Whittier, in Minneapolis’ Powderhorn community, is bordered on the north by Franklin Avenue East and Franklin Ave West, on the east by I-35W, on the south by Lake Street West, and on the west by Lyndale Avenue South. It is one of the city’s first-born neighborhoods, having been initially established in the 19th century, and is named after the famous poet John Greenleaf Whittier. Blaisdell and Third avenues have a few of the most aged homes in Minneapolis, and some gorgeously renovated homes are located along Stevens Avenue. Nearly half of the neighborhood’s 350 acres are used for multifamily housing, and about 90 percent of those units are owner/renter-occupied. 60 percent of the neighborhood includes a wide array of purposes including diverse restaurants, small businesses, an art school and a children’s theater. This neighborhood is host to the prestigious Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

Whittier is known as the “International Neighborhood.” With more than 15,000 residents embodying 30 countries with more than 25 languages spoken. In Whittier, locals have access to the amenities of a wonderful and intriguing neighborhood while staying minutes from downtown, with convenient access to the Midtown Greenway bike/pedestrian passageway and LR transit service.

Whittier also provides a mix of architectural homes, with housing fluctuating from grand mansions and brownstone row houses, to modest wood frame homes of the early 1900’s and apartment buildings from the 1920’s and the 70s.

The Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile long former railroad strip in the Powderhorn community and it passes through Whittier with bicycling and walking trails. The Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority owns it and the trails are preserved by the City of Minneapolis. The Midtown Greenway Coalition is the group that effectively encouraged the creation of the Midtown Greenway by means of public agencies. The Coalition exists to this day and engages the community in protecting, improving, and using the Greenway. This Greenway has been used for biking and other activities ever since it was first built.

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) stimulates a phenomenon of imagination and wonder with astonishing displays and one of the greatest wide-ranging art collections in the country. From Monet to Matisse, Asian to African, 40,000-year-old artifacts to world-famous modern masterpieces, the MIA links the past to the present and empowers global conversations. This nationally recognized organization is within the Whittier neighborhood.

Rock climbing is one of the quickest growing sports in the United States and Vertical Endeavors is one of the renowned frontrunners in the industry. Created in 1992, and within Whittier and other locations in the Midwest, Vertical Endeavors activates some of the largest amenities in the nation in terms of rock climbing. Visitors of all ages and aptitudes can climb throughout the year in a climate-controlled facility. Options and levels of difficulty are available for all skill levels and offer a great test of physicality and mental strength.

The Whittier neighborhood houses 4 parks. They include:

Washburn Fair Oaks Park: A 7.5-acre park located across from the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Washburn Fair Oaks Park offers visitors a peaceful, green resting space with fabulous views of the Minneapolis skyline. While largely undeveloped, the park features a statue of George Washington for visitors to enjoy.

Clinton Field Park: Located one block away from the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Clinton Field Park offers visitors a small, traditional park. At just under 1.5 acres, the park offers a basketball court, playground, and sand volleyball court. Ideal for younger families or those seeking a quiet destination, Clinton Field Park is a peaceful haven in the midst of a busy city.

Morrison Park: Morrison Park is the home of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

Whittier Park: Whittier Park is the premier park in the Whittier neighborhood. With a basketball court, picnic area, playground, restroom facility, softball field, and wading pool, residents and visitors alike have much to look forward to. The park is attached to the local elementary school and is also home to the Whittier Recreation Center. The recreation center adds on a community kitchen, computer lab, craft room, gymnasium, meeting room, and a multipurpose room. With so many amenities and a central location, Whittier Park is an important aspect of the Whittier neighborhood.

If you have any questions regarding the city of Minneapolis, the Powderhorn Community, or if you would like to sell or buy a house in the area, please feel free to visit Twin Cities Property Finder or call 1-800-909-1953.