About University Avenue

University Avenue means different things to different people. It’s always been eclectic, unruly, noisy, gritty. And the street has seen its fortunes rise and fall over the decades. But its purpose has always been the same: to provide a vital link between Minneapolis and Saint Paul for people and commerce. During the first half of the 20th century, it was a thriving commercial corridor, defined by places like the Minnesota Transfer Railway, Montgomery Ward, Brown & Bigelow, Lexington Ballpark, Prom Ballroom, and the popular streetcar. The 70s and 80s were not as kind to University, as new freeways and suburban development ushered in a period of slow decline. More recently, thousands of immigrants began living out their hopes and dreams, and the Green Line light rail has drawn new activity and development to the avenue.

How to Watch the Film

The updated film premiered April 10, 2016 on the tpt Minnesota Channel. See how the construction of the Green Line has impacted commerce, neighborhoods and travel patterns along the University corridor.  Check the tpt program schedule at tpt.org for future broadcast dates, or watch online now.

Produced by Myers Communications Group in partnership with IFP Minnesota and tpt.

News Stories

Aerial view of Lexington Ball Park, ca. 1930.
© Minnesota Historical Society

Thanks to Our Sponsors

University Avenue: One Street, a thousand dreams is a Minnesota Partnership co-production of IFP Minnesota and Twin Cities Public Television. Funding is provided in part by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society. Additional funding is provided by the F. R. Bigelow Foundation, Huss Foundation, Sewell Family Foundation, Art & Martha Kaemmer Fund of HRK Foundation, Elizabeth B. Myers, Bill & Susan Sands, Exeter Group LLC, Park Midway Bank, Western Bank, and other generous donors.