Since 1979, Target has been an integral part of the Lake Street community in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Following the damage to the Lake Street Target store in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, Target made a strong pledge to the community: to rebuild and reopen, creating a store designed to better serve the evolving needs of the neighborhood. This commitment was rooted in partnership and a vision for a stronger future together.
The Lake Street Target Minneapolis store triumphantly reopened in the fall of 2020, welcoming back both long-time and new guests. The redesigned store features an expanded product assortment, a refreshed 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. The reopening marked not just a return, but a step forward in Target’s relationship with Lake Street.
Beyond the physical rebuilding, Target has focused on deepening its connections with local partners in the Lake Street area and continuing community volunteer efforts. These initiatives are specifically tailored to address the needs of local residents. Significantly, over half of the Lake Street Target store team members are now residents of the surrounding neighborhood. This close connection fosters a culture of listening and learning, ensuring that the Lake Street Target is not only a retail destination but also a committed partner deeply invested in serving the Minneapolis community.
Local Art Murals: Reflecting Community Identity on Lake Street
A cornerstone of the Lake Street Target reopening plan was the creation of permanent murals on the store’s exterior. This initiative was born from a desire to reflect the unique spirit of the Lake Street community. Target actively sought input from local residents, asking what themes and messages they wanted the art to convey. The resounding answer was a desire for art that celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of Lake Street and promoted a sense of unity and positive progress for the future.
These community insights inspired a Target team member to pen a poem, which became the thematic foundation for the murals. Seven diverse local artists, each with strong ties to the Lake Street community, were commissioned to artistically interpret key words from this poem: rooted, change, resilience, healing, growth, renewal, and together. The poem encapsulates the essence of the community’s aspirations:
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 the Lake Street Target into a vibrant canvas reflecting the heart and soul of its community.
Advancing Racial Equity and Social Justice in Minneapolis
Parallel to the rebuilding of the Lake Street Target, Target Corporation established the Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) committee. This initiative underscores Target’s commitment to accelerating progress in racial equity and social justice nationwide. Since its inception, Target has pledged $10 million in dedicated and ongoing resources to bolster social justice and community recovery across the country. Furthermore, a significant commitment of $100 million was made to enhance resource accessibility for Black communities.
Target’s dedication extends to leveraging the expertise of its team members. They have contributed over 22,000 hours of pro-bono consulting services to small businesses owned by Black individuals and people of color. A significant portion of this support, 8,000 hours, has been specifically directed to businesses within the Twin Cities area, demonstrating Target’s focused investment in its local communities and its commitment to fostering economic equity.
The Lake Street Target in Minneapolis stands as a symbol of resilience, community partnership, and Target’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility. It represents not just a store, but a renewed promise to the Lake Street neighborhood and a beacon of positive change.
