Update on the Midway

2014 is going to be a positive year.  As I talk to people in our creative enterprise zone and the Midway business community I get a definite feeling of optimism.   Here are some things I feel are going to be great in 2014: The Green Line will open in the summer.  I think we will see lots of people using LRT and finding it convenient to use .Development will continue to grow along University Ave. as people will want to locate close by.  Craft brewing will continue to grow.  Urban Growler will open in the spring, Surly will work on its new campus.  St. Paul will start to catch up with Minneapolis's head start. Collaborative working will expand.  I sense a real interest in social innovation by working collaboratively.  I think there's  potential for new ideas and partnerships to come from new ways of working. I think we will see some of that happen in the creative enterprise zone. The Raymond station area will continue to grow as...

This is a cool video someone shot of the whole green line.  They walked the whole thing and took photos. http://t.co/ihRG0ZtIZS

Update has been proud to work with WomenVenture for over 20 years!  WomenVenture has been an anchor tenant at Midtown Commons since we developed the site in 1990.  They have a long tradition of helping women to start their own business, transition to a new career or improve in their current job.  We would like to welcome new executive director Elaine Wyatt to the building and wish her success in leading WomenVenture to continued success.

It seems like microbreweries are all the rage, and now there will be two in the Creative Enterprise Zone. First Bang Brewery built their building on Capp Road, next Urban Growler Brewing has leased space at 2325 Endicott and will start a microbrewery there.  We are excited to help Jill and Deb fulfill their dream of opening a microbrewery with a tasting room and a patio. We will keep you informed of their progress.

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!

Thinking about progress on the environmental front, we continue to make progress. We had 2 electronic equipment recycling days - with over 4 tons recycled. Contracts are in place for changes to a recycling service that takes more items - from yogurt cups to wood pallets. We replaced our 2 largest air conditioners at Midtown Commons with a much higher efficiency. Made a commitment to better educate our tenants when they move in, so they can participate at a higher level. More than just saving money, we want to be a better job taking care of our corner of the world.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday and A peaceful and prosperous New Year!