Since 1979, Target has been an integral part of the Lake Street community in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Following the damage to the store in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, Target reaffirmed its commitment to this neighborhood by pledging to rebuild and reopen the store. This was not just about reconstruction; it was about creating a store that would better serve the evolving needs of the Lake Street community for years to come.
The redesigned Target Lake Street Mn store reopened in the fall of 2020, welcoming back both long-time and new guests. The revitalized store features an expanded product range, a thoughtfully redesigned layout, and enhanced accessibility with an additional entrance conveniently located near the light rail. This improved access ensures the neighborhood has greater ease in obtaining groceries and essential items. Here’s a glimpse into the store’s reopening:
Beyond the physical store, Target has deepened its community engagement in the Lake Street area through stronger partnerships and sustained volunteer efforts. These initiatives are specifically tailored to address the needs of local residents. Significantly, over half of the Target Lake Street store team members are now residents of the surrounding neighborhood, fostering a genuine connection and understanding between the store and the community it serves. This dedicated team is committed to ongoing dialogue and learning, ensuring Target Lake Street MN is not only a retail destination but also a true partner in community service.
Local Art and Community Voices
A key element of the rebuilding plan for Target Lake Street MN was the creation of permanent murals on the store’s exterior. This initiative was conceived as a collaborative effort with the Lake Street community. Target actively sought input from local residents to understand what themes and messages they wanted the art to convey. The resounding desire was for art that would celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Lake Street and promote a sense of unity and positive progress for the future.
These community insights inspired a Target team member to compose a poem that became the thematic foundation for the murals. Seven diverse local artists, each with deep ties to the Lake Street community, were commissioned to artistically interpret key words from this poem: rooted, change, resilience, healing, growth, renewal, and together.
Poem: We will root our stories deeply. As seeds of courage and change. We will keep each other grounded. With hope, resilience and strength. There is healing here to grow from. Our renewal to stand as one. Community means everything. Together is where we belong.
The mural project commenced in May 2022 and reached completion in June 2022, transforming the exterior of Target Lake Street MN into a vibrant canvas reflecting the heart and soul of the neighborhood.
Advancing Racial Equity and Social Justice
Concurrently with the rebuilding of the Target Lake Street MN store, Target launched the Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) committee. This initiative underscores Target’s broader commitment to accelerating progress in racial equity and social justice across the nation. To date, Target has committed $10 million in funds and ongoing resources to bolster social justice and community recovery initiatives nationwide. Furthermore, a pledge of $100 million has been made to enhance access to resources for Black communities. In tangible action, Target team members have contributed over 22,000 hours of pro-bono consulting services to small businesses owned by Black individuals and people of color, with 8,000 of these hours specifically dedicated to businesses within the Twin Cities area. These efforts demonstrate Target’s deep commitment to fostering equity and supporting the communities it serves, exemplified by its actions at Target Lake Street MN and beyond.
