In 2013, Minneapolis adopted their Climate Action Plan, which put into place a comprehensive set of emission reduction strategies. These strategies cover 3 areas: Buildings and energy, Transportation and land use, Waste and recycling.
For buildings and energy, the goal is to reduce energy usage by 17%, and generate 10% of electricity from local, renewable sources. On the residential building side of things, Minneapolis is proposing a "home energy audit" as part of the Truth In Housing program (TIH or TISH, Truth In Sale of Housing). This would require sellers to have an energy score when listing their house for sale. They are proposing that the TISH inspectors be trained to perform this component of the inspection process. The end result of this energy score would be a single number, for example 37 on a scale of 1 to 100. 100 would mean that the house would have virtually no energy costs.
Another part of this program is to make incentives for sellers to improve their homes energy-wise so that they can get a higher sale price due to energy efficiencies. If they don't, the buyers will at least have some knowledge about the energy efficiency of the house, making it an incentive to them to improve the house energy-wise.
Also on the residential side of things, Minneapolis is proposing a "time of rent" energy disclosure for renters. Renters currently have no way of knowing how much their utility bills will be before renting a unit. The disclosure would be mandated so that renters could compare units on energy efficiency. This would give incentives to the landlord (owners) to improve their buildings to make them more attractive to the rental market.
On the commercial side of things, some of them already have to do an energy score of sorts and disclose to purchasers. Minneapolis would like to extend that to all commercial buildings. They also have an Energy Reduction Challenge called the "Kilowatt Crackdown" to encourage commercial buildings to reduce usage.
For renewable energy, Minneapolis is trying to create policies that promote renewable energy, develop a "solar-ready" certification, and encourage "net-zero" buildings.
Making a building "solar-ready" adds virtually no cost at the time of construction, and would potentially have some value to purchasers. This would involve adding some structural supports and electrical conduit so that solar could be installed without adding structural support to the roof trusses, and/or digging in walls to add conduit. Both of these items can be added at a very low cost when in the construction phase.
What is a net-zero building? Basically net-zero means the building (or house) would generate all the energy it needs to power the building itself. This generally means that the building is super insulated so that it requires less energy to heat and cool the building, as well as solar panels to generate the energy it needs. Oftentimes this type of building uses geo-thermal heat pumps to heat and cool the building, running off solar energy. You can read more about "Net-Zero" buildings at this link.
You can read the entire action plan at the link below. Minneapolis Climate Action Plan:
http://www.minneapolismn.gov/sustainability/climate-action-goals/climate-action-planMatthews Park has many different amenities including sport courts and fields, a garden and grill, an ice rink as well as a broomball rink, a biking and walking path, a sand volleyball court, a pool, a playground and a picnic area. The park also has many different kinds of trees and one is known for how large it is because people cannot wrap their arms around it.
The Birchwood Cafe is very involved in the community. The food is all fresh from local farmers and very unique with an at home feel. The menu is full of organic and vegetarian options as well, serving breakfast lunch and dinner. The extensive menu includes buttermilk fried chicken, a vegetable quiche, and the Birchwood Benedict, to name a few. The café supports the work of local artists and puts on many events with the desire to bring the community together.
Cafe Racer Kitchen is a contemporary rustic restaurant with a friendly staff. It serves tasty and healthy Latin American fare and even has a food truck in the area. They do catering as well. Their menu includes arepas y merelada, carne a la parrilla, and a Colombia street dog. In fact, they are well-known for their hot dogs. They have several gluten-free options and vegetarian options, too. The restaurant is a member of the Bicycle Benefits program and is a big supporter of the biking community in Minneapolis.
The Encore Karoke and Sushi Lounge combines two favorites--sushi and karoke! Who doesn't love to eat sushi and sing karaoke, but hopefully not at the same time? Their menu involves a diverse range of options including hamachi jalapeno, curried shrimp, stir fry spicy udon, and all your favorite sushi. The Omakase Dish is a showcase of the chef's specialties, and it changes according to the whims of his mood. They have sashimi and maki as well, and the Encore Cajun Seafood Boil.
Gandhi Mahal is warm and inviting Indian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and a great staff. It opened in 2008 and has quickly become one of the favorite Indian restaurants in Minneapolis. They are passionate about sustainability and using quality ingredients (so much so, they grow some of their own food) along with providing a peaceful atmosphere to their customers. They are so committed to sustainability, they have several projects around it such as starting an urban backyard farm and two beehives on their rooftop. Their menu includes tandoori, korma, and curry dishes, and they have seasonal dishes as well. They have a daily lunch buffet as well as catering, too.
Hi-Lo Diner is a 1957 Fodoro Diner that made its way from Pennsylvania to Minnesota to continue dishing up classic American diner food. There's a retro vibe to the place and a cheerful staff. Their specialty is the Hi-Top, which is their signature fried pastry dough topped with a combo of sweet and savory, such as The Minneapolis Bliss. They also have big, beefy burgers, meatloaf, and spicy cheese curds. Try an old-fashioned egg cream as you eat your meal.
is a Nepalese restaurant that is warm and casual with a personable staff. They serve authentic Himayalan, Tibetan, and Indian cuisine with plenty of vegetarian/vegan options and some gluten-free dishes as well. The menu includes daal, tandoori, biryani, and so much more. You can order online before you go.
is a casual and warm restaurant that serves traditional Ethiopian cuisine. It has a homey atmosphere and offers a wide array of tempting dishes. Their vegetarian options include tikel gomen, shiro, and the vegetarian combination. Their meat options include Team Lammaa (Kitfo and Tibs), minchet abesh, and quanta firfir.
is a neighborhood favorite Japanese restaurant. It is a casual spot with bright colors and fun decor, and the staff is very friendly. Their sushi is creative and pleasing to the eye as well as to the taste, and they have other traditional Japanese food such as tempura, donburi, bento boxes, and even sake cocktails.
Mon Petit Cheri is a locally-owned bakery in Seward that started out as a stand at the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market and grew because of its popularity. Everything is fresh, and ingredients and other products are purchased locally as much as possible. It has a cozy and comfortable atmosphere with a very friendly staff. In house, their menu includes a farmer's breakfast, a ham and brie baguette, and a shaved fennel and celery salad. Their baked goods include pies, cakes, cookies, and specialty pastries.
Pita King (2238 E Franklin Ave., 612-345-5931) is an unassuming-looking Middle Eastern restaurant that is minimum in appearance, but maximum in tastiness. It has been recognized as having one of the best if not the best baklava in town, and its kofta is said to be out of this world. They also have friendly service and reasonable prices (more than reasonable in some cases). It may be small in size, but it's big in taste and flavors.
Pizza Luce opened in 2003 and is a neighborhood favorite for hanging out with friends and family. It has a casual and inviting atmosphere, and it's part of a local chain. The menu includes some of the best pies in town, including the Fire Breathing Dragon and the Baked Potato Pizza. They also have hoagies, pasta, and salads, and many of their dishes can be made vegan and/or gluten-free upon request. In addition, they have drinks, seasonal menus, brunch on the weekends, and they deliver.
The Seward Cafe opened in 1974 with the intention of serving tasty food that was ethically sourced at reasonable prices. They are a worker-owned cafe, and they are dedicated to ensuring their workers make a living wage. They are a neighborhood staple, and it's a community hangout for everything from art shows to musical performances. Their menu includes Earth Breakfasts, the Midwest Veggie Burger and the Wizard Burger. They have several vegetarian options, vegan options, and wheat-free options.
This cafe was opened by the Seward Community Co-op in 2015 . The goal of the restaurant is to sustain a community that is healthy as well as to create beneficial relationships between farmers, workers, stores and producers. All of these partners work toward the same goal, to minimize resource consumption, make the food systems more sustainable and to give back to the community. Their menu includes biscuits & turkey gravy, barbacoa tacos, and a pulled pork sandwich. They have gluten-free options, vegan options, and other dishes that can be made vegan/without gluten upon request.
The Seward Co-op opened at a different location in 1972. It was run by volunteers, and it grew beyond the confines of the location. They moved in 1998 in order to accommodate their growing clientele. They expanded and moved again to their current location in 2005. They are a neighborhood favorite that focuses on healthy food, supporting the community, and supporting their workers/owners as well. They also provide classes and events for the community.
Sober Fish is a Thai sushi bar that has a contemporary and spare look to it. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is relaxed. In addition to the sushi, they have curry, stir fry, fried rice, and noodle dishes. They have classic Thai desserts as well, including sweet sticky rice with mango and coconut cream. The bar has a robust menu including several draft beers, rice liquor, Asian beers, and wine.
is an open and inviting restaurant that features Spanish and South American cuisine. Their breakfast menu includes chilaquiles, molletes, and a breakfast burrito, whereas their lunch menu includes Argentinian pork empanadas and bocadillos. They are known for their tacos, which they call carmelos--and they can be filled with many different ingredients. They have several other dishes for dinner as well, and they pride themselves on their carefully-crafted cocktails.
Town Talk Diner and Gastropub is located in the historic Town Talk Diner building, and while they have kept the name (sort of), the new owners have changed the style of food served. The atmosphere is casual and homey, and the staff is very friendly. The focus is on the ingredients, and they use locally-sourced seasonal products whenever they can. Their menu includes roasted lamb ribs, Forbidden Rice Bowl, and fried-green tomatoes. Their drinks include wines, seasonal cocktails such as the Hot Penicillin, and beer.
Tracy's Saloon is a low-key hangout place with a retro feel and a friendly staff. It's a local watering hole that is a favorite of the neighborhood. Their menu includes hot piri piri chicken, roast pork bucatini, and their house curry & lemon rice. Their pub fare includes Summit-battered fish & chips and a grilled Reuben. They have char-grilled burgers as well, and finish off your meal with Tracy's Apple Crisp. Of course, they have drinks as well, which includes a whole lot of wine. They have specials every day, too.
United Noodle is one of the most well-known pan-Asian grocery stores in the Twin Cities. It is a family-owned store that has been serving the Seward community for more than 40 years. They have all the basics you need for Asian cooking as well as some of the rarer ingredients. They have products from Taiwan, China, Japan, and Korea, in addition to Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, and more. You will be able to satisfy all your Asian dietary needs in one store. They also started UniDeli, which has garnered a cult following for its ramen.
is warm and inviting bookstore that is run by volunteers and is supported by the community. They are strong proponents of social justice, and they promote it through activism, education, and literature. They have plenty of progressive reads, and they welcome everyone to partake in lively discussions about their books. They also deliver by bike for local customers. They house The Women's Prison Book Project, which has provided much-needed reading material to women in prison since 1994.
is owned and operated by Chris Kvale who has several decades of experience building and selling bikes. He takes pride in his work, and he makes sure that each bike is built to the customer's satisfaction. He spends hours on the fitting to make sure it's the best fit for the customer. Then, he works on each bike individually to ensure the highest quality and customer satisfaction.
has been around since 1971 and is now a family-run business with one of the original owners and his son. They are dedicated to providing the best guitar to their customers as possible. Whether it's selling them the guitar of their dreams, building the guitar of their dreams, or repairing the one they already have, they guarantee customer satisfaction. They even have a link on their website showcasing what they are currently working on (Current Productions).
is serious about their bikes. Their bikes are custom-made, and they take the pains to make sure that every bike fits the needs of their customers. To that end, they work closely with each customer to make sure that the end result is exactly what the customer envisioned.
is a clothing store in Seward that was started by Laine Sou, a woman with an eye for women’s fashion. She and her then-boyfriend, Richard started designing and selling clothing 30 years ago to retailers such as Nordstrom and Saks, but now sells directly to women online. The products are ethically made in the United States, and they are a blend of fun, fashionable, and practical.
The Lawless Distilling Company is all about the carefully-crafted Minnesotan cocktails. Their cocktail lounge is warm and inviting with a relaxed atmosphere and a great staff. They distill their own gin, rum, vodka, and liqueurs in small batches, and use them to create unique and tasty cocktails. They have seasonal cocktail classes, too.
opened in 1990 to celebrate the ceramic arts and to educate the community about them. They offer ceramics classes for all ages and skills, as well as studio space, grants, tours, and a plethora of other artist services. In addition to classes, they have summer camps and workshops. They want to spread their love of ceramic arts to everyone.v
The Seward Co-op opened at a different location in 1972. It was run by volunteers, and it grew beyond the confines of the location. They moved in 1998 in order to accommodate their growing clientele. They expanded and moved again to their current location in 2005. They are a neighborhood favorite that focuses on healthy food, supporting the community, and supporting their workers/owners as well. They also provide classes and events for the community.
United Noodle is one of the most well-known pan-Asian grocery stores in the Twin Cities. It is a family-owned store that has been serving the Seward community for more than 40 years. They have all the basics you need for Asian cooking as well as some of the rarer ingredients. They have products from Taiwan, China, Japan, and Korea, in addition to Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, and more. You will be able to satisfy all your Asian dietary needs in one store. They also started UniDeli, which has garnered a cult following for its ramen.
The Encore Karoke and Sushi Lounge combines two favorites--sushi and karoke! Who doesn't love to eat sushi and sing karaoke, but hopefully not at the same time? Their menu involves a diverse range of options including hamachi jalapeno, curried shrimp, stir fry spicy udon, and all your favorite sushi. The Omakase Dish is a showcase of the chef's specialties, and it changes according to the whims of his mood. They have sashimi and maki as well, and the Encore Cajun Seafood Boil.
was founded in 1989 with the goal of allowing their performers to stretch and grow in their art. They perform works that are more controversial and connect directly to the issues happen in our world today. As they state themselves, they are not for everyone.
Hexagon Bar is a casual bar that has become a neighborhood favorite. It has been voted best dive bar in the cities, and they are proud of this designation. It has a relaxed atmosphere and has all sorts of fun activities to do while having a beer or two. They have darts or you can watch a game on the big screens with a group of your friends. They also frequently have live music for you to enjoy.
was started over twenty years ago to inspire young children in theater and creativity. It is a theater that uses brightly-colored life-sized puppets and a black lighting system that allows the puppeteers to 'disappear' on stage so the focus can be on the puppets. The productions are diverse and lively, and they include all sorts of creatures, ranging from unicorns to dragons to robots and cats. Through song, dance, and puppetry, they engage their young audience on every level.
The Lawless Distilling Company is all about the carefully-crafted Minnesotan cocktails. Their cocktail lounge is warm and inviting with a relaxed atmosphere and a great staff. They distill their own gin, rum, vodka, and liqueurs in small batches, and use them to create unique and tasty cocktails. They have seasonal cocktail classes, too.
Schooner Tavern is a local bar that has been serving the neighborhood for a very long time. It's an unassuming bar with plenty to do, including pool, BINGO, and pull tabs. They have meat raffles, and they have live music as well. They have two heated patios so you can enjoy the outdoors while hoisting a few, and they have karaoke nights, too. It's a good way to spend an evening with a couple of friends.
The Cabooze (917 Cedar Ave, 612-338-6425) is a live music venue that is very well known in the Twin Cites. They are all about the live music, and they have a wide diversity of groups performing. Examples: Christmas hip hop jam, a '90s throwback party, and a tribute to Jimi Hendrix. They serve drinks and food, and they have an outdoor plaza as well.
The Joint Bar is primarily a biker bar with the tag line ‘A Sunny Place for Shady People’. It's a casual place with a friendly staff, and it's a longtime favorite of bikers in the cities with plenty of parking for all the bikes. They have meat raffles and other fun events throughout the week.
Tracy's Saloon is a low-key hangout place with a retro feel and a friendly staff. It's a local watering hole that is a favorite of the neighborhood. Their menu includes hot piri piri chicken, roast pork bucatini, and their house curry & lemon rice. Their pub fare includes Summit-battered fish & chips and a grilled Reuben. They have char-grilled burgers as well, and finish off your meal with Tracy's Apple Crisp. Of course, they have drinks as well, which includes a whole lot of wine. They have specials every day, too.
was started by a woman, Kristina de Sacramento, who's had a passion for flamenco for over thirty years. She founded her own school in 1995, and started her professional company in 2002, combining it with her school to emerge in its current iteration. The teachers are all enthusiastic about flamenco and eager to share what they know with anyone willing to learn. The company performs all over the cities throughout the year.
was founded in 1989 with the goal of allowing their performers to stretch and grow in their art. They perform works that are more controversial and connect directly to the issues happen in our world today. As they state themselves, they are not for everyone.
was started over twenty years ago to inspire young children in theater and creativity. It is a theater that uses brightly-colored life-sized puppets and a black lighting system that allows the puppeteers to 'disappear' on stage so the focus can be on the puppets. The productions are diverse and lively, and they include all sorts of creatures, ranging from unicorns to dragons to robots and cats. Through song, dance, and puppetry, they engage their young audience on every level.
Matthews Recreation Center is a great community gathering place with plenty of activities for everyone. They have a wading pool and an ice rink, and both are open seasonally. They also have a basketball court, a broomball rink, and a biking path. They have several other sports fields, a picnic area, and a playground for the youth. They also have a Craft Room, a Gymnasium, and other rooms for meetings and other events. They participate in the Rec Plus School-Age Childcare and the Summer Meals programs.
opened in 1990 to celebrate the ceramic arts and to educate the community about them. They offer ceramics classes for all ages and skills, as well as studio space, grants, tours, and a plethora of other artist services. In addition to classes, they have summer camps and workshops. They want to spread their love of ceramic arts to everyone.v
The Ivy Arts Building is dedicated to the arts, housing different art businesses such as instrument repair and graphic design. There are also theater, art, and dance groups here, as well as yoga, tai chi, therapy, and so much more.
Seward Garage Sale Daze (Seward neighborhood, 612-338-6205 x119) is a fun-filled garage sale throughout the Seward neighborhood, sponsored by the Seward Neighborhood Group (SNG). It's also called the Seward Garage Sale Days. This is a weekend in May where over 100 homes register themselves to be on the garage sale route. It's a great way to find some good deals and to get to know your neighbors better.
Garden Tour and Tea Party is scheduled every year in June or July, sponsored by the Seward Neighborhood Group (SNG). At this event, attendees spend an evening strolling through different gardens in the Seward neighborhood, looking at the abundant and eye-catching flora, and receiving gardening tips. The profit made from the tickets for this event helps fund SNG projects.
Summer Walks Across Seward is a way to showcase all that is unique and special about the neighborhood. The walks take place once a week throughout July and August and is planned by the Seward History Committee. Each week the group, guided by a committee member, walks to different areas of significance in Seward, learning and growing as a community.
Every other September, the Seward neighborhood celebrates a much anticipated festival at Matthews Park known as King’s Fair. This eclectic family-friendly event features costume parade, artwork by our creative community, interesting history about our neighborhood, and plenty of fun activities organized by our local businesses and neighbors.
Seward Spread Joy Fund (SNG headquarters, 2323 E Franklin Ave., 612-338-6205 x119) is an anonymously donated fund that is given to a community member every year to give them a meaningful experience they otherwise couldn't afford. Members of the Seward neighborhood must apply and every November, the $1,000 prize is given to an applicant that desires to do something that would otherwise be outside their budget, and guidelines as to appropriate ideas for application are outlined on their website page. The Seward Neighborhood Group (SNG) coordinates the practical aspects of the donation.
Seward Winter Frolic & Art Crawl is an art crawl that takes place every December throughout Seward neighborhood for a weekend, sponsored by the Seward Neighborhood Group (SNG). It's an event in which members of the community can view the work of many different local artists, including music, dance, painting, and more. It's a festive time in which everyone can come together and enjoy the creativity of the neighborhood.
