Erin Fitzgerald, senior director with JLL commercial real estate, believes in the potential to transform downtown Minneapolis and has formed the Minneapolis Renaissance Coalition to drive this vision. She argues that potential buyers need a compelling narrative to invest in Minneapolis. The Coalition, focusing on revitalizing the Warehouse District, has identified areas with high mortgage default rates, buildings suitable for conversion, and high crime areas. Plans include quick, cost-effective projects like a dog park and a skate park to boost developer confidence, alongside long-term goals like making the Warehouse District an entertainment hub. Working as a public-private partnership with 150 members, the Coalition is also lobbying for tax credits and incentives to support building conversions.
