Northeast Minneapolis bar spared demolition as MnDOT shifts plans for University Avenue redo

Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room in Minneapolis will not face demolition after the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) revised its plans for University Avenue. The agency opted against a roundabout that would have required tearing down the historic building, which has stood for 130 years. MnDOT's new design will shift the intersection at University and Lowry slightly to the south and aims to enhance safety at a location that recorded 126 collisions from 2020 to 2024, four times higher than the statewide average for similar intersections. Stanley’s will celebrate its 15th anniversary on October 11 with a day-long event featuring live music, a bags tournament, and nostalgic food items. Three other local businesses will also remain open, although they will relinquish some property.

Chasity Sorenson, Stanley’s marketing and events director, expressed relief and excitement about the future. MnDOT's $45 million project will also include improvements like wider sidewalks, bike lanes, and reduced traffic lanes. These changes aim to enhance safety and traffic flow on University Avenue.