Nicollet Mall

Photographs of Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, MN showing retail, redevelopment, events, and security responses

Nicollet Mall — Minneapolis

This photo set documents activity along Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, MN, including major retail anchors, redevelopment projects and construction sites. Images show storefronts such as Target, the Dayton’s Project building, and elements of the city’s enclosed skyway system and the IDS Center Crystal Court. The collection also records temporary event infrastructure, including a Ferris wheel installed for a major sports tournament, and periods when businesses boarded windows and National Guard or law enforcement vehicles were present. Together the photographs provide a factual overview of changing uses and management of a central downtown corridor.

Barrio Tequila Bar on Nicollet Mall — *April 8, 2025* — Patrons gather inside Barrio Tequila Bar, a restaurant located on Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis. Nicollet Mall is a prominent pedestrian and transit thoroughfare, serving as a central commercial and social hub for the city since its redesign in the 1960s. Barrio operates as a popular dining and nightlife establishment, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the downtown area. This interior view was documented in April 2025.

Butter Cookies For Days vendor in Minneapolis — *October 17, 2024* — A street vendor, identified by the "Butter Cookies For Days" sign on their cart, operates in downtown Minneapolis. The vendor is interacting with customers amidst urban traffic, with vehicles and buildings forming the backdrop. Street vending is a common practice in urban environments, providing goods and services directly to pedestrians and contributing to the city's commercial activity. This image captures a moment of everyday commerce within the downtown district, a hub for business and public life in Minneapolis.

Target on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis October 2024 — *October 17, 2024* — The Target store on Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis is a prominent retail establishment located on a key urban thoroughfare. Nicollet Mall itself is a pedestrian-oriented street that serves as a central hub for commerce and public life in Minneapolis. This particular Target store, with its modern architecture and prominent signage, reflects the ongoing development and commercial activity within the downtown core. The presence of skyways, visible connecting buildings, indicates Minneapolis's characteristic urban design, facilitating pedestrian movement regardless of weather conditions.

The Local restaurant on Nicollet Mall — *September 26, 2024* — A Thursday evening on Nicollet Mall. Biker passes by The Local restaurant patio at 10th Street. (Downtown Minneapolis, September 2024)

Skyway at Target Headquarters — *August 2, 2024* — Skyway between Target Plaza North and Target Plaza South. The buildings are home to the headquarters of retail giant Target.

Metro Transit Bus at Nicollet Mall July 2024 — *July 31, 2024* — A Metro Transit bus travels along Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. Nicollet Mall, a pedestrian-oriented street, was established in the 1960s as a "pedestrian street" and later transformed into a "transit mall" in the 1970s to prioritize buses and light rail. The mall serves as a central artery for public transportation and a vibrant commercial and cultural hub for the city. The presence of the bus highlights the mall's ongoing function as a key transit corridor, while the surrounding architecture reflects the area's development over decades.

Full patio at The Local in Downtown Minneapolis — *July 9, 2024* — The Local Irish Pub in Downtown Minneapolis. The patio full of convention goers.

Man walks on Nicollet Mall during sunset — *June 19, 2024* — Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, a pedestrian-oriented street, is shown at sunset in June 2024. Originally developed as a retail and entertainment hub, Nicollet Mall has undergone several transformations since its inception in the late 19th century. It was redesigned as a pedestrian mall in the 1960s and has since become a central public space for the city. The mall features a mix of historic and modern architecture, including the prominent Target store visible on the left, and is a vital artery for downtown life, hosting events and serving as a thoroughfare for residents and visitors.

Roxys cabaret shoe in downtown Minneapolis — *May 13, 2024* — Roxy's Cabaret, also known as Nicollet Diner, stands in Downtown Minneapolis. This establishment operates as a 24/7 diner, providing continuous service to the urban environment. Its distinctive facade features a prominent sign and a large red high-heeled shoe sculpture, reflecting its dual role as a diner and entertainment venue. Located on Nicollet Mall, it contributes to the vibrant street life of the city center.

Police officers inside glass tower — *March 1, 2024* — Minneapolis police officers are visible inside the Target Corporate Headquarters building on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis at night. This building serves as both a flagship Target store and the corporate headquarters for the retail giant, a prominent fixture in the city's commercial landscape. The presence of law enforcement personnel in the downtown area during this period often related to heightened security or ongoing responses following the Minneapolis Uprising. Nicollet Mall, a pedestrian and transit mall, is a central artery of downtown Minneapolis, known for its retail and office spaces.

Diner sign with large shoe at Nicollet Diner — *November 15, 2023* — Roxy’s Cabaret on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis above the The Nicollet Diner.

Crowds eating on Nicollet Mall in the summer — *May 4, 2023* — Restaurant patios line Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, a pedestrian mall that has served as a central public space and commercial corridor since its establishment in 1967. The mall was designed to revitalize the downtown business district and has undergone several redesigns over the decades. Today, it hosts a variety of shops, restaurants, and public art, with outdoor seating areas like these contributing to its vibrant atmosphere and economic activity.

Minneapolis Police squad cars parked in front of Target on sidewalk — *April 15, 2023* — Minneapolis Police squad cars are parked on the sidewalk of Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis in April 2023. Nicollet Mall is a pedestrian-oriented street that serves as a central hub for retail, dining, and cultural activities in the city. The presence of police vehicles on the sidewalk, particularly in this area, can be indicative of heightened security measures or responses to specific events. The Minneapolis Uprising, which began in late May 2020 following the murder of George Floyd, significantly impacted the city's public spaces and led to increased police presence in various areas, including downtown.

Buses are currently not in service at Alice Rainville Place — *June 26, 2022* — A digital display at the Alice Rainville Place bus stop in Minneapolis indicates that "Buses are currently not in service." The stop, located in downtown Minneapolis, serves Metro Transit routes. The map displayed shows downtown routes, and an advertisement promotes careers with Metro Transit. The message about service suspension may relate to specific events or operational changes affecting public transportation in the city.

Chess on Nicollet Mall Downtown Minneapolis May 2022 — *May 12, 2022* — Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis is a pedestrian promenade designed to foster public activity and community engagement. The mall, originally conceived in the 1960s and redesigned multiple times since, serves as a central gathering space for residents and visitors. This image shows people playing chess and other games on the mall, highlighting its function as a place for leisure and social interaction. The presence of games like chess and cornhole, alongside seating and planters, demonstrates the mall's ongoing role as a vibrant urban public space.

Metro Transit bus goes by Brits Pub — *April 4, 2022* — A Metro Transit bus travels along Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, passing Brit's Pub. Nicollet Mall, established in 1967, is a pedestrian-friendly street designed to revitalize the city's core and promote public transit. Brit's Pub, a long-standing establishment, contributes to the mall's vibrant atmosphere. The bus represents the essential public transportation network that serves this central urban corridor, connecting the community and facilitating access to businesses and cultural attractions.

Man walks down a snowy Nicollet Mall — *December 4, 2021* — A lone pedestrian walks along Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis during a snowfall. This pedestrian thoroughfare, a central artery of downtown Minneapolis, was redeveloped from a park-like street into a pedestrian mall in the 1960s to revitalize the business district. Today, Nicollet Mall serves as a hub for commerce and culture, frequently hosting public events and featuring art installations like the illuminated spheres seen here.

Metro Transit cameras on Nicollet Mall — *July 28, 2021* — A Metro Transit surveillance unit is positioned on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, outside a Target store and a Wine & Spirits shop. These mobile surveillance units, often referred to as "Tippy Cams," are deployed by law enforcement to monitor public spaces, particularly during events or periods of heightened security concern. Nicollet Mall is a prominent pedestrian mall in downtown Minneapolis, known for its retail establishments and public gatherings. The presence of such surveillance equipment highlights ongoing efforts to maintain public safety and order in urban environments.

Nicollet Avenue Seating at Night, Downtown Minneapolis — *July 28, 2021* — Green café-style chairs along Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, part of the city’s ongoing effort to reimagine its primary pedestrian corridor. The redesigned Nicollet emphasizes public gathering spaces, energy-efficient lighting, and accessible streetscapes intended to make the downtown environment more inviting after dark. Once known as “Nicollet Mall” following its 1960s pedestrianization, the corridor remains a central artery for commerce, transit, and public art in the heart of Minneapolis.

The Daytons Project on Nicollet Mall Minneapolis — *July 28, 2021* — The Dayton’s Project in downtown Minneapolis, located at 700 Nicollet Mall, redevelops the historic Dayton’s department store building into a mixed-use complex of offices, retail, and dining. Originally opened in 1902 and later operating as Macy’s, the site was a cornerstone of the city’s retail history for over a century. The renovation preserves the building’s Beaux-Arts character while transforming it into a hub for modern workspaces and commerce—symbolizing Minneapolis’s broader efforts to revitalize its downtown core.

Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis July 2021 — *July 28, 2021* — Nicollet Mall, a pedestrian-oriented street in downtown Minneapolis, is illuminated at night in July 2021. Originally conceived in the 1960s as a way to revitalize the city's core, the mall was designed to prioritize foot traffic and public spaces over vehicles. It has since become a central hub for retail, dining, and cultural events, reflecting the ongoing development and use of Minneapolis's urban environment.

Bikers going past boarded up buildings on Nicollet Mall — *November 3, 2020* — Boarded retail storefronts line Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis, a prominent pedestrian and transit corridor. These protective measures were implemented by businesses in response to the widespread protests and civil unrest that occurred in Minneapolis following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Nicollet Mall, originally established in 1967 and later redesigned, serves as a vital commercial and public space, connecting various downtown attractions. Despite the visible precautions, cyclists and pedestrians continue to utilize the mall, reflecting ongoing daily activity within the urban core.

Look down at Nicollet Mall from above — *October 12, 2020* — An aerial perspective reveals the distinctive glass-pyramid roof of the Crystal Court, a prominent indoor public plaza located within the IDS Center in downtown Minneapolis. Completed in 1972 and designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee, the IDS Center is a landmark skyscraper. The Crystal Court functions as a multi-story atrium, connecting the tower with adjacent structures and the city's extensive skyway system. This climate-controlled space provides a vital public gathering area and retail environment, enhancing the pedestrian experience in the urban core, particularly along Nicollet Mall.

Flagship Target store boarded up on Nicollet Mall — *October 4, 2020* — The Target Flagship Store on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis stands with its entrance boarded with plywood. This measure was implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the civil unrest that followed the death of George Floyd in May 2020. As a major retail anchor, the store is a significant presence on Nicollet Mall, a pedestrian-oriented thoroughfare central to the city's commercial and cultural activities since its initial redesign in the 1960s. The widespread boarding of businesses across downtown Minneapolis during this period underscored the profound impact of both the protests and the pandemic on urban environments.

Minneapolis police and horses on Nicollet Mall — *September 25, 2020* — Minneapolis Police officers, including a mounted unit, patrol Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis. Nicollet Mall, redesigned in 1967 as a pedestrian and transit-priority thoroughfare, functions as a vital commercial and public space in the city center. The visible presence of police on foot, in vehicles, and on horseback underscores ongoing public safety operations. Metro Transit buses, like the hybrid electric model shown, utilize the mall's dedicated transit lanes, highlighting its role in urban mobility. This area remains a key hub for daily activity and public gatherings.

Car drives by boarded up Nicollet Mall — *September 10, 2020* — The Target World Headquarters at 1000 Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis stands with its ground-level windows boarded with plywood. This protective measure was implemented during the widespread protests and unrest that followed the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd. As the corporate headquarters for Target Corporation, a major retailer, this building is a prominent structure on Nicollet Mall, a significant pedestrian thoroughfare in the city. The boarding reflects the extensive precautions taken by many businesses in the city center during a period of intense public outcry and demands for racial justice.

National Guard vehicles on Nicollet Mall in August 2020 — *August 28, 2020* — A Minnesota National Guard M-ATV and a Hennepin County Sheriff's Department vehicle are positioned on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis on August 29, 2020. Their presence followed civil unrest that erupted after false rumors of a police shooting circulated days earlier. Nicollet Mall, a prominent pedestrian and transit mall, serves as a central artery in the city's commercial district. The vehicles are stationed near a Target store, a major retailer with a significant presence in the area, reflecting the heightened security measures in the urban environment during this period.

Minnesota National Guard vehicles outside Daytons in Minneapolis — *August 28, 2020* — A Minnesota National Guard vehicle is positioned on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis in August 2020. This deployment occurred in response to civil unrest that followed false rumors of a police shooting, which led to property damage in the city center. The vehicle is seen near the historic Dayton's Project building, a significant architectural and commercial landmark. The National Guard's presence aimed to restore order and protect property during this period of heightened tension.

Target Store boarded up after days of riots in Minneapolis. — *June 4, 2020* — The Target flagship store on Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis stands boarded up during the 2020 civil unrest. This measure was taken in response to the widespread protests that followed the May 25th death of George Floyd. As a major retail anchor, the store's temporary closure reflected the broader impact on businesses in the city's core. Nicollet Mall, a historic pedestrian and transit thoroughfare, serves as a central artery for commerce and public life in Minneapolis.

National Guard vehicles in Minneapolis on Nicollet Mall — *June 1, 2020* — A Minnesota National Guard Humvee is positioned on Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis. This deployment occurred during the civil unrest in Minneapolis following the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd. Many businesses along the pedestrian mall, a central artery of the city's commercial district, were boarded up as a protective measure, reflecting the widespread impact of the protests. The Minneapolis Skyway System, a network of enclosed pedestrian bridges, connects buildings like the IDS Center above the street, a characteristic feature of the downtown area.

National Guard in Downtown Minneapolis during protests — *May 30, 2020* — National Guard on Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis Protests. Minnesota National Guard personnel stand on Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis on May 30, 2020. This deployment occurred on the fourth day of widespread protests in Minneapolis, which followed the death of George Floyd. Nicollet Mall, a prominent pedestrian and transit thoroughfare, became a focal point for security measures as businesses along the mall boarded their windows. The presence of the Guard underscored the significant civil unrest and the city's response to the protests against police brutality and racial injustice.

Boards on the IDS center in Downtown Minneapolis — *May 30, 2020* — The Nordstrom Rack store, located within the IDS Center on Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis, is seen boarded up in May 2020. This measure was taken by businesses across the city during the widespread protests that followed the murder of George Floyd. The IDS Center, a notable skyscraper completed in 1972, houses various retail and office spaces, serving as a significant commercial and architectural presence in Minneapolis. Nicollet Mall functions as a key pedestrian and transit corridor, central to the city's retail and public life.

Boarded up target store in minneapolis — *May 29, 2020* — The flagship Target store on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis stands boarded up at night. This measure was taken in response to the widespread protests and civil unrest that followed the May 25, 2020 murder of George Floyd. As a major retail anchor in the city's commercial core, the store's closure reflected the profound impact of the events on urban life and commerce. The Nicollet Mall location is a prominent feature of downtown Minneapolis, serving as a key shopping destination.

Target store at corner of Nicollet and 9th street in downtown Minneapolis — *May 5, 2020* — The flagship Target Store at 900 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis.

One hotel room light on at the Millennium Hotel — *March 23, 2020* — The Millennium Hotel in downtown Minneapolis is shown with a single room light illuminated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Located on Nicollet Mall, this hotel is a key component of the city's hospitality infrastructure, typically accommodating numerous visitors and business travelers. The solitary light reflects the widespread closures and reduced occupancy experienced by hotels across the nation in 2020 due to public health measures and travel restrictions. This image documents a period of unprecedented quiet in urban centers like Minneapolis, underscoring the economic and social impact of the global health crisis.

The Sushi Train restaurant entrance at 1200 Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, Minnesota, features prominent signage and illuminated windows on a snowy evening. — *February 14, 2020* — The Sushi Train restaurant is located at 1200 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. This establishment offers a conveyor belt sushi experience, a dining concept that originated in Japan in the 1950s and gained popularity worldwide. The restaurant's signage, featuring the "Sushi Train" name and colorful circular emblems, is visible from the street. Nicollet Mall itself is a significant pedestrian mall in Minneapolis, known for its retail, dining, and public spaces.

Laughing in the Purple Rain — February 12, 2020 - Minneapolis -- Stiched art seen in downtown Minneapolis. Reads "I only want to see you laughing in the purple rain"

*April 2, 2019* — A Ferris wheel illuminated Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis during the 2019 NCAA Men's Final Four basketball tournament. The temporary attraction was part of the "Tip-Off Tailgate" festivities, which transformed the pedestrian mall into a hub for fan engagement and public events. Nicollet Mall, a mile-long streetcar and pedestrian thoroughfare, serves as a central artery for the city's business and cultural districts. Its design and programming often adapt to host major events, reflecting its role as a versatile public space.

NCAA Final Four Ferris Wheel being setup — *April 2, 2019* — The bright blue Ferris wheel rises above Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, part of the city’s celebrations during the 2019 NCAA Final Four tournament. Set between modern office towers and historic facades, the installation turned the urban corridor into a festive promenade of color and motion. The glow from the wheel’s LEDs reflects off rain-dampened pavement and glass storefronts, capturing a rare moment when the city’s business district became an after-dark fairground alive with light, visitors, and late-spring energy.

Ferris Wheel on Nicollet Mall during NCAA FInal Four — *April 2, 2019* — A ferris wheel set up in downtown Minneapolis during the 2019 NCAA Final Four basketball tournament.

Ligjhts on the NCAA Final Four Ferris Wheel — *April 2, 2019* — A temporary Ferris wheel illuminated downtown Minneapolis during the 2019 NCAA Final Four basketball tournament, transforming the city’s business core into a festive, light-filled gathering space. Installed near Nicollet Mall, the attraction symbolized the city’s embrace of large-scale national events and its ongoing downtown revitalization. With blue LED lights reflecting off surrounding office towers and skyways, the scene captured the blend of sports celebration and urban energy that defined Minneapolis during the tournament weekend.

Downtown Minneapolis Reflections in 2019 — *March 26, 2019* — Illuminated office and residential towers rise over downtown Minneapolis after dark, their façade lighting and interior floors forming a dense urban grid against a winter sky. The blue-accented crowns and vertical light bands highlight the city’s mix of late-20th-century corporate towers and newer high-rise residential development that has reshaped the downtown core since the 2000s. In the foreground, a still water feature mirrors the skyline, emphasizing the geometry and lighting strategies used to distinguish individual buildings within a tightly packed central business district. This area reflects Minneapolis’s broader downtown reinvestment, where office, residential, and public infrastructure coexist within a walkable, transit-served core.

Dayton's Project redevelopment on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, featuring mixed-use buildings and skyways. — *October 15, 2018* — The Dayton's Project redevelopment transformed a significant portion of downtown Minneapolis, including the historic Dayton's department store building, into a mixed-use complex. Located on Nicollet Mall, a central pedestrian thoroughfare, the project aimed to revitalize the area by integrating retail, office, and residential spaces. The redevelopment, completed in the early 2000s, sought to reconnect the former department store with the surrounding urban fabric and enhance its contribution to the city's commercial and cultural life. The image showcases the complex's modern architectural elements alongside the surrounding urban environment.

A construction sign on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis announces "The New Nicollet" redevelopment project, noting "Coming November 2017." — *June 11, 2017* — A sign on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis announces "The New Nicollet," a major redevelopment project. The banner, dated "Coming November 2017," humorously acknowledges the public's weariness with ongoing construction. Nicollet Mall is a significant pedestrian mall and transitway in the heart of Minneapolis, undergoing periodic upgrades to enhance its functionality and aesthetic appeal for residents and visitors.

Construction of a church addition is underway on Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis, with a tower crane overseeing the new structures. — *May 22, 2017* — Construction is underway for a significant addition to a church located on Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis. A tower crane dominates the construction site, overseeing the development of new structures adjacent to the existing church building. This project represents ongoing development in the heart of Minneapolis, transforming the urban environment of Nicollet Mall, a prominent street known for its retail, office, and cultural institutions.

Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis undergoes reconstruction in 2017, transforming the pedestrian thoroughfare to modernize infrastructure and enhance public spaces. — *May 21, 2017* — Construction on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis is seen in this 2017 photograph. The mall, a pedestrian thoroughfare, underwent a significant reconstruction project during this period to modernize its infrastructure and enhance its public spaces. The project aimed to improve accessibility, incorporate new amenities, and create a more vibrant urban environment for residents and visitors. This image captures the street in a state of transformation, with visible signs of ongoing work and temporary barriers.

Nicollet Mall

Photographs made over time, focused on place, public life, and ongoing reporting.