[DEV] Live Minneapolis - Saint Paul

Whittier is an active, urban residential neighborhood known as the “International Neighborhood.” With more than 15,000 residents representing 30 countries and more than 25 languages, diversity becomes community in Whittier. Reflecting its population, Whittier offers an eclectic mix of ethnic dining and shopping along “Eat Street” (Nicollet Avenue), as well as cultural and artistic experiences. Whittier is home to the internationally recognized Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA), the award winning Children's Theatre, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and other performance venues such as the Jungle Theater and Old Arizona. In Whittier, residents have access to the amenities of an independent and colorful neighborhood while remaining minutes from downtown, with convenient access to the Midtown Greenway bike/pedestrian corridor and mass transit service.

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Boundaries and Zip Code

North: Franklin Avenue
South: Lake Street
East: Interstate 35W
West: Lyndale Avenue South

Zip codes: 55404, 55405 and 55408

History

Named for the poet John Greenleaf Whittier, the Whittier neighborhood began its modern history in 1849. Whittier was first established by and home to some of the founding fathers and legendary figures of Minneapolis, including the first Mayor of Minneapolis, Dorilus Morrison, and the Charles Alfred Pillsbury and William Drew Washburn families. Some of the prominent single family homes gave way to urban renewal in the1960s; however, the Washburn Fair Oaks Historic District and many of the homes along Pillsbury and Pleasant Avenues remain as a reminder of the early development of the neighborhood.

For more information on the Whittier neighborhood history, visit www.whittieralliance.org

Housing Styles and Types

Whittier offers a diverse mix of architectural styles, with housing ranging from grand mansions built for the prominent families, brownstone row houses, modest wood frame homes of the early 1900s, and a variety of apartment buildings from the 1920 and the 1960-70s. The neighborhood housing exemplifies the mix of architectural styles that existed during the late 19th and early 20th Century.

Schools

Public Schools:

• Whittier International Elementary School (Grades K-5)

Private Schools:

• La Casita Montessori (Ages 2–6)
• City of Lakes Waldorf School (Grades Preschool – 8)

Alternative Schools:

• MERC Alternative School (Grades 9 -12, ages 14 -20)
• Minneapolis Urban League Academy High School (Grades 9-12)

Charter Schools:

• Southside Family Charter School (Grades K-8)
• Watershed High School (Grades 9 -12)

Post Secondary:

• Minneapolis College of Art and Design

For more information on Minneapolis schools, visit Live MSP's Schools page.

Public Facilities

• Washburn Fair Oaks Park
• Whittier Park & Recreation Center
• Clinton Field Park
• 28th Street Tot Lot
• Bethlehem Community Center
• Minneapolis Institute of Arts
• Children's Theatre Company
• Jungle Theater
• Old Arizona Center for Performing Arts
• Hennepin History Museum

Home Purchase/Home Improvement Incentives

• Whittier Rental Rehabilitation and Renewal Loan Program (3R)
• Whittier Low Interest Loan Program
• The Whittier Alliance uses Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) funds to provide low interest loans for single family home improvement and multi-unit rehab. Contact the Whittier Alliance neighborhood association for more information.

For more information about other incentive programs that may be available in this neighborhood, visit Live MSP's Incentive Programs page.

Getting Involved

The Whittier Alliance
As the officially recognized Citizen Participation organization for the neighborhood, the Whittier Alliance works with residents, businesses and governmental agencies to further the common interests of the neighborhood. The Whittier Alliance Community Issues Committee and the Business Association meet monthly to discuss issues and events concerning the neighborhood and its residents.
Phone: 612- 871-7756
Web: www.whittieralliance.org

Lyn-Lake Business Association
It is the mission of the Lyn-Lake Business Association to enhance business relationships and activity in the Lyndale Avenue and Lake Street area of South Minneapolis.
www.lyn-lake.org

American Association of University Women
AAUW promotes equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change. The Minneapolis Branch of AAUW-with nearly 500 members-owns and operates its own building, the historic Gale Mansion at 2115 Stevens Ave South.
Phone: 612-870-1661
www.aauwmpls.org

Nicollet Avenue Business Association
Phone: 612-872-7772

News

The Whittier Alliance updates and maintains a Google Event Calendar, with a listing of neighborhood events and meetings, available at: www.whittieralliance.org/calendar.html

Statistics

• City of Minneapolis Neighborhood Profile—Includes trend information on neighborhood demographics, economics, and housing, taken from the most recent census data
• Home Sales Information by Neighborhood—The City of Minneapolis Assessor’s Office allows you to search home sale prices by neighborhood. You choose the time frame that you want to compare (e.g. 1/1/2006 – 12/31/2008.)
• Minneapolis Crime Statistics—Crime maps, statistics, and reports compiled by the Minneapolis Police Department. Check out Interpreting Crime Statistics. to help you make sense of these resources.

Real Estate Listings

Search Realtor.com for listings. You can search for properties by either clicking on the map or entering the neighborhood name or zip code (noting that zip code boundaries span multiple neighborhoods) into the search bar.

OwnAHomeMN.org—Check here for listings of affordable homes sold by community developers. Note: not all neighborhoods have listings.

Contacts

Whittier Alliance
Marian Biehn, Executive Director
Phone: 612- 871-7756
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
web: www.whittieralliance.org

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