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Axios Twin Cities
The best hikes in the Twin Cities region
If you're looking to hit the trails without hitting cabin traffic, here are ideas from Axios Twin Cities readers about hikes within the metro area:Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington — Max S. suggested a roughly 10-mile route between two big transit stops that wind through the scenic river bottoms. Just off Max's route is the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge, which officials reopened to trail traffic in 2016.Wood-Rill Scientific and Natural Area, Long Lake — Just north of Wayzata, this "beautiful forested area with hills and valleys and ponds" is a mainstay for reader Kathy H.Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Eagan — Val...
Upgrading to a larger home is out, renovating is in
Data: Maxwell; Note: Analysis comes from 300+ U.S. lenders; Chart: Axios VisualsHouse hunters aren't the only ones frustrated by this market. Homeowners stuck in close quarters are also feeling the squeeze.Why it matters: With prices and mortgage rates still high, your starter home could become your forever home.What they're saying: Nikki Rheude's family of four, plus their two cats, one dog and four chickens, are hunkering down in the 1,500-square-foot Coon Rapids home she bought in 2017."I used to have the mentality of keeping the house neutral, 'because it's easier to sell.' Now I have the mentality of designing a...
Pig Ate My Pizza is eyeing Bloomington for a second location
The chefs behind popular Robbinsdale restaurant Travail are eyeing Bloomington to open a second location to serve their acclaimed Pig Ate My Pizza pies. Driving the news: The Travail group has submitted plans for a 3,000-square-foot restaurant at 10700 Bloomington Ferry Road, near Highway 169 and Old Shakopee Road. Catch up fast: Pig Ate My Pizza operated near Travail for several years before the owners closed it and reopened as Nouvelle Brewing, which serves Pig Ate My Pizza recipes. Last year, Food & Wine ranked Pig Ate My Pizza as the fourth-best pizzeria in the U.S., and the Travail chefs...
Revamped Mill District loft overlooking Stone Arch Bridge lists for $2.5 million
This spacious loft overlooking the Stone Arch Bridge with an enormous private patio is now on the market.Located at 117 Portland Ave, it's listed for $2.5 million.Why we love it: Its 2018 redesign kept original details like exposed limestone brick but transformed the two-story corner unit into a loft-like space with soaring ceilings and oversized windows showing off downtown Minneapolis views.Plus: Though the condo is steps from Mill District amenities, it feels secluded — owners have their own private entrance and a 1,000-square-foot stone patio with walls that hide it from street view.Layout: The 2,890-square-foot condominium has one bedroom, three bathrooms, and four garage spots.Interior features: Exposed brick, large gas fireplace, high ceilings, new windows, kitchen island with cooktop, walk-in closet, double shower.Exterior features: Private entrance, patio, underground heated garage, electric vehicle charger.Take a look around... All photos by Spacecrafting, courtesy of Beth Andrews with Coldwell Banker Realty.Sign up for Axios Twin Cities for free.
Twin Cities prices keep rising, despite a gloomy forecast back in January
Data: FHFA. Map: Axios VisualsTwin Cities home prices continue to rise, refuting a gloomy forecast back in January. By the numbers: Zillow predicted the Twin Cities would be among the five coolest metro areas in the U.S. for home sales and that prices would fall by 3% in 2024. If Zillow's forecast had played out, it would have been the first home price decline in the Twin Cities since 2011. Reality check: Twin Cities home prices were up 3.7% in the first quarter of the year, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Median sales prices have increased every month of...
Twin Cities weekend guide: Edina Art Fair, Grand Old Day, Keith Haring Fest
The Uptown Art Fair may be taking a break, but one of Minnesota's largest art events is already here: the 57th Edina Art Fair, which kicks off at 50th & France on Friday. Zoom out: The jam-packed weekend features over 250 local and national artists, multiple beer gardens, live entertainment, a kid's zone, and a host of food trucks.Pro tip: The fair estimates over 250,000 people visit each year. If you want to avoid a parking battle, there's a free shuttle from Edina City Hall on Saturday and Sunday. The event is also accessible via the Route 6 and 46...
Minnesota DFL chair, governor call for Sen. Nicole Mitchell's resignation
Two top Minnesota Democrats are calling on state Sen. Nicole Mitchell to resign, but Mitchell says she doesn't plan to do so. Why it matters: DFL Party Chair Ken Martin and Gov. Tim Walz are the most prominent DFL leaders to publicly pressure the Woodbury Democrat to step down over her felony burglary charge. Their statements came over a week after the session adjourned.Resigning now would allow a special election for Mitchell's suburban seat to align with the November election.Catch up fast: Mitchell was arrested in late April after police, responding to an early morning break-in call, found her in...
This has been one of the rainiest Mays in Twin Cities history
Data: Midwestern Regional Climate Center. Chart: Axios VisualsMay 2024 will go down as one of the wettest in Twin Cities history, with 5.31 inches at MSP Airport, according to data from the Midwestern Regional Climate Center dating back to 1938. State of play: There's a chance for only a small amount of rain on Thursday night, so it likely won't quite crack the top 10.Yes, but: The last few weeks have provided a much-needed dousing for the metro area. Flashback: A year ago, we finished May with only 1.62 inches of rain, the start of a long drought in Minnesota. Those days are long gone. Threat level: The National Weather Service says there's a chance of rain every day from Friday through at least Tuesday. Sign up for Axios Twin Cities for free.
Raise a glass to these new Minnesota alcohol laws
Minnesotans will soon be able to order a weekday glass of wine at Lake Nokomis, take a boozy drink "to go" in two more suburbs, and chase a craft beer with a THC-infused seltzer at a local brewery.The big picture: In the frenzied final days of the legislative session, state lawmakers made a number of tweaks to let the taps flow for Minnesotans who enjoy an adult beverage.Reality check: These changes did not address the most contentious aspects of Minnesota's restrictive alcohol laws, such as the ban on beer and wine sales at grocery stores.Here are some new drinking rules...
Plans unveiled for Bloomington's Southtown Shopping Center
The future of the aging Southtown Shopping Center in Bloomington is coming into focus — and it could involve poaching a retailer from a nearby city.Why it matters: Southtown is one of the oldest and most visible shopping centers in the Twin Cities, but it's been hit by rising vacancies in recent years.Driving the news: Plans submitted to the city last week show a two-story, 120,000-square-foot "major sports anchor" with an attached 18,000-square-foot outdoor athletic field, as well as a new medical office building.The intrigue: The layout of the store is almost the same as the experiential Dick's House of...
A massive redevelopment of the Edina Macy's furniture redevelopment won planning commission approval
A major makeover could be in store for the site of a bunker-looking Macy's Furniture store on Edina's France Avenue. Driving the news: The city's planning commission gave the project a green light last week.By the numbers: The Macy's building would be demolished and replaced by four new ones. An 11-story tower with 49 condos for seniors, 47,000 square feet of office space, and 9,500 square feet of restaurant/retail spaceA seven-story building with 124 apartments, 20,800 square feet of office space, and 7,600 square feet of restaurant/retail spaceA pair of seven-story buildings with 399 total apartments and 4,100 square feet of retail/restaurant space. Altogether, the project includes 1,324 parking spaces. Zoom in: 10% of the residential units would be income-restricted. What's ahead: The developer, North Dakota-based Enclave Cos., still needs full city council approval in June. Sign up for Axios Twin Cities for free.
What's next for Minneapolis' big housing plan after state lawmakers stepped in
Minneapolis officials say new state legislation will put an end to a long-running legal fight over their "2040 Plan," which opened the door to more densely built housing all over the city.Why it matters: After months of confusion and delays stemming from the lawsuit, Minneapolis officials now want to get back to the 2040 Plan's original goals: alleviate a region-wide housing shortage by legalizing more types of dense housing across the city.These included triplexes on any single-family lot and taller apartment buildings in major transit corridors.Yes, but: The plaintiffs suing over the 2040 Plan aren't giving up, telling Axios they're...
Plunge pools are making a splash in the Twin Cities
Plunge pools are making a splash in the Twin Cities, according to Karen Filloon, a director at Southview Design.The big picture: Large hot tub-sized pools fit in Minneapolis' and St. Paul's typically tight backyards, offering just enough space to cool down over cocktails, Filloon tells Axios.Between the lines: The national average plunge pool costs about $20,000, compared with $44,000 for a lap pool, per HomeAdvisor.What they're saying: "Now that [clients] understand there's a more affordable option, plunge pools are being asked for, whereas a couple years ago, no one knew they existed," Filloon says.Fire and water features also top the list.Zoom out: Backyard food and drink stations offer a hot backyard upgrade, custom architects nationwide say.Nearly a third of bespoke homes designed in the past year include an outdoor kitchen, according to a new survey by Residential Design magazine and John Burns Research and Consulting.Data: Taskrabbit; Chart: Axios VisualsYes, but: You don't need to devote tons of your own time and money to spruce up the backyard.Taskrabbit backyard bookings climbed 12% through April compared to the same time period in 2023, per data from the gig marketplace.Sign up for Axios Twin Cities for free.
Converted St. Paul fire station with upstairs residence lists for $550,000
This former fire station turned one-bedroom home on the East Side of St. Paul is now on the market.Listed for $550,000, it's located at 1720 7th St E.Why we love it: Built in 1918, the historic property has the unique charm of a fire station with the convenience of modern amenities — though the firepole has been removed, real estate agent Garth Dahl confirmed to Axios.Layout: The station's 1,800-square-foot upper level has been converted into a one-bedroom, two-bathroom home.The lower level is largely unfinished, but can be turned into additional housing or used for a business — the property is zoned residential and commercial.Interior features: Open floor plan, heated tile floors, stainless steel appliances, large kitchen island, stone countertops, whirlpool tub, and new windows.Exterior features: Large raised deck, flagpole, and a garage with enough room for at least six vehicles...or a few fire trucks.Take a look around... All photos by Next Door Photography courtesy of Garth Dahl. Sign up for Axios Twin Cities for free.
Minnesota will require salary ranges on new job postings
Many Minnesota employers will soon have to include a salary range in new job postings.Why it matters: Minnesota is the latest in a growing list of states to adopt similar laws, driven by research suggesting that "pay transparency" can reduce — or maybe even eliminate — wage gaps between men and women.What's inside: A new state law Gov. Tim Walz recently signed will apply to any employer with more than 30 employees.On any new job posting, they'll have to list the minimum and maximum amounts they're willing to pay an applicant.The big picture: On average, women earn 21.8% less than...
Twin Cities Memorial Day weekend events: State Fair preview, Hmong arts festival
T-minus 90 days until the Great Minnesota Get-Together — but if you're craving a Pronto Pup ASAP, head to the fairgrounds this weekend for the fourth annual Kickoff to Summer at the Fair.What's happening: The "slice of the fair" features over three dozen food vendors (including Peachey's Baking Company's beloved Amish doughnuts), live music and entertainment like inflatable axe throwing, mini-golf, giant slide rides and more.Because attendance is limited each day, it's a chance to enjoy the fair atmosphere without the intense crowds. 🎟️ Details: Thursday-Friday, 4-9pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-7pm. $13 online, $16 at the gate. Free parking.In other entertainment news...🏎️...
Minneapolis' U.S. Bank Stadium will host SummerSlam 2026
WWE passed over Minneapolis as a destination for WrestleMania, but U.S. Bank Stadium will still host one of professional wrestling's premier events. SummerSlam will be held at the home of the Vikings on Aug. 1-2, 2026, according to a WWE press release. Why it matters: It's the first WWE premier event in the Twin Cities since Tables, Ladders, and Chairs in 2019. SummerSlam was last held in Minneapolis in 1999 when then-Gov. Jesse Ventura was a guest referee. By the numbers: Last year's SummerSlam generated $8.5 million from nearly 60,000 people at the gate at Detroit's Ford Field and drew...
Here's what's on tap for summer 2024 in Minneapolis
Memorial Day weekend will kick off a busy summer of events in Minneapolis, starting with an outdoor Warehouse District party before Friday night's Timberwolves game.By the numbers: From now through September, 1,800 events will take place in downtown Minneapolis, some as small as bar trivia and some as big as gymnastics' U.S. Olympic Team Trials, which will bring tens of thousands of visitors in late June.Why it matters: Some of this stuff looks pretty fun.What's on tap🎶 15 major concerts, including Foo Fighters (July 28), Green Day (Aug. 17), and Def Leppard, Journey, and Steve Miller Band (Aug. 19) at...
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Axios Twin Cities, anchored by Torey Van Oot and Nick Halter, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
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