Despite the headaches of reconstruction, life carries on along Hennepin Avenue and its cross streets. At Hennepin and Franklin, neighbors still gather for ice cream at Sebastian Joe’s — even as they weave through orange signs and construction cones. (Images: Craig Wilson)
Craig Wilson is the editor of the Hill & Lake Press. He lives in Lowry Hill.
The two-year reconstruction of Hennepin Avenue South is finally entering its home stretch.
City officials say that the last major phase, stretching from 26th Street to Douglas Avenue, is on track to wrap up this fall, bringing an end to one of the most disruptive — but also most ambitious — public works projects in Uptown in decades.
What’s Happening Now
The current phase focuses on new sidewalks, curbs, gutters and asphalt paving, along with major utility replacements such as storm sewers and hydrant connections.
Between 24th and 26th streets, a single southbound lane remains open to keep businesses accessible, but from 24th north to Douglas, the roadway is still closed to traffic as crews push to finish before winter.
Cross streets have also seen temporary closures. Westbound Franklin at Hennepin closed for roughly four weeks in September, while Colfax at Franklin will be shut for about two weeks to allow signal and pavement work. Sidewalk detours are posted throughout the corridor.
Businesses Adapt
Local businesses have endured difficult months, with sales down sharply for some storefronts during the most intensive construction. Owners cite noise, dust, blocked parking and rerouted deliveries as obstacles. Even so, many say they are optimistic about the long-term payoff.
“They’ve done a good job limiting the impact on businesses and the neighborhood, done” said Paul Trott, owner of Kenwood Barbers. “If the improvements bring more people back to Hennepin, then all the hassle and disruption will have been worth it in the end.”
The reopening of the Lake-to-26th stretch earlier this year offered a glimpse of what’s ahead. With new pavement, wider sidewalks and smoother traffic flow, businesses there have reported a modest rebound in customer visits.
What’s Next
By late fall, city crews expect to finish the mainline pavement and most sidewalk work along the final stretch. Landscaping, irrigation and other “punch-list” items will carry into next year, but officials expect the corridor to be largely completed and functional by the end of the 2025 construction season.
The rebuilt avenue is designed with all modes of travel in mind. Dedicated bus boarding zones will serve the upcoming Metro E Line rapid transit, while redesigned intersections and wider sidewalks are meant to improve pedestrian safety. Bicycle facilities and curbside space for deliveries and ride-share pickup are also part of the plan.
Looking Ahead
For Hill & Lake readers, the completion of Hennepin Avenue will reshape how our neighborhoods connect to Uptown and downtown. The corridor, long seen as both a bottleneck and a destination, is poised to become a more walkable, transit-friendly link.
There is no denying the strain on businesses and residents who endured years of noise and detours. But as one restaurant manager put it: “We just want to get to the finish line. If the end result is a street that works for everyone, then maybe the struggle will have been worth it.”
More info & updates: minneapolismn.gov/government/ projects/hennepin-ave-s
