A colossal concrete structure looms before you. This is Riverside Plaza.
Riverside Plaza isn’t just apartments. It’s a microcosm of Minneapolis history. Built in 1973 as Cedar Square West it’s the largest housing development in Minnesota. Architect Ralph Rapson designed it. His vision? A diverse community. Market-rate and subsidized units mixed together for elderly residents students professionals artists and low-income families. Proximity to downtown the University of Minnesota and other colleges was a draw.
But the creation of Riverside Plaza was controversial. Developers ignored community input. They demolished homes and historic buildings. They allegedly forced residents and business owners to sell. This sparked protests. These protests slowed development. A new vision emerged one focused on preserving historic structures and supporting local businesses.
Since the 1980s new immigrants have called Riverside Plaza home. People from Vietnam Korea India the Middle East Africa and South America. Somali Ethiopian and Oromo immigrants and refugees now form the largest group of residents. They created the shops restaurants cultural organizations and mosques along Cedar and Riverside Avenues. They built new lives in America.
Riverside Plaza faced negative perceptions. The urban renewal controversies damaged its reputation. The buildings concrete cold and seemingly closed off alienated many. Its diverse population led to stereotypes based on race ethnicity religion and income.
It’s been called a ghetto in the sky Little Somalia and the Ellis Island of Minnesota. These labels are misleading. Riverside Plaza is not a ghetto. It’s a place where strong community bonds exist. It’s not just Little Somalia. Immigrants from many nations live here. It’s not Ellis Island. People choose to live here. They speak their languages practice their cultures and determine their own paths to American life.
Despite its struggles some progressive ideals have been realized. For many it’s a first step in America. For others it is home. It’s a place to live work and study in a dense diverse and dynamic urban neighborhood. Today Riverside Plaza thrives with the energy of people from all over the world. Its vibrant spirit is a testament to human resilience and the enduring power of community.