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History

Neighborhood History 

Native Americans were the first residents of our area. To them, the waterfall on the river was sacred and no warfare was permitted while visiting them. Father Louis Hennepin, a Franciscan priest captured by the Dakota, is credited with being the first European to see the falls in 1680. He was so taken with their beauty that he named them after his patron saint, St Anthony of Padua. His accounts of adventures in the new world helped make this a destination for adventurous travelers in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The falls became the center for logging businesses and by 1850 census records show the town of St. Anthony Falls with a population of 656. The first store was opened in 1847, at what is now Main Street and Second Avenue SE; the first frame houses were built in 1848 and the first school was opened in 1849.

Eventually the town of St Anthony Falls incorporated in 1855, and was later named St. Anthony. It merged with Minneapolis in 1872.  Fifth Street became the premier address in the city. It was home to flour manufacturers, lumbermen, merchants and other civic leaders who built the town of St. Anthony. In 1976 a portion of 5th St. SE was designated a local historic district.  Marcy-Holmes boasts two other historic districts: the St Anthony Falls Historic District and the University of MN Greek Letter Chapter House Historic District. (view Maps of these areas) Learn more about the history of Marcy-Holmes in a book by Penny Petersen called "Hiding in Plain Sight", available at local stores and from the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association.

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Events

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News

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Media Gallery

We'd love to see your best photos of the neighborhood! Submit them to the MHNA office. Size limit for uploading: no larger than 1000 pixels wide. We can't pay you but we can offer a  photo credit. 

Ad Space

MHNA will accept ads for retail, wholesale and home-based businesses. The website administrator reserves the right to refuse any ad that is inappropriate.  Advertising opportunities are limited and will be offered on a first-come first-served basis throughout the year until spaces offered are filled.  Acceptance of advertising does not constitute MHNA’s endorsement or approval for any product or services.


Who will see your ad? Residents of the neighborhood, people interested in living or visiting here, people wishing to open businesses here...educated consumers who enjoy an urban setting, people who like biking, walking and frequent nearby cultural and retail opportunities.


Introductory prices: Sign up for 6 months @ $20 per month ($120)
One month only $30

 

Cultural & Educational

Arts

Gallery 122   122 8th St SE   www.hangitinc.com

Midway Contemporary Art   527 2nd Ave SE   http://www.midwayart.org

Soap Factory   514 2nd St. SE   www.soapfactory.org

The Film Society of Minneapolis/Saint Paul ( at St Anthony Main Cinema) 125 Main St SE www.mspfilmsociety.org

Thomas Barry Fine Arts   900 6th Ave SE # 225   thomasbarry.com

Varsity Theater   1308 4TH St SE   www.varsitytheater.org

Education

Early Childhood

Miniapple International Montessori   1125 5th St SE   http://www.miniapplemontessori.com

Elementary

Marcy Open School   415 4th Ave SE   http://marcy.mpls.k12.mn.us

Second Foundation School   1219 University Ave. SE   http://secondfoundationschool.wordpress.com

Secondary

PEASE Academy   601 13th Ave SE   www.peaseacademy.org

Post Secondary

Aveda Institute Minneapolis   400 Central Ave SE   aim@aveda.com

St. Anthony Falls Laboratory - University of Minnesota   2 3rd Ave SE   www.safl.umn.edu

University of MN   www.umn.edu

Vesper College   201 6th St SE   http://www.vespercollege.com

Lifelong Learning

Osher Lifelong learning Institute   http://www.cce.umn.edu/Osher-Lifelong-Learning-Institute

College of Continuing Education   http://www.cce.umn.edu

Senior Citizen Education Program   http://onestop.umn.edu/registration/special_for/senior_citizen_education_program.html

Festivals

Marcy-Holmes hosts many festivals and events. Please see Events under the News & Events section of this website

Library

Hennepin County Southeast Minneapolis Library   1222 4th St. SE   http://www.hclib.org

Local Businesses

Free Local Business Directory

This list is provided as a service to Marcy-Holmes residents and visitors. We define "local" as within one block of our neighborhood boundaries. Businesses must fit within our three categories: Food & Entertainment, Shopping, and Services. We try to keep information current and we reserve the right to remove any listing that is inappropriate or does not conform to our guidelines. These business listings do not constitute MHNA's endorsement or approval for any product or service. 

There are two business districts in our neighborhood:

Dinkytown Business Association: http://www.dinkytownminneapolis.com

Northeast Business Association: www.northeastminneapolis.com

 

Fill out form to list your individual local neighborhood business here.

Map & Tours

The Marcy-Holmes neighborhood is located on the east bank of the Mississippi River. The neighborhood lies across the Mississippi River from downtown. The University of Minnesota forms its east boundary, and the west border of the neighborhood is the East Hennepin/Central Avenue commercial area. To the north the railroad tracks form a boundary and to the south, the Mississippi River. 35W bisects the neighborhood.

Neighborhood Boundaries Map

Download (pdf)

Fun Neighborhood Map & Tours

Fifth Street Historic District

District Description
District Map

St. Anthony Falls Historic District

District Description
District Map

University of MN Greek Letter Chapter Houses Historic District

District Description
District Map

City Pan & Zoom Bike Map

Link to city bike map: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/bicycles/maps/pan/index.htm

Musings 

A Marcy-Holmes resident's everyday discoveries in SE Minneapolis : http://bridgenumber9.com

Parks

Marcy-Holmes has four public parks

Elwell Park
6th St SE between 7th Ave & 8th Ave SE

Elwell Park is a community/artist-designed park with a house theme, featuring a front porch swing, a bed bridge and mosaic sofa in the playground area. It is also known as "Turtle Park" for the large mosaic turtle standing guard. It's a popular spot for young children.

Father Hennepin Bluffs Park
Runs along the east bank of the Mississippi River from 6th Ave SE to Nicollet Island.

The upper level has walking trails, interpretive signage and an amphitheater for concerts. The lower level lets you touch the river and see up close our animal neighbors, including deer, otters, herons and eagles. The Stone Arch Bridge enters the neighborhood at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park.

Holmes Park
4th St SE and 5th St SE between 2nd Ave & 4th Ave SE

Holmes Park is adjacent to Marcy Open School. A large playground, open meadow and barbecue grills make this an ideal place for families.

Marcy Park
8th St SE between 10th Ave SE & 11th Ave SE

Features a playground as well as hills that are popular with sunbathers.

Water Power Park privately owned by Xcel Energy
206 Main St SE.

The park is open to the public. Visitors can experience the power of the mighty Mississippi River as it flows over St. Anthony Falls. This unique setting makes Water Power Park a  favorite choice for weddings. The park has walknig trails and interpretive signage. 

Place of Worship

Andrew Riverside Presbyterian Church
1316 4th St SE
 http://andrewriverside.com

Campus Crusade for Christ
1120 5th Street

Church of Jesus Christ of LDS
1205 University Ave SE

Church of Mpls
316 4th Avenue SE 
http://www.churchofminneapolis.org

First Congregational Church
500 8th Ave SE 
http://firstchurchmn.org

Maranatha Christian Fellowship
315 10th Ave SE

St Lawrence Catholic Church
1201 5th St SE 
http://www.stlawrencenewman.org

University Lutheran Church of Hope
601 13th Ave SE  
http://www.ulch.org

Maranatha Christian Fellowship
315 10th Ave SE   
http://www.spiritformed.com/

University Lutheran Chapel
1101 University Ave. SE
http://www.ulcmn.org
 

Safety

Minneapolis Police Department (MPD)

Marcy-Holmes is in the Second Precinct of the Minneapolis Police Department.  Our Community Crime Prevention Specialist there is Nick Juarez. Contact him if you have questions, comments and/or concerns at: Nicholas.Juarez@minneapolismn.gov
Nick Juarez Crime Prevention Specialist MPD, 2nd Precinct
1911 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418    612-673-2797

The best tips for any neighborhood are– stay aware of your surroundings; know who your neighbors are; and don’t provide opportunities for criminals. Lock your home, garage and car doors and windows; take valuables out of vehicles; secure your bike to a solid object and use a quality lock; and observe and report any suspicious activity by calling 911 as it happens.

University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD)

Because we are adjacent to the U of MN, the University Police Department (UMPD) also serves our area. Contact Information:  E-mail: police@umn.edu
Emergencies Dial 9-1-1
For Non-Emergencies, call 612-624-COPS (2677)
Mailing Address: UMPD
511 Washington Avenue Southeast
Room 100, Transportation and Safety Building
Minneapolis, MN 55455

A special service offered to the neighborhoods around campus is the Security Monitor Program, a branch of the UMPD, which offers free walking and biking security escorts to and from campus locations and nearby adjacent neighborhoods for all students, staff, faculty and visitors. Security Monitors are given training in First Aid, CPR, and use of an AED. Security Monitors are equipped with a First Aid Kit and a portable police radio in the event of an emergency. To request an escort from a trained student security monitor, please call 612-624-WALK (9255), or 4-WALK from any campus phone, shortly before your desired departure time. Your safety is our first priority! You do not have to be a student to take advantage of this program. For more info: http://www1.umn.edu/police/escort.html

MHNA Safety & Livability Committee

The Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association Safety & Livability committee meets monthly. For more information, go to the “Get Involved” tab on this website and scroll down to “Committees”.

Housing

Marcy-Holmes is a vibrant and eclectic mixture of new and old. You'll discover housing choices from historic mansions to sleek riverfront condos, from fraternities and sororities to modest studio apartments. The neighborhood appeals to busy students, professionals, families and seniors. Stroll around or look for properties for sale and rent at www.livenearyourwork.net.

Students looking for housing should contact the U of MN: 

Off Campus Listings Service: https://rentals.tc.umn.edu

On Campus Housing/ University of Minnesota Housing & Residential Life:  www.housing.umn.edu

Programs & Projects

MHNA is involved in many  programs:

The University District Alliance

A collaboration between four neighborhoods adjacent to the Minneapolis campus of the University of MN, The City of Minneapolis, Augsburg College, the U of MN and area business groups that works to make sure the area surrounding the University of Minnesota campus 

  • capitalizes on its exceptional resources;
  • is vibrant, safe, healthy, and sustainable;
  • is a preferred place for people of all ages to live, work, learn, do business, and visit.

The Stadium Area Advisory Group
Restorative Justice Community Action

Restorative justice works to reduce repeat offenders, reduce crime overall and strengthen and build community. Through the community conferencing process, community members get to know their neighbors and join in performing community service : neighborhood  block patrol, clean-up event, etc. Each offender meets face-to-face with community members, admits responsibility and learns first-hand how their actions have affected others. Community members have a direct role in the justice process—a chance to tell the offender exactly how they feel and to have input in the deciding outcomes.

The Marcy Arts Partnership
Student Neighborhood Liaisons
SE Minneapolis Council on Learning ( SEMCOL)
SE Seniors  

and projects:

Neighborhood Plans

Our Master Plan was adopted by the City in 2003: 
http://www.minneapolismn.gov/cped/planning/plans/master-plans_marcy-holmes_index

In Summer 2002, The Marcy-Holmes neighborhood hired Dahlgren, Shardlow and Uban Inc., a private planning consulting firm, to facilitate planning discussions and draft a master plan for the area. The planning process began in September 2002 with general community meetings that allowed the participants to declare what they liked or disliked about the neighborhood, what they wanted to preserve, what they wanted to achieve, and what they wanted to avoid. The cumulative results of this input formed the objectives for the plan. The Marcy-Holmes plan document supports the policies of The Minneapolis Plan, the city's comprehensive plan and provides detailed policy guidance for planning and development issues at the neighborhood level. 

Several Master Plan Supplements were also adopted in 2007:
http://www.minneapolismn.gov/cped/planning/plans/cped_marcy-holmes

Our Small Area Plan for 15th Ave SE was adopted in 2009: 
http://www.minneapolismn.gov/cped/projects/cped_marcy_holmes_15th_ave_plan

Committees

MHNA’s Executive Committee

Comprised of the four officers from the board of directors. The executive committee meets as needed to conduct business between board meetings.

MHNA’s Land Use Committee

Meets the second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm, University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 13th Ave SE.  MHNA’s Land Use Committee is the first stop for developers wishing to build in the neighborhood. The committee makes recommendations to the board and city on zoning and land use applications. Developers wishing to present to the Land Use Committee are asked to complete the Developer's Checklist and return it to MHNA in advance of the meeting.     

Land Use Committee Agendas

MHNA’s Safety & Livability Committee

Meets the first Monday of the month 5:30 pm at First Congregational Church, 500 8th Ave SE.  The committee communicates frequently with local police departments and city regulatory services and oversees neighborhood events and beautification projects.

Safety & Livability Committee Agendas

MHNA’s Student Affairs Committee

Student Affairs Committee Agendas

Other committees  (Garden, Creative Neighbors Network, Events, etc) meet as needed.

Committee agendas are emailed to committee members, those who checked off an interest on their membership cards.  Committee actions are advisory and must be approved by the MHNA board of directors. Committee meetings are open to the public.  The MHNA President appoints committee chairs. Persons wishing to appear on a committee agenda should contact the MHNA office.

Membership

Joining the MHNA is easy.  We only require that you:

  • Live in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood,
  • Fill out a membership registration card, 
  • Renew your membership annually.

There are no dues or meeting attendance requirements. We are happy to mail you a membership registration card. 
Email your request along with your mailing address: office@marcy-holmes.org

MHNA's General Membership meets quarterly. Members with email receive monthly updates on MHNA and neighborhood news. Members without emails receive news via US Mail quarterly, in the months of January, March, June and October. Members who indicate on registration card an interest in a committee will receive email committee meeting notices and agendas.

MHNA Meeting Minutes

2011

2012

MHNA Meeting Agendas

2012

List of Board Members

The 2011-2012 MHNA Board of Directors

OFFICERS

Douglas Carlson,  President
Arvonne Fraser,  Vice President
Kelly Phillips,   Secretary
Steve Swanson,   Treasurer
 

DIRECTORS

Gordon Kepner 
Jo Radzwill (co-chair Land Use committee)
Sonny Schneiderhan
Marnie Loven- Bell  (co-chair Safety & Livability committee)
J. Diane Savage 
Thomas Barry 
Cameron Naughton
Ardes Johnson (co-chair Safety & Livability committee)
Eric Nauman
Larry Prinds 

(1 vacant seat currently)     
 

APPOINTED BOARD MEMBERS

Chris Meyer,   MSA ( MN Studenst Assoc)
(vacant),   Dinkytown Business Asn
Pastor Craig Shirley,   SE Clergy Seat
Rachel Hayden,   Panhellenic Council 
(vacant),   NE Business Asn

Meeting Schedule

MHNA has a board of directors, which includes annually elected and appointed directors from major organizations and institutions located in the neighborhood. Board meetings are held monthly, except in July and December. Board meetings are held at 6 pm at University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 13th Ave SE, except for the months of January, March, June and October. In those months the board meets at Pracna On Main, 117 Main St SE, followed by the general membership meeting at 7:30 pm. General Membership meetings are held quarterly, in January, March, June and October at 7:30 pm at Pracna on Main, 117 Main St. SE.. 

Meetings are open to the public and handicap accessible.

Community Exchange

Community Exchange is a neighbor – to –neighbor page for posts like garage sales, sell or trade, local artists openings or performances, block parties, lost pets, or hobby groups. We will not accept personals, sublets, roommate or real estate listings, baby, pet or house sitting services. We will not accept commercial advertisements – we have a separate place for paid ads. The website administrator reserves the right to remove any post that is inappropriate or violates these rules. All postings will be removed in 30 days.  Only Marcy-Holmes residents can post on the Community Exchange.

News & Events

Items of Interest to MHNA

We compile a monthly list of events and news that generally appeals to all Marcy-Holmes neighbors, called "Items of Interest", which is emailed on the second week of the month.   Submit items to the MHNA office in advance of our deadline, which is the first Friday of the month.  " Items of Interest" are emailed, and posted here, in the second week of the month.

MHNA’s editorial policy for " Items of Interest"  is to include community events and activities that happen in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood and information about events that happen nearby which are of general interest to people who live or visit here. We also occasionally  include information about neighborhood or nearby commercial ventures ( e,g, stores, restaurants) IF they have something unique going on or are new to our area. We want to encuorage the wonderful variety of businesses here, but we can’t include listings about every sale or promotion. We try to keep the information in "Items of Interest" as thorough and correct as possible, but can’t guarantee that event details won’t have changed since we got the information. Therefore, it never hurts to check the websites before venturing out.

Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood:

  • Joining the MHNA and one of its committees.
  • Running for a seat on the MHNA Board of Directors
  • Joining the Garden Group (adopt a garden!) or Creative Neighbors Network
  • Helping with Neighborhood Clean Ups, including our annual Earth Day River Clean-Up
  • Helping with events like National Night Out celebrations or Annual Plant Swap & Potluck
  • Donating books to the SE Minneapolis Council on Learning 
  • Taking part in a community conference for the Restorative Justice Community Action program 
  • Donating your services or skills to help the neighborhood 
  • Visiting seniors or helping them out at SE Seniors
  • Promoting our neighborhood as a great place to live, work, study and play

The Neighborhood

Welcome to the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood

The city’s oldest neighborhood is one of its hottest, a vital part of the Twin Cities cultural landscape for more than 150 years. With quiet, nature-filled streets by day and an urban entertainment scene by night, the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood is a welcomed mix of old and new, traditional and trendy. Conveniently located along the Mississippi River between downtown Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota, the neighborhood is home to three historic districts. You’ll also find many small shops, art galleries and an array of nationally recognized restaurants, community gardens, parks and public art displays.  Marcy Open School, an International Peace Site and student-centered K-8 school that encourages learning through the arts, is here as well.

Marcy-Holmes is a winner on many lists including:

  • One of the City’s Top 10 Neighborhoods (Metro Magazine, 2011)
  • Best Place to Take Out-Of-Town Guests (City Pages, 2008)
  • One of the Country’s Top 10 Eco-friendly Neighborhoods (Natural Home  Magazine, 2007)

Walkscore.com, a national organization dedicated to improving the walkability of urban neighborhoods, also ranked Marcy-Holmes “very walkable.”  A 15-minute stroll via the beautiful Stone Arch Bridge takes you to the Guthrie Theater, MacPhail Center for the Arts and other downtown attractions. The 5th Street SE bike path leads straight into the heart of the University of Minnesota and Dinkytown, the vibrant commercial area that was home to young Bob Dylan. The historic Pillsbury A-Mill is a stone’s throw to many conveniences in the St Anthony Main retail, dining and cinema complex, as well as a nearby farmer’s market, full grocery store, fitness center and more.  Stroll up 6th Avenue and you’ll find bronze sculptures of our most famous buildings, award-winning gardens, many beautiful homes and a vibrant mix of students, professionals, families, artists and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re jogging along the Mississippi River, visiting an art gallery or dining in one of the local restaurants, the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood gives a new meaning to “city living.” Marcy-Holmes is east of the Mississippi and south of East Hennepin Avenue, which is why we’re called “Southeast” Minneapolis. Named for a politician (Marcy) and a writer (Holmes), we’re proud to be a gateway to the University District, which includes Prospect Park, Southeast Como, West Bank-Cedar Riverside and the University of Minnesota.

MHNA produced a video about living in the University District:

 

Welcome from udistrictvoices on Vimeo.

 

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About MHNA

Welcome to the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association, the oldest neighborhood in Minneapolis. Our neighborhood association was formed in the 1880's. A notice in Real Estate and Building Review of February 1886 reads: "To properly advance East Side improvement interests a large number of citizens united on the 9th (of the month) in the organization of "The East Side Improvement Association." The first annual election of officers will be held March 1. Hon. J.S. Pillsbury has been nominated for president. On the 24th a mass meeting under the auspices of the association will be held at First Congregational Church. The organization is being managed by energetic citizens and will doubtless accomplish some very desirable results."

Energetic citizens here are still engaged in improving the neighborhood. In 1948 we were known as The University District Improvement Association. In the mid 1980's the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association (MHNA) was officially formalized with Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and tax-exempt status as a non-profit corporation. The purpose of the association is to engage in projects that improve and enhance the quality of residential life in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood. Membership is open to all residents of the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood. 

Contact Us

Welcome to the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association, the oldest neighborhood in Minneapolis. Located along the Mississippi River between downtown Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota.

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