MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Following months of discussion over what to do with the site of the former Minneapolis Police Department Third Precinct, city officials are now looking for “businesses, organizations, or teams” interested in running a new “democracy center” at 3000 Minnehaha Avenue South.

Third Precinct site

Background: The former police precinct was destroyed in the riots sparked by the death of George Floyd in May 2020. The burned building has sat empty at the corner of Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue for the past four years.

Since then, the city has debated what to do with the location.

Democracy center

What officials are saying: In an announcement on Monday, city officials say they are seeking a suitor that will, “take a community-focused approach to developing, programming, managing, and using about 8,000 square feet… for the purposes of the democracy center.”

The city says it looks to move forward with a mixed-use democracy center that would house elections and voter services. It would also include a ground-floor space for “community use.”

Community engagement

By the numbers: The city has previously conducted open houses, curated conversations and shared online surveys – the results of which it says showed 63% in support and 17% opposed of the idea.

What’s next?

Look ahead: The city is hoping to finalize design plans in the coming weeks and start renovations in 2025 with hopes of the democracy center opening sometime in 2026.

Isayah Coburn was fatally shot on Dec. 23 of last year in south Minneapolis — just days after his 16th birthday.

“He had an old spirit,” said Dawn Williams about her son.

Isayah’s murder remains unsolved one year later.

“It’s not just another teen who died; it’s somebody’s son, it’s somebody’s brother, somebody’s friend,” said Jamila Troop, Isayah’s older sister. “He means a whole lot to us.”

Gunfire broke out on Dec. 23, 2023, on East Lake Street and Hiawatha Avenue in Minneapolis.

Isayah was shot and died, and a woman was also shot but survived.

In the same area, just 24 hours before, two other people were shot, according to police.

The family said Isayah was walking to get pizza.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS asked Minneapolis Police multiple questions about the teen’s case — including what could have sparked the gunfire.

A police spokesperson only said in an email that the investigation is open and that no arrests have been made.

Isayah’s family holds onto hope someone will step forward with a clue in his murder.

“Tell the truth, you can’t keep running from it, keep hiding from it, tell the truth,” Williams said.

As the family waits for a break in the case, Williams says she must remain strong while feeling the pain of losing a child.

“I’m the matriarch; I have to set an example for the other kids and other people who look up to me,” Williams said. “If I fall off, they will fall off too… I can’t fall off.”

If you have that tip in the case, remember you can remain anonymous by connecting to Crime Stoppers of Minnesota.