Committee Advances Upper Harbor Arts Center, Approves Multiple Business Licenses
The Minneapolis Business, Housing & Zoning Committee advanced several major initiatives during its July 15 meeting, including approval of agreements for the Upper Harbor Terminal Community Performing Arts Center and multiple liquor license applications.
The committee unanimously approved terms for the Community Performing Arts Center project, a partnership between First Avenue Productions and the Minnesota Orchestra through Port of Minneapolis LLC. The 8,000-8,500 capacity outdoor venue will operate from May to October on the Upper Harbor Terminal site, with a portion enclosed for year-round smaller events. The project includes a community benefits agreement with the African American Community Development Corporation, featuring a $3 per ticket community fund projected to exceed $500,000 annually.
Committee members also approved several business license applications, including on-sale liquor licenses for Puttshack Minneapolis LLC at 700 Third Street North and Animales BBQ at 241 Fremont Avenue North. Extended hours permits were granted to Mrs. Dessert and Kumpir for locations on both 22nd Avenue and Lake Street, allowing operations until 2:00 a.m.
The committee addressed housing development through multiple loan forgiveness approvals, including projects for Saint Olaf development, Little Earth Corporation, and Emerge Community Development. These actions support affordable housing initiatives across the city.
In a contentious zoning matter, the committee denied an appeal regarding temporary shoring pilings at 4428 Edmund Boulevard by a 4-2 vote. Neighbors complained about unpermitted work and property damage, but the narrow scope of the quasi-judicial hearing limited available remedies. Councilmember Chowdhury announced plans to work with City Auditor Robert Timerman on an independent review of the project.
The meeting concluded with approval of Arts Nest as the new operator for the Cowles Center for Dance, ending the venue's closure since March 2024. The 12-year lease agreement aims to restore the facility as a national center for dance and performing arts.
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Areas of Interest (4)
- City Committee pushes forward on $3M Upper Harbor Terminal infrastructure project despite controversy.
- Council members debate the appropriateness of questioning immigrant business owners about their faith and business practices during licensing hearings.
- New upscale mini-golf venue Puttery cleared for North Loop expansion after neighborhood noise concerns raised.
- Small business owner of Mrs. Dessert & Kumpir wins unanimous approval for late-night hours amidst safety concerns and public testimony.
Votes (4)
Approval of consent agenda
Moved by Chair Osman · Seconded by N/A
Approve On-Sale Liquor License for Puttery
Moved by Councilmember Rainville · Seconded by N/A
Approve On-Sale Liquor License for Animales BBQ
Moved by Councilmember Ellison · Seconded by N/A
Approve extended hours for Mrs. Dessert & Kumpir (22nd Ave)
Moved by Chair Osman · Seconded by N/A
Notable Quotes (2)
I think the line of questioning he was subjected to was inappropriate... it perpetuates a kind of vague Islamophobia.
We need to have something like this in the city because residents of the city are going out to the suburbs to have that experience.
People (7)
Jamal OsmanCo-ChairCo-chair of the Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee.
Co-chair of the Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee.
HansenDirectorDirector of Community Planning and Economic Development for Minneapolis.
Director of Community Planning and Economic Development for Minneapolis.
Ryan NovaCOOChief Operating Officer of Puttery presenting license application.
Chief Operating Officer of Puttery presenting license application.
Ben VinzantPresidentPresenting license application for Animales BBQ.
Presenting license application for Animales BBQ.
Michael McCulloughOwnerOwner of Mrs. Dessert & Kumpir requesting extended hours.
Owner of Mrs. Dessert & Kumpir requesting extended hours.
Hilary HolmesStaffPresenting on the Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment project.
Presenting on the Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment project.
Dana FrankCEOCo-developer of the Upper Harbor project.
Co-developer of the Upper Harbor project.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (1)
- Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee Meeting
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Liquor license renewal and gambling licenses
Loan subordination and forgiveness for multiple development projects
Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment and Performing Arts Center
Minneapolis Advisory Committee on Housing appointments
Land sale from Hennepin County HRA
On-sale liquor and entertainment license for Puttery
On-sale liquor and entertainment license for Animales BBQ
Extended hours license for Mrs. Dessert & Kumpir (339 22nd Ave)
Extended hours license for Mrs. Dessert & Kumpir (Lake St location)
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