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- calendar_today October 21, 2026
New Public Art Initiative at 800 Washington Avenue
The Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA), in partnership with Sherman Associates, is advancing with the Mill City in Bloom project, a vibrant public art installation set for 800 Washington Avenue S. The initiative has secured city approval and will be implemented with the help of Blackbird Revolt, Sharp Sign Co., and local artist Tiana Nguyen, with funding from Sherman Associates.
Community Survey Sparks Creative Vision
The origins of Mill City in Bloom trace back to a community-wide conversation that began in the previous year. In 2025, the DMNA Land Use Committee conducted an Interim Use Survey aiming to gather input from downtown residents and stakeholders about potential interim uses for the vacant site awaiting redevelopment.
More than 200 individuals responded, with the majority being local residents. The survey revealed strong support for temporary projects—among them green spaces, native pollinator gardens, pop-up markets, food trucks, community gardens, and art installations—highlighting widespread community interest in enhancing the space while long-term plans are underway.
Partnerships Foster Community Art and Engagement
Following the survey results, Mill City Farmers Market and Sherman Associates reached out to DMNA to discuss possibilities for actualizing the community’s ideas. These collaborative efforts laid the groundwork for Mill City in Bloom. The market's team became an integral partner, connecting project leaders with local artists and supporting further community engagement on the evolving art concept over the summer.
Design Inspired by Urban Gardens and Culture
The art installation, Mill City in Bloom, is designed to reflect Minneapolis as a city where nature, culture, and community thrive together. Influenced by the Mississippi River, neighborhood urban gardens, music, public spaces, and everyday city life, the artwork will feature rich botanical imagery, pollinators, familiar local landmarks, musical motifs, and dynamic landscapes.
At the center of the installation is a clear message: “We Love Our City,” encapsulating the spirit of community art and pride in downtown Minneapolis.
Project Team and Local Artist Collaboration
Blackbird Revolt and Sharp Sign Co. are set to handle the technical aspects of the installation, partnering closely with artist Tiana Nguyen. Their work will bring the temporary installation to life, transforming the vacant lot with a burst of color and creative expression while the property awaits future development.
Financial backing from Sherman Associates, along with vital input from residents and stakeholders, ensures that the project resonates with the community’s aspirations and enhances public spaces in the heart of the city.
Celebrating Interim Uses and Community Participation
Mill City in Bloom demonstrates how community input, thoughtful partnerships, and city approval can lead to temporary installations that foster connection and vitality in urban areas. As a celebration of local character and natural beauty, the project stands as a testament to the importance of public art and community engagement in shaping downtown Minneapolis.
Source: millcitytimes.com.
