Filling in the Gaps: Things I Wish Were in Uptown

I might complain about the people who spend their time trying to make Uptown into something that it's not, never has been, and never should become, but that doesn't mean that I don't have my own wish list of things that would make this neighborhood better place to live. The difference, I think, is that my list builds on what Uptown already has, rather than trying to fundamentally change the area and its nature. I think these additions will only improve the neighborhood and boost its already-considerable assets.

So, in no particular order, here's a wish list for Uptown:

1. A Farmer's Market. What's not to love? A weekly farmer's market gives locals the chance to buy fresh, locally-grown food, all while enjoying wandering around outdoors with your friends and family. The best farmer's markets offer something for everyone: fruits and vegetables, of course, but also local soaps, nuts, crafts, prepared foods, and entertainment. They attract a diverse audience, and would be beneficial to all of Uptown's various constituencies. A farmer's market could truly be a community gathering place. Our farmer's market should accept food stamps, welcome and encourage Uptown vendors, offer a broad selection of food, including "ethnic" options, and be open as much of the year as possible.
2. Good Mexican food. Minneapolis has plenty of good Mexican restaurants and bakeries in other neighborhoods - let's get some more taco and burrito options in Uptown itself. I'd like both more authentic cheap taco stand-type places as well as perhaps a more formal sit-down place.
3. A Post Office. It doesn't have to be a full-service place, just a basic substation will do. Remember when Calhoun Square used to have one tucked away in the back? This is such a neighborhood essential - let's figure out how to get one back.
4. A Light Rail Station. Really, is there any need to explain this? The vast majority of Uptown residents want our neighborhood plugged into the larger Twin Cities transit network, and buses alone aren't the option. Let's all cross our fingers (and send some emails) and hope that Uptown gets its much-needed station.
5. A Community Garden. Check out the Dowling Community Garden for an interesting example of how these can work. Uptown - especially apartment-dense areas such as those found in the Wedge and in parts of CARAG - could really benefit from one of these. It's healthy, provides yet more sense of community-building opportunities, environmentally-friendly, and gives everyone a chance to get outside and enjoy the benefits - health, taste, and economic - of growing produce or even just flowers.

This is just a partial list, of course, but any or all of these things would certainly add to my quality of life. Here's to hoping that they all come true.

Things I Don't Like About Uptown

While I love Uptown, that doesn't mean I love all things about it. Here's some things that go on my personal dislikes list:

1. Modern Condo Buildings. That doesn't mean I don't think they're well-designed, serve a purpose, or don't belong in the neighborhood, it just means that I prefer the neighborhood's older houses and buildings.
2. Chino Latino. I've had perfectly fine food and drinks here. I think it's that Chino Latino seems almost stereotypically suburban in the way that everything is so artificially fine-tuned to appeal to their audience. Maybe it's just that it doesn't feel connected to the neighborhood, and I'm just not into trendy.
3. People who Don't Shovel. Sure, this happens other places, too. But this blog is about Uptown so I'm singling out Uptown property owners. Who are these people who don't bother to get out their shovels or call a plowing company? Their laziness endangers the rest of us and makes our neighborhood far less pedestrian-friendly.
4. Parking Permits. People who buy houses two blocks away from Hennepin and Lake should realize that tight parking comes with the territory. I might support a one-side permit-only parking option, or possibly two hour parking for those without permits, but permit only all the time? Ridiculous.
5. The Uptown Transit Station. This has potential to move to a list of things I like in the future, but for now it's just not living up to its potential. At the moment it's just a glorified bus stop with uncomfortable seats.

Things I Like About Uptown

In the spirit of taking the time to reflect on both the big and the small things I both like and don't like about Uptown, here's a list of some personal positives:

1. Spanish-style Apartment Buildings. These are attractive and have fun names. They evoke visions of tropical flowers and singing parrots - especially appreciated on cold winter days.
2. Lunds. Lunds has a long history in the neighborhood, and I'm happy that it remains a presence in our main commercial hub today.
3. Local Coffee Shops. Minneapolis in general has lots of them, and Uptown residents have multiple independent coffee joints to get their caffeine fix. And yes, Dunn Brothers might be a chain, but at least it's a local chain. They can stay in this category for now.
4. Magers & Quinn. We're lucky to have such a fabulous independently-owned bookstore in our midst.
5. Calhoun Square. I think it's good for Uptown to have a large, open climate-controlled space in the main commercial core. While a private company can never be a true community center, Calhoun Square seems to be doing a good trying. I don't like traditional malls, but Calhoun Square was designed to remain somewhat open to the street and to engage foot traffic, and I hope that this will continue to be the case post-renovation.

Why I Love Uptown

Since so many of my other posts point out negative items or suggest changes, I thought I'd take a moment to outline why Uptown is, and always will be, a special place for me. In no particular order here are my top 10 reasons for loving Uptown:

1. Uptown is a (mostly) self-contained neighborhood. You can live here without having to leave to go elsewhere. You can go the library, buy your food, work, do your dry cleaning, or practically anything else you want to do. There are gaps to be filled, certainly (anyone else remember that US Post Office substation in Calhoun Square?), but overall this is a pretty good place to live if you'd prefer to spend your money and time close to home.
2. The Lakes. Enough said.
3. It's (relatively) affordable. Uptown isn't cheap, and is increasingly unaffordable for many, but in the grand scheme of things this is still a great deal. A location like this in many other cities would cost a lot more. Think about that next time you complain about writing out that rent check.
4. The public transportation is good. Uptown has lots of bus lines running through it, making the neighborhood just a short ride away from major destinations such as downtown or the University of Minnesota. It will be even better if the proposed Uptown corridor light rail line gets built.
5. I have a long history here. I grew up in Uptown and have seen it change over the years, for both better and for worse. I've lived in other states and cities, but Uptown remained my "spiritual home," for lack of better term.
6. Uptown itself has history. This area has a long and fascinating history spanning more than 100 years. Things happened here that have both local and national significance. Interesting stories abound if you know where to look.
7. People care about the neighborhood. This can sometimes be highly irritating, as I think some of those neighbors are bonkers and would be better off living in the 'burbs. Despite our occasional disagreements it's good to have residents who care strongly about our neighborhood and its potential.
8. Variety is a good thing. While Uptown might not be as diverse as some boosters like to claim, it still offers a variety of experiences. There are stores for people of all economic levels and interests as well as a nice mix of residential and commercial buildings. It keeps things interesting.
9. Uptown is conveniently located. While I think it's great that one doesn't often have to leave the neighborhood, it's nice to be so close to so many other places; downtown, Linden Hills, and Nicollet's Eat Street are all readily accessible.
10. Uptown is pretty. Many of the houses are attractive and well-maintained, lots of the apartment buildings have fun fake Spanish names and architectural elements, there are lots of trees, and overall there aren't too many run-down or hideously ugly stretches of streetscapes.

This is a highly personal list. Whatever the reasons, it's clear that many others also feel the pull of Uptown. What makes it onto your list?