S.H.A.K.E. Gala and Juneteenth to Remember
It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks celebrating the opening of the Historic Coliseum Building. Located just one block away from the third police precinct in Minneapolis, the epicenter of the protests following the murder of Mr. George Floyd, this gem will serve the Longfellow neighborhood and beyond with restaurants, event centers, conference rooms and workspaces.
For me, it has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding projects of my career. Not only because of what I do as an architect to restore buildings, but most importantly in how this place will be a thriving hub of innovation and community by championing local businesses and events which add to the vibrancy and diversity of the Twin Cities.
For my business partner, Janice Downing and I, it is the realization of our S.H.A.K.E. values in action (Service. Honesty. Adaptability. Kindness. Experience.) as we welcomed our family, friends and colleagues and community into this newly renovated 85,000 square foot building once filled with ashes and now a shining light on the National Registry of Historic Places.
For our development team Redesign, Shanelle and Chris Montana along with Janice and myself, we now move forward with how we will be good neighbors and join alongside the surrounding community organizations and businesses contributing to the revitalization of this area.
I am so incredibly grateful for the support from our funders, sponsors, design and construction team as we have collectively remade the Coliseum into a community asset and example of what's possible. The over $50 MM of investment in this project brings the hope of spurring future economic development to come. As I recall what has made me smile and shed some happy tears over these last weeks, I am thinking about the...
Smiles, hugs and well wishes from family, friends and colleagues gathered to tour, share a meal and celebrate
Inspiring words of wisdom from our heroes and local legends Dr. Josie R. Johnson and Dr. Reatha Clark King as we dedicated rooms in their honor so that their legacies will be part of the new history of this building
Observing moments of reflection as people gazed upon our weeping wall dedicated to Mr. George Floyd
Sharing our S.H.A.K.E. why and vision for the Coliseum for racial reconciliation, community building and healing using this place as tool of service for community
Juneteenth official ribbon cutting with Gov. Walz, Mayor Frey and Council Member Robin Wonsley who have supported us each and every step of the way
Juneteenth Soul of the Southside vendors, exhibitors and artists featuring African drumming, yoga, taste testing and activating spaces within the building
These past three years have been exciting, sometimes not knowing as we uncovered unforeseen circumstances and building conditions, but always hopeful as to what the future will hold. To God be the Glory for the things He has done!
