Minneapolis To Replace Police HQ That Burned Down In 2020 Riots

MINNEAPOLIS — The city of Minneapolis on Wednesday announced plans to replace the Minneapolis Police Department’s 3rd precinct building.

The building, located at 3000 Minnehaha Avenue, burned down during the riots over the killing of George Floyd. Since then, 3rd precinct officers have operated out of a downtown facility that is not in the precinct’s geographic boundaries.

City officials say a new building is needed to restore public safety service to people who live in, work in and visit the 3rd precinct area.

"Right now, people within the 3rd precinct area do not have the same access to public safety services as people in other areas of Minneapolis," the city said in a news release.

"Police precincts offer 24-hour walk-in assistance to anyone who needs help, and they can also provide space for a variety of community needs."

Two sites under consideration are the former precinct facility at 3000 Minnehaha Avenue and a vacant city-owned lot at 2600 Minnehaha Avenue. Those sites were selected after a survey was conducted from July 2020 through December 2022.

The city will host a series of community-wide discussions to discuss a future building for the 3rd precinct:

• Business owner session: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 11 at The Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge, 3010 Minnehaha Ave.
• General public session: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13 at Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St.
• General public session: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, April 15 at Roosevelt High School, 4029 S. 28th Ave.
• General public session: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 19. Location to be determined.

Snacks and beverages will be available at the sessions.

"Identifying two viable locations for the 3rd precinct building has been an enterprise-wide effort, and I’m grateful to our staff who have worked around the clock to produce a thorough analysis for neighbors to consider," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said.

"The next phase of this process will undoubtedly be marked by debate and discussion, but we should all agree on one thing: there should be a 3rd precinct building in the 3rd precinct."