The city of Minneapolis is advancing its vision for the redevelopment of the 38th Street and Chicago Avenue area, a site forever etched in history due to the tragic killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. While the city’s proposed pedestrian mall is on pause, a new chapter is beginning for the Peoples’ Way property, the former Speedway gas station located on the northwest corner of 38th and Chicago.
A Vision for Community-Centered Development
In June 2023, the city acquired the 13,980 square-foot lot, recognizing the potential for this space to become a powerful resource for the surrounding community. Now, Minneapolis is inviting nonprofit organizations to submit proposals for redeveloping the site into a community-focused facility.
This week, the city revealed the four nonprofit organizations under consideration for the project: Minnesota Agape Movement, P3 Foundation (also known as David’s Place), Rise & Remember, and the Urban League Twin Cities. These groups have been selected based on their ability to fulfill the city’s vision of developing the property with a focus on community empowerment, racial justice, and healing.
What’s at Stake?
The selected nonprofit will be entrusted with the task of transforming the Peoples’ Way site. The project could involve a range of redevelopment options, from renovating the existing structure to building a new multi-story complex. Regardless of the scope, the city is determined to work with an organization that centers the needs of the George Floyd Square community, honors the legacy of George Floyd, and addresses the broader calls for racial justice.
Community Engagement and Transparency
Minneapolis officials have emphasized the importance of community involvement throughout this redevelopment process. Public presentations and discussions will be held in various locations, offering residents the opportunity to learn about the redevelopment plans, ask questions, and voice their opinions. These public sessions will take place at:
- Feb. 8 at the Community Connections Conference, Minneapolis Convention Center, Hall E, at 9:45 a.m.
- Feb. 15 and March 8 at the People’s Way pop-up at Bichota Coffee, 11 a.m.
- March 4 at Hosmer Library, 2 p.m.
- March 11 at Powderhorn Recreation Center, 3 p.m.
- Feb. 26 at the Sabathani Community Center, where a presentation will also be made.
These sessions will allow the public to engage directly with project staff, ensuring the redevelopment aligns with the needs of the community and stays true to the vision set forth in the Request for Qualifications.
Honoring George Floyd’s Legacy and Community Needs
The redevelopment of Peoples’ Way offers an opportunity to honor the life and legacy of George Floyd while providing critical resources to the community. Ideas from local residents have already begun to shape the direction of the project, with proposals ranging from the creation of a memorial space to a healing center or museum that focuses on racial justice.
The city’s RFQ emphasizes the need for the new development to address the collective harms caused by systemic racism, providing a space that serves the needs of the George Floyd Square community while respecting the property’s significance as a living memorial.
What’s Next?
After the public presentations and a thorough review of the applicants, the city plans to make its final decision on the selected nonprofit organization by May 2025. Following the selection, the city will collaborate with the chosen organization to create a detailed development and operating plan for the property.
Minneapolis’ work to redevelop Peoples’ Way is about more than just physical transformation; it is about healing, justice, and ensuring the community’s voices remain at the forefront of the city’s ongoing growth and development. Stay tuned for more updates as this important project unfolds.
Original reporting by: Regina Medina | MPR News