The Early Years

Minneapolis’ urban renewal plans in the 1960s and 70s threatened most of the western half of Seward including proposing to demolish all the homes on Milwaukee Avenue, including what is now the Milwaukee Avenue Historic District, to “remove blight” and provide land for new development. But the community had a different vision.

In 1969, a group of residents successfully fought the plan, eventually rehabilitating or developing 42 housing units for low- and moderate-income families over the next five years.

This group of Seward neighbors later partnered with NRDI, reconstituting as Seward West Redesign in 1972 to focus on housing rehabilitation and construction. From 1973 to 1985, Seward West Redesign expanded its efforts, successfully rehabilitating or constructing 164 affordable housing units, including the Seward Towers East and West.

By 1985, Redesign expanded to serve the entire Seward neighborhood and became Seward Redesign, Inc. In 2001, we extended our reach to include all of Longfellow, eventually changing our name to Redesign, Inc. to better reflect our expanded service area.

Growth and Development

Over the decades, Redesign has adapted to economic, social, and political changes. In 1985, Redesign reorganized as a Community Development Corporation (CDC) in order to address affordable housing, small business needs, and economic justice. 

As the CDC for the five neighborhoods of Greater Longfellow, Redesign drives local economic development through infrastructure planning, commercial and industrial development, affordable housing, and neighborhood business district vitality. Our partnerships with business, nonprofits, government agencies, and the community are crucial to our success

Facing the Challenges of 2020

In 2020, the double pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism came to our front door. The 3rd Precinct police station, located in our service area, was the epicenter of protest and civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. Large swaths of our business corridors, especially along Lake Street, were damaged and destroyed. This was compounded by the strain many businesses were already experiencing in the midst of the global pandemic.

Redesign knew that we had to respond to our community’s needs using the tools at our disposal: real estate and small business support. Since 2020, Redesign has expanded our small business support services, invested in major rebuilding efforts that prioritize BIPOC property ownership, and is working to implement new models of economic justice.

Today and Beyond

Today, Redesign owns and manages 105,000 square feet of commercial and industrial space over nine properties, providing an affordable home to 45 small business and community nonprofit tenants and supporting over 300 jobs. 

In the last ten years alone, we have also developed and preserved 776 units of affordable housing and are currently working to complete a new project that will provide 39 now affordable housing units to large families. 

We have advised and deeply partnered with six first-time developers of color to support them in harnessing the wealth-building potential of real estate.

Each year, we provide over 700 hours of one-on-one tailored service to 100+ small businesses in our community. We support 20 entrepreneurs each year in finding a home for their business in Greater Longfellow. We also offer low-interest and profit-based loans to small businesses and partner with the City of Minneapolis to provide grants to improve their storefronts.

As we move forward, Redesign remains dedicated to fostering a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable community, ensuring our neighborhood continues to to thrive for generations to come.