Turning office towers into apartments is tricky, especially in Minneapolis

1 big thing: Turning office towers into apartments is tricky 

Illustration of a high-rise office building with an oversized "Home sweet home" embroidery piece framed and hanging from the roof

Minneapolis office building is likely to become apartments

2. 🏗 Bonus: This building is likely to become apartments

3. The Spoon: Blackout plates proposed 

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Amazon will close Shakopee warehouse

4. 📦 Amazon will close Shakopee warehouse

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Take your career to the next level

5. 🪩 1 tour to go: Inside Prince's closet 

Good morning! It's the last day of January.

Forecast: Sunny, with a high near 10. Windchills could get as low as -25, so bundle up.

🎂Happy birthday to our Axios Twin Cities member Rick Norby! Don’t forget: Become a member before midnight and you could win a $200 gift card to a local restaurant. Terms and conditions apply.

Today's newsletter is 821 words, a 3-minute read.

💰 Nick finally started watching "Billions." Great show. 

😈 Audrey is gleefully watching every single car on the even side of the street get towed. NO MERCY (unless she messes up before April 1 and gets towed). 

Today's newsletter was edited by Ross Terrell and copy edited by Nick Aspinwall.

Twin Cities

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Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporter Torey Van Oot.

Axios Twin Cities

Great Northern Guide: Our picks for 2023's top events in Twin Cities

1 big thing: Great Northern picks

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2. My suggested Saturday schedule

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3. What I learned this week

4. The Spoon: It uses what?!

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5. 🥇 1 photo to go: We're world champions!

Happy Saturday! It's Audrey, and I'm already cold. 

🥶 Weather: Those mid-30s temperatures are long gone. Highs under 10 degrees all weekend; clouds today and tomorrow.

Situational awareness: Minneapolis, we have our lake rinks back. Lake of the Isles and the rink at Powderhorn Park are open now. (Instagram))

This newsletter is 638 words, a 2.5-minute read.

Thanks for reading! As always, send tips/thoughts/opinions on "M3GAN" (funnier than I expected) to audrey.kennedy@axios.com.

🔨 If you need me, I'm contemplating if my knitting skills would translate to sled-making. The Rally is inspiring me. 

1 big thing: Valentine's Day planning 

Illustration of a heart with an arrow through it. The tip of the arrow is the Axios A logo.

A new career is waiting for you

2. Map du jour: The groundhog knows 

3. The Spoon: Grads can walk 

Anthony Edwards should be an NBA all star. Here's why

4. 🌟 The case for making Ant an all-star 

It's going to be a cold one, with temps falling to the low single digits in the afternoon, according to NWS.

But it won't get as cold as Feb. 2, 1996, when the temperature hit -60 in Tower. That remains the coldest temperature recorded in state history. 

Today's newsletter is 725 words — a 3-minute read. 

🥶 Nick remembers that cold day in 1996 well. It was -32 in the Twin Cities and St. Paul Public Schools cancelled classes, which was rare back then. 

😬 Audrey spent the day writing a Valentine's Day guide as a way to procrastinate her own planning.  

Pickup trucks were the top 3 selling vehicles in the Twin Cities in 2022

1 big thing: We like big trucks and we cannot lie

Twin Cities' drivers spent more than a day in traffic in 2022

2. 😮‍💨 Stat du jour: 26 hours lost in traffic 

3. 🚗 Walz's proposed tab changes

Illustration of Benjamin Franklin in a car's rear view mirror, with a dollar-symbol air freshener.

Twin Cities gas prices jump to $3.41

4.⛽️ Pain at the pump returns 

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5. The Spoon: Non-car news to start your day

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Is a new job in your future?

5. 🚴 1 intense thing to go 

Welcome back! We didn't set out to make today's newsletter all about cars. But after reading it, you may want to buy a fat tire bike. 

You'll probably want to wait until the temps rise to give it a spin. Today's high is a balmy -1. Wind chill values will be around -30. 

🤦‍♂️ Our bad: The Fire and Ice skating party mentioned in Saturday's newsletter actually happened on Friday night! Hopefully fun was had by all. 

Today's newsletter is 906 words, a 3.5-minute read. 

🥶 Nick is reminding himself that these frigid days are the tax we pay to keep the masses from moving to Minnesota.

This newsletter was edited by Ross Terrell and copy edited by Nick Aspinwall. 

1 big thing: Marijuana bill would be 'revolutionary'

Illustration of a marijuana leaf with bites being taken out of it until it's gone, and then growing back.

2. Photos: David Durenberger dies at 88

President Ronald Reagan raises his arms in victory with Minnesota's newly reelected Republican senator, David Durenberger.

3.✊🏾Black-owned business guide

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4. The Spoon: Bed Bath and Bygone 

Illustration of a pattern of the Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture in Minneapolis.

Plan your future

Snoop Dogg and Minnesota company partner on cereal line

5. 🥣 Snoop Dogg & Master P's new cereal 

6. ✈️ 1 question to go: Your air travel hacks

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Good morning! Happy hump day and first day of Black History Month. 

🥵  It's going to be sunny with a high of 19, which should feel like a heat wave compared to the last few days. 

🎶 Today's vibe: "Gin and Juice" by Snoop Dogg. 

Today's newsletter is 874 words — a 3.5-minute read.

🗓 Nick's favorite thing about February in Minnesota is that it usually only lasts 28 days. 

😵‍💫 Audrey is at her breaking point. Are winters always this long?! 

Flying solo this Valentine's Day? Here are some suggestions on how to show yourself some love, 365 days a year: 

🌱 Forget roses, find a unique plant friend. Local nurseries like Fractal Cactus, Mother Earth Gardens or Highland Nursery are open during winter.

🍰 Buy yourself a fancy dessert. Rose Street Patisserie in St. Paul is a fan favorite, Isles Bun & Coffee has amazing cinnamon rolls or try Vegan East in Minneapolis for those with dietary restrictions. 

🖼 Check out one of the many museums around town. Minneapolis Institute of Art, Cafesjian Art Trust, Weisman Art Museum and The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery are free and open year-round. 

📚 Find a new book for cheap at bookstores like Magers and Quinn, The Book House in Dinkytown and Midway Books. 

🍽 Try a new-to-you restaurant. Reservations might be booked, but look for takeout options. Check out our recommendations. 

Editor's note: This story was originally published in February 2022 and updated Feb. 1, 2023. 

5 solo things to do on Valentine's Day in the Twin Cities

Buy yourself a fancy dessert or visit a free museum.

Illustration of a candy heart with the words “Be Mine” getting deleted.

Flying solo this Valentine&#x27;s Day? Here are some suggestions on how to show yourself some love, 365 days a year: 🌱 Forget roses, find a unique plant friend. Local nurseries like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fractal Cactus" data-vars-click-url="https://fractal-cactus-llc.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&amp;utm_medium=referral" data-vars-content-id="0c6f4e7e-46c6-4483-9b2d-66aac80234e0" data-vars-headline="5 solo things to do on Valentine&#x27;s Day in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fractal-cactus-llc.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&amp;utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Fractal Cactus</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mother Earth Gardens" data-vars-click-url="https://www.motherearthgarden.com/" data-vars-content-id="0c6f4e7e-46c6-4483-9b2d-66aac80234e0" data-vars-headline="5 solo things to do on Valentine&#x27;s Day in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.motherearthgarden.com/" target="_blank">Mother Earth Gardens</a> or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Highland Nursery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thehighlandnursery.com/" data-vars-content-id="0c6f4e7e-46c6-4483-9b2d-66aac80234e0" data-vars-headline="5 solo things to do on Valentine&#x27;s Day in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thehighlandnursery.com/" target="_blank">Highland Nursery</a> are open during winter.

Things to Do

Axios Twin Cities, anchored by Torey Van Oot, Nick Halter and Audrey Kennedy, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard

A new and exclusive Paisley Park tour will take visitors behind the scenes into Prince's one-of-a-kind personal wardrobe —but for a hefty price.

What to expect: The 2.5 hour "Paisley Park Backstage: Fashion Experience" includes a museum "experience," an up-close look at pieces from the fashion icon's closet, an unboxing of a rare item, a photo op, a souvenir and more. 

To add to the exclusivity, there are only four time slots; the first is Feb. 7.

Reality check: After taxes and fees, one ticket will run you $283.69. 

But in the words of the man himself, "Money Don't Matter 2 Night."

Paisley Park's newest tour heads to Prince's closet

If you want to see Prince's wardrobe, prepare to pay a hefty price.

Photo by Michael Montfort/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Fashion

A new and exclusive Paisley Park tour will take visitors behind the scenes into Prince&#x27;s one-of-a-kind personal wardrobe —but for a hefty price.

For Black History Month, we're sharing some Black-owned businesses to support year-round in and around the metro.

Looking for more? Search the Minnesota Black-Owned Business Directory by category and location.

Chicago's Very Own for hoagies and popcorn, Wendy's House of Soul for eggrolls, Breakfast Bar for brunch, Trio for plant-based soul food, The Red Sea for Ethiopian cuisine, Sammy's Avenue Eatery for sandwiches, Nashville Coop for fried chicken, Lutunji's Palate for cobbler, Cheesecake Funk for gourmet cheesecakes and 2 Scoops Eatery for ice cream.

The Dripping Root for freshly made juices, Palmer's Bar for drinks and live music, Heal for herbal drinks and elixirs, The Get Down Coffee Co. for specialty coffee, Du Nord Social Spirits for craft liquor, Golden Thyme Coffee and Cafe for caffeine and Cobble Social House for cocktails.

Black Garnet Books for books by authors of color, Mind's Eye Comics for comics and graphic novels, Elsa's House of Sleep for furniture, 5buluoz for men, women and kid's clothing, Gigi's Flair Emporium for pins, Angie's Hats for custom headwear, MN Black Box for "treat yourself" gift boxes, Lip Esteem for cosmetics and Mother & Mai for candles.

House of Gristle for catering, #FACE for lashes and skin care, Deja Hodges for professional photography, 3P Boxing for 24/7 workouts, Efoe's Creatives for graphic design, The Party Girl for event planning, Supa Auto Detailing for mobile detailing, DZ Lawn Care for snow removal and landscaping services and Bouquets by Carolyn for flowers.

What are we missing? Send your picks to audrey.kennedy@axios.com and we'll add them to the list. 

35 Black-owned businesses to support in the Twin Cities

From vegan soul food to comic books, check out these growing businesses.

For Black History Month, we&#x27;re sharing some Black-owned businesses to support year-round in and around the metro.<ul><li>Looking for more? <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Search the Minnesota Black-Owned Business Directory" data-vars-click-url="https://mnblackbusiness.com/" data-vars-content-id="3c97a799-de78-4bae-9416-587686bb80ad" data-vars-headline="35 Black-owned businesses to support in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mnblackbusiness.com/" target="_blank">Search the Minnesota Black-Owned Business Directory</a> by category and location.</li></ul>Here are some of our picks:

Food and Drink

Business

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and there are plenty of ways to treat your special someone (or yourself) for the holiday. 

What's happening: V-Day falls on a Tuesday this year — which can be an awkward day for a big night out. We found 10 things to do on and around Feb. 14, whether you're partnered up, happily solo or looking for love.

Pro tip: Reservations for popular spots filled up fast. If you want a better chance at a hard-to-get restaurant, consider an early dinner on Sunday. Everyone else will be busy watching the Super Bowl. 

🧑‍🍳 Cooks of Crocus Hill's vegetarian or gluten-free dinners require some work — guests head to the kitchen and prepare the three-course meal themselves, with help from the chef. Feb. 11-12; $125/person

🍸 Cocktails at the CAT Museum is a pre-Valentine's Day cocktail party at Shoreview's new studio glass art museum. Guests can tour the exhibit after-hours while enjoying drinks, hors d'oeuvres and dessert. Feb 10; $40/person. 

🍕 Saint Paul Brewing keeps it casual: get a wood-fired pizza, two beers and two red velvet cupcakes for $35. Arrive by 6pm for free-to-play trivia. Feb. 14; $35. 

Tip: Several of the spots on our updated Romantic Restaurants guide still have reservations available or accept walk-ins. 

😱 Skip the romance and go for terror at Cupid's Revenge, a Valentine's Day-themed haunted house in Inver Grove Heights. (It's a great excuse to hold your partner's hand.) Feb. 10-11; $25/person. 

🕹️ Play 50+ classic arcade games together at Up-Down. The bar's Valentine's Day special includes six beers, 80 game tokens, a fanny pack and heart-shaped pizza for $35. Feb. 12-14; free entry. 

💃 Bring your partner to Minneapolis Cider Company for a night of big band music and swing dancing. No experience, no problem: There's a free dance lesson at 6:15. Feb. 16; $10/entry.

🎬 Nothing says love like a Nora Ephron rom-com. "When Harry Met Sally" is showing at the Parkway Theater at 8pm; get there early for pre-movie live music. Feb. 16; $9 advance.

❤️ Show local art some love at Mia's Institute of Hearts. Visitors receive paper hearts upon entry to place beneath their favorite piece of art; explore the galleries to see what others picked. Feb. 9-12; Free. 

🐕 Make your pup your wingman at Dating with Dogs, a singles mixer for dog lovers at Forgotten Star Brewing in Fridley. No dog required for entry; proceeds benefit Ruff Start Rescue. Feb. 14; $10 advance. 

🌸  Escape the cold and explore botanical gardens at the Como Zoo and Conservatory. The spring flower show, palm dome and fern room are open now. Daily; free admission. 

Tip: Find more solo V-Day activities with the help of our guide.

Editor's note: This story was originally published in February 2022 and updated on Feb. 1, 2023. 

10 unique Valentine's Day Dates in the Twin Cities

We found plenty to do on and around Feb. 14, whether you're partnered up, happily solo or looking for love.

Valentine&#x27;s Day is fast approaching, and there are plenty of ways to treat your special someone (or yourself) for the holiday. What&#x27;s happening: V-Day falls on a Tuesday this year — which can be an awkward day for a big night out. We found 10 things to do on and around Feb. 14, whether you&#x27;re partnered up, happily solo or looking for love.

Valentine's Day is around the corner, and reservations are going fast. 

Planning a night out? Here are some of our recommendations for romantic restaurants around the Twin Cities. 

Be smart: Several upscale restaurants have seen more last-minute cancellations — keep checking for openings. 

Stay on the cafe side for casual New American dining or check out the restaurant for a seasonal prix-fixe menu. Tip: Take an after-dinner walk to the Stone Arch Bridge just a few blocks away. 

👏 For the tried-and-true: Spoon and Stable.

Award-winning chef Gavin Kaysen's airy North Loop restaurant has received rave reviews since its 2014 debut, making the modern American cuisine a Midwest standout.

🍸 For the nontraditional: Moscow on the Hill.

This St. Paul restaurant features traditional Russian cuisine. Be sure to sample some of the 300 different types of vodka offered in their lounge.

Or: Upscale oyster bar and restaurant Meritage. 

Enjoy Argentine and Italian-inspired cuisine by chef Daniel del Prado at this warm, airy Linden Hills restaurant. 

Or: Southeast Asian restaurant Khâluna. 

The American-fare bar and restaurant overlooking Loring Park is steps away from the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Tip: The apple cheddar salad is a must-order. 

Or: RH Rooftop for the glass-enclosed rooftop patio. 

Reservations for this North Loop restaurant's 10-course tasting menu go quickly, but are reportedly worth the wait (and the $125+ per person price tag). 

Or: The $120+/person tasting menu at Myriel and the $70/person, 6-course meal at Tenant. 

The three-course menu changes weekly, but keeps its focus on chef Andrew Kraft's handmade pastas.

15 romantic Twin Cities restaurants to try this Valentine's Day

Reservations are going fast for the special day.

A restaurant front as seen at night with plenty of windows. People can be seen inside.

Alma in Minneapolis has a casual cafe and full-service restaurant. Photo: Alma

Valentine&#x27;s Day is around the corner, and reservations are going fast. <ul><li>Planning a night out? Here are some of our recommendations for romantic restaurants around the Twin Cities. </li></ul>Be smart: Several upscale restaurants have seen more last-minute cancellations — keep checking for openings.

Audrey Kennedy

Stories

10 unique Valentine's Day Dates in the Twin Cities

15 romantic Twin Cities restaurants to try this Valentine's Day

5 solo things to do on Valentine's Day in the Twin Cities

35 Black-owned businesses to support in the Twin Cities

Paisley Park's newest tour heads to Prince's closet

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