The July heat was intense, but so was the joy.
On a sweltering afternoon, residents, artists, neighbors, funders, and community leaders gathered at Wadaag Commons with good energy, cold drinks, and a shared sense of celebration as they dedicated the public artwork that now welcomes people into this remarkable community.
The afternoon marked a milestone for Wadaag Commons and for everyone who helped bring it to life. It was a celebration of years of listening, collaboration, and a shared belief that everyone deserves an affordable place to live and a beautiful place to call home.
From the beginning, Wadaag Commons was shaped by community voices.
“What you see here, and in the five other Seward Commons projects that Redesign was able to be a part of with partners, is how we take those conversations with community, that vision of the neighborhood, and make that into homes and places that celebrate our community.”
-Andy Hestness, Redesign Executive Director
The name “Wadaag,” which means “to share” in Somali, reflects the project’s foundation. Through conversations with neighborhood residents and families, the development team learned what mattered most: larger apartments for growing families, welcoming gathering spaces, and a home that reflected the people who would live there.
Those conversations influenced the four- and five-bedroom homes, the playground, the landscaping, and the durable materials chosen to serve families for decades.
The public art was guided by that same sense of care and connection.
Images by Brian Few Jr.
Led by Office of Cultural Work, local artists Aziz Osman, Hibaaq Ibrahim (Moon Juice Art), Yasmin Yassin, Hend Al-Mansour, Mohamed Hersi, Ifrah Mansour, and Sayge Carroll created murals, photography, metalwork, woven pieces, environmental graphics, and installations that celebrate migration, culture, resilience, and belonging.
Together, these works remind every resident and visitor that home reaches far beyond four walls.
As Shannon Brunette of Office of Cultural Work shared during the dedication, “Home is sacred.”
That idea resonated throughout the afternoon.
“The themes that the artists brought to life is one of welcoming and belonging. You’ll see that expression throughout the property; the mural that greets you at Cedar Avenue, and the artwork throughout that honors what it means to carry home with you – even one you had to leave behind. ” -Shannon Brunette, Office of Cultural Work
Images by Brian Few Jr.
Wadaag Co-Developer Nawal Noor reflected on the importance of ensuring that community voices were not only heard during engagement meetings, but reflected in what was ultimately built. She also emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for artists whose work has too often been overlooked, giving local creatives the chance to leave a lasting legacy within their own community.
Public leaders echoed those themes.
Metropolitan Council Member Robert Lilligren celebrated the public investment that helped make the artwork possible, noting that the project demonstrates how affordable housing can strengthen a neighborhood’s identity and sense of place.
Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley challenged attendees to think differently about public investment, describing “art as infrastructure” and reminding everyone that gardens, gathering spaces, and creative expression are just as important to thriving communities as roads and buildings.
That spirit is visible throughout Wadaag Commons.
Children play basketball alongside beautiful metalwork. Families gather in shared spaces surrounded by artwork that reflects their cultures and experiences. Visitors are welcomed by art that tells stories of home, migration, and hope.
Wadaag Commons shows what creating housing that meets the needs of families can look like. It means building spaces that reflect the people who live there. It means investing in beauty, belonging, and community pride.
Redesign is grateful to Noor Companies, Office of Cultural Work, the talented artists, our public partners, and the many community members whose vision and persistence made Wadaag Commons possible.
The artwork now belongs to the community, and we hope it continues to inspire connection, conversation, and joy for generations to come.
“These works belong to the community now, I believe that art carries a simple message: home is sacred, and we all belong here. And that message lives in all of the artist’s visions. What happens next belongs to all of us. We hope this artwork continues to spark conversation, connection, and pride for years to come, and that it moves us towards peace and justice.” -Shannon Brunette, Office of Cultural Work
Redesign is grateful to Noor Companies, Office of Cultural Work, the talented artists, our public partners, and the many community members whose vision and persistence made Wadaag Commons possible.
The artwork now belongs to the community, and we hope it continues to inspire connection, conversation, and joy for generations to come.
Photos by Brian Few Jr.
