**State Rep. Fue Lee spoke to commemorate a signing ceremony to finalize an agreement for an amphitheater at the former Upper Harbor Terminal.** Photo by David Pierini

By Wesira Abdi, North News Intern

The Upper Harbor Terminal finalized a major first step with the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board signing a community benefits agreement with First Avenue and the Minnesota Orchestra to operate an amphitheater and arts center.

When complete, the 8,000-seat venue is expected to host 50 ticketed events each year. The agreement includes a $3 investment from every ticket sold to be put into a Northside fund managed by the African American Community Development Corporation. The AACDC will be in charge of reinvesting the money back into the community for social, cultural and economic initiatives in North Minneapolis.

For some Northsiders in attendance on July 24, it felt like a small win despite an uncertain future about the development project.

The Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment project is on a 48-acre riverfront property off of Dowling Avenue North and I-94. The $350 million project will include an amphitheater, health and wellness hub, affordable housing, and 20 acres of riverside parkland.

At the signing, the Upper Harbor Terminal development was described as a long-term investment for generations of Northsiders. Mayor Jacob Frey said, hypothetically, how a young girl living nearby will soon be able to run down and experience live music and have access to the Mississippi River.

“The goal is to make sure that the communities that have made the Northside wonderful to begin with get to stay when great things happen,” Frey said.

**The gathering applauded after Mayor Jacob Frey signed the agreement.** Photo by David Pierini

But some Northsiders said it’s easier said than done. A development project of this scale makes people worry about gentrification, and who will be able to benefit from the development and not be pushed out.

Northside business owners said that they’ve been here before. Hearing promises of giving the Northside a real voice and stake in development only for them to not be fulfilled. Signing an agreement between First Avenue and Northside business owners may be necessary to make sure that North Minneapolis gets a “real” seat at the table with this development.

“This agreement is important. We don’t know how things could change over time, but to keep control, we have to hold them accountable by putting safeguards in place,” Kristel Porter, President of West Broadway Business and Area Coalition, said. “The community should be able to benefit from projects and renovations happening in their space.”

Northside business owner and member of the AACDC, Markella Smith, was in attendance at the signing. Smith joined the committee, along with Northside developer Kenya McKnight Ahad, because she saw an opportunity to create jobs and economic development.

“The Northside deserves nice things,” Smith said. “You can’t say one way or another if something's going to push gentrification, right? We’re trying to establish safeguards to help families stay.

“We know what has happened in the past, and I appreciate how dedicated First Ave has been with this whole process. But I think having Northsiders at the table and being vocal about what they want to see happen has helped shape what this is going to be.”

Construction for the amphitheater will begin this fall and is scheduled to host events beginning in 2027.

Upper Harbor Terminal amphitheater promises Northside benefits