A developer wants to tear down an old Minneapolis flour mill. Some neighbors want to save it.

The Nokomis Mill, a historic structure in Minneapolis, is under threat of demolition as a developer cites safety issues and exorbitant maintenance costs. The Zachary Group, which seeks to redevelop the site into housing, claims the mill is “immensely blighted,” incurring weekly security expenses of $13,000. Preservationists, led by Joel Albers, argue that the mill is an iconic part of the city's heritage and should be repurposed rather than destroyed. The Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission has approved a demolition permit, but an appeal by Albers is set for public hearing, reflecting a significant community divide. This situation underscores the ongoing struggle between urban development and the preservation of historical landmarks, a common theme in rapidly changing cities.

Minneapolis, once the flour milling capital of the U. S. , now grapples with its past as it faces pressures for new housing and infrastructure. The outcome of this debate may set a precedent for future developments in the area. As the city evolves, the fate of the Nokomis Mill serves as a critical touchpoint for discussions on heritage and progress.