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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting the Twin Cities.

Axios Twin Cities

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Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporters Nick Halter, Audrey Kennedy and Torey Van Oot.

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Thought Bubble

A guide to fun things to do in Twin Cities this weekend.

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Weekender

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Deep Dive

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Six holiday markets in the Twin Cities to shop this season

Dozens of pop-up holidays shopping events feature local makers and plenty of festive fun.

Things to Do

Minnesota panel selects six finalists for state flag redesign

Submissions featuring the state bird failed to make the cut.

News

Billion-dollar storms are getting more frequent in Minnesota

Hail and drought are the main causes of damage.

Climate

The best Christmas light displays in the Twin Cities

Put on winter gear and grab the hot chocolate.

How Twin Cities homebuyers can score deals this winter

New construction can offer deals and continues to draw interest across the metro area.

Real Estate

It was a bad year to be a buyer, but the tail end of 2023 might offer some bright spots for Twin Cities house hunters.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Home shoppers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/10/30/house-cost-mortgage-income-earning-afford-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="126b3ec5-a654-4cfc-b535-baa9f34a177a" data-vars-headline="How Twin Cities homebuyers can score deals this winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/10/30/house-cost-mortgage-income-earning-afford-minnesota" target="_self">Home shoppers</a> are desperate for even a little more buying power.<ul><li>There&#x27;s less competition among buyers now — thanks to still-high <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mortgage rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/07/us-mortgage-rates-housing-market" data-vars-content-id="126b3ec5-a654-4cfc-b535-baa9f34a177a" data-vars-headline="How Twin Cities homebuyers can score deals this winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/07/us-mortgage-rates-housing-market" target="_self">mortgage rates</a> and the typical holiday season demand dip — which leaves room to find better deals.</li></ul>

Illustration of a house wrapped with a bow.

Pet owner hack: Install a storm dog door for your pup

When my husband and I started house hunting in 2018, one of our top wish-list features was a yard that we could fence in.Why it mattered: We had a very large and very active golden retriever. After five years of living in apartments in New York and Minneapolis&#x27; North Loop, we were ready for a break from early-morning and late-night potty walks, especially in Minnesota winters.

two screeneshots of a toddler crawling through a white dog door

Hot Homes: Tangletown Tudor with charming backyard asks $725k

Listed for $725,000, it's located at 119 Pratt St, Minneapolis.

This Tangletown Tudor that hits the market Saturday caught our eye with its sleek updates and charming backyard.<ul><li>Listed for $725,000, it&#x27;s located at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="119 Pratt St., Minneapolis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/MN/Minneapolis/119-Pratt-St-55419/home/51377156" data-vars-content-id="07e16ec3-6772-41b2-993d-4d43e1651824" data-vars-headline="Hot Homes: Tangletown Tudor with charming backyard asks $725k" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/MN/Minneapolis/119-Pratt-St-55419/home/51377156" target="_blank">119 Pratt St., Minneapolis</a> just steps from Minnehaha Creek.</li></ul>

How much it'll cost to live in the new apartments overlooking Target Field

A penthouse in the tower facing the Mississippi River is listed for $11,500 a month.

The new and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bandied about" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/06/05/tower-next-to-target-field-apartments-office" data-vars-content-id="7170e7fa-72a9-4b1c-a8ae-7bd97eec8808" data-vars-headline="How much it&#x27;ll cost to live in the new apartments overlooking Target Field" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/06/05/tower-next-to-target-field-apartments-office" target="_self">bandied about</a> 34-story tower under construction next to Target Field has begun <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leasing" data-vars-click-url="https://nlg360.com/" data-vars-content-id="7170e7fa-72a9-4b1c-a8ae-7bd97eec8808" data-vars-headline="How much it&#x27;ll cost to live in the new apartments overlooking Target Field" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nlg360.com/" target="_blank">leasing</a> apartments. Yes, but: Living with a ballpark view won&#x27;t come cheap.

The interior of an apartment with windows looking out at target field 

The developers betting big money on a downtown Minneapolis rebound

Hempel has bought two office buildings and a parking ramp, and it might not be done yet.

A local developer has turned heads after buying two downtown Minneapolis office buildings and a parking ramp in the past four months. And it might not be done yet.The intrigue: When Nick reached Hempel Cos. CEO Josh Krsnak to find out why his firm bought 700,000 square feet of office space when there&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="8.7 million square feet" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/nickhaltermpls/status/1717270424050933992" data-vars-content-id="badeb1f6-cac2-4b06-8963-1a521bff520f" data-vars-headline="The developers betting big money on a downtown Minneapolis rebound" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/nickhaltermpls/status/1717270424050933992" target="_blank">8.7 million square feet</a> of vacant space in the city center, he said he&#x27;s so bullish about downtown that his company has offers out to buy three more buildings.

How to host an HGTV-worthy holiday gathering in the Twin Cities

We asked HGTV's Jasmine Roth and a local pro how to be a host extraordinaire.

<figure><img alt="a woman sets a festive dinner table" height="7360" id="5c947ccb-857c-4ab1-8fa0-4b1fc4d5c0f7" src="https://images.axios.com/pptwRIjiRKA38QWL5ck_eGn9loo=/2023/11/01/1698859290363.jpg" width="4912"/><figcaption>HGTV&#x27;s Jasmine Roth sets a festive table. Photo: Courtesy of Mike Radford/Michael Radford Photography</figcaption></figure>&#x27;Tis the season for more people to crowd into your home.<ul><li>Which means you&#x27;ll be cooking or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ordering" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/11/03/twin-cities-thanksgiving-meal-takeout-2022" data-vars-content-id="89e25af0-f570-4d1e-bda9-cfd02346f94e" data-vars-headline="How to host an HGTV-worthy holiday gathering in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/11/03/twin-cities-thanksgiving-meal-takeout-2022" target="_self">ordering</a> more meals.</li></ul>Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Planning" data-vars-click-url="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/health-conditions/heart-health/manage-stress" data-vars-content-id="89e25af0-f570-4d1e-bda9-cfd02346f94e" data-vars-headline="How to host an HGTV-worthy holiday gathering in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/health-conditions/heart-health/manage-stress" target="_blank">Planning</a> is one big way to soothe the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="added stress" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/21/how-to-relieve-stress-hug-kiss" data-vars-content-id="89e25af0-f570-4d1e-bda9-cfd02346f94e" data-vars-headline="How to host an HGTV-worthy holiday gathering in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/21/how-to-relieve-stress-hug-kiss" target="_self">added stress</a> of the holiday season. (Sorry, procrastinators.)

Modern Tudor in Bryn Mawr asks $476K

Muted blues and greens on both the exterior and interior complement the home's woodwork and curved edges.

This modern Tudor in Bryn Mawr caught our attention with its sleek updates and sloping roof.<ul><li>Listed for $476,000, it&#x27;s located at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1115 Xerxes Ave. S." data-vars-click-url="https://www.edinarealty.com/noel-krueger-realtor/homes-for-sale/1115-xerxes-avenue-s-minneapolis-mn-55405-6428291" data-vars-content-id="3e59b673-bb76-4c49-aa11-1361f547e812" data-vars-headline="Modern Tudor in Bryn Mawr asks $476K" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.edinarealty.com/noel-krueger-realtor/homes-for-sale/1115-xerxes-avenue-s-minneapolis-mn-55405-6428291" target="_blank">1115 Xerxes Ave. S.</a>, near Cedar Lake and Theodore Wirth Park.</li></ul>Why we love it: Muted blues and greens on both the exterior and interior complement the home&#x27;s woodwork and curved edges.

blue-grey modern tudor house with brick accent

Stylish Cathedral Hill condo asks $299K

The light and airy home caught our eye with its updated kitchen.

This stylish St. Paul condo in the heart of Cathedral Hill is on the market.<ul><li>Listed for $299,900, it&#x27;s located at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="455 Dayton Ave." data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/455-Dayton-Ave-APT-305-Saint-Paul-MN-55102/55634477_zpid/?" data-vars-content-id="88b90cb8-52ce-45f8-a09b-2678b2c39eee" data-vars-headline="Stylish Cathedral Hill condo asks $299K" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/455-Dayton-Ave-APT-305-Saint-Paul-MN-55102/55634477_zpid/?" target="_blank">455 Dayton Ave.</a></li></ul>

You need a six-figure income to afford a median-priced Twin Cities home

Higher interest rates and lack of inventory has squeezed buyers.

A combination of higher interest rates and a short supply of housing has put buying a home out of reach for more people in the Twin Cities.Why it matters: Being boxed out of the housing market is one reason many Minnesotans and other Americans don&#x27;t feel great about the economy, even if metrics like stock prices, unemployment, and gross domestic product are healthy.

Illustration of a door knocker in the shape of a dollar sign

North Loop office and retail tower in the works

The $50 million project is in the early stages.

A developer wants to build a $50 million office and retail tower in the North Loop. Details: The project would replace the large surface parking lot next to Bunker&#x27;s Music Bar &amp; Grill at 753 Washington Ave. N., according to notes on a Minneapolis City Council <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="committee agenda" data-vars-click-url="https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/Agenda/BIHZ/4253?utm_content=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_name=&amp;utm_source=govdelivery&amp;utm_term=" data-vars-content-id="51fdb2de-0fd5-4f04-855d-d477ed818acd" data-vars-headline="North Loop office and retail tower in the works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/Agenda/BIHZ/4253?utm_content=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_name=&amp;utm_source=govdelivery&amp;utm_term=" target="_blank">committee agenda</a>.

Twin Cities millennials’ secret to a down payment: family money

Many new, young homeowners got family money for their down payment.

For some millennials in the Twin Cities, the only way to buy a house is with family help.Why it matters: While a large share of millennials are tapping their parents or other relatives for help with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="down payment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/06/24/first-time-home-buyer-minneapolis-st-paul" data-vars-content-id="d89d5c1c-5b15-414d-9fcc-29db5db785a0" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities millennials’ secret to a down payment: family money" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/06/24/first-time-home-buyer-minneapolis-st-paul" target="_self">down payment</a>, not everyone is so lucky.

Illustration of a real estate for sale sign with the word NOPE on it.

"Dood cave," music rooms: Twin Cities pets live in pampered homes

A retiring Minneapolis council member hired a contractor to build a dog wash in her basement.

<figure><img alt="a goldendoodle sitting in a blue bedroom full of toys" height="2000" id="1772492c-dc26-4d57-a47f-1412fc487623" src="https://images.axios.com/BY2xbOTnxRjZ9xWl3PUqgG7VGzc=/2023/11/14/1699991967489.jpg" width="1501"/><figcaption>Artie&#x27;s room. Photo: Courtesy of Britta Diem</figcaption></figure>Willmar goldendoodle Artie has a &quot;dood cave&quot; stocked with toys, family photos, a ball pit and a tunnel.Why it matters: Artie&#x27;s dog mom is part of a cohort of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pet owners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/01/03/popular-dog-cat-names-adoption-twin-cities" data-vars-content-id="279ecf34-039e-489c-bdde-6ad4003c8b63" data-vars-headline="&quot;Dood cave,&quot; music rooms: Twin Cities pets live in pampered homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/01/03/popular-dog-cat-names-adoption-twin-cities" target="_self">pet owners</a> who are increasingly eager to cater their home to pups, cats and other companion animals.

a goldendoodle sits in a blue room full of toys

Real Estate 🏠