# 16 University Bus

[fashionguy]

No it wasn't in use when I was there a month ago. It had an open sign but there was no working machines and the price listed were like the most expensive days. I guess they just didn't bother to tear the open sign down. I also looked up online and there is no Citgo gas stations now in the whole Twin Cities area, only fastlube locations. I doubt some parts of the warehouse district can ever improve. Some of the buildings are poisonous I belive so nobody would touch them. And they have historic value so they wouldn't tear them down. Did anyone notice the smokestack of one warehouse near the restaurant Origami? It is almost falling down and there is still no work on it.

Originally Posted by silverjet

That Citgo gas station is still open, or at least it was a year ago when I was last there. It's pretty easy to miss if you aren't in the area much. Anyway, it's an odd place to put a stadium considering what's around it, but like Minnehahapolitan said, they certainly could have done worse.

[DaPerpKazoo]

Originally Posted by iowahawk1

I've heard that there are a lot of bars, restaurants, and other places to hang out after a game in the target field/target center area....is this true?

Yes. Just east of there along 1st and Hennepin Avenues you'll find the "entertainment district" with tons of bars, clubs, restaurants, and theaters.

Target Center and its associated parking ramps, coupled with all the freeway ramps in the area make the site a big messy urban design nightmare. Target Center and its ramps are some of the most ugly, unfriendly buildings in the city. Considering this, Target Field is really well designed and the ballpark itself will the awesome.

[Minnehahapolitan]

Originally Posted by fashionguy

No it wasn't in use when I was there a month ago. It had an open sign but there was no working machines and the price listed were like the most expensive days. I guess they just didn't bother to tear the open sign down. I also looked up online and there is no Citgo gas stations now in the whole Twin Cities area, only fastlube locations. I doubt some parts of the warehouse district can ever improve. Some of the buildings are poisonous I belive so nobody would touch them. And they have historic value so they wouldn't tear them down. Did anyone notice the smokestack of one warehouse near the restaurant Origami? It is almost falling down and there is still no work on it.

Nobody has touched them because land is still expensive by virtue of being downtown, but foot traffic anywhere north of First Avenue is usually non-existent. Once you have a wider customer base (consisting of Twins fans) and something to draw them away from 1st/Hennepin (Twins ballpark) there is absolutely no reason why those buildings wouldn't be rehabbed.

[iowahawk1]

Originally Posted by DaPerpKazoo

Yes. Just east of there along 1st and Hennepin Avenues you'll find the "entertainment district" with tons of bars, clubs, restaurants, and theaters.

Target Center and its associated parking ramps, coupled with all the freeway ramps in the area make the site a big messy urban design nightmare. Target Center and its ramps are some of the most ugly, unfriendly buildings in the city. Considering this, Target Field is really well designed and the ballpark itself will the awesome.

I thought that I've heard that there have been some issues with gang activity near the target center (is it called block E?) If so....how will that impact activity after future Twins games?

[Minnehahapolitan]

It exists, but downtown (and especially Hennepin and Block E) is especially well patrolled by the police. Actual crime is pretty rare downtown, and gang violence is even rarer.

[fashionguy]

Second that. I never felt scared walking in downtown. You can see police cars here and there.

Originally Posted by Minnehahapolitan

It exists, but downtown (and especially Hennepin and Block E) is especially well patrolled by the police. Actual crime is pretty rare downtown, and gang violence is even rarer.

[DaPerpKazoo]

Yeah, I think it gets a bad rap because it's a visible location that happens to have a lot of "thugs" hanging around outside. They're not up to anything other than waiting for the bus most of the time. Also, walk down either Hennepin or 1st on a Friday or Saturday night and you'll see at least half a dozen cops on foot and a couple cars just patrolling. Oftentimes the interesection of Hennepin/7th has four cops alone.