Traffic moves fast down Lowry Avenue in northeast Minneapolis, a corridor marked by abandoned buildings, unassuming single-family homes and the occasional dive bar.
All of that may soon change. The area, which has remained relatively affordable as luxury apartments and housing prices rise elsewhere in Minneapolis, has begun to draw new residents and developers alike.
Three major intersections within a mile of one another have been targeted for housing developments in spots where buildings have sat abandoned for years. Meanwhile, Hennepin County has partnered with the city and others to implement a redevelopment plan on Lowry, a county road, between Central Avenue and the Mississippi River.
"It's a slow progression," said Minneapolis Planning Commission Vice President John Slack. "But I do think that people are starting to see Lowry as a really viable corridor to be on."
Still, residents can point out challenges. Changes to the street in the 1960s made more space for cars and less for pedestrians and bicyclists. The narrow sidewalks are impassable in places — especially in winter, when they fill up with snow and push pedestrians into the busy street.
"Lowry's always been a terrible street to walk on, to bike on — even to drive on isn't that great," said Jared Hoffman, president of the Holland Neighborhood Improvement Association board.
Based on community input, the Hennepin County redevelopment plan focuses on improving the streetscape by widening sidewalks, adding boulevards and reducing the number of vehicle lanes. There are plans for stormwater management along the corridor, and bicycle lanes on adjacent streets.
The plan also notes the opportunity for commercial and residential redevelopment at six key intersections along Lowry.
