A brief history of the former Sears site — Now Midtown Exchange

• 1994: Sears closes retail, warehouse, distribution center

• 1995: Developer proposes razing the Sears tower, replacing the building with “big-box” retail.

• 1996: Another developer proposes a mix of light industrial, retail, warehouse, government operations, movie houses, and transit station for the site.

• 2001: City of Minneapolis acquires the site.

• 2002: City sells a portion of the site to Abbott Northwestern to build parking ramp, provide for future expansion.

• 2003: City requests redevelopment proposals.

• 2004: Ryan receives exclusive rights to site.

• 2004: Allina Hospitals and Clinics announces consolidation of corporate headquarters to the site.

• 2004: Construction begins.

• 2005: Allina moves in.

• 2006: Grand opening celebration.

Where is Midtown?

• A commerce link between Downtown Minneapolis and Uptown Minneapolis.

• A separate “brand” that identifies an area where people come to live, work, and play.

• Enlivens both historic architecture and community surrounding the site.

 

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