Solar Arts Building - Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

Logan Park, Northeast Minneapolis, MN – Thursday, Sept 6th community, business & political leaders along with artists and enthusiasts alike joined together for a ribbon cutting ceremony to honor the urban renewal project and grand opening of the Solar Arts Building.  With a beautiful taste of early fall to come over 1,000 people attended this 5 hour long celebration of a #BrightGreenFuture.
 
Many elected officials and dignitaries were in attendance including:
 
Ellen Anderson - Senior Advisor to the Governor on Energy and Environment
St. Paul Port Authority - President Louis Jambois, Vice President of Finance Peter Klein and Thomas Collins Communications Director
Legendary - John Derus and Mike Rainville
Fluence Media - Blois Olson
Matt Lewis - Minnesotans United for all Families Board Member and Communications Director of the Independence Party
Minneapolis City Council Member Kevin Reich
Senator Linda Higgins
Senator Kari Dziedzic
State Rep. Diane Loeffler
State Rep. Tim Sanders
Gulgun Kayim, Director of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy for the City of Minneapolis
Blue Horizon Energy Owner - John Aune
Rep. Ellison’s staff member - Mike Siebenaler
Katherine Blauveldt (Senator Al Franken's local chief of staff)
Northeast Bank Minneapolis President Thomas Beck
White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce President - Tom Snell
American-Israel Chamber of Commerce Executive Director - Harlan Jacobs
Northeast Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce Executive Director - Christine Levens
Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association Executive Director - Alejandra Pelinka
Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association President - Susan Wagner Ginter

    "We've helped bring fourth new businesses and new jobs to Minnesota." said Duane Arens Owner of the Solar Arts Building. "It was by a working collaboration with the City of Minneapolis and the State of Minnesota that made us able to refurbish this nearly 100 year old building."  

This eco-friendly arts building located in the epic-center of the Arts District is topped with 108 solar panels pumping out over 27 kilowatts of green electricity. All the windows have been replaced, the most energy efficient fixtures installed for lighting, and a 92% efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning system has helped make the Solar Arts Building a model for urban renewal.  The building was built in 1914 as the Twin Cities Cord and Tire Company.  
 
The Solar Arts Building now features over 25 artists and creative professionals, along with a new local craft beer phenomenon Indeed Brewing Company as it's 1st floor tenant.  The 3rd floor is set to open as an event space early next year.  
 
The event began with some light music and a gathering of the who's who of Northeast Minneapolis. A food truck that makes wood fired pizzas kept the appetites happy while Indeed Brewing Company's taproom provided the adult beverages.  Minneapolis Council Member Kevin Reich and Governor Dayton's Senior Advisor on Energy/Environment Ellen Anderson spoke during the ribbon cutting.  

    "It was a wonderful celebration, dedicating the building officially open." said Mike Schardin Solar Arts Building Public Relations. "The entire community was part of this successful redevelopment and we're quite thankful to be in this welcoming environment!"

The event experienced a massive turnout with over 1000 people attending the 5 hour event celebrating a #BrightGreenFuture