Now You Can Buy A Piece Of Minneapolis, Minnesota History When You Bid On The K From The City's Infamous Kmart
By Betsy Rathburn|Published November 26, 2020
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
Every city has its quirks. From unfortunate architectural styles to poorly planned grids, most cities have some infrastructural challenges to work around. Here in Minnesota, we are no different. One of Minneapolis’s biggest annoyances comes in the form of a Kmart store. For decades, this store has blocked the intersection of Lake Street and Nicollet Avenue, forcing traffic to detour around it. But in 2020, the city of Minneapolis finally bought out the lease to the Kmart. Now as the city closes down the infamous roadblock, you can purchase a piece of Minneapolis history, in the form of an 11-foot-tall letter K. Interested? Read on below.
If you've ever driven down Lake Street in Minneapolis, you've no doubt noticed the large, nearly vacant parking lot at the intersection of Nicollet Avenue. For decades, this parking lot, with its endless stream of hungry pigeons flying overhead, has been anchored by a Kmart store. Built in 1976, the Lake Street Kmart has been annoying Minneapolis drivers for more than 40 years. It blocks a major intersection of busy Nicollet Avenue, forcing traffic to detour around the huge store. But this year, the city of Minneapolis finally bought out the lease to the store.
The lease, which was slated to last until 2053, cost the city $9 million. While it's a hefty price tag, many consider the purchase a major boost. Not only will it open up busy Nicollet Avenue for the first time in 40 years. There is also hope that, with the increased flow of traffic, many parts of the Twin Cities will be revitalized. Plans are in the works to open a trolley system down Nicollet, making travel downtown much easier. From there, visitors could hop on the light rail to visit the University of Minnesota, the Mall of America, and downtown St. Paul.
The store, while now permanently closed, will not be demolished for a few years still. The store now houses a temporary post office facility following the destruction of other south Minneapolis post offices in the 2020 riots. Still, the reopening of Nicollet Avenue is right around the corner. After more than 40 years, the store and its sprawling lot will be gone for good.
Still, the Kmart did do some good. It was a convenient place to shop for many who live in the area. The location was said to be one of Kmart's most financially successful stores. Hopefully, efforts to reopen Nicollet Avenue will lead to increased economic success in this part of the city.
Regardless of how you feel about the Lake Street Kmart, it is already closed. The city of Minneapolis has placed the store's infamous K up for auction. The giant metal K is currently going for more than $1,000. It's 9 feet tall and more than 11 feet wide. Whoever ends up with the K will find themselves in possession of an unwelcome Minneapolis icon. You can check out the auction here.
Whatever you think about the Lake Street Kmart, you have to admit that it would be cool to own the giant K! What do you think? What would be a good use for the K? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
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