Michael Lander has good ideas for Uptown: Let’s hope someone is listening

“What to do about Uptown?” is a question that keeps popping up, as Minneapolis street corners that once dominated urban retail have gone vacant. A lot of the uncertainty rightfully centers on the nearly empty block around the Seven Points mall (formerly Calhoun Square). A recent proposal for the south half of the block seems to be finally bringing change and progress into the heart of Uptown, with over 200 new apartments pitched for the site of a former furniture store.

But even in an era where housing development is rare, the development proposal is missing key elements. Talking to one long-time Uptown developer, some tweaks might dramatically improve the future of Uptown and its public space. That’s why it’s nice that a consultant team, led by Michael Lander, released an alternative dev