Milwaukee Avenue: When Citizens #Resist

Earlier this week a friend and I explored the length of Milwaukee Avenue in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. In a city where an avenue can stretch for a hundred blocks, Milwaukee Avenue is just two blocks.

I was struck by the rows of small houses built on lots that are a quarter the size of typical Minneapolis home lots.

The houses were built by a real estate developer in the 1880's in response to the large influx of working class people to Minneapolis. They were built economically to maximize profit, but with a consistent architecture that includes some flourishes. They look stunning when you look down the avenue and take the street in as a whole.

Many of the houses have the same basic architectural elements. Variations, such as the use of color, plantings, and porch furniture, give each home an individuality set in a coherent whole.

Originally there was a road in front of the houses; today there is green space, plantings, and paths for walking and cycling.

Accidentally, the 19th century developer created a community that gets high marks for livability in the 21st century.

 As I walked down the avenue, I saw plenty evidence of a strong community. The homes and small yards were well-maintained. Neighbors were sitting on porches just a few feet from the walkway. Lawn signs reinforced the kinds of inclusive messages we need these days to build community and offset the fear and ignorance that drive much of our national politics.

The avenue is closed to cars, so children can walk in safety to the playground at the midpoint of the avenue.

Neighbors on a weekday morning.

In the 1970's these lovely homes were dilapidated and designated for demolition. The full force and funding of federal and local agencies almost assured their destruction. The community would be dispersed, and the homes replaced by standardized apartment buildings.

 But the early 1970's was a time of protest. Teargas canisters were being dropped from helicopters onto anti-war protesters at the nearby University of Minnesota campus. This was also a time of empowerment in the Seward neighborhood. Residents established co-ops, including the Seward Co-op. This spirit lives on today: we're member/owners (along with thousands of others) of Seward Co-op and spend most of our grocery dollars there.

Some highly motivated individuals developed expertise to work against the forces of government. Eventually, they won by hard work, careful analysis of the area, and by turning government rules in their favor. A major coup was getting Milwaukee Avenue designated as a Historic District, even though it would have been hard to prove that any individual home had sufficient historic merit. Once on this National Register, it would take a lengthy federal process to demolish a house on the avenue. 

They turned around the forces of government then managed to secure government funding to help people to buy and restore the homes. They established a Homeowners Association with the authority to maintain common areas and enforce standards.

Milwaukee Avenue reminds me of the power of ordinary people to resist the status quo, then achieve extraordinary results. I take this personally: whether it’s my cancer or divisive national leadership, I #resist.

Joined 5,000 fellow protesters outside the Federal Courthouse, downtown Minneapolis. "No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here." pic.twitter.com/7A7vQ2GfEY

— Tom Wilson (@TomPhase3) February 1, 2017

Note: Milwaukee Avenue: Community Renewal in Minneapolis by Robert Roscoe provides extensive background to the story of Milwaukee Avenue.