Since it’s inception in 2013 Towerside has achieved several milestones. By approaching the planning and development of the district’s 370 acres as a whole, and with area stakeholder and topic experts at the table, multiple projects have emerged. This collaborative, district-level approach to development enables Towerside’s partners to leverage their unique assets, which when combined, can recalibrate the public, private, and civic wealth of the community and re-channel it, creating an opportunity to problem-solve at scale.
Community Planning Work
Public-Private Partnership Formed
Green Line LRT Opens
Surly's Destination Brewery Facility Opens
Healthy Community Guide Created
Restorative Development Guide Created
District Stormwater Phase 1
District Energy Feasibility
Dual City Innovation District Resolutions
District Guidelines for Development
District Parking Feasibility
District Entity Formation
Green 4th St Reconstruction
MPRB East of River Masterplan
District Framework for Implementation
Innovation District Policy included in Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Towerside Park Green Space
Green 4th Street Enhancements complete
District Stormwater Phase II begins
Bridal Veil Regional Trail Corridor Adopted
District Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage begins
Tower Hill Park & Luxton Park Improvements
Integrated Utility Hub
Saint Paul Green Space
EcoDistricts Certified
May 20, 2024
Stephen Klimek is named Executive Director of Towerside. Stephen is a strategic organizational leader and city-building professional who advances equitable community & economic development through place-based design and planning, impact-driven projects, and systematic approaches to collective challenges.
April 26, 2024
Towerside adopted an Equity Framework that will serve as the foundation for delivering diversity, equity, and inclusion outcomes within the organization, through our work, and as an influencer among our partners and peers.
December 16, 2021
UMN Masters of Urban and Regional Planning students held a community exhibit today to showcase 10 land use planning projects focused on reconsidering the notion of an innovation district.
September 30, 2020
Green 4th Street Enhancements Completed
June 30, 2020
Metropolitan Council awards $100,000 grant for District Stormwater Phase II
Each year in June, Towerside’s Supported Organizations have the opportunity to vote for Board of Director candidates that are recruited and nominated by our Nominations Committee. This year’s slate of candidates represent an impressive breadth of experience that will grow key areas of Towerside’s work. Learn more about this year's nominees. Read More
Bringing expertise in asset-based community and economic development, Klimek is Towerside Innovation District’s first executive director. “We are thrilled to welcome Stephen Klimek as a leader with a proven track record of creative problem solving, building organizational capacity, and prioritizing equity and diversity for vibrant communities,” said Sabina Saksena, Towerside Board President. Read More
The Fall Harvest Festival was held on September 22nd in the newly named Bridal Veil Gardens. Read More
Board of Director Nominations with Terms ending in 2025 Read More
