Mayor Jacob Frey, City Council President Andrea Jenkins, former Mayor R.T. Rybak and Erik Hansen, interim director of Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), joined other current and former City leaders Oct. 29 to celebrate the pending demolition of the former Kmart building in south Minneapolis to make way for the New Nicollet Redevelopment Project. 

The City is reconnecting Nicollet Avenue between Lake Street and the Midtown Greenway as part of the New Nicollet Redevelopment Project. The project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help reshape the future of the site and contribute to an increased quality of life for people living and working in the immediate area.

The City plans to construct Nicollet Avenue between Lake Street and Cecil Newman Lane and develop the remaining site into a high-density, mixed-use, walkable area. Construction on the road and bridge over the Midtown Greenway is anticipated to begin in 2025. 

A fire at the former Kmart building Oct. 20 has expedited demolition plans. The New Nicollet Redevelopment Project remains on track and staff are currently gathering feedback from community members on new roadway and public space design concepts through 9 a.m. Nov. 15.

Learn more about the project on the City’s website.