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Revitalizing Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis

The comeback of a major city street

East Franklin Avenue, before and after community development.

In 1982, East Franklin Avenue—one of the Phillips neighborhood’s commercial corridors in Minneapolis was run-down and had a reputation for drugs, alcohol, homelessness, prostitution, and crime. The street was often cited as an example of the overwhelming problems facing inner city neighborhoods: poor housing, few viable commercial establishments, and a high percentage of residents living in poverty. In 1997, Janet Reno came to the area to declare it a national disaster because of rampant crime.

But over the past decade, thoughtful community development led by the Great Neighborhoods! Development Corporation has helped the street and surrounding neighborhood change direction. Beautiful new housing options, an inviting new “look” for the neighborhood, and a concerted effort to rid the area of problem businesses and bring in the right businesses have all made Franklin Avenue a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Building and business design played a major role. Using the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, community developers made simple but effective changes such as lighting up sidewalks, planting low-to-the-ground shrubbery, pulling out pay phones, and decluttering windows to help reduce crime. Many buildings along Franklin Avenue now have large windows on the first floor, providing more eyes on the street. The effort was featured in national LISC's Safe Streets, Sound Communities.

The neighborhood’s success stories include a renovated historic library; a redesigned shopping center with new stores, restaurants, businesses, and a medical center; and a beautiful streetscape that reflects American Indian culture. Once known for open-air drug deals, today Franklin Avenue is a good place for a family brunch or a leisurely visit to an art gallery or florist shop.