Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis’ Lakewood Cemetery unveils plans for new ‘net-zero’ Welcome Center
Future guests to Minneapolis’ historic Lakewood Cemetery will likely be greeted by a brand new and energy-efficient Welcome Middle, the biggest venture the nonprofit that runs the cemetery has undertaken in years.
Lakewood officers unveiled plans Wednesday for the multi-million greenback middle, a 25,000-square-foot constructing slated to open in 2024 together with new gardens and strolling paths.
It comes at a time when the sprawling cemetery, which opened in 1871, is in search of to “reimagine” itself as not only a place to honor the lifeless however as a group gathering place internet hosting live shows, trolley excursions and different occasions.
“We’re a part of the group and the Welcome Middle now supplies some extent of proof,” mentioned Chris Makowske, president of the cemetery and the Lakewood Heritage Basis, the cemetery’s charitable arm established in 2018 to spice up fundraising and beautification initiatives. “It is an funding in the neighborhood by Lakewood.”
Makowske declined to reveal the venture’s price ticket however mentioned will probably be funded by the nonprofit’s endowment. He mentioned the brand new constructing will higher serve the cemetery’s rising variety of guests than its Nineteen Twenties-era administration constructing, which will likely be repurposed.
The fashionable two-story middle, to be positioned close to the primary entrance of the 250-acre cemetery at W. thirty sixth Avenue and Hennepin Avenue, will present area for extra occasions and lessons in addition to workplaces for 32 staff. Will probably be “internet zero,” producing vitality by way of a geothermal mechanical system and a rooftop photo voltaic array.
Crews will set up 4 gardens with water options across the new constructing, and plant a minimum of 150 timber this yr throughout the cemetery’s acreage to switch a whole bunch of ash timber misplaced to the emerald ash borer.
“A lot about Lakewood is concerning the nature, so we wished to guarantee that was a precedence,” Makowske mentioned.
He mentioned he hopes the Welcome Middle will turn into a gathering spot for the broader group. Lots of the 10,000-plus annual guests to Lakewood do not go there for funerals or to go to a beloved one’s grave, however to attend occasions or simply stroll the bucolic grounds close to Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes.
“Lakewood isn’t just a spot to bury,” Makowske mentioned, “however to collect and bear in mind.”
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Minneapolis City Council has released its proposed restrictions on cannabis businesses in the city, as the state moves into the next steps of recreational marijuana legalization.
What we know
The city is working to update its zoning for cannabis businesses, as licenses are issued in the coming months in Minnesota.
City staff have proposed a series of restrictions for businesses.
- Dispensaries must be a minimum of 500 feet from schools and 500 feet from other dispensaries.
- Cannabis businesses can’t grow plants outdoors.
- Cannabis will also face restrictions on odors.
- Cannabis manufacturing will only be allowed in commercial and mixed-use areas – similar to breweries.
Context
Earlier this month, the state met with cities to provide guidance on cannabis restrictions that cities can implement under the new state law.
Just last week, the City of St. Paul passed a similar set of restrictions on cannabis businesses.
What’s next?
The proposed zoning restrictions are still in the early stages of consideration and need further approval from the council.
Currently, the Office of Cannabis Management expects to finalize its draft rules for businesses in early 2025. The licensing process is expected to start in 2025 after the rules are in place. Currently, cannabis sales are only allowed on tribal lands.
Drivers who use I-94 to make the trip from Minneapolis to St. Paul and the east metro suburbs will be on detour this weekend as the Minnesota Department of Transportation shuts down a long stretch of the freeway.
Eastbound lanes will be closed from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday between Hwy. 280 and Western Avenue, MnDOT said.
Drivers will be rerouted north on Hwy. 280 to eastbound Hwy. 36 to southbound I-35E.
Crews will use the weekend to inspect and repair bridge decks, clean and repair stormwater drainage structures, remove overgrown vegetation, replace and repair lighting, and remove graffiti on bridges and noise walls said MnDOT spokesman Kent Barnard.
A new park has opened in northeast Minneapolis featuring walking paths, a riverside landing, picnic tables, and hundreds of native plants.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board partnered with Graco Inc. and the Mississippi
Watershed Management Organization on the project.
Graco Park is named after the company, which is located right next to the property north of the Plymouth Avenue bridge near Boom Island Park.
“This is another monumental milestone in our ongoing, decades long mission to transition Minneapolis’ northern riverfront to being fully accessible,” said board president Meg Forney.
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She said Graco Park is part of a bigger vision to turn the city’s northern riverfront into a string of continuous parks.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board purchased the land from the Sheer Brothers Lumber company in 2010 with the intentions to rehabilitate the land, Minneapolis parks superintendent Al Bangoura said. In that time frame, the board was able to restore Halls Island and its ecosystem.
The island is located directly across from Graco Park.
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board with partners at a ribbon cutting ceremony of Graco Park. Courtesy of Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
A building located in the park will provide spaces for an incoming dance company and public use creative studio set to open in 2025.
Bangoura said it’s “where young people can come to a space and use their creative imaginations.”
The park also features geothermal heated sidewalks, which will prevent ice and keep the salt that is often used in Minnesota winter out of the waters.
There are plans to connect Graco Park’s riverfront to Boom Island Park’s trail under the Plymouth Avenue Bridge.
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