Whittier, Minneapolis

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Whittier is a neighborhood in Minneapolis, Minnesota known for its many restaurants, coffee shops and Asian markets, especially along Nicollet ("Eat Street") and Lyndale Avenues. Nicollet Avenue and Lake Street have been recently revitalized by mostly Asian, Latino, and Somali small businesses. The neighborhood is just south of downtown and northeast of Uptown, bordered by Franklin Avenue on the north, Interstate 35W on the east, Lake Street on the south, and on the west by Lyndale Avenue. It is also home to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and the Children's Theatre Company.

In the 1990's, the "City of Lakes Waldorf School" and Watershed High School moved into to the neighborhood. Both schools rennovated the American Hardware Mutual Insurance Company building (constructed 1922) at the corner of 24th St W. and Nicollet Avenue S. Behind this building, at the corner of 24th St W. and Blaisdell Avenue, the "play yard" occupies the fomer site of a Dayton's family mansion.

While the neighborhood is technically grouped with other neighborhoods within the greater Powderhorn community, it is separated from those areas by Interstate 35W. As a result, Whittier is more often associated with some of the adjacent neighborhoods in the Calhoun-Isles community, or the Stevens Square neighborhood in the Central community.

The Whittier Alliance is the officially-recognized community organization for the Whittier neighborhood. Through funds from the Neighborhood Revitalization Program, the Whittier Alliance works with individuals, families, and businesses in the neighborhood to build the community in terms of safety, economic development, and livability. Marian Biehn is the Executive Director, Josie Shardlow is the Community Organizer, and Tony Webster is the Office Coordinator at the Whittier Alliance.

As of 2000, 15,247 people live in Whittier. Ethnic groups include Caucasians (47%), Hispanics (Latinos) (21%), African Americans (20%), Native Americans (2%), Asian Americans (6%), and other (4%) (who are mostly Somali in origin).

Whittier is in the fifth police precinct (commander Kris Arneson in 2005), sector 1 (Lt. ? in 2006). It is in the sixth city council ward (Robert Lilligren elected in 2005). Minnesota Senate District 61 (Linda Berglin). U.S. House district ? (Martin Sabo 2004), U.S. Senators (Mark Dayton 2000 and Norm Coleman 2002). Most of Whittier is in Minnesota House district 61A (Karen Clark in 2004), while part of the south end is in 61B (Neva Walker 2004). Minneapolis Public Schools Area 23.