2800 East Lake

Once home to the First Minnehaha National Bank and later a U.S. Bank branch, the 2.4-acre site at 2800 East Lake Street has long played a central role in the life of South Minneapolis. In 2020, the building was severely damaged during the civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police – part of a broader reckoning with injustice and displacement in our city.

In 2021, U.S. Bank donated the property to Redesign with the goal of a “meaningful redevelopment to stimulate investment in the neighborhood … by a community-based organization committed to racial equity.”

Today, we’re working with neighbors, artists, entrepreneurs, and community partners to imagine – and ultimately build – a vibrant, inclusive future for this site.

Community Activations at 2800 East Lake Street

Since 2023, Redesign has been activating the vacant site at 2800 East Lake Street while shaping long-term plans for the future. More than 1,300 people have participated in activities ranging from skating to live performances, visual and participatory art, wellness programming, service opportunities, and storytelling. These activations also served as a platform for meaningful community engagement. More than 200 community surveys were collected, inviting residents to reflect on their experiences on Lake Street and imagine what they would like to see at 2800 E Lake in the years ahead. Common themes included the desire for accessible gathering spaces, arts and culture, recreation, and places that foster care, connection, and safety.

Community response underscored the value of active, people-centered use of space. Participants consistently expressed appreciation for having a free and welcoming place to gather; one that sparked joy, creativity, and dialogue, while demonstrating how interim activation can support neighborhood vitality.

Together, these activations are informing Redesign’s ongoing planning for 2800 East Lake Street, ensuring that future development is grounded in community ideas, energy, and lived experience.

What’s Next?

In addition to finding the right developers to bring the community’s vision for this site to life, Redesign is also working with Ever-Green Energy to build Longfellow Community Energy, a nonprofit district energy utility that would deliver low-carbon heating and cooling to Longfellow through a shared geothermal energy network. With the initial wells located on this site, Longfellow Community Energy could provide clean heating and cooling to neighborhood businesses, organizations and affordable housing devleopments. Learn more!