Minneapolis’ Somali-American community may soon see a new shopping destination emerge, potentially offering an alternative to the existing Village Market located on East 24th Street. Ward 6 City Council Member Abdi Warsame has put forward a plan to develop a new mall specifically catering to the Somali community in Minneapolis, responding to long-standing concerns and complaints regarding the current Village Market at 24 Somali Mall East 24th Street Minneapolis Mn.
The innovative aspect of this proposal lies in its cooperative ownership model. Warsame envisions a mall owned collectively by residents and entrepreneurs, shifting away from the traditional landlord-tenant dynamic. This structure aims to empower shopkeepers and tenants, giving them a greater stake in the mall’s success and operations, rather than concentrating control in the hands of a few property owners.
While a specific location for the new mall is yet to be determined, Warsame has indicated that it would be strategically situated outside of residential areas. This location choice is intended to mitigate potential traffic congestion and other issues that have been associated with the current Village Market’s location.
The existing Village Market is under the ownership of Omar Sabri. Basim Sabri, Omar’s brother, offered a measured response to the proposal, stating, “If Mr. Warsame wants to open a mall, I think it is a great idea.” Omar Sabri could not be reached for direct comment on the new development plans.
Warsame has articulated that the impetus for this new mall proposal stems from numerous complaints received about the Village Market. These complaints reportedly center around concerns about the mall’s infrastructure and ongoing maintenance issues. According to Warsame, while some issues have been addressed following city intervention, underlying problems persist.
Warsame emphasized that maintaining safety and infrastructure should be a proactive and consistent effort, stating, “You shouldn’t be forced to change … you should do those things anyway.” He further noted that Village Market has accumulated nearly 200 citations for various violations since 2010, underscoring the extent of the concerns.
Beyond infrastructure, the location of Village Market itself has been a point of contention for many residents. Situated within a residential area, the mall’s presence has been linked to increased traffic and littering in the surrounding neighborhood, impacting the quality of life for local residents.
Basim Sabri, while clarifying that his company, Sabri Properties, has no financial interest in Village Market, defended the market’s performance, suggesting it is often unfairly represented. He acknowledged the challenges of mall management, stating, “Proposing a mall is easy… but managing one is difficult,” and admitted, “Am I perfect? Is my brother perfect? Of course not, but we try to do better.”
Recent city actions highlight the ongoing tensions, with the city denying permits for porch construction at Village Market due to concerns about “good faith,” after Sabri had reportedly commenced work without prior authorization.
Despite its challenges, Village Market remains a vital hub for the local Somali community. The two-story structure houses a diverse array of businesses offering goods and services specifically tailored to the needs of Somali-Americans. Abdirahman Kahin, owner of Afro Deli, an East African restaurant that previously had a location in the West Bank, described Village Market as functioning “more as a cultural center.” He added, “We need a mall where everyone feels welcome,” suggesting a broader vision for future Somali retail spaces.
Mohamed Jama, chair of the West Bank Community Coalition, voiced strong support for the new mall proposal, calling it “a fantastic idea.” He particularly praised the cooperative ownership model, believing it would empower emerging Somali entrepreneurs and foster community economic development.
Warsame anticipates having concrete plans and a designated location for the new mall within the next six months. His vision is clear: “We want to make sure that there’s an alternative mall … one that is cleaner and meets the safety and maintenance standards.”
Kahin echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about the prospect of a new mall offering greater choice and improved standards for the community. “I’d be happy to see a new mall … I’d be one of the first tenants,” he stated, indicating strong interest from local businesses in a new, community-focused shopping venue in Minneapolis.
