VISION: “The University District will be the subject of joint efforts to preserve and maintain a vital, safe, and attractive community that will be a premiere destination and choice of a place to live, learn and work”

The University District

Creating a Development Framework for the Future University District Workshop #3 AGENDA 8:30 Check in, refreshments 9:00 Welcome and introductions 9:15 District Facts and Assumptions 9:30 Presentation of overall themes and initiatives 9:45 Small groups: “Develop the story” 10:45 Small group reports 11:30 Wrap up and next steps 11:45 Adjourn

Developing a Sense of Place and Shared Identity Understand our connections. Neighborhood Impact Report, and research about the District Inventory assets and express points of pride. Developing shared communication tools Tackle challenges and opportunities as a coalition. Zoning, Planning, and Reg review Dialogue with private developers Demonstration projects Live Near Your Work campaign Develop a common vision Planning process, workshops, forums

We Are in Phase 1 of Creating a Development Framework: University District Planning Charrette A snapshot of shared thinking--to be modified, added to, developed in detail over time. What it will do: Reinforce definition and sense of place for the District Illustrate how and where projects fit Incorporate concepts about environment and livability that unify the District Declare the markets we are pursuing, locations we see as transformative, and quality of design we will demand Provide a base for building further vision for the District.

Workshops #1 and #2: Inventory, Discovery, and Transformative Actions Existing Plans, Conditions, and Influences Assets Missing Pieces Connectivity Public realm Transformative Actions

Facts In the year 2000: 32,561 people lived in the District. 43,595 people worked in the District. (U.S. Census) The District is a major regional employment center.

Facts (continued) The Twin Cities Campus has a daytime population of roughly 80,000 people, including 17,000 employees. The arts, cultural, and event venues in the District make this a major regional cultural and event destination.

Facts, continued Undergraduate student enrollment has remained flat over the last five years, while graduate and professional student enrollment has increased. Approximately 80% of freshman students live in University-managed housing. 35% of undergraduate students identify themselves as “commuter students,” compared with 46% ten years ago.

Facts, continued Compared to other parts of the center cities, very low foreclosure and rental vacancy rates. Continued developer interest.

Assumptions The quality of life on the University campus and in the surrounding communities is interdependent.

Assumptions, continued Through 2030, the District’s population will increase by approximately 25%, to 40,700+, significantly faster than the city as a whole. The number of households will increase by 31%, to 15,600. Employment will increase by 15%, moderately faster than the city as a whole. (Projections Metropolitan Council and City of Minneapolis.)

Assumptions, continued U of M undergraduate population will remain steady or decline Graduate and professional student population will increase slightly. The number of University and medical center employees will increase slightly to moderately.

Assumptions, continued 800 to 1,000 new private market housing units or beds, marketed to students, will be built in the next few years (based on projects already in the pipeline).

Assumptions, continued Central Corridor LRT will be built. Ridership will exceed projections. The repurposing of Washington Avenue will likely divert auto traffic to other river crossings. Gas prices will continue to increase and there will be greater use of transit and alternative modes. More people will choose to avoid congestion and live where they have access to transit and other amenities.

Assumptions, continued The location advantages of the University District will be magnified: Straddling the Mississippi Well connected to the region by transit, freeway, and recreational trails Adjacent to downtown Minneapolis.

And, finally: This creates an unprecedented opportunity to attract a diversity of residents, to use growth to improve environmental balance and be a model sustainable District.