Proposed Plan Modification During 1/21 South Uptown Meeting

For almost 15 years, the South Uptown Neighborhood Association has been offering Home Security Grants utilizing Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) funding. The program provides matching grants of up to $500 for eligible security improvements including lighting, home security systems and upgraded locks and doors. However, the grant pool is running out after providing funds to more than 40 neighbors for their security projects. So, The South Uptown Board of Directors will consider an NRP Plan Modification during the South Uptown Neighborhood Meeting on January 21, 2025 to consider reallocating monies to the home security program. The modification would redirect $5,000 generated from repaid loans to South Uptown’s Home Improvement Loan Program. The reallocation would provide sufficient funding for home security projects over the next few years.

South Uptown neighbors are encouraged to provide input about the proposed Plan Modification via email or by attending the meeting in-person or on Zoom. All South Uptown renters, homeowners, property owners and business owners (18+) are considered members and encouraged to attend. Please join us!

Luminary Skating Party is Coming

Luminary Skating Party
Saturday, January 11, 2025

6:00- 8:00PM at Bryant Square Park

3101 Bryant Avenue S.

Join us for this annual community event where Bryant Square will once again sparkle with hundreds of luminary lanterns in a winter wonderland of snow, ice and lights. Bring your skates to experience the magic of skating under the stars and surrounded by luminaries. Participants can then warm up at fire pits and with free hot chocolate and cookies. It’s a perfect winter activity for people of all ages, so bring your friends, family and neighbors! 

This enchanting community event is Brought to you by Bryant Square Park and the South Uptown Neighborhood Association.

Thank You South Uptown Neighbors!

With your support, the South Uptown Neighborhood Association was able to make a real impact in the community this year. We organized and hosted community building events to increase vitality and foster connections like the Chili Fest, Earth Day Clean Up, Bryant Square Park Concert Series, Garden Tour and Happy Hour Meet Ups. The organization spearheaded safety initiatives such as the Home Security Grant Program, two Personal Safety Workshops and community forums with MPD 5th Precinct officials. South Uptown implemented creative place-making projects like our traveling little free libraries, South Uptown branded bike racks along Bryant Avenue and beautiful art box wraps to prevent graffiti. We engaged neighbors through e-newsletters, social media, print flyers and in-person and online meetings ensuring input on important community issues. There’s even more fun and impactful things we accomplished in 2024, and need your help next year to keep them going. Please consider getting involved by volunteering or making a year end contribution. https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=PJHHFSE3BVFLU

Support South Uptown for Give to the Max Day!

Your contributions directly impact our community by funding events, projects, and neighborhood improvements. Together, we can make South Uptown a more vibrant, safe, and welcoming place for everyone. 

Why Give to South Uptown? 

• Support community-building events and activities. 

• Fund local art installations and beautification projects. 

• Improve public spaces and enhance safety. 

• Foster connections among neighbors. 

Every donation counts and helps us continue our work. Donate Here https://www.givemn.org/organization/South-Uptown-Neighborhood-Association

Give to the Max Day is Coming 11/21

The Give to the Max Day fundraiser is coming up on November 21, and it is an important source of funding to support the work of the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. Our organization plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life within our community. Through place-making initiatives, community-building events and crime prevention projects, we strive to create a safe, vibrant and inclusive environment for all residents and visitors. Please consider a contribution to South Uptown of $25, $50 or more on or before November 21 to show your support for this work! Donate here: https://www.givemn.org/organization/South-Uptown-Neighborhood-Association

Thank you to Riley Companies for their generous matching gift of $250. Double your impact now by unlocking this matching grant!

Register Today and Sign Up for the Stop & Swap

Register Today! Sign up for the Stop & Swap.

South Uptown Stop & Swap

Thursday, November 14, 2024

6:30 - 8:00PM

Bryant Square Park Recreation Center

3101 Bryant Avenue S.

Sign up now for the South Uptown Stop & Swap, our community “buy nothing” event! This free event is an opportunity to declutter and clean out your home by offering your stuff to your neighbors, while taking a few items for yourself. this free reuse swap is a sustainable way to dispose of unwanted stuff and share with the community. Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PoJjxYHBnqcAsT5MQllGc71_m0h_B7UQBHZIFh5gFdw/edit#responses 

Swapable Items: Clean, reusable and portable items such as clothes, housewares, electronics, books and toys.

unacceptable Items: Furniture, large items, expired or opened food, dirty or damaged clothes, unsealed personal care items, medicine, child car seats, strollers, broken electronics and sharp items.  

Fill out the online registration form by Tuesday, November 12 to reserve table space for the event- either a half (4') or full (8') banquet table. * Space is limited and will be reserved on a first come, first served basis. Setup can start as early as 6:00PM with a 6:30PM event start.

Join Us for the Breakfast Club at Abi’s

South Uptown Breakfast Club

Saturday, November 23, 2024

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Abi’s - 2828 Lyndale Avenue S.

We’re excited to invite you to the next South Uptown Neighborhood Association (SUNA) Breakfast Club at Abi’s- 2828 Lyndale Ave S to enjoy delicious homemade Mexican and Salvadoran food while connecting with your fellow neighbors. 🌮☕️

This is a great opportunity to meet new people, discuss local issues, and support one of our local businesses. All are welcome, and the event is kid-friendly, so feel free to bring the whole family! 

To help Abi’s prepare, please call (612) 721-0013 to make a reservation and let them know you're with the SUNA Breakfast Club. You can also check out Abi’s menu here: https://www.abismn.com/

We look forward to seeing you there for good food and conversation.

Bryant Ave Rain Garden Replanting Begins

Minneapolis Public Works crews have begun weeding and replanting the rain gardens along Bryant Avenue S. After the initial plantings failed to take root. More plantings will be done in spring 2025 including full size plants since they are more likely to thrive and flourish. The rain gardens capture storm water and pollutants keeping it out of water bodies while greening the corridor. Check out the Bryant Avenue Greening Infrastructure website for more details and future updates: https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/public-works/surface-water-sewers/programs-policy/green-infrastructure/bryant-avenue/#site-main 

Join the 11/7 Happy Hour at Roat Osha!

South Uptown Happy Hour

Thursday, November 7, 2024

5:30- 7:00PM

Roat Osha- 3001 Hennepin Avenue

Join us for an evening of camaraderie, community-spirit and connection at Roat Osha, sponsored by the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. This first- Thursday gathering promises an informal yet engaging setting for South Uptown residents to come together, unwind and learn more about the vital work of the neighborhood association. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to South Uptown, this happy hour is a great opportunity to forge new friendships while getting to know more about the community. South Uptown will provide light appetizers while attendees pick up their own drinks. Please bring your friends, family and neighbors! The more, the merrier…

Complete the Lyndale Avenue Reconstruction Survey!

Hennepin County plans to reconstruct Lyndale Avenue S., between Franklin Avenue and W. 31st St., starting in 2027, and they are seeking input on newly released concept layouts. The three design options were created based off of input gathered over the last two years and emphasize safety for all users of the corridor. The County will choose a preferred concept in spring 2025 based on survey results and technical analysis. Fill out the survey here: https://beheardhennepin.org/lyndale-avenue/surveys/design-options

Get Rid of Your Stuff & Find New Treasures!

South Uptown Stop & Swap

Thursday, November 14, 6:30- 8:00 PM

Bryant Square Park Recreation Center

3101 Bryant Avenue S.

In the spirit of "buy nothing", we are pleased to host the South Uptown Stop & Swap on Thursday, November 14. This free event is an opportunity to declutter and clean out your home by offering your stuff to your neighbors, while taking a few items for yourself. this free reuse swap is a sustainable way to dispose of unwanted stuff and share with the community. Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PoJjxYHBnqcAsT5MQllGc71_m0h_B7UQBHZIFh5gFdw/edit#responses 

Swapable Items: Clean, reusable and portable items such as clothes, housewares, electronics, books and toys.

Unacceptable Items: Furniture, large items, expired or opened food, dirty or damaged clothes, unsealed personal care items, medicine, child car seats, strollers, broken electronics and sharp items.  

Fill out the online registration form by Tuesday, November 12 to reserve table space for the event- either a half (4') or full (8') banquet table. * Space is limited and will be reserved on a first come, first served basis. Setup can start as early as 6:00PM with a 6:30PM event start.

Utility Boxes Wrapped in Artwork

Earlier this month, crews wrapped three utility boxes with art at 36th Street and Bryant Avenue S. Adjacent to Kyle’s market. Local artist Mary Bacon designed the images featuring colorful flower motifs designed to wrap groupings of utility boxes. The project was led and funded by the South Uptown Neighborhood Association using Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) funds dedicated to graffiti prevention. The organization partnered with the Arts & Cultural Affairs and Public Works departments to make the project a reality. 

Don’t Get Towed. Watch for the “No Parking” Signs!

Minneapolis Public Works will begin fall street sweeping on Tuesday, October 22, and it will continue for about four weeks. Street sweeping keeps leaves and debris out of the storm sewers preventing it from polluting our lakes and rivers. Watch for the bright pink “No Parking” signs that will be posted about 24 hours prior to sweeping beginning. Cars that are not moved will be ticketed and towed, which is a costly hassle. It’s easy to track when your street is scheduled to be swept by checking out this interactive map: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/street-sweep/street-sweep-map/#site-main 

Join us for the South Uptown Breakfast Club!

South Uptown Breakfast Club

Saturday, October 26, 2024

9:00AM- 10:30AM

Brother’s Cafe- 3450 Lyndale Avenue S. 

We are excited to invite you to the inaugural South Uptown Neighborhood Association (SUNA) Breakfast Club! Let’s come together on Saturday, October 26th at The Brothers Cafe for good food, great company, and a chance to connect with fellow neighbors. This is a kid-friendly event, and we encourage everyone to join us—whether you’re new to the neighborhood or have lived here for years!

Our Breakfast Club is all about building community, supporting our local businesses, and creating a warm, welcoming space for neighbors to meet, chat, and share ideas. We hope this becomes a regular tradition where we can strengthen connections and work together to make South Uptown an even better place to live.

To help the cafe prepare, please make a reservation by calling (612) 238-5082 and let them know how many will be in your party. Be sure to mention that you’re with the South Uptown Breakfast Club. You can also check out The Brothers Cafe’s menu and details here.

We look forward to seeing you there and starting this wonderful new tradition!

Meet New Friends at 10/3 Neighborhood Happy Hour

South Uptown Happy Hour

Thursday, October 3, 5:30- 7:00PM

Roat Osha- 3001 Hennepin Avenue

Join us for an evening of camaraderie, community-spirit and connection at Roat Osha, sponsored by the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. This first- Thursday gathering promises an informal yet engaging setting for South Uptown residents to come together, unwind and learn more about the vital work of the neighborhood association. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to South Uptown, this happy hour is a great opportunity to forge new friendships while getting to know more about the community. South Uptown will provide light appetizers while attendees pick up their own drinks. Please bring your friends, family and neighbors! The more, the merrier…

Help Out During 10/12 Neighborhood Clean Up!

South Uptown Fall Neighborhood Clean Up

Saturday, October 12, 2024

10:00AM- 12:00PM

Bryant Square Park Recreation Center

(3101 Bryant Avenue S.)

We need your help to pick up litter around the neighborhood and keep it out of our lakes and rivers! Join your neighbors for the Fall Clean Up to spruce up the community before winter. Simply show up to Bryant Square Park anytime that morning to pick up trash bags, gloves and guidance about where to focus your efforts. We’ll send you out with a snack to concentrate on litter on a block or two.  

This is a fun and easy way to make a difference for volunteers of all ages. Bring your friends, family and co-workers to pitch in! Let’s make South Uptown clean and beautiful!

South Uptown Board Election Results

Congratulations to the five people who were elected by their neighbors to serve on the South Uptown Board of Directors! Jenna Egan, Claudia Madrigal, Phil Qualy, Gretchen Sieger and Brooks Wilson will serve a two-year term through September 2026. They will join fellow Board Members Alex Bissen, Joel Chechik, Brian Dvorak and Alec Shannon who are in the midst of their Board terms. The group will get together soon to select Board Officers and committee assignments. Please attend the next South Uptown Neighborhood Meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 7PM at 3501 Aldrich Avenue S. To meet the new Board.

Vote for the South Uptown Board!

The online Board of Directors election will begin during the South Uptown Annual Meeting on Tuesday, September 17, 6:30 - 8:00PM at the Bryant Square Park Recreation Center (3101 Bryant Avenue S.). Additional Board nominations will be accepted during the Annual Meeting before the election ballot goes live for voting. The election will start around 7:00PM on September 17 and run until September 18 at 12:00PM. Election results will be posted soon thereafter on southuptown.org Go here for the online ballot: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YOBCh7wJUiZGpbeS_iYV_SgHZEEdy_qlhIva2y5s0ww/edit#responses 

Meet the South Uptown Board Candidates!

Seven neighbors have stepped up already to run for a seat on the South Uptown Board of Directors. These folks are willing to bring their talents and time to support the organization’s mission of fostering a safe, equitable and connected community. Check out the 2024 Candidate Profile document to learn more about the neighbors who want to represent the community on the Board.

List of Candidates

  • Jenna Egan

  • Claudia Madrigal

  • Phil Qualy

  • Gretchen Sieger

  • Nicholas Weir

  • Brooks Wilson

  • Ben Zass

The online Board of Directors election will begin during the South Uptown Annual Meeting on Tuesday, September 17, 6:30- 8:00PM at the Bryant Square Park Recreation Center (3101 Bryant Avenue S.). Additional Board nominations will be accepted during the Annual Meeting before the election ballot goes live for voting. The election will start around 7:00 PM on September 17 and run until September 18 at 12:00 PM. Election results will be posted soon thereafter on southuptown.org. Go here for the online ballot: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YOBCh7wJUiZGpbeS_iYV_SgHZEEdy_qlhIva2y5s0ww/edit#responses 

Jenna Egan

Claudia Madrigal

Phil Qualy

Gretchen Sieger

Nicholas Weir

Brooks Wilson

Ben Zass