It’s been coveted retail real estate since opening in 1992, with some of the nation's top companies moving in and moving out merchandise. Starting Oct. 1, one section of the Mall of America in Bloomington is getting some new tenants badly in need of an economic boost.
It’s called Community Commons, made up of 5,000 square feet on the south side of the mega-mall’s second level. For those familiar with the Mall of America, this section is directly above the Lego Store.
Relocating there until next spring are 17 shops who had their business disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic and unrest following the death of George Floyd in police custody.
Urban 29 was a clothing store that called East Lake Street home. It was destroyed in the days after the killing of George Floyd in south Minneapolis. The destruction came less than two weeks after reopening following the COVID-19 shutdown in Minnesota.
"We stood guard to protect the store," Urban 29 owner Joyce Sanders said. "The night we decided to go home is the night it burned down."
After that, Sanders' business pretty much came to a halt as they lived through the riots and turmoil.
"My business has pretty much been paused since May," said Sanders.
Urban 29 was one of the 17 selected to be part of Community Commons. Sanders is preparing to open a new St. Paul location in November and hopes to return to East Lake Street in the future.
"I'm not sure what that looks like because there's still a lot of damage and I'm not sure if the building's owner will rebuild there," Sanders said. "I'm just looking to the future to see what the plans are there."
Juxtaposition Arts will also be part of the Community Commons inside the Mall of America.
"They work with young artists and making sure they're showcased," Jill Renslow, Executive Vice President of business development and marketing for Mall of America, said. "That's so much a part of the Twin Cities communities and we take a lot of pride in that."
Five different artists will be featured in a gallery and artwork will be for sale as well