Commercial Corridors

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The commercial center of the neighborhood is located on Nicollet Avenue, where several restaurants, social service agencies and schools, and retail merchants operate.  Minor commercial hubs include Franklin Avenue and the Clinton Avenue strip mall. Major institutions in Stevens Square-Loring Heights include Plymouth Congregational Church, Minnesota Church Center, and the PPL.  Over the past several years the quality of retail operations has fluctuated.  Currently there is no grocery store in the community.  Community members have identified the gap of service retailers.

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Stevens Square Historic District

The Stevens Square Historic District was locally designated in 1988 and nationally designated in 1993, thanks to the hard work and cooperation of neighborhood residents and property owners.  The area has been designated because of the unique and cohesive historic architecture of 3-1/2 story brownstones surrounding Stevens Square Park. For more information about the formation of the district, click here.

History of the Stevens Square-Loring Heights Neighborhood

The area south of what is the Minneapolis Central Business District was platted in 1856. Two property owners, Richard J. Mendenhall and Dr. Nathan B.Hill, owned most of the surrounding land which they developed as a residential neighborhood made up of a few large, single family homes. These large residential lots and "country estates" ensured that the Stevens Square area remained stable during periodic, speculative real-estate booms.

SSCO Safety Strategy

Stevens Square Community Organization (SSCO) has in place a comprehensive and proactive safety and crime prevention program that works successfully with law enforcement to reduce and prevent crime by bringing to the table significant volunteer involvement and staff expertise.  SSCO has the longest active Block Patrol in the city, which has been highly effective.  Block Patrol is a way for residents to communicate with the organization regarding concerns, and a way for the organization to connect with residents to promote safety in the neighborhood.

Building Safety Improvement Program

The Stevens Square-Loring Heights NRP Building Safety Improvement Program aims to support property owners and tenants in their efforts to increase the safety of the neighborhood through improvements to their buildings and environs. This program was formerly known as the Lighting and Fencing Program, but has been expanded to include other safety-related improvements, as described in the guidelines. It is funded in full by the Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program in conjunction with the priorities of the members of the Stevens Square-Loring Heights neighborhood, and is implemented with the support of the 5th Precinct SAFE Unit.

I you are interested in applying for a safety grant, please contact SSCO’s Safety Coordinator at (612) 874-2840.

Safety Resources

Here are a few useful links to local and state safety-related sites.

Restorative Justice Community Action

Community Resource List

Just moved into the neighborhood, or looking for some assistance? Here are a few links that may be helpful:

Community safety resources

Neighborhood Revitalization Program

Stevens Square-Loring Heights Architectural Style

In 1989, Stevens Square received its historical designation due primarily to the number of three-and-a-half story brick apartment buildings: similar in size, character and materials, surrounding the park.  Today, many are renter occupied similar to the profile of the people who first lived in the neighborhood.  Therefore, the neighborhood character is demographically as well as physically very much the same as it was when it first took shape as a neighborhood of respectable apartment dwellings in the early 1900's.

Housing Stock Composition
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Red Hot Art, July 28 & 29

11th annual RED HOT ART festival                                                                                                                                                      Stevens Square Park, East 18th St & 2nd Ave South

Saturday, July 28, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 29, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Over 100 artists plus 28 bands on two stages. For more information visit http://redhotart.org/