Welcome to the East Town

2025 Plan Development Website

East Town is a thriving district of 120 square blocks (300 acres) in the most accessible and visible sector of Downtown Minneapolis. It is bounded by the Minneapolis Central Business District on the west, the Mississippi riverfront to the north, Interstate-35W to the east, and Interstate-94 to the south.

The East Town Development work group was formed by the Minneapolis Downtown Council-Downtown Improvement District and the East Town Business Partnership and includes more than 60 organizations and 100 leaders representing businesses, non-profits, elected officials, universities, and neighborhoods. This inter-disciplinary group advances the development goals of Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan and hosts monthly strategic presentations ranging from planning and design to projects and critical path with a special focus on diverse housing growth.

A Holistic Vision and Compelling Narrative for East Town Development

Great cities are whole cities, made up of distinctive parts, each of which derive their identity from the whole. Whenever the vitality of a part of the urban network is suppressed, the energy of the entire city is diminished.

East Town Minneapolis is an urban district, definitively characterized by location, as well as by opportunities for development that offer prospects for creating a new 21^st century complete community.  The complete community is defined as a self-sustaining neighborhood with a unifying identity that offers a diversity of choices in housing, retail, entertainment and services; provides attractive public spaces; and is vitally connected to other sectors of the City. The complete community must offer a welcoming pedestrian environment, attractive places to safely gather and socialize, and affordable, convenient modes of transit.

Three Neighborhoods, One Community

Mill District: Riverfront locale where Minneapolis industry began, now a residential, entertainment, and cultural center. Key Institutions, Amenities and Programs: The Guthrie Theater, Mill City Farmers Market, McPhail Center for Music, The Mill City Museum, Gold Medal Park, The Stone Arch Bridge, Izzy’s Ice Cream.

Downtown East: Emergent enterprise zone replacing surface parking lots with an array of mixed uses around a regionally important transit LRT hub. Key Institutions, Amenities and Programs: New multi-purpose stadium, Wells Fargo Office complex, The Commons public park, Valspar Global, Ryan Companies Corporate Headquarters.

Elliot Park: Residential neighborhood with historic and intimate character, home to health services and educational institutions. Key Institutions, Amenities and Programs: Hennepin County Medical Center, The Armory Event Center, North Central University, Elliot Park with Collegiate Size Soccer Field, Kraus-Anderson Corporate Headquarters, The Band Box, Gamut Gallery.

Click Here To Learn More About the East Town Business Partnership

Central Marquee Public Feature: “The Commons” Park

The Commons is a 4.2 acre, new public green space downtown bounded by Park Avenue and 4th and 5th Streets. The Commons was designed as a place for respite, everyday activities, and events for residents, workers, and visitors. The Commons is for everyone.

Click Here To Learn More About The Commons Park

East Town Community Vision: A Vibrant, Multifaceted and Connected Community

Whatever your lifestyle or interest, East Town is the place to connect. The community is a regional focal point that offers a diverse range of activities near the center of Downtown. You’ll walk streets that are rippling with life and too many activities to choose from, all surrounding a new metropolitan park, where you can rest, play or catch a performance and a stadium where you can watch the big game.

Photo Gallery of East Town