The Upper Harbor Project is continuing its 10-year journey. The new parkway that extends to the river from Dowling Avenue at Washington Avenue North has been completed, and the parkway that extends down the river to the south to a turnaround has also been completed. The reconstruction of Dowling Avenue from Penn Avenue to Washington Avenue is completed, including new bike lanes and walking lanes across the freeway overpass.
The entire Upper Harbor Project is about 50 acres in size and is a partnership between the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The City of Minneapolis will retain ownership of the land apart from the park area that was sold to the Minneapolis Park board in 2023. The new riverfront park will encompass approximately 19 acres of the site.
Contractors are currently working on the river overlook and shelters at the north end of the project along with additional trail and pedestrian access areas. Landscaping and amenities for the park are being completed this year, and the park area of the project is expected to open the spring of 2026.
United Properties entered into an agreement with the City in 2016 to oversee the development of the Upper Harbor. The project type is classified “mixed use.” It includes a park, 520 housing units, 180,000 square feet of advanced manufacturing space, a community hub, and a 7,500-seat riverfront amphitheater. United Properties is currently assembling financing for the affordable housing segment of the project. This will be the development adjacent to the Dowling and Washington intersection and they hope that can be finalized this year.
The City is conducting weekly project team calls regarding the community performing arts center (CPAC) with the intent by all sides for a closing, with construction to start in the second half of the year. The performing arts center will provide seats for up to 7500 ticketed events and long-term space for community-based programing. The CPAC will be developed and operated by the Port of Minneapolis (POM), with a partnership between First Ave Productions and the Minnesota Orchestra. The City will give two weeks notice of public hearings this summer.
The Mississippi Watership Management Organization (MWMO) is providing a $2.6 million grant on the project. The MWMO funding will go towards several site improvements, including habitat and shoreline restoration, and a pedestrian overlook. The MWMO will be used to regrade a gentler slope that will support establishment of native vegetation featuring native oak trees, grasses and shrubs. The pedestrian overlook will be located directly across the river from the heron rookery. The project also includes a system to control the water runoff from the manufacturing facilities and community center building included in the project. Contractors are currently working on a large excavation on the south end of the site for water collection and filtering.
The parkway is open with some parking spots, and sidewalks and trail are also open. People are asked to use caution if visiting the site. Construction areas are designated with fencing – so obey signs. Large equipment and excavation materials are in numerous locations. A visit on the weekends is recommended currently for people who want to get out and see what is going on.