Applications now open for community developers to lead People’s Way project
The city of Minneapolis has announced its next phase in redeveloping George Floyd Square. On September 23, the city began seeking developers for The People’s Way property at 3744 Chicago Ave., formerly a Speedway gas station that was destroyed in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder by police in 2020.
The property, which sits directly across from Unity Foods (formerly Cup Foods), was acquired by the city in 2023. The city aims to find a community owner who will develop the site for community use.
Since 2021, the city and project team have reached out to community members to help shape the project’s vision and values. This year’s engagement efforts included several visioning workshops and dinner dialogues.
“For years, community members have been engaged in envisioning the future of George Floyd Square and the People’s Way, and we’re ready to turn that vision into a reality,” said Mayor Jacob Frey in a statement. “We are committed to creating a space that fosters healing and unity, honors the life of George Floyd, and points toward a more equitable future—finding a developer for this project is a great step forward.”
“I am thrilled that the community has worked together to bring us closer to revitalizing this area known as George Floyd Square,” said Council Member Andrea Jenkins. “The People’s Way has the potential to become a community-owned, national symbol of social justice and racial healing.
“We welcome the opportunity for development of the People’s Way site by an organization that will both steward the vision of this deeply engaged community while maintaining important elements that exist today.”
The city will review the qualifications of organizations to own, develop, and operate the People’s Way property with a focus on community. Eligible applicants to the RFQ (Request for Qualifications) must be led by a non-profit organization. City leadership will also evaluate applications based on relevant experience, financial qualifications and stewardship intentions for the site.
“My office encourages our local community organizations to apply to the RFQ has been issued for the People’s Way property and looks forward to collaborating with our leaders and residents dedicated to the important and justice-oriented work that Minneapolis deserves,” said Council Member Jason Chavez.
An RFQ informational meeting for interested community developers will be held on October 10, and applications are due Fri, Nov 22. The review process will include community engagement and is expected to take place in early 2025.
In July, the city shared three concepts for the 38th St. and Chicago Ave. intersection. They include options that provide flexible vehicle access, a transit mall, and a pedestrian-only plaza. Each concept maintains a consistent design along 38th Street and Chicago Ave. south of 38th Street while offering different options for Chicago Ave. north of 38th Street. All three options aim to preserve and expand space for pedestrians, community uses for gatherings, art, and memorials.
Next steps
The city will hold the final visioning workshop on Sept. 24 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at 3736 Chicago Ave. This workshop will provide attendees with more details on the progress made this summer in creating a vision for the site, the RFQ process for the People’s Way property, and the next steps with street designs and memorials.
A draft of the vision document will be shared with community members at a dinner dialogue on Oct. 29. The final vision document and preferred street designs will be shared with the city council on Nov 12. More information about the work to redevelop George Floyd Square can be found on the city’s website.
Information provided in part by the city of Minneapolis.