Update on the Midway

Over 100 years ago 2334 University was built as the horse barn for the horse-drawn streetcars running on University Avenue.  Today the Raymond LRT station is right in front of the building.    We recently took out the old ceiling tile in this suite and found we have really cool wood ceilings.  Now we just need to find a user for this awesome space and we can finish the suite!

Here's the view out the window at Midtown Commons 2324 University Avenue.  The Raymond Ave. station is really taking shape. We have a beautiful suite available overlooking the station - 3,000 sq. ft. with 5 private offices, a conference room, kitchen, store room, and lots of open work space.

Everyone who works in the Raymond/University area knows we have a good thing going..... cool renovated buildings, new business start-ups, nonprofit groups, and soon - an LRT station. Why is our neighborhood thriving even in this down economy? It is because we are a "Creative Enterprise Zone". Our success has been due to the many artists and creative businesses that have chosen to work in the Raymond/University area. We also have tireless supporters in the St. Anthony Park Community Council and the St. Anthony Park Community Foundation. So we know we have a good thing, how do we foster the creative businesses and arts groups in our area? And how do we spread the word about the great things happening here? Catherine Reid Day and I met at the Edge Coffe Shop and had a great conversation about the creative enterprise zone plan that has been developed.  www.SAPCC.org/cezplan I look forward to helping the many collaborators with sharing our vision for the neighborhood and work...

Congratulations to Barbara Hunn-Miesen, our long-time Raymond Avenue neighbor. Barbara, co-owner of Keys Restaurant,  is being awarded the Pioneer Award by WomenVenture.  Keys is a neighborhood favorite place to eat, known for its wonderful breakfasts and great homemade dishes.  As a family owned business, we are always pleased to see other family businesses succeed.  Congratulations Barb! For more information see the article in this month's Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine. http://www.mspmag.com/

Construction has started along University Avenue in our neighborhood. This is the time to make sure you continue to support the local restaurants and shops along the Avenue while they deal with the construction. Let's all support each other and get through this next 3-4 months!!

I enjoyed this article about unusual items along the central corridor LRT route. We definitely have a little of everything here! If you haven't checked out www.thelinemedia.com site, you should! They post some really cool articles. http://www.thelinemedia.com/features/funkytreasures072110.aspx

Should it be called Raymond Station? Since planning started, there has been a light rail station at Raymond Avenue. But outside of the Midway area, not many people know where Raymond Avenue is. Should we come up with a more unique name for our corner of the the West Midway? I suggest Mid-City Station .

Update Company would like to spotlight a few of our tenants that provide services to keep you healthy. Holly House Center for Integrated Healthcare Dr. Patricia Lawler DC, CCN , DACBN , NP and her staff treat the whole person, inside and out with services that range from chiropractic care, massage therapy, naturopathy , and stress management . http://www.hollyhouse.org/ 2324 University 651-645-6951 Midtown Chiropractic Dr. Don Habermas - Scher D.C. , P.A. has offered chiropractic care at 970 Raymond for over 20 years, helping to diagnose and treat many common spinal issues. 651-644-0455. Wyndgate Health PLLC is a clinical practice specializing in personalized therapeutic vitamin and dietary programs treating symptoms of: Autism, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Alzheimer’s Disease, Memory Issues, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD , Behavior and Violence, Parkinson’s Disease, male and female hormone imbalances, food intolerances and gastrointestinal dysfunctions. http://www.wyndgatehealth...

We've got a name for our newest project: 700 Raymond is now The Foundry at Raymond. Our project is now ready for leasing and we're really excited about how the building is turning out. We have a number of interested parties and anticipate being able to announce our first tenants very soon. Originally built in the 1920's our building was built as a foundry. Later it was used for over 40 years by National Mower Company, a business owned by t he Kinkaid family. They made the large mowers used on golf courses. We would love to give you a tour of the site. It has lots of windows and will have a beautifully landscaped lot for tenants to enjoy. We've incorporated many green features including reusing wood and brick from other projects. We also are using windows that actually open - something many of our tenants have asked for in the past. The old brick and iron trusses offer a unique feel to the building that you just don't get in today's construction.

Every time I eat at Caffe Biaggio I find a new favorite item on the menu. Last week it was the brushetta trio. Wow - everyone at our table enjoyed it. John D'Agostino and Shari Breed have really turned Caffe Biaggio into a great meeting place for lunch or dinner. The staff is very attentive, the art is cool and the food is delicious. The restaurant is located at 2356 University Avenue, at the corner of Raymond and University. caffebiaggio.homestead.com or 651-917-7997 Open every day except Sunday.

We're making progress on saving the Victoria Theater. Here's a story from MPR.org --- The building has a really interesting past. Click on the link to see what was going on in the Midway in the 1920's! Former St. Paul speakeasy avoids demolition, for now