MINNEAPOLIS — The ribbon cutting at East 27th & Lake Street Wednesday morning wasn't exactly a grand opening. It was more of a grand acknowledgement.
"We chose June 19th — or Juneteenth — to celebrate the historic coliseum building because this day is meant to celebrate the honor the resilience and cultural legacy of Black Americans," said director of property development for Redesign Taylor Smrikarova Wednesday's ceremony.
It took plenty of resilience to restore all 85,000 square feet of the building after the civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. KARE 11 captured video from the same corner shortly after a devastating fire began to spread inside.
Janice Downing is one of four co-owners who have spent years looking to strike balance between remembering and reimagining the space.
"Oh, there were a few challenges," said Alicia Belton, who is both a co-owner and architect. "We talked about and planned this building for three years ... and to be able to walk through it and see people experience it ... It's like I'm living a dream."
The building itself is designed to help community members realize their dreams by lifting up local BIPOC artists, while offering some permanent offices and several co-working spaces.
"They're different sizes so people can accommodate groups of two to, I think, about 20," said Downing.
And then there's the accommodations themselves.
"Lactation room spaces, meditation room spaces, foot washing areas," Belton said. "Folks know that they can be seen and valued with the amenities that we've provided."
"The word that keeps coming to mind for me is sustainability," said co-owner Shanelle Montana. "It's providing a sustainable launch point for the neighborhood, for Lake Street."
Montana will also be adding some sustenance by opening two restaurant and bar spaces with her husband, Chris, owner of DuNord Social Spirits.
"This is home for me," Chris said. "I walked by this building every day going to school. I used to get my haircut in this building, and so to be part of it coming back, is amazing."
After a fire at the original DuNord Cocktail Room in 2020, the couple moved to New Orleans. Lagniappe Kitchen and Bar will soon bring that flavor to the Historic Coliseum Building.
"We love the color and spice and warmth that New Orleans provided," said Shanelle, "and so when we saw the opportunity to come here, that is the vibe ... that is the experience we wanted to provide for the rest of Minnesota."
I will take a few months to finish the restaurant and new cocktail room, and a few weeks before the workspaces are open for business. But it's OK because Wednesday's ceremony was more about acknowledging the moment, even if it's still becoming reality.
"It is incredible to see something that you just imagined in your mind, become reality," said Downing.
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