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Opportunity Crossing: A new chapter for Lake Street

A group of people cut a ribbon at a building grand opening.

Hennepin County leaders joined community and government partners to celebrate the recent grand opening of Opportunity Crossing -- a development that reflects the resilience, creativity, and partnership of the Lake Street community in Minneapolis.

Built on the former Wells Fargo site impacted by the civil unrest of 2020 following George Floyd’s murder, Opportunity Crossing is a community-guided, mixed-use project that includes 110 affordable housing units and affordable commercial ownership opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Opportunity Crossing was shaped through extensive listening sessions with residents, small business owners, and neighborhood stakeholders, ensuring that the final vision reflects community priorities.

Hennepin County’s role

Hennepin County has played a major role in the project, investing nearly $7 million across multiple programs, including the Affordable Housing Development Accelerator ($6.2 million), Community Investment Initiative ($750,000), and Environmental Response Fund ($48,000). The funding advances equitable development, strengthens small business ownership, and supports long-term recovery in communities most impacted by the pandemic and civil unrest.

“As we open Opportunity Crossing today, we are not just celebrating a building -- we are celebrating community leadership, public investment, affordable home creation, and a future where local entrepreneurs can own their commercial spaces and build wealth right here on Lake Street,” said Commissioner Marion Greene. “This is what rebuilding with intention looks like.”

The building includes a range of apartment sizes, from studios to four-bedroom units, including several units for people exiting homelessness. It integrates green building elements, including geothermal heating and rainwater harvesting systems.

“Opportunity Crossing is an example for the nation of how to build projects by, with, and for community,” said Karla Henderson, president and CEO of Project for Pride in Living. “Every piece of this project is a stepping stone to help community thrive by advancing equitable, long-term change. We are proud to celebrate Opportunity Crossing as a space that honors and reflects the resilience of this city.”