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University of Minnesota moving forward on the Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center in North Minneapolis

- Names Archie Givens to coordinate renovations of former shopping center -

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL ( 4/21/2008 ) -- The University of Minnesota has named Archie Givens to serve as the owner's representative to coordinate the renovations to the former shopping center at 2001 Plymouth Ave. N. in Minneapolis, which will serve as the headquarters for the university's new Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center (UROC).

Givens, who holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Minnesota, is nationally known for his work in affordable housing and health care administration. He is currently the CEO and director of Legacy Management & Development Corporation and managing partner of Rainbow Development Corporation.

"The hiring of Archie Givens to serve as the university's representative throughout this renovation will ensure that the project will be a transparent process overseen by someone who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the community of North Minneapolis in particular, and to urban and under served communities in general," said Irma McClaurin, executive director of UROC.

The university purchased the Plymouth Avenue building in February 2008 to house its many new and existing North Minneapolis research, outreach and engagement activities, facilitate collaborations with city, county and community partners, and make university programs and services more accessible to residents. The university has sought community input about the services and programs to be offered through public listening sessions and by working with the University Northside Partnership (UNP).

The UNP was formed three years ago to bring together public and private organizations dedicated to leveraging their resources to "build healthier families and stronger communities together" in North Minneapolis. Partners include the university, the city of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, the Northside Residents Redevelopment Council, Northpoint Health and Wellness Center, Phyllis Wheatley Center, Northway Community Trust and the Council of Black Churches.

The hiring of Givens and the recent departure of the shopping center's last remaining tenant, Snow Foods, allows the renovation of the center to begin. A Request for Proposals (RFP) will be issued in the next few months for architectural and general construction services and minority- and women-owned businesses will be especially encouraged to submit bids. The process will be coordinated by the university's Capital Planning Project Management Purchasing Department. It is expected to take approximately nine months to design and complete the renovations, and occupancy is tentatively scheduled for December 2008. Information about the RFP will be posted on the Purchasing Bid Information Services Web site at: http://purchasing.umn.edu/vendor/bis.php when it is becomes available.

In addition to moving forward on the UROC renovations, the City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, Volunteers of America and the Residents Council have partnered to provide transportation twice a month to Cub Foods on West Broadway Avenue for residents who live in the Rainbow Terrace building.

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