To all who value the culture and character of Linden Hills, your voice is needed!

The historic heart of Linden Hills on Upton Street between 43rd and 44th is being crushed. Iconic 19th and 20th century main street architecture is rapidly being replaced by large scale, minimalist office buildings that are out of scale and character for our our unique village.   

WHAT IS PROPOSED?
 
On November 14, 2022, LHiNC presented the newest development proposal (pictured above) from Snow Kreileich Architects that will combine the parcels at 4300 and 4312 Upton Avenue S to support a new office building to the west of the existing building at 4300 Upton Avenue S, over the existing parking lot. If built, the four-story structure will replace the Zumbro Cafe restaurant, a thriving economic asset, and fixture of the community for 25 years.  

Additional details about this proposal can be found at lindenhills.org or on the Linden Hills Facebook page.

REVIVE LINDEN HILLS SMALL AREA PLAN 
 
In 2013, a Small Area Plan for Linden Hills was developed and approved by the Minneapolis City Council as part of the 2040 plan.   The first two goals:
 
Goal 1. Keep and enhance what makes Linden Hills’ commercial districts special.
“Encourage the retention, reuse, and renovation of existing buildings, especially those with historic value to the neighborhood and to the regional community.”

Goal 2. Ensure appropriately-scaled redevelopment.

In addition, the Small Area Plan stated that the potential of exploring heritage preservation, and the establishment of a historic or conservation district could apply to 43rd & Upton, because of the former streetcar right of way.
 
Full copy of Small Area Plan here:
https://minneapolis2040.com/small-area-plans/linden-hills-small-area-plan/

OPPOSE THE PROPOSED DESIGN

Linden Hills already has multiple, vacant office spaces in this area. This building does not promote the 2040 goal to provide more affordable housing in Minneapolis.  With the Small Area Plan as our guide, let’s oppose this design, ask developers to “do better” by the goals it outlines, and retain more of the look of our neighborhood's commercial streets once featured in the movie "Jingle All the Way". If we say nothing, Linden Hills may soon be the next 50th and France, and forever lose its special Minnesotan “small town charm”.  

ACTION NEEDED
 
Speak out and show up. See updates below for latest details of how to participate in person or in writing.

Urge the Linden Hills Neighborhood Council to revive the Small Area Plan and consider a Design Review Board Committee to explore new development design criteria.

• Design review boards are a well-established committee model to help communities maintain a sense of heritage and a cohesive architectural look.
• Beautiful towns like Red Wing and Stillwater use design review boards to keep new commercial district development aligned with the character of the town.

Please sign and share this petition.  Most importantly, please tell us your reason for signing and why keeping the Linden Hills Small Area Plan alive is important to YOU!   

"The Linden Hills neighborhood, named for the abundance of linden trees and the area’s gentle hills, today represents the ideal in urban living with small town charm." - Linden Hills website