1st Ave N reconstruction, Washington Ave to 8th St

The City will reconstruct approximately 0.5 miles of 1st Ave N between Washington Ave and 8th St N.
Crowds and buildings along 1st Ave N

Survey

Please take this survey to give your feedback on the draft concepts for 1st Avenue N.

Key information

Dates

2023 - 2028

Location

1st Ave N, Washington Ave to 8th St N

Downtown West North Loop

Project overview

Public Works is reconstructing half a mile of 1st Avenue N, between Washington Ave and 8th St N. The project will improve the right-of-way for all people in all the ways they move around.

Some of the project goals are to build and improve:

  • wide, accessible sidewalks and crossings
  • green storm water infrastructure
  • lighting and public art
  • active public spaces
  • traffic signals
  • wayfinding and signage
  • underground utilities

View interactive map

Project purpose

The part of 1st Ave N between Washington Ave and 8th St N was last constructed in 1994. The City measured the pavement condition in 2023. Two of the six blocks along the corridor are rated “poor”, three are “fair”, and only one is “good.” The pavement condition will keep getting worse until the road is rebuilt.

The street is important to many people, including those living, working, and visiting 1st Ave N.

Learn more about the project

View the project storymap

Community engagement

Past engagement

Phase 3

The project team held an open house in the Minneapolis Central Library on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Phase 2

The project team held an open house in the Target Center lobby on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Read the Phase 2 engagement summary
Read the Appendix to the Phase 2 engagement summary
See the Phase 2 open house engagement boards

Phase 1

The project team held an open house on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. The open house took place in the skyway between Target Center and Mayo Clinic Square.

Read the Phase 1 engagement summary
Read the Appendix to the Phase 1 engagement summary
See the Phase 1 open house engagement boards
Watch the open house video

Street interviews

The project team spoke with people on 1st Ave N.

People shared their experiences using the street and their vision for the corridor.

Watch the interviews on YouTube

Project phase

The project is currently in the input phase.

Input

Design

In Progress

Complete

People crossing the street in front of First Avenue
A crosswalk and bike lane marking across 1st Ave N
People at light rail station next to 1st Avenue N

Contact us

Luke Hanson

Senior Transportation Planner
Public Works

Phone

612-875-7237

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 220
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Leoma Van Dort

Transportation Planner
Public Works

Phone

612-673-2390

Menbere Wodajo

Project Engineer

Public Works

Phone

612-673-3716