“International Neighborhood” is not just a slogan. It’s the living identity of Whittier. This vibrant Minneapolis community awaits your discovery.
Whittier, a neighborhood of 81 square blocks, thrives just one mile south of downtown. It’s a melting pot where cultures blend. Approximately 14000 people call Whittier home.
Once, John T Blaisdell, a young man from Maine, saw potential in this land. He settled here in 1849. Following the 1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux, Blaisdell developed the area south of Downtown Minneapolis into Blaisdell’s Addition.
In 1882 Blaisdell built his manor at Nicollet and 24th Street West. The family moved out of Blaisdell School. A year later, Blaisdell, Longfellow and Irving Schools across the southern prairie were annexed to the Minneapolis school system from Hennepin County. The school board renamed the school Whittier after the 19th-century poet John Greenleaf Whittier. Soon, families began to call their neighborhoods after the primary school.
Whittier is now bounded by Franklin Avenue to the north. Interstate 35W borders it to the east. Lyndale Avenue South marks its western edge. Lake Street defines its southern boundary.
Whittier is synonymous with “Eat Street”. Nicollet Avenue offers thirteen blocks of culinary diversity. You will find independent, often family-run restaurants. International flavors abound from tacos to pho. Schnitzel to jerk chicken tempt every palate.
The Washburn-Fair Oaks Mansion District adds historical charm to Whittier. This district centers around Washburn-Fair Oaks Park. Here, grand mansions represent popular architectural styles.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) calls Whittier home. Mia’s collection spans 5000 years of history. It includes world-famous works from diverse cultures. Admission is free making art accessible to all.
The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) is also located here. MCAD specializes in visual arts. It enrolls about 800 students.
In the late 70s, residents organized Community Development Corporations to combat the neighborhood’s decline. By the 1980s Whittier became home to many in the counter cultural Bohemian movement and large Chinese and Vietnamese communities moved into the neighborhood opening many food based businesses along Nicollet.
Whittier suffered decline after the 1950s. But, its spirit persevered. The Whittier Alliance was established in 1977. It aimed to rehabilitate housing and strengthen the community.
Today, Whittier thrives with solid urban density. You will see a mix of single-family homes and medium-density apartments. Whittier boasts excellent bike infrastructure. Dedicated lanes and the Midtown Greenway encourage cycling.
Whittier is a walkable neighborhood. Three business districts bustle with activity. Great transit options connect you to the city.
You’ll discover two of the best record stores in the Twin Cities. Have you visited Electric Fetus and Cheapo?
So go on a “dumpling crawl” along Eat Street. Sample Szechuan wontons, Taiwanese steamed buns, German spaetzle, and Somali sambusas. Experience Whittier’s international essence. Then you can truly say you know this remarkable neighborhood.