Minneapolis
Development plan sought for historic firehouse
Minneapolis officials are seeking development ideas for a distinctive property in north Minneapolis: A 74-year-old former fire station.
The fire department stopped using the station on 33rd and James Avenues after a new one was built on Lowry Avenue in 2006. The city solicited proposals for the site on Wednesday, particularly those that would convert it into small-scale retail, commercial or office space. The city won't accept proposals to demolish the building, however.
The station lies in one of the most economically depressed areas of the city, in the Folwell neighborhood. A 2011 tornado severely damaged many houses in the surrounding area and uprooted trees.
The city estimated the market value of the .38-acre site is $230,000. Proposals must be submitted by Feb. 26.
Converted fire houses are common in Minneapolis. Examples include the Mixed Blood Theatre in Cedar-Riverside, a condo on 35th and Hennepin and Harriet Brasserie in Linden Hills.
Eric Roper
MINNEAPOLIS
Black literature on display in Hennepin Gallery
The Hennepin Gallery will mark Black History Month with a display of the Archie Givens Sr. Collection of African-American Literature from Monday to Feb. 25. The collection, which includes more than 8,000 books dating to 1773, is usually housed at the University of Minnesota.
Many of the books that will be on exhibit are rare first editions, some of which have been out of print for many years. Some have been signed, inscribed or illustrated by the authors. The collection also contains letters, manuscripts, music and artwork compiled through the years by lay preservationists with a passion for preserving history.