Target has been an integral part of the East Lake Street community in Minneapolis, MN, since 1979. Following the damage to the store in 2020, Target demonstrated its commitment to the neighborhood by rebuilding and reopening the store, designed to better serve the evolving needs of the local community. This revitalized Target store on East Lake Street not only provides essential goods but also stands as a symbol of resilience and partnership.
The reopening of the Target store on East Lake Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota, showcases the team’s dedication to community rebuilding.
A History Rooted in Lake Street
For decades, the Target store on Lake Street has been more than just a retail location; it has been a neighborhood fixture. After the events of 2020, Target pledged to not only rebuild but to reimagine its Lake Street presence in collaboration with the very community it serves. The redesigned store, which reopened in Fall 2020, features an expanded product range, a refreshed layout, and improved accessibility with a new entrance near the light rail. This enhanced access ensures that both long-time residents and new visitors can easily obtain groceries and other necessities. The store is designed to be a community hub, reflecting Target’s ongoing investment in East Lake Street.
Murals Reflecting Community Spirit and Unity
In a unique initiative to integrate art and community voice into the store’s reconstruction, Target commissioned seven local artists to create permanent murals for the exterior of the East Lake Street store. This project was directly inspired by conversations with local residents about what they wanted the artwork to represent. The resounding message was a desire for art that celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of Lake Street and promoted a sense of unity and positive progress.
A collage showcasing the fact sheet for the Target store on Lake Street, Minneapolis, highlighting community-inspired murals and local artist collaborations.
These community insights led to a poem, crafted by a Target team member, which became the thematic foundation for the murals. Each artist interpreted key words from the poem – rooted, change, resilience, healing, growth, renewal, and together – visually representing these concepts on the store’s facade. Completed in June 2022 after work began in May, these murals serve as a vibrant testament to the spirit of Lake Street and the collaborative rebuilding effort.
Advancing Racial Equity and Social Justice
Parallel to the rebuilding of the Target East Lake Street store, Target launched the Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) committee. This initiative underscores Target’s broader commitment to advancing racial equity and social justice nationwide. Target has committed significant financial resources, including $10 million and ongoing support, to fuel social justice and community recovery across the country. Furthermore, a $100 million pledge aims to expand access to resources for Black communities. Locally, Target team members have dedicated over 8,000 hours of pro-bono consulting to small businesses owned by people of color in the Twin Cities, contributing to a total of 22,000 hours nationally. This multifaceted approach demonstrates Target’s deep-seated commitment to East Lake Street and the broader pursuit of social justice.
The Target store on East Lake Street in Minneapolis stands as a symbol of community partnership and Target’s dedication to not just rebuilding a store, but reinvesting in the heart of the neighborhood.
