Barbara O'Brien who has said there will be considerations for a parking use agreement for after hours and hours the Democracy Center is not meeting that parking that will take place. Like for example, during an election day, that would be a difficult time for shared use parking.

— Commissioner Chowdhury, relaying communication from Barbara O'Brien, City of Minneapolis Finance and Property Services

Community Opposition Mounts

Several public speakers expressed deep frustration and alarm over the project's perceived negative impact on their livelihoods and the cultural vibrancy of the area. Chris Mozina, Founder and Executive Director of the Hook and Ladder Theatre, argued passionately for the needs of his venue.

The old standard of 30-foot boxtrucks is no longer the reality we live with. 50-foot tree limbs less trackers are what liver beverages to commercial businesses today. We are the last remaining performing arts venue from Highway 35 to the River. I think we deserve to stick around more than a new parking spot for an R.V.

— Chris Mozina, Executive Director, Hook and Ladder Theatre

I have suffered through 27 years of the city disregarding me as a property owner and as a person. This is more of the same. I am not happy. If it was not the city next door to me, if it was just another property owner and this issue was coming up, there is no way the city of Minneapolis would permit another property owner to impinge that much on an already established business. Because it is the city, here we all are. And I am not happy.

— Christine Smith, Owner, 3010 Minnehaha

The Minnesota Supreme Court has stated repeatedly that ensuring reasonable access to a building or eliminating reasonable access to a building based on a public works project results in a compensable taking. Until we have a signed agreement on parking, that is not something we can take to the bank. This proposal will put a death knell on a valued cultural institution in South Minneapolis.

— Brian Bell, Representative for FGNL, LLC

Other speakers, including Patrick Scully, founder of Patrick's Cabaret, and Jesse Broad, owner/partner of Noble Presents, echoed concerns about parking and the economic viability of the Longfellow entertainment district. Broad notably highlighted the absence of an economic impact study for the project. Lisa Boyd of Longfellow Rising called for a slowdown in the process and more thorough consideration of the project's impact on a community still healing from past traumas, criticizing the city for a 'lack of consideration.'

Despite the persistent objections and unaddressed concerns regarding a formal parking agreement and the lack of comprehensive economic studies, the City Planning Commission moved forward with the redevelopment plans for the 3000 Minnehaha Avenue site. The project's future development and its actual impact on surrounding businesses and the Longfellow community will continue to be closely monitored as it progresses.

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Areas of Interest (8)

  • Controversial redevelopment of former Third Precinct site faces strong opposition from local businesses and community groups over access, parking, and economic impact.
  • The City of Minneapolis accused of prioritizing its own project (Democracy Center) over the concerns of long-standing local businesses, potentially leading to a 'compensable taking'.
  • Uncertainty around future parking for the Hook and Ladder Theatre as the city plans to negotiate shared use 'once the project is approved and moved forward,' without a signed agreement.
  • Concerns about the 'death knell' of a key South Minneapolis cultural institution, Hook and Ladder Theatre, due to the proposed changes impacting its operations and patron safety.
  • Calls for an independent economic impact study of the Democracy Center project, which critics say has not been adequately addressed by the city.
  • The historical trauma of the Third Precinct site still affects the neighborhood, with critics arguing the new development further 'penalizes' existing businesses rather than aiding recovery.
  • The project's impact on maneuverability for large delivery vehicles and visual access for patrons remains a key contention, despite design modifications.
  • Longfellow Rising, a non-profit focused on rebuilding 'Downtown Longfellow,' urges the City to slow down the process and consider alternative proposals from affected businesses.

Votes (2)

Adopt the minutes of June 8, 2026

AdoptedAll in favor say AYE.

Approve consent agenda items 5, 6, 7 with staff recommendations

AdoptedAll in favor say AYE.

Moved by Someone (So moved)

Notable Quotes (15)

We have a quorum. First, I will turn to the minutes of June 8, 2026. Is a motion to adopt those minutes? Any discussion? All in favor say AYE. The minutes are adopted.

— Chair Meyer
Meeting logisticsLeading the adoption of previous meeting minutes.

The largest change that has been made since May 18 is to reconfigure the southeast corner of the site to provide additional maneuvering area and to widen the proposed dead-end alley segment to allow for larger commercial vehicles serving the adjacent property at 3010 Minnehaha to travel between Minnehaha Avenue and Snelling Avenue.

— Andrew Frenz
3000 Minnehaha project changesExplaining the most significant design change to the commission.

When we had private meetings with them, they shared they had a big event the night before we met with them and at that event, they had a 50-foot R.V. , so we reran all of the maneuvering modeling and had a civil engineer do that and a 50-foot R.V. is what we have now modeled.

— Jennifer Anderson-Tuttle
Vehicle maneuverabilityResponding to Commissioner Sheppard's question about vehicle size modeling.

Not here today but I have had communications with Barbara O'Brien who has said there will be considerations for a parking use agreement for after hours and hours the Democracy Center is not meeting that parking that will take place. Like for example, during an election day, that would be a difficult time for shared use parking.

— Commissioner Chowdhury
Shared parkingRelaying information about potential parking agreements from city staff.

The old standard of 30-foot boxtrucks is no longer the reality we live with. 50-foot tree limbs less trackers are what liver beverages to commercial businesses today.

— Chris Mozina
Delivery accessTestifying about the need for larger vehicle access to the Hook and Ladder.

We are the last remaining performing arts venue from Highway 35 to the River. I think we deserve to stick around more than a new parking spot for an R.V.

— Chris Mozina
Impact on local artsArguing for the importance of preserving the Hook and Ladder Theatre.

I have suffered through 27 years of the city disregarding me as a property owner and as a person. This is more of the same. I am not happy.

— Christine Smith
Property owner concernsExpressing deep frustration with the city's handling of her property.

If it was not the city next door to me, if it was just another property owner and this issue was coming up, there is no way the city of Minneapolis would permit another property owner to impinge that much on an already established business. Because it is the city, here we all are. And I am not happy.

— Christine Smith
City development practicesAlleging preferential treatment for the city's project over private businesses.

The Minnesota Supreme Court has stated repeatedly that ensuring reasonable access to a building or eliminating reasonable access to a building based on a public works project results in a compensable taking.

— Brian Bell
Legal challengesPresenting a legal argument against the proposed development plan.

This proposal will put a death knell on a valued cultural institution in South Minneapolis.

— Brian Bell
Impact on local artsWarning of the severe negative impact of the project on the Hook and Ladder.

Until we have a signed agreement on parking, that is not something we can take to the bank.

— Brian Bell
Parking agreement reliabilityExpressing skepticism about informal commitments regarding parking.

In the spirit of reparation, this plan should try to fix that and not further penalize the Hook.

— Patrick Scully
Neighborhood healing and equitySuggesting the project should contribute positively to the neighborhood's healing.

To develop and continue to develop an entertainment district in the downtown Longfellow neighborhood, to revive that neighborhood and put in restaurants and other stages and whatever it might be, we are going to need parking.

— Jesse Broad
Parking needsEmphasizing the necessity of parking for the revitalization of the Longfellow entertainment district.

I did not see an economic study done, what would it be to have this building come. The way it is set up, it is an impact study for economics. But I have not seen one.

— Jesse Broad
Economic impact assessmentHighlighting the absence of an economic impact study for the project.

We continue to be disappointed in the lack of consideration the city has given to the impact of its proposed changes to the site on this formerly thriving creative partial know that has seen so much trauma in recent years.

— Lisa Boyd
Community impactCriticizing the city for insufficient consideration of the project's impact on a traumatized community.

People (17)

Chair MeyerChair of the City Planning Commission

Chaired the meeting and managed discussions.

Commissioner BaxleyCommissioner

Present at the meeting.

Commissioner ChowdhuryCommissioner

Present, asked questions about parking stalls, shared use, and access.

2 quotes

“For our clerks, is it possible to get this presentation added to the public record?”

Requesting to add the applicant's presentation to the public record.

“I am limited as to how I can speak about that. We don't really have any connection to parking negotiations of that lot as the architects were really just developing the site plan and use of that, with the city will be determined following our involvement.”

Response to inquiry about public business parking.

Commissioner ConleyCommissioner

Present, asked questions about turning radius widening and parking stalls.

1 quote

“If someone is coming in from Minnehaha, it looks like the public alley has been expanded to 37 feet. But that turning radius from the private drive to the public alley, can you tell me if that has been widened from what we saw on the 18th versus today?”

Questioning changes to the turning radius.

Commissioner GarciaCommissioner

Not noted as present during roll call.

Commissioner SheppardCommissioner

Present, asked about vehicle sizes modeled for turning lanes.

1 quote

“At our last meeting and in your meeting subsequent with Hook and Ladder, you discussed the size of vehicle they were concerned with. What was it and did you run out of turning lane?”

Inquiring about modeled vehicle size.

Vice President WagnerVice President / Commissioner

Present, asked about modeling for large semi-trucks and patron drop-off.

2 quotes

“Can you speak to whether you modeled large semitrucks or similar and what that modeling looked like?”

Questioning the scope of vehicle modeling.

“But for patrons, the drop-off is to the west of the building? To the north of the building?”

Clarifying patron access points.

Andrew FrenzStaff

Presented the project changes for 3000 Minnehaha Avenue, focusing on updates since May 18.

Jennifer Anderson-TuttleArchitect, LSC Architects

Presented the design changes to address concerns, specifically regarding maneuverability and view corridors.

2 quotes

“The largest change that has been made since May 18 is to reconfigure the southeast corner of the site to provide additional maneuvering area and to widen the proposed dead-end alley segment.”

Describing key project changes.

“When we had private meetings with them, they shared they had a big event the night before we met with them and at that event, they had a 50-foot R.V. , so we reran all of the maneuvering modeling.”

Explaining the updated vehicle modeling criteria.

Barbara O'BrienCity of Minneapolis, Finance and Property Services (communicated)

Communicated that considerations will be made for a parking use agreement for after-hours and non-Democracy Center meeting times.

PaulRepresentative from Finance and Property Services (absent)

Unable to attend due to medical emergencies and a death in the family.

Chris MozinaFounder & Executive Director, Hook and Ladder Theatre

Spoke against aspects of the plan, emphasizing access and parking issues for the theatre.

2 quotes

“The old standard of 30-foot boxtrucks is no longer the reality we live with. 50-foot tree limbs less trackers are what liver beverages to commercial businesses today.”

Highlighting the need for larger vehicle access.

“We are the last remaining performing arts venue from Highway 35 to the River. I think we deserve to stick around more than a new parking spot for an R.V.”

Emphasizing the importance of the Hook and Ladder Theatre.

Christine SmithOwner, 3010 Minnehaha

Expressed frustration with the city's disregard and the impact of the project on her established business.

2 quotes

“I have suffered through 27 years of the city disregarding me as a property owner and as a person. This is more of the same. I am not happy.”

Expressing long-standing frustration with the city.

“If it was not the city next door to me, if it was just another property owner and this issue was coming up, there is no way the city of Minneapolis would permit another property owner to impinge that much on an already established business.”

Alleging preferential treatment for the city's project.

Brian BellRepresentative for FGNL, LLC, public speaker

Raised legal issues, including 'compensable taking,' and impact on the comprehensive plan.

2 quotes

“The Minnesota Supreme Court has stated repeatedly that ensuring reasonable access to a building or eliminating reasonable access to a building based on a public works project results in a compensable taking.”

Stating legal grounds for opposition.

“This proposal will put a death knell on a valued cultural institution in South Minneapolis.”

Warning of severe negative consequences for the Hook and Ladder.

Patrick ScullyPublic speaker, founder of Patrick's Cabaret

Spoke about the history of the site and neighborhood, advocating for the Hook and Ladder.

1 quote

“In the spirit of reparation, this plan should try to fix that and not further penalize the Hook.”

Suggesting the project should help, not harm, the Hook and Ladder given the area's history.

Jesse BroadOwner/Partner, Noble Presents

Expressed concern about parking, economic impact, and safety for the entertainment district.

2 quotes

“To develop and continue to develop an entertainment district in the downtown Longfellow neighborhood... we are going to need parking.”

Highlighting the critical need for parking for an entertainment district.

“I did not see an economic study done, what would it be to have this building come... I have not seen one.”

Pointing out the lack of an economic impact study.

Lisa BoydStaff Person, Longfellow Rising

Called for slowing down the process, considering the Hook's proposal, and an economic impact study.

1 quote

“We continue to be disappointed in the lack of consideration the city has given to the impact of its proposed changes to the site on this formerly thriving creative partial know that has seen so much trauma in recent years.”

Expressing disappointment in the city's process and consideration.

Places Mentioned

3000 Minnehaha Avenue3033 Snelling Avenue1225 Broadway St.3409 Boardman St.2125 James Avenue NorthLake and Minnehaha (intersection)Former Third Precinct site3010 Minnehaha (adjacent property)Snelling AvenueLongfellow (neighborhood)South MinneapolisHighway 35 to the RiverColiseum BuildingPangea Theater

Events & Meetings (8)

  • Regular Meeting of the City Planning Commission
  • Minutes of June 8, 2026
  • May 18 (previous meeting regarding 3000 Minnehaha)
  • June 8 (previous meeting regarding 3000 Minnehaha)
  • May 29 (applicant meeting with Hook and Ladder)
  • June 10 (applicant meeting with Hook and Ladder)
  • Juneteenth celebration (past weekend)
  • Pride Week (this week)

Ordinances & Resolutions (3)

Conditional Use Permit

Application for approval of a conditional use permit for the construction of a two-story addition, alley relocation, and site improvements at 3000 Minnehaha Avenue.

Rezonings

Applications for rezoning related to the project at 3000 Minnehaha Avenue.

Vacations

Applications for vacations (e.g., of right-of-way) related to the project at 3000 Minnehaha Avenue.

Source document

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Other Topics from This Document

  • Adoption of June 8, 2026 meeting minutes

  • Organization of agenda

  • Consent agenda items discussion (Items 5, 6, 7)

  • Public hearing for Consent Agenda

  • Approval of Consent Agenda items 5, 6, 7 with staff recommendations

  • Construction of a two-story addition (16,600 sq ft)

  • Relocation of public alley

  • Site improvements at former Third Precinct site

  • Reconfiguration of southeast corner for maneuvering

  • Widening of dead-end alley segment (15 ft to 27-31 ft)

  • Relocation of parking garage for community boating trailer

  • Designated walkway from Snelling Avenue to north-south alley/rear entrance

  • Elimination of backup generator from project scope

  • Changes to median alternative compliance

  • Changes to landscaping and screening

  • Approval of conditional use permit for 3000 Minnehaha Avenue

  • Approval of rezonings for 3000 Minnehaha Avenue

  • Approval of vacations for 3000 Minnehaha Avenue

  • Maneuverability concerns for large commercial vehicles (50-foot RVs/semi-trucks)

  • View corridor obstruction

  • Parking availability and shared use agreements

  • Impact on local businesses and cultural institutions (Hook and Ladder Theatre)

  • Legal issues: Compensable taking concerns

  • Compliance with Comprehensive Plan (promoting arts, pedestrian access)

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