2529 13th Ave. Property Past, Present, and Future

Watch for article about Banyan Lighthouse program by Naomi Mohammed in The Alley November issue.

By Joani Essenburg, Banyan Community Executive Director

There are several visible changes to the landscape of the 2500 block of 13th Avenue due to number of neighborhood decisions made by a variety of people. Though the change may seem drastic, one thing has remained constant: neighborhood outreach.

PAST: Back in 1970, the 2500 block of 13th had some major changes as the government decided to grant several lots to Pillsbury United Communities to establish a building and presence. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board received the grant for the Pillsbury United Communities and leased the land back to them so they could proceed. The “Waite House” made this location their home for 42 years, until May of 2012 when their lease expired. The Park Board then entered into another lease agreement with the Waite House (Pillsbury United Communities) at the Phillips Community Center at 2323 13th Ave.… Read the rest “2529 13th Ave. Property Past, Present, and Future”

Bridging Neighborhoods and Fun

By Dallas Johnson

The 3rd Annual Shenanigrins and Bridging Festival was a gob-stopping feast for the eyeballs and a splendiferous gift to the heart. Before the event, our friends wrote happy words all over the deck of the 24th St pedestrian bridge, hung an enormous unicorn head from one end and suspended over 100 stuffed, glittering handmade hearts from the top of the bridge which danced in the breeze above our heads as we paraded across, danced to live bluegrass music, read a poem about community and tied our wild wishes to the chain link. When we reached the party, we were greeted by brightly colored banners declaring, “Life is Generous” in many languages. The costume cart got a serious workout as revelers young and old donned festive embellishments, had faces painted, hula hooped, played instruments in a rock band, limbo”'d to live soca music, held potato sack races and enjoyed pizza and snow cones. Muriel Simmons”' grandkids performed a skit in her honor which ended in the entire crowd shouting, “Anything is possible!” and then we took turns answering questions in the Happy Stories Chair, such as, “What”'s your favorite thing about our neighborhood”, which was answered in one word, “THIS!”.… Read the rest “Bridging Neighborhoods and Fun”

Annual TASTE OF PHILLIPS Celebration and PHILLIPS AVENUES OF THE ARTS

October 25th and 26th

St. Paul”'s Lutheran Church 2742 15th Av. So.

Free and Open to the Public ”“ Free will offering

The 6th Annual “Taste of Phillips” brings visual and spoken word artists, poets, musicians and community actors to showcase talent and hope of our community. St. Paul”'s gallery will both professional and amateur work and allow hands-on activities. This year”'s event includes the inauguration of the Phillips Avenues of the Arts with dedication of the mosaic mural at Bloomington and Lake being created in these photos by artists Greta McLain, Alicia Martinson, Lamia Abukhadra, Samie Johnson, Eamon McLain, and Jesse Urban.  For details see stpaulschurchmpls.org, stpaulscreate@gmail.com, “Semilla Project” on Facebook.

Related Images: