We’re on the Clock

Last week Mayor Hodges joined Minneapolis City Council Members Lisa Goodman and Jacob Frey and Minneapolis Downtown Council President Steve Cramer to announce the Minneapolis Big Build. The Big Build is a campaign developed by Meet Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Downtown Council and the Downtown Improvement District. It’s designed not only to keep the public informed about the Nicollet Mall reconstruction project, but to also celebrate the record-setting development that is happening throughout Minneapolis. The mayor used the phrase, “we’re on the clock” to share the sense of urgency we all have in making sure we are all ready for the major events coming in over the next few years.

The Minneapolis Big Build is a $2 billion collection of major projects that are transforming Minneapolis, adding new facilities, new green space, and new public amenities that will enhance Minneapolis for everyone who lives, works, visits, and plays here. The campaign merged from the ongoing collaboration that the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Meet Minneapolis have. Our teams wanted to focus on the vision of our downtown once these major projects are completed, including the Nicollet Mall reconstruction. While there is never a perfect time to undertake a major capital project, we know that the enhanced destination product will serve us well.

When Mayor Hodges reminded us of the major event obligations we have in the next few years, it didn’t go unnoticed that Nicollet Mall will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2018, just in time for the Super Bowl. I’m guessing there is another celebration in there somewhere.

The Big Build supports the work Meet Minneapolis is doing with Destination Transformation 2030, our community-wide tourism master plan. The goal of the plan is simply to make sure that Minneapolis is a notably more marketable destination by 2030.

Our community leaders have astutely recognized Nicollet Mall as one of the crown jewels among our destination assets. While some communities have chased various fads and schemes designed to create vibrancy, excitement and livability, Nicollet Mall remains a constant, and this latest $50 million investment will ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy it.