The urban energy of Lowry Hills East draws single professionals and families alike. This wedge-shaped slice of Minneapolis is perhaps better known by its nickname, The Wedge, by both the 6,150 people who live there and others.
Lowry Hills East is bounded on the east by Lyndale Avenue, on the west by Hennepin Avenue and on the south by Lake Street. Lyndale and Hennepin intersect on the northern side at Interstate 94. It is part of a larger area south of Franklin Avenue and west of Nicollet Avenue that is often considered Uptown, although officially Uptown is a smaller area centered on the intersection of Hennepin and Lake.
Within the Lowry Hill East neighborhood there is a remarkable and eclectic collection of turn of the 19th and 20th century residences, particularly along the 2300 and 2400 blocks of Aldrich, Bryant and Colfax Avenues South, which has earned the designation of historic district. Pay attention to the signs that set off the district. The Wedge has a diversity of housing ranging from elegant turn-of-the-century residences to large, modern apartment buildings. Many of the larger homes have been converted to multiple-unit housing. This area was developed in the 1880s as a typical example of the “streetcar suburb” where urban development followed the expansion of public transit service. The neighborhood is named for Thomas Lowry, one of Minneapolis’ original residents and developers.
The vibrant Jefferson Elementary School at Hennepin and 26th Ave. has an enrollment of 685 students in grades pre-k to 8. At Jefferson, children are nurtured and encouraged, creativity and kindness are cherished, and kids are held accountable and mentored to find their gifts and paths to success.
The Wedge offers a range of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stories, spas, chains and small businesses within walking distance. An evening out may begin at the trendy Fig & Farro or Uptown Tavern and Rooftop, include the Soo Visual Arts Center or Jungle Theater, and wind up with cocktails and appetizers at Chino Latino.
Those who want to find a quieter moment amid the hustle and bustle head to the Chain of Lakes or Minneapolis Sculpture garden. In the heart of the Wedge is the 1.85 acre Mueller Park with a playground, wading pool, basketball court and picnic area. The site was once the home of noted Minnesota writer, Maud Hart Lovelace, author of historical novels and the Betsy-Tacy series of books for young readers. The park itself was named for brothers Robert C.Mueller and Herbert L. Mueller, who were among the few people who have had a Minneapolis park named for them while still living. Herbert Mueller had lived in the same house on Bryant Avenue South near the park since 1921. He and his brother Robert, who had been an editor at Field and Stream magazine, were the resident authorities on the natural history of the neighborhood. Robert helped to organize an elm watch in 1970s as the city prepared for the onslaught of Dutch Elm disease.
If you love retail and nightlife offerings, Lowry Hill East is the place for you.