Upper Harbor redevelopment opens first phase in north Minneapolis

Upper Harbor Regional Park has opened, marking the first phase of a major riverfront redevelopment in north Minneapolis.

The 20-acre park opened this weekend along the Mississippi River. The project is expected to bring about 300 jobs to the area and more than 500 housing units by the time it is done.

Tom Olsen, president of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, said, “What I see is future parkland… future housing… community gathering space. It’s a beginning for north Minneapolis and our entire city.”

Updated calculations were not readily available, but during planning in 2021, the new park was originally projected to cost about $12.1 million. Another $26 million was projected for infrastructure and street reconstruction around the area.

The most expensive part of the project is still underway, with about $302 million planned to develop the rest of the riverfront usin...