Community Development Panel: What Development Looks Like in the LynLake Neighborhood and beyond
The Jungle Theater was proud to host a Community Development Panel on March 27, 2023 that brought in local voices from the LynLake community to discuss the complex nature of development in today’s world. This panel addressed themes that are seen in the Jungle’s latest play “5”.
In “5” we see themes of community and resilience. This panel discussed how development and community can make a neighborhood an improved version of itself that doesn’t compromise its identity for the sake of change.
Watch the Jungle theater’s community development panel below! (in case you missed it or just want to watch it again)
OUR PANELISTS
Our panelists come from local development companies, business associations, and community focused groups, all from the LynLake area. Check out more about our panelists and their companies below!
Taylor Smrikårova
Director, Property Development of Redesign, Inc.
ABOUT REDESIGN, INC: Redesign is a non-profit property development group established in 1969. They focus on 5 neighborhoods of South Minneapolis which include Seward, Longfellow, Cooper, Howe and Hiawatha. As community developers, their work ranges from commercial/residential development to infrastructure advocacy, business development, and program administration. They focus on sustainable development that upholds the community through affordable housing/commercial real estate and livable wages. By redirecting the focus of development, Redesign can uplift local communities and local businesses so they might flourish.
Kaley Brown
Executive Director of the Whittier Alliance
ABOUT WHITTIER ALLIANCE: The Whittier Alliance Neighborhood Organization is a non profit that works to strengthen community relationships between residents, businesses, and property owners. They put on community events and serve as a resource to amplify voices within the community so they can support a collaborative and healthy community. Established in 1977, the Whittier Alliance was intended to support the community through a rough period of increased crime, decaying housing, and empty storefronts.
Morgan Luzier
Board Co-Chair of the LynLake Business Association
ABOUT LLBA: The LynLake Business Association is a coalition of the local businesses found in the vibrant LynLake Community. They advocate for small businesses and partner with the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County to ensure that LynLake is a safe, abundant, healthy, and diverse community. One of their current projects is promoting the rebuilding of businesses and communities in the wake of the murder of George Floyd.
Charise Canales
Manager of Placemaking & Activation of Lake Street Council
ABOUT LAKE STREET COUNCIL: Lake Street Council (We Heart Lake Street) is a non profit organization whose mission is to advocate for the small businesses found in the Lake Street corridor. They provide local businesses with individualized business advising, coordinate with community stakeholders to ensure the safety and livelihood of Lake Street, facilitate commercial investments, advocate for policies and resources geared toward small businesses, support community events, support placemaking and transportation initiatives, and connect new businesses with real estate partnerships.
Charlie Rybak
Moderator, Co-Founder of Southwest Voices
Southwest Voices is a news and information service for Southwest Minneapolis, serving the neighborhoods of Tangletown, Kingfield, Lyndale, West Maka Ska, East Bde Maka Ska, East Harriet, Lynnhurst, Fulton, Cedar Isles Dean, Kenwood, Stevens Square, Windom, South Uptown, Kenny, Armatage, Lowry Hill East / The Wedge, Whittier, East Isles, Lowry Hill, and Linden Hills.
click to learn more about each business
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click to learn more about each business ---
LynLake History
For those of our readers not familiar with the LynLake neighborhood, here is a brief overview of the history of the area!
The core of the LynLake neighborhood is the intersection of Lake Street and Lyndale Avenue. Today this area is well known for its variety of small businesses and strong sense of community. Not as well known, however, is that this neighborhood used to be a home to industry.
A rail line was built in LynLake in the 1880’s and created manufacturers, wholesalers, and other industrial businesses. Post World War II, industrial businesses in the area moved out of the area and were replaced by retailers and restaurants. Starting in the 1960’s, LynLake saw an influx of artists and organizations in the area - including the Jungle Theater! The area became a center of the Minneapolis arts community.
While commerce has always played a big role in LynLake, the area is also a wonderful neighborhood. Not only a vibrant place to work and create, LynLake is home for folks from a wide variety of professions. The eclectic style of houses is due to the range of professions that have lived here: blacksmiths, teachers, maids, salespeople, and executives have all called LynLake home.
These crafts people’s legacy lives on today, as the area continues to be the home of live theater/improv, unique restaurants, and art focused local shops, as well as countless murals that bring color to these store fronts.
As a warm neighborhood and center for artists, commerce, and industry, LynLake has long been an influential and important neighborhood in Minneapolis. The Jungle is proud to be here and we’re so glad you’re here!
More About “5”
A co-production between Jungle Theater and Trademark Theater, “5” by JuCoby Johnson, running through April 16. Best friends Jay and Evan run a convenience store in a rapidly changing neighborhood. When real estate developer Stacey stops by with an offer to buy the place, their deep-rooted connection is tested. As the choice to sell weighs on Evan’s shoulders, and with limited time to decide, their community is ripped apart and the very foundation of the world around them begins to rumble and quake. This play is an exploration of humanity, community, apocalypse, and capitalism.
JuCoby Johnson made a playlist to accompany the show. Check out the link below to capture the vibes of “5”!