Although it is one of the densest neighborhoods in Minneapolis today, Stevens Square-Loring Heights was originally occupied by all large mansions. Today, the area is composed mostly of 1920s brick apartment buildings or mansions that have been subdivided into apartments. Although Stevens Square faced many of the same challenges which confronted other inner-city neighborhoods through the 1990s, Steven’s Square has seen a steep drop in crime and better income diversifications. has seen significant increases in safety and average income in recent years. Steven’s Square is a textbook example of how to transition for a unstable poverty ridden neighborhood to a stable one without massive displacement and gentrification. This is thanks largely to many apartments buildings being converted to condominiums or co-ops. Still many naturally affordable rentals exist here helping many working class individuals and households find a home.
From an urban perspective Steven’s Square is one of Minneapolis’s densest communities with walkable access to Dwtn and great multi-model options. Also a very affordable place to live with tons of modest rent apartments and plenty of condos selling anywhere from 70K-350K. What Steven’s Square lacks the most are many retail and cultural amenities. This is likely due to the historically low incomes of the community. Steven’s Square could also use better ADA infrastructure, more parks, better schools, and more generational diversity as there are very few families here.
Click here to view my Steven’s Square Album on Flickr
URBAN STRENGTHS:
* Excellent Density.
* Great access to Dwtn being just south of the Central Minneapolis District. Very walkable district as well with good access to all modes of transit.
* Solid economic and racial diversity.
* Lots of rental options and very reasonably priced with studios leasing between $750-1.1K. 1-beds lease btwn $900-1.2K, 2-beds lease btwn 1.2K- 1.8K. Only a handful of 3 & 4 bed units. Good amount of affordable rentals and apartments that have been converted into co-ops.
* Good number of condos for sale 1-beds sell btwn 70K-285K, 2-beds btwn 100K-350K. Only a handful of 3 & 4 bedrooms selling btwn 450K-550K.
* Decent tree canopy esp. considering how density the neighborhood is.
* Lots of historic 1920s brick apartments and still some amazing late 19th century mansions left. Some good large in-fill apartments along Nicollet and a sprinkling of other in-fill buildings throughout.
* Good pedestrian activity thanks to Steven Square’s density.
URBAN WEAKNESSES:
* Limited generational diversity.
* Schools are limited to a handful of mixed-rated schools within Steven’s Square and nearby.
* Safety is much better in Steven Square than it was several decades ago but still some sketchy blocks.
* ADA curb cuts on about half the blocks. Generally good sidewalks though.
* Only one park within Steven’s Square but good access to excellent parks within 1/4 mile.
* Okay cultural amenities includes several restaurants (esp. African restaurants), a couple cafes, and a performing arts theater. Still pretty close to the Dwtn cultural amenities.
* Missing a lot of key retail amenities but Steven Square is a hub for several African grocerias and also hosts a drug store, a couple boutiques, a bank, a hardware store, several salons, lots of medical clinics and doctor’s offices, and only a couple churches.
Evaluating our Urban Communities [with a focus on America] 