Menaahndawiwe Wellness Campus Prepping To Begin Construction

Indian Health Board Wellness Campus Planned for Key Site in Seward Neighborhood.

The Indian Health Board of Minneapolis has announced plans for the Menaahndawiwe Wellness Campus, a new facility to be located at 2027 E Franklin Ave in the Seward neighborhood. The new campus will offer medical, dental, and wellness services, with a strong focus on supporting the Native American community and other underserved populations in the area. Construction is expected to begin within the coming months.

The wellness campus is designed to offer a comprehensive approach to healthcare, integrating primary care, dental, behavioral health services, and fitness facilities. Additionally, the campus will house spaces dedicated to traditional healing practices and community gatherings, creating a culturally supportive environment with a special focus on the Native American population in Minneapolis.

Building Design and Features

The Menaahndawiwe Wellness Campus will occupy a new three-story building facing East Franklin Avenue, with the main entrance along the street, designed for easy access within the neighborhood. Exterior materials will include precast concrete, metal, perforated metal panels, and glass, with embedded LED lighting planned to illuminate portions of the building’s exterior, enhancing visibility, and creating a modern aesthetic during evening hours.

Located within the BFT20 Transit 20 Built Form District, the project required design adaptations to meet zoning standards. Typically, buildings in this district have a minimum height requirement of six stories; however, the Indian Health Board plans to construct a three-story building to best meet the project’s healthcare and community-focused goals. The plans also do not include an off-street loading space, a requirement for the district, allowing more space for wellness and community facilities.

The project team features leaders with close ties to Native American communities. The architect for the project, part of the DSGW firm, is an American Indian from Turtle Mountain. The construction of the building will be led by Woodstone, a company owned by Paul Meyer, who is American Indian from White Earth. This team selection emphasizes a commitment to community connection and cultural relevance in the campus’s development.

Next Steps

With preparations for construction underway, the Menaahndawiwe Wellness Campus aims to become a significant resource for healthcare and wellness services in the Seward neighborhood. The project will provide job opportunities both during and after construction, fostering local employment and enhancing neighborhood infrastructure.

The Development Tracker will continue to monitor and report on this project as construction begins along with other real estate developments across Minneapolis… and soon beyond.