With almost 8,000 residents, the Loring Park neighborhood is a hot spot for living within the Central community of Minneapolis. The neighborhood is positioned in the southwest portion of Central Minneapolis and is bordered on the south by Interstate 94. Both the neighborhood and the local Loring Park are named after Charles Loring, the first superintendent of the Minneapolis park system. Newer brick apartments and rows of businesses enclose the park. The area hosts significant associations and churches such as the Basilica of Saint Mary, the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church and the Woman’s Club. The Loring Park neighborhood is a bicyclist and pedestrian utopia as it offers easy access around the neighborhood, along with only being a 15-minute leisure walk to the downtown and uptown areas.
Promising a lively community atmosphere, the neighborhood is full of an array of cultural experiences such as ethnic restaurants, entertainment, retail shops, businesses, and historic churches. The neighborhood’s housing is predominantly comprised of housing ranging from affordable apartments to expensive luxury condominiums.
Whether you are hosting a board meeting for 30 or a conference for 10,000, the Minneapolis Convention Center, located within Loring Park, is prepared with the facilities and features to guarantee any successful event. Between the 475,000 square feet of showcasing space and the 87 meeting rooms, the building has the capacity to hold highly attended business events.
The Basilica of Saint Mary is perhaps the most recognizable landmark within the Loring Park neighborhood. Encompassing an entire city block, the basilica plays an active role in the neighborhood community. Historically, the Basilica of Saint Mary was the first basilica established in the entire United States in 1907. Since then, the basilica has seen numerous renovations and changes. An active member of the community, thousands of families attend the basilica’s services, and each year the basilica hosts a massive block party. The Basilica Block Party is an event that brings the community together for a weekend of music. Big name musicians are flown in to perform in front of live crowds, and proceeds of the event go towards the restoration of the basilica. Having started in 1995, the Basilica Block Party continues to grow each year and draws in thousands of visitors. Another recognizable landmark is the United Methodist Church located on Hennepin Avenue. Known for its architecture, this church accommodates several new visitors each year. The church also offers historical significance as the first service was held in 1875.
A recognized organization in the local neighborhood is the Woman’s Club. The Minneapolis Woman’s Club is an active group within the community that is involved with charitable works and volunteering throughout the year. Housed in a historic and scenic building since 1928, the club offers breathtaking views of the Loring Park neighborhood and Minneapolis skyline. Additionally, it is a popular wedding reception location.
The cooking methods of Salsa A La Salsa came from the central part of Mexico, and have been in the family business for generations. They use the freshest and most authentic ingredients, such as corn husks, banana leaves, hominy, cactus, papaya, and pineapple. Additionally, the restaurant utilizes seasonings such as achiote, smoked chipotle peppers, chiltepin, and epazote, all enhanced by marinating, grilling, and steaming. From meat, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian, the menu features a wide array of items that are sure to satisfy anyone’s tastes. Situated in the heart of Loring Park, Loring Kitchen & Bar features delicious food and an enticing bar. A neighborhood kitchen with destination appeal, LK&B features modern cuisine in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere that is a popular neighborhood hangout. La Belle Vie is one of the Twin Cities most acclaimed restaurants, earning Awards of Excellence by both Zagat and Wine Spectator Magazine. Located in Loring Park, Minneapolis, La Belle Vie provides an ambiance of sophistication and refinement from the dining room to the lounge.
The city of Loring Park is home to one park that shares its same name:
Loring Park: A large park located near the center of the neighborhood, Loring Park is home to a wealth of amenities. Visitors can enjoy both passive and active recreation while strolling through the beautiful gardens and scenic landscaping. The park features a bandstand, basketball court, biking/walking path, decorative fountain, fishing pier, gardens, a picnic area, playground, art on display, restrooms, a tennis court, and a wading pool. Within the park, there are several notable locations. The Garden of the Seasons is a local favorite destination for peaceful walks and times of reflection. The garden has three sections that visitors can enjoy. There is the Woodlands Circle with native Minnesotan trees, shrubs, and wildflowers located in the center of the garden; the Wheel of Color where eight wedges of colorful perennials are grown in a ring around the middle of the garden; and there is the Tapestry of Green which forms the outer ring of the garden. Additionally, the park hosts a dog park, the Community Arts Center, and is connected to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden via a footbridge.
The neighborhood’s charm, antiquity, construction, setting, park, and biking paths are the top imperative characteristics that make Loring Park a desirable place to live.
If you have any questions regarding the city of Minneapolis, the Central Community, or if you would like to sell or buy a house in the area, please feel free to visit Twin Cities Property Finder or call 1-800-909-1953
