Minneapolis to Reopen Nicollet Avenue November 24

The city will reconnect the historic intersection at Lake Street after decades of closure.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings

A newly paved urban intersection in Minneapolis under bright autumn sun, showing reconnected city streets and clear, wide asphalt roads. — Minneapolis officials will reopen the historic intersection of Nicollet Avenue and Lake Street on November 24, ending decades of site closure. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Minneapolis officials are set to reopen the intersection of Nicollet Avenue and Lake Street on November 24, 2026. This move marks the end of a decades-long closure that originally began to accommodate a Kmart store.

Why it matters

City leaders aim to revitalize the corridor by restoring the street grid to support new housing, expanded green space, and public transit routes. The project serves as a cornerstone for long-term redevelopment efforts in the area.

The site has remained largely vacant for more than 3 years following the demolition of the former store. Construction crews are now completing final work on the corridor to meet the November 24 target.

The players

Minneapolis Fire Department

This agency oversees public safety and emergency response services within the city of Minneapolis.

The details

The project follows the demolition of buildings that began in March 1978 and an accidental fire at a vacant storefront in October 2023. This fire expedited the site's clearance after the roof collapsed, ultimately paving the way for the street's reconstruction.

March 1978: Buildings were demolished to construct the Kmart store.
October 20, 2023: A fire caused a roof collapse at a vacant site building.
November 24, 2026: The city plans to officially reopen the street intersection.

Market Landscape

This infrastructure restoration aligns with the broader New Nicollet project to transform the site into a mixed-use district. The effort signals a major shift in city planning as Minneapolis pivots from large-format retail toward integrated urban density.

Residents and commuters can expect restored traffic flow through the intersection, providing better access to public transit and neighborhood routes. Prospective shoppers and future tenants should watch for upcoming announcements regarding the bidding process for new housing units.

The takeaway

The reopening of this transit corridor represents a significant milestone in reclaiming urban space for community-focused infrastructure. Property owners and developers should monitor city solicitations as the area shifts toward market-rate and affordable housing.