Midway milestones and new beginnings

In the Midway, 2025 was a year of transitions. It was easy to feel irritated about closings, like Cub Foods and WestRock. But opportunities abound and there are going to be many openings in 2026. Midway residents and workers should ask themselves what their vision for the Midway looks like.

For many years, the Midway has embraced its multicultural community. In 2025, Mama’s Market opened in the new Little Africa Plaza. Mama’s Market is not only a place for groceries and a meal, but it also has a unique story of being owned by nine mothers.

The Prior Works building, 755 Prior Ave. N., announced new ownership when First & First and R2 Cos bought it in November. The building, one of the oldest in the Midway and which has housed several businesses, is known for creative and fun tenants like Can Can Wonderland, Blackstack Brewing and Theater Mu. Another tenant, Vistabule, creates teardrop trailers and hit a milestone in 2025 when they sold their 1,000th trailer. They were also a finalist for the Minnesota Chamber’s “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” contest.

While not complete, much progress was made on Phase I of the United Village project in 2025 and early 2026. Two restaurants on the east side of the parcel will open this year, and the final beam of the future office building was put in place February 2026. The footings for the hotel are in, with much more work planned for this year.

Two unfortunate headlines this past year were the closings of Cub Foods and WestRock. Both sites boasted a lot of jobs, with Cub Foods also being one of the most convenient options for grocery shopping. While the news felt like a double whammy, there is already interest in future development, as well as in the former At Home site.

On March 9, 2026, onlookers cheered as the former CVS was torn down. The store has been dormant for years and the demolition symbolizes progress as we consider future uses for the space. With positive energy at the other three corners of the intersection, excitement will build on what could happen.

The new Hamline Midway library branch will open late 2026. Most of the construction is complete by early March, leaving mainly details like furniture and decorations. The library will be state-of-the-art and will be a great addition to the neighborhood.

With so many properties available, it is the right time to think about vision for the future. The Snelling University Alliance, founded by African Economic Development Solutions, Hamline Midway Coalition, Midway Chamber of Commerce, and Union Park District Council, is “uniting stakeholders to advocate for a vibrant community” near the intersection and 2026 will be the year to learn from others what their vision looks like.

It can be hard to believe the Midway YMCA moved into its new facility 10 years ago. And now its expanding with a childcare center in the former Western Graphics building. The new space will double daily capacity to 260 children and plans are it will open in time for the 2026-27 school year.

Questions to ask when thinking of the vision: What’s missing from our neighborhood? How can we make the Midway more walkable and safe?

Finally, perhaps the biggest story of the past year actually mostly happened in 2026. The raids on our neighbors and businesses by federal agents was horrible to watch and impacted everyone. People felt unsafe, many stayed at home, and communities across the metro area felt less vibrant. But the good we saw was in our neighbors as many banded together to show support. Whether it was donating items, volunteering, or even simply checking in on others, the overreach by ICE and Border Patrol brought us closer together. In the Midway, it showed our resiliency once again and our care for others. As we think about our future vision, let us continue to be guided by our care for our neighbors and the Midway.