Minneapolis COVID Shutdown

March 15, 2020 - December 18, 2020 — Minneapolis

Documenting the initial days of the unprecedented COVID shutdowns in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2019-2020.

Contact: chad@daviss.org

City Hall train station in Minneapolis
December 18, 2020 — Government Plaza station serves as a key transit hub for the Green Line and Blue Line light rail services in downtown Minneapolis. Opened in 2004, the station is situated beneath the plaza of the same name, connecting commuters and visitors to the heart of the city's business and government district. The station's design incorporates modern elements with functional accessibility, facilitating efficient movement of passengers. Its presence is integral to the public transportation network, providing access to various city amenities and serving as a vital link for daily transit in Minneapolis.
Hennepin Ave bridge at night during covid19
May 4, 2020 — The Hennepin Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is seen here during the COVID-19 pandemic. Completed in 1929, this bridge spans the Mississippi River and is a vital artery connecting downtown Minneapolis with the western neighborhoods. Its distinctive suspension design and ornate railings reflect the architectural styles of its era. The relative quietness of the bridge, evident in the image, suggests the impact of pandemic-related restrictions on urban activity and traffic flow. The bridge also served as a backdrop for some of the protests and demonstrations that occurred in Minneapolis in 2020.
Walgreens social distancing signage outside a store
April 29, 2020 — A temporary A-frame sign outside a Walgreens in Minneapolis, March 2020, instructs customers to maintain six feet of distance, adhering to CDC guidelines during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. National pharmacy chains like Walgreens remained operational as essential businesses, implementing various protocols such as floor markers, occupancy limits, and signage to manage customer flow and ensure access to goods. This widespread adoption of social distancing measures reflected federal public health recommendations aimed at reducing the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in public spaces.
Barnes and Noble covid19 closure sign
April 29, 2020 — A sign posted on the window of the Barnes & Noble Minneapolis-Calhoun store announces its temporary closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The notice, issued at the request of public health officials, reflects a widespread public health measure that impacted retail operations globally in 2020 and 2021. This closure highlights the significant disruption caused by the pandemic to public spaces and commercial activities. The sign also directs customers to the company's website for continued engagement.
Bob Dylan Mural by Kobra and train station
April 27, 2020 — This mural, "Face of Music," by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra, adorns a building adjacent to the Minneapolis Downtown Station on Hennepin Avenue. Completed in 2015, the vibrant artwork depicts a stylized portrait of musician Bob Dylan, a native of Minnesota. The mural was created during the initial COVID-19 shutdown, a period that also saw significant civil unrest in Minneapolis following the murder of George Floyd. Its presence offers a striking visual contrast to the functional architecture of the transit hub and serves as a cultural landmark in the downtown area.
Minneapolis parks coronavirus signage
April 22, 2020 — During the COVID-19 pandemic, Minneapolis Parks implemented temporary measures to manage public access to its parkways and trails. This signage, affixed to a barrier, directs pedestrians and cyclists to designated paths, indicating that parkways were closed to vehicular traffic and reserved for non-motorized use. The directive aimed to provide safe outdoor spaces for recreation while adhering to public health guidelines. The website address at the bottom of the sign, www.minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus, served as a resource for further information regarding park regulations during the health crisis.
Pushing button is not required during covid
April 21, 2020 — In Minneapolis, a "push button to cross" sign on a pedestrian signal is overlaid with a notice informing the public that "pushing button is not required" due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This measure was implemented in late April 2020 when the city disabled 450 walk buttons to reduce potential transmission of the virus. The sign directs pedestrians to wait for the walk signal to turn on automatically, reflecting public health protocols enacted during the early stages of the global health crisis.
Loews hotel rooms lit up in shape of a heart
April 4, 2020 — The Loews Minneapolis Hotel stands adjacent to the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis. The hotel, which opened in 2000, is part of the larger complex that includes the arena. During the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns in 2020, the Loews Hotel displayed a large heart on its facade in solidarity with other hotels and in support of healthcare workers. The Target Center, completed in 1990, is a multi-purpose arena that hosts sporting events, concerts, and other public gatherings.
Hilton Hotel lit up with HOPE during COVID19 shutdown
April 3, 2020 — The Hilton Hotel in Downtown Minneapolis is illuminated with a "HOPE" heart during the COVID-19 pandemic. This display of solidarity occurred amidst widespread shutdowns and social unrest in the city. The hotel, a prominent fixture in the Minneapolis skyline, served as a symbol of resilience and optimism during a period of significant public health and social challenges.
First Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis during covid closures
April 2, 2020 — The First Avenue and 7th St Entry complex in downtown Minneapolis is seen on April 2, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. The "VOTE 2020" message displayed prominently on the building reflects the civic engagement efforts during a period of widespread public health restrictions. First Avenue, a historic music venue, has been a cornerstone of Minneapolis's music and cultural scene since its opening in 1970, hosting countless notable performances. The 7th Street Entry, located below the main venue, serves as a smaller club for emerging artists and local acts, contributing to the city's vibrant live music landscape.
Hard Times Cafe with boards on door during covid closures
April 1, 2020 — The Hard Times Cafe, located at 1823 Riverside Drive in Minneapolis's Cedar Riverside neighborhood, was boarded up during the COVID-19 pandemic closures. This establishment was known for its commitment to organic, fair-trade coffee and vegetarian meals, serving as a community gathering spot. The cafe's distinctive signage, featuring checkered patterns and vibrant colors, reflects its unique character. Its closure during the pandemic highlighted the economic challenges faced by small businesses during that period.
An empty Hennepin avenue at night in Uptown Minneapolis
March 28, 2020 — Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis on the first night of Minnesota's stay-at-home order. The street, typically bustling with activity, appears deserted as businesses close and residents are advised to remain indoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This period marked a significant shift in daily life and public gathering across the state and the nation. The empty thoroughfare highlights the immediate impact of public health measures on urban environments and commerce.
Sneaky Petes during covid19 stay at home orders
March 28, 2020 — Sneaky Pete's Bar, located at 14 N. 5th St. in Downtown Minneapolis, is pictured here on the first night of Minnesota's COVID-19 Stay at Home Order on March 28, 2020. The bar, which advertises itself as "The Ultimate Fun Bar + Grill," is situated adjacent to a light rail station, indicated by the "to Target Field" signage. The empty platform and darkened storefronts reflect the unprecedented public health measures enacted to curb the spread of the virus, which significantly impacted businesses and daily life across the city and state.
Nicollet Mall train station during covid19 stay at home orders
March 28, 2020 — The Nicollet Mall Light Rail Station in Downtown Minneapolis is seen on a rainy night. This station serves as a key transit hub for the city's Green and Blue lines, facilitating movement through the central business district. The image was taken during Minnesota's statewide Stay At Home orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by significantly reduced public activity and the concurrent Minneapolis Uprising protests.
Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis during Stay At Home Orders
March 27, 2020 — Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis is seen during Minnesota's COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. This pedestrian mall, a central artery of the city's business district, was established in 1967 and has undergone several renovations to enhance its public space and retail environment. The empty street reflects the significant impact of the pandemic on urban life and commerce, a stark contrast to its usual bustling activity.
The Cabooze marquee says It Will Get Better
March 24, 2020 — The Cabooze, a music venue located on Cedar Avenue in Minneapolis's West Bank neighborhood, displayed a message of hope on its marquee during Minnesota's statewide stay-at-home orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sign, reading "It Will Get Better," served as a public affirmation during a period of widespread uncertainty and social disruption. The venue, a long-standing fixture in the Minneapolis music scene, was temporarily closed due to the public health crisis.
Orpheum Theatre marquee reading Stay Safe Stay Tuned
March 24, 2020 — The Orpheum Theatre's marquee on Hennepin Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis displays a message of "Stay Safe. Stay Tuned" during Minnesota's "Stay At Home" order. This message reflects the public health measures enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Orpheum, a historic venue managed by the Hennepin Theatre Trust, has long served as a cultural anchor in the city, hosting a variety of performances and events.
Rainy night at an empty Speedway Gas in Loring Park
March 23, 2020 — An empty Speedway gas station and adjacent strip mall in Minneapolis's Loring Park neighborhood are illuminated at night during the COVID-19 pandemic. The presence of the "Minneapolis Uprising" keyword suggests this photograph may have been taken during the period of civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in late May 2020, a time when many businesses in the area were closed or boarded up. The gas station, a common feature of urban infrastructure, provides fuel and convenience services, while the strip mall houses various businesses, including a liquor store and a Vietnamese restaurant.
Hyatt Regency and other hotels on Nicoillet Mall in the rain
March 23, 2020 — Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis is seen on a rainy night during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The mall, a pedestrian-oriented street, serves as a central public space for the city, featuring retail, dining, and office buildings, including the Hyatt Regency hotel visible in the background. The presence of skyways, common in Minneapolis, connects buildings and offers an alternative pedestrian route, especially during inclement weather. This image captures a moment of unusual quietude on a typically bustling urban thoroughfare, reflecting the significant impact of the pandemic on public life and commerce in the spring of 2020.
Looking down S 8th Street during COVID19 on rainy night
March 22, 2020 — South 8th Street in downtown Minneapolis is seen on March 22, 2020, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The street, typically bustling with activity, appears deserted, reflecting the widespread impact of public health measures and lockdowns. The wet pavement and reflections of streetlights and building lights create a somber atmosphere, underscoring the unusual quietude of the urban environment during this period. This view captures a moment of significant societal disruption, highlighting the altered daily life in a major metropolitan area.
Rainy night outside CIty Center on Nicolelt Mall in Minneapolis.
March 22, 2020 — Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis is reflected in the wet pavement on a rainy night in early 2020, during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The mall, a pedestrian-oriented street, was designed to revitalize the downtown core and enhance the urban experience. It features a mix of retail, office, and residential spaces, as well as public art and gathering areas. The presence of businesses like City Center and Walgreens, along with the skyway system connecting buildings, highlights its role as a central hub for commerce and transit in Minneapolis.
Chairs on Nicollet Mall during a rainy early COVID19 night
March 22, 2020 — Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis is seen on a rainy night during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. This pedestrian mall, a central artery of downtown Minneapolis, was designed to revitalize the city's core and enhance the pedestrian experience. The Skyway system, visible overhead, connects buildings and provides an elevated, climate-controlled pedestrian network, a significant feature of Minneapolis's urban design. The empty benches and reflections on the wet pavement underscore the unusual quietude that characterized public spaces during the initial outbreak and subsequent lockdowns.
Daytons and IDS Center on Nicollet Mall in the rain
March 22, 2020 — Dayton's department store and the IDS Center stand on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Dayton's building, a historic landmark in the city's retail landscape, was a prominent fixture on the mall for decades. The IDS Center, designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee, is a distinctive skyscraper that has shaped the Minneapolis skyline since its completion in 1972. The empty streets reflect the unusual quiet that descended upon the urban environment as public health measures were implemented in response to the global health crisis.
Single bus on Nicollet Mall during COVID19
March 15, 2020 — Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis is seen empty during the COVID-19 pandemic. This pedestrian mall, a central artery for the city's retail and business districts, was typically bustling with activity, including public transit and shoppers. The unusual quietude reflects the widespread impact of the public health crisis on urban life and commerce in the spring of 2020. The skyway system, visible overhead, connects buildings and offers an alternative pedestrian route, also likely experiencing reduced usage during this period.

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