Minneapolis park commissioners voted 7-0 on Wednesday night to buy a piece of West Bank property on the city's upper riverfront for $2.5 million.
The purchase of the former Japs-Olson building adjacent to the west end of the Lowry Avenue Bridge represents the first land deal since adoption of an upper riverfront master plan 15 years ago.
"It's a great, great day," said North Side commissioner Jon Olson. "It's been difficult to acquire property on our side of the river. I want to thank folks in my district for being patient."
The Park Board plans to eventually accumulate enough land or easements to extend recreational paths and a parkway northward from Ole Olson Park to the Camden area.
