MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – After some headline-grabbing retailer closures and workplace consolidations, Minneapolis authorities and enterprise officers mentioned Wednesday it is time to get critical about revitalizing downtown’s storefronts.

Mayor Jacob Frey created a 21-member work group of enterprise officers, Metropolis Council members, and downtown boosters to research vacancies on the road stage and in Minneapolis’s skyways. Frey has charged the group with speaking to constructing house owners about their wants and asking officers in different cities what they’re doing.

Almost three years after the COVID-19 pandemic despatched most downtown workplace staff dwelling, many companies stay in hybrid or distant work schedules. That hurts retailers and eating places that depend on daytime foot visitors from workplace staff.

“I don’t assume any of us are fascinated about wringing our arms and hoping for what we had,” mentioned Steve Cramer, head of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and the co-chair of the brand new work group. “We’re additionally not fascinated about ignoring the present scenario and simply hoping for the most effective.”

 A pattern of downtown places of work confirmed 61.7% constructing occupancy, in response to knowledge launched by the Downtown Council earlier this month. The identical survey confirmed downtown’s eating places are serving 64% of diners in contrast with earlier than the pandemic. Lodge occupancy stands at 53.3%, beneath pre-pandemic ranges. A extra complete accounting of emptiness charges is underway, Cramer mentioned.

Nicollet Mall, the hub of downtown’s purchasing expertise, has misplaced a number of retailers. Most lately, Nordstrom Rack shuttered its doorways on the bottom flooring of IDS Heart in November.

“Undoubtedly, Nicollet Mall can be a main focus,” Frey mentioned, when reporters requested in regards to the work group’s plans. “Perhaps not the first focus however a main focus.”

Frey mentioned he wished to advertise the conversion of vacant workplace area into residential items. He additionally mentioned downtown wants extra daycare choices as a handy incentive for staff to return to the workplace.

“Talking as a guardian who has a child in a downtown daycare, it’s actually handy,” the mayor mentioned. “I need to be sure that comfort is broadly out there to everybody.”

The work group’s suggestions are due in April. Frey mentioned a funding request to the state Legislature was on the desk, as was a proposal in his 2023 metropolis funds plan.