Honestly, if you haven't been to the Lake Street Target in Minneapolis lately, you're missing out on a massive piece of Twin Cities history that's currently hiding in plain sight. It’s located at 2500 East Lake Street. For locals, this isn't just a place to grab a gallon of milk or some decent throw pillows; it's a symbol. It’s a landmark.
Most people remember the images from May 2020. They were everywhere. The store was heavily damaged during the civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd. It became a global focal point for a lot of pain and anger. But the story didn't end with those plywood boards.
Target had a choice. They could have walked away. Retailers do that all the time in urban centers when things get tough. Instead, they did something kinda unexpected for a massive corporation. They rebuilt. And they did it fast. By November 2020, just six months later, the doors were open again.
Why the Lake Street Target is different from your suburban spot
When you walk into the Lake Street Target today, it feels different. It’s not your standard cookie-cutter layout you'd find in Minnetonka or Edina. Target actually listened to the Longfellow and Lake Street communities during the redesign.
The most striking change is the entrance. It’s more open. It’s filled with light. There’s a massive mural by local artist Kristi Abbott that celebrates the neighborhood’s diversity. It’s not just "corporate art"; it feels like it belongs there.
They also changed what’s on the shelves. You’ll find more "grab-and-go" food options because a lot of people in the area rely on the store as their primary grocery source. They expanded the nursing room. They made the aisles wider. They added a CVS pharmacy and a Starbucks, sure, but the focus shifted toward being a "community hub" rather than just a big-box retailer.
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The economic weight of 2500 East Lake Street
Let's talk business. The Lake Street corridor is the heart of South Minneapolis. When that Target went dark, it created a massive hole. Small businesses nearby—the taco shops, the hardware stores, the independent boutiques—rely on the foot traffic that a "power tenant" like Target brings in.
If Target had stayed closed, the economic recovery of Lake Street would have taken decades longer. By reopening, they signaled to other investors that the area was still viable.
Since 2020, the Lake Street Council has been working overtime to help the hundreds of small businesses in the area rebuild. It hasn't been easy. Many businesses are still struggling with rising rents and the lingering effects of the pandemic. But having that anchor at 2500 East Lake Street provides a sense of stability. It’s about more than just tax revenue; it’s about the psychological health of the street.
What most people get wrong about the "Target Rebuild"
There’s a common misconception that Target just slapped some new paint on the walls and called it a day.
That's not what happened.
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They completely rethought the security and the community engagement aspect. They hired locally. They partnered with nonprofits like the Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON) and the African American Leadership Forum.
Some critics argue that a massive corporation like Target shouldn't be the "hero" of the story. That’s fair. There are deep, systemic issues in Minneapolis that a remodeled retail store can't fix. But in terms of immediate, tangible impact on a neighborhood's ability to function? It's hard to ignore the importance of having a functional pharmacy and grocery store within walking distance for thousands of residents.
Navigating the store: Pro tips for locals and visitors
If you're heading there, keep a few things in mind. The parking lot can be a bit of a nightmare during peak hours—basically anytime after 4:00 PM on a weekday.
- The Produce Section: It’s actually one of the better ones in the city. Because the turnover is so high, the fruits and veggies stay remarkably fresh compared to some of the smaller neighborhood markets.
- Order Pickup: This is the secret weapon. If you’re in a rush, use the app. The "Drive Up" service at this location is surprisingly efficient despite the tight parking lot layout.
- Local Flourish: Take five minutes to actually look at the community boards and the artwork. It’s a rare moment where a global brand feels like it’s actually trying to speak the local language.
The surrounding neighborhood: More than just a store
You can't talk about the Lake Street Target without talking about Lake Street itself. Just a few blocks away, you have the Midtown Global Market. You have dozens of immigrant-owned businesses that represent the soul of Minneapolis.
The Target is a convenience, but the rest of the street is the destination.
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Shopping at the Lake Street Target is a way to support the local economy, but don't let your shopping trip end there. Cross the street. Buy some pan dulce. Grab a coffee at a local cafe. The "Target effect" only works if people use it as a starting point, not a final stop.
Actionable insights for visiting and supporting the area
If you want to be a conscious consumer in South Minneapolis, here is how you handle the Lake Street corridor:
- Audit your errands. If you need the essentials from Target, fine. But make a rule to buy at least one thing from a neighboring small business on every trip.
- Use the Metro Transit. The Blue Line and several major bus routes (like the 21) drop you right near the store. It saves you the headache of the parking lot and is better for the environment.
- Stay informed. Follow the Lake Street Council. They provide updates on new openings, street festivals, and ways to support the ongoing recovery of the corridor.
- Check the hours. Like many urban retailers, hours can fluctuate based on staffing. Always check the Target app before making a late-night run.
The Lake Street Target represents a complicated, messy, but ultimately hopeful chapter in Minneapolis history. It’s a place where corporate interests and community needs had to find a middle ground. It isn't perfect, but it’s a vital organ in the body of the city.
Next time you're there, look past the red bullseye. Notice the people. Notice the architecture. Understand that you're standing in a place that almost wasn't there anymore. That's worth a lot more than a "Good & Gather" snack.