Mpls. Wants To Repair, Restore North Loop's Brick Roads

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The fastest developing neighborhood in Minneapolis is also one of the toughest areas on vehicles and their suspension systems.

You could call it the "North Loop Bounce" -- the feel of driving over brick streets built for a different century.

Steve Young rumbles his way along the uneven surfaces several times a day.

"I mean, I can see it definitely knocking a filling loose or cap off your teeth," Young said.

The North Loop used to be a vibrant warehousing and distribution center, starting in the late 1800s.

Now, many of those old warehouses have been converted into trendy restaurants and shops. Thousands of people have settled into brand new condo buildings in the area.

"A lot of us are out and about," said resident Jerilyn Gagnon. "This is a very popular dog area, dog-walking area and I can honestly say I've had some falls."

But many of the newcomers actually enjoy seeing the original brick.

"I guess I really kind of like the rustic feel of it," said Nick Green. "It's a lot more interesting than living in St. Louis Park."

Business owner Alison Neumann Lundy said the old roads provide some of the North Loop's charm.

"If they take these original roads up, part of this district will lose its beautiful feel for being in the time warp," Neumann said.

But city and federal agencies are now drawing up changes, with what they call the "Heritage Plan."

Minneapolis City Council member Jacob Frey says the early focus will be on 6th Avenue between Washington Avenue and 5th Street.

"The really bumpy area that feels like, you know, you're in downtown Baghdad? That's the part that we want to improve dramatically while retaining the character," Frey said.

Instead of paving it with asphalt or concrete, the city will look to keep as much of the original brick as possible.

"We've even recruited a company that has old brick on hand that we could sort of fill in the gaps," Frey said.

Right now, the Heritage Plan is just in the design phase, and the city is working to get federal money. So for those who do want a change, it won't be soon.

Council member Frey said it would likely be in early 2016.