Nicollet Mall Then and Now
Then The short bus on Nicollet Mall in 1975 Several efforts were undertaken in order to help downtown compete for retail after most of it was razed in the mid 60′s. One was the construction of the skyway system; another was the creation of Nicollet Mall. In 1968, a dozen blocks of Nicollet Avenue were converted into a curving, tree-lined mall closed to automobile traffic. This was the first transit mall in the United States, and it inspired... Read More
The Conservatory Then and Never Again
1997 I distinctly remember an upscale mall being built on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis the year after I graduated from high school. The Conservatory was one of the most famous failures in the entire history of urban revitalization. The place was incredibly modern and ornate with marble floors, live plants, a huge wall of water in the main entry, and the most exclusive boutique shops available at the time. I remember spending hours in the... Read More
Positively Fourth and Nicollet
Nicollet Mall from Fourth Street, 1979 Mounds, I’m so glad you could get away and come into the city with me the other night. What did you tell your mother? It’s too bad the weather wouldn’t cooperate with us, but it never does. Never mind what Shaveless said about your hair cut. I think it looks really cool and I’m thinking I might do something asymmetrical with my hair too. Have you talked to Hardjaw about getting a fake... Read More
Powers On the Nicollet Mall
Dear Edina Prarie, Hardjaw and I saw the coolest movie at the Cedar Theater on the West Bank Last night. It was completely punk rock. I think it was called “Out of the Blue”. I don’t know how long it’s been out or if it is in regular theaters, but you should see if it’s playing anywhere in Chicago. After the movie we ended up walking all the way back downtown and then we missed the last 14 bus in front of Powers. We... Read More
Medical Arts Building Then and Now
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