2019-00390 - Transfer of operation, maintenance, and programming of Downtown East Commons to Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

2018-00970 - Downtown East Commons gift acceptance and donor recognition wall

2017-00989 - Downtown East Commons Park dedication fees

2017-00012 - Downtown East Commons 2017 Operations

2016-00631 - Downtown East Commons Operations, Funding, and Gift Acceptance

2016-00099 - Downtown East Commons Additional Construction

2016-00070 - Contribution from the Vikings to the City for the Downtown East Commons

2015-01391 - Acceptance of gifts for the construction of the Downtown East Commons

2015-01045 - Downtown East Commons concept design approval and implementation

2014-01355 - Downtown East Commons Conveyance

The Commons was one component of a five-block development project. Under a development agreement among the City, the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority and Ryan Companies, Ryan acquired the site and constructed certain basic improvements prior to conveyance of the Commons to the City in 2016. The City thereupon conveyed fee title to MPRB and MPRB ground leased the Commons back to the City for a period of up to 50 years pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and MPRB that established a framework for cooperation on the ownership and operation of the Commons. Green Minneapolis has provided operation, maintenance and programming services for the Commons under contract C- 42166 (the “Operating Agreement”) since 2017.

Last spring, Hennepin County District Court Judge Bruce A. Peterson enjoined the City from continuing to operate and maintain the Commons (File No. 27-cv-17-16643). The City and the MPRB have appealed this ruling to the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

To comply with the ruling, MPRB subleased the Commons and assumed the balance of the contract with Green Minneapolis while waiting for the result of the appeal. The Judge’s decision in regard to the lawsuit is expected in late January of 2020. In order to allow time for staff to react operationally and so that maintenance and staffing remain consistent, City and MPRB staff would like to extend the current agreements through then end of March. MPRB has requested $175,000 in funding from the City to cover the cost of the Green Minneapolis contract extension.