Minneapolis pilot program will give artists a break on spaces to do their work in the Harmon Place Historic District

The City of Minneapolis is taking a unique approach to filling empty spaces downtown.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stood in a empty building in the Harmon Place Historical District, where a hair salon used to operate. There, Frey announced a pilot program which will give artists a break on rent in spaces to do their work.

"We're going to make sure that artists have a place to display their incredible talents and crafts," Frey explained. "We're going to make sure that a (landlord) has the stability of a tenant for the longer term."

City funding will be used to subsidize rent for artists and arts organizations in vacant storefronts. The program is open to Minnesota residents, with a preference for those residing in Minneapolis.

Ben Johnson is the city's arts and culture director and he says a project like this keeps a city's art culture thriving.

"When art thrives in our community, and in it's storefronts like this, people living here and driving by take notice," Johnson said. "It also becomes a positive reason to visit and keep coming back."

Located in the western part of Minneapolis, Harmon Place is bordered by Loring Park on the south, I-394 on the north, and I-94 on the west. The Harmon Place Historic District was the heart of the Minneapolis automotive district for over fifty years. Just after the turn of the century, automobiles grew in popularity and city residents started moving further out of the area and commuting back to work. After the first showroom opened in 1907, service stations and repair and parts shops soon followed. The automotive industry began to develop near Harmon Place and Hennepin Avenue. It became known as "Automobile Row."

“Harmon Place is the perfect spot to launch this initiative. It is a neighborhood that has been home to artists and creative energy for generations,” said Minneapolis Council Member Katie Cashman, who represents the Harmon Place ward. “This work really celebrates and expands on that neighborhood history and presents an opportunity to better connect the urban fabric of cultural institutions like the Walker Art Center and the Hennepin Avenue Theatre District, not only for residents, but also for visitors to our great city.”