Market Update in Central Neighborhood

Central Neighborhood

Racially Diverse and Has Drawn African-American Residents Since the 1920s

Central Neighborhood

The Central neighborhood (part of the larger Powderhorn community) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States is located south of the downtown region of the city. It is bounded by Lake Street on the north, Chicago Avenue on the east, 38th Street on the south, and Interstate 35W on the west. It should not be confused with the Central community, which covers Downtown and some surrounding neighborhoods.

Developed mostly between 1900 and 1930, the Central neighborhood is racially diverse and has drawn African-American residents since the 1920s. Until it was closed in 1982 and later razed, Central High School was located here (Prince graduated from Central in 1976).

In 2010, the population of the neighborhood was 8,307. The neighborhood was 21.1% White, 25.1% Black or African American, 2.2% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3.6% Asian or Pacific Islander, 44.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.4% two or more races, and 0.2% other race. The percentage of households with children was higher than the city average, and the percentage of single households was lower than the city average. The median household income was $36,988, which was $8,637 lower than the city average.

History
The Central neighborhood was named for Central High School. The City’s first Central High – circa 1890 – was called Central Union High School and was located at 11th St and 3rd Ave S. It was destroyed by a fire in 1863. The Central High School the neighborhood took it’s name from was built in 1913 and torn down in the 1980s. It was located on 4th Ave S between 34th St and 35th St where Green Central Elementary stands today.

During World War II and after, the Central Neighborhood continued to attract African American families. Many African American churches and other important institutions serving the community began at this time and continue to this day.

Here is the U-Meet-Us Senior Citizens Lounge and Minneapolis Urban League, 4th Ave and 38th St in 1975. (Photo: MN History Center)

The former business hub at 38th St and 4th Ave still houses The Minneapolis Spokesman Recorder (which began publishing in 1934 and moved to it’s new building in 1956) and the Minneapolis Urban League at 411 E 38th St. Sabathani Community Center has occupied the old Bryant Junior High school building since 1979.