Mall of America to open temporary space for 17 Twin Cities shops affected by pandemic, unrest
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Mall of America says it will open some of its space to Twin Cities businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest.
According to the Mall of America, the Community Commons will be a space for displaced or affected businesses to temporarily resume operations.
The space opens Oct. 1 on the second floor on the south side of Mall of America. The 5,000-square foot space will have space for 17 independent shops. It will remain in place until Spring 2021, the mall says.
Art Piece Soul Gallery & Studio is among that group and will soon have a new space to put its art on display
“This is a space that is going to inspire us. It’s going to help us to network, it’s going to give us some more visibility - just keep us fired up," said Felicia Sherrod with Art Piece Soul.
The city of Minneapolis is also offering new help for small businesses that were damaged back in May. City leaders are proposing $7 million for demolition and rebuilding efforts, particularly in immigrant neighborhoods and communities of color.
"Now is the right time to step up. We want to expedite recovery as much as possible, and we want to get right back on the right track," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said.
Businesses opening in Community Commons include:
• 4 The Love
• Art Piece Soul Gallery & Studio, LLC
• Belle & Virtue Collection
• Butters by Jay
• Candy Colors LLC
• Captain Rebel
• DAUREN Worldwide
• Ebony Gifts
• Fabulous Diva Boutique
• Herbal Alchemy
• Heritage Tea & Beverages
• La Michoacana Purepecha
• Llakta
• The Peach Eatery
• Twiggy Fresh LLC
• Urban 29
• VIP Section
In addition to the businesses within Community Commons, Juxtaposition Arts, a teen-staffed art design center, gallery, retail shop, and artists’ studio in North Minneapolis, has been commissioned for featured artwork within the space.