MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis is preparing for major changes at George Floyd Square as it marks six years since Floyd’s murder.

City prepares to reshape George Floyd Square after years of debate

What we know:

City leaders have spent years discussing whether to keep the intersection mostly closed to traffic or reopen it in some way.

For nearly six years, George Floyd Square at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue has been a place for memorials, art and community gatherings. After much debate, construction is set to begin on June 8.

The city council’s original idea was to turn the area into a pedestrian mall, keeping it closed to most vehicles.

That plan faced pushback from some businesses and residents, and ultimately decided on a flexible open-street design.

Dwight Alexander, owner of Smoke in the Pit, said, “I don’t want a pedestrian mall.”

Under this plan, 38th Street and Chicago Avenue will reopen to vehicle and bus traffic, but the area where Floyd was killed will remain closed to traffic.

Renderings show wider sidewalks, new gathering spaces and improved infrastructure throughout the intersection.

Jeremiah Rupert, who visits George Floyd Square every day, said, “How do you balance community and social justice to make sure everyone gets what they need?”

“I want the road back open. I want the bus line to come back this way if it can. I want the streetlights back up there,” said Alexander.

City officials say memorials and gathering spaces will remain part of the redesign during and after construction, though some locations may shift.

Artists and community members will be involved in making sure the public can still access the memorials during construction.

“If we shut it down for construction, or if we further open it up, what would it do to the space?” said Rupert.

The city says construction is expected to continue through 2027.

Big picture view:

George Floyd Square has become both a memorial and a gathering place for the community since 2020.

The redesign aims to balance the needs of residents, businesses and those who visit the space to remember Floyd.

Business owners and community members have voiced a range of opinions on how the intersection should function moving forward.

Some want easier access for vehicles and buses, while others are focused on preserving the area’s significance as a memorial.

The city’s plan attempts to address both concerns by reopening some streets while keeping the most sensitive area closed to traffic.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Authorities are searching for three suspects reportedly involved in a Dinkytown assault and robbery. 

Armed robbery investigation

What we know:

A Safe-U advisory states that the armed robbery happened at about 4:20 a.m. on Saturday near the intersection of 14th Avenue Southeast and 7th Street Southeast.

The victim was reportedly “hit in the face with an unknown weapon” before his phone, keys and jacket were taken by three masked suspects who were wearing all black, according to the advisory.

The victim’s vehicle was also taken during the robbery, but police later found it and initiated a traffic stop. The occupants of the stolen vehicle then fled, and officers say they recovered a firearm.

What we don’t know:

Details on the suspects’ descriptions have not been shared.

What you can do:

Anyone with information on the suspects is asked to call 911. 

People in Minneapolis took part in the Day of Remembrance to honor George Floyd on Friday, nearly six years after his death.

“As elder Spike Moss said to me, one of our honorees, we were talking and he said, ‘Leslie, you’re not just doing a program, you are doing a mission,’” said Leslie Redmond.

Redmond, the founder of Win Back, says her nonprofit’s mission isn’t just to make sure people remember — it’s to drive accountability, healing and change.

“We are remembering the resilience of our community. We are remembering the ecosystem that has been activated amongst us all,” said Redmond.

Individuals honored Floyd at a memorial brunch and at George Floyd Square, where people honored his memory with yellow roses.

“For us, in community, Day of Remembrance is literally just that. It is something that we see every day when we come to our offices and our businesses on the block, but today holds a special moment because we honestly get to honor the trauma that we’ve held for six years,” said Bridgette Steward.

The trauma was revealed in prayers on Friday.

“I pray for covering. I pray for restoration. I pray for healing. I pray for building. I pray for development. I pray for resources, ” said Redmond.

Prayers and calls to action for the next generation.

“And lay it with intention at George Floyd’s memorial for remembrance, for hope and for new beginnings,” said Danielle Miller.

Beginning with addressing all that has happened since the world witnessed the incident that sparked a worldwide justice movement.

“Here we are, six years later. Comedians are laughing and joking about it, corporations have abandoned the community, there is an attack on DEI and so it feels like the weight is heavier than before, which means we have to double down like never before,” said Redmond.

Win Back has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships in George Floyd’s name. 

Friday’s remembrance celebration holds special meaning as the city prepares to reconstruct 38th Street and Chicago Avenue. Organizers say it’s another sign of progress.

Business at George Floyd Square hopes for investment

Violinist Raycurt Johnson plays at George Floyd Square week after week. 

Over the years, he’s seen the area change.

Once blocked off and defined by barricades, the intersection now carries a different rhythm. City officials are recommending the Minnesota Agape Movement to help develop the Peoples’ Way site at George Floyd Square. At the same time, businesses are starting to take root.

Larry Robinson opened Big L’s Soul Food and Steakhouse in the area by chance, but now believes it is a community that deserves investment.

“They are tired of this. They want their neighborhood back,” Robinson said in an interview with WCCO. “I would definitely like to see this community have a bigger and better facelift.”

Even with new businesses and new plans, the meaning of the space hasn’t faded. WCCO asked Johnson what type of feeling he wants people visiting on Monday, six years to the day since George Floyd died, to walk away with.

“The Sense of this is what community looks like,” he said.