Pillsbury Creative Commons Launches Hub for Arts and Economic Development in South Minneapolis
Grand Opening & Block Party – July 26, 2025
A Plan for Creative Community Transformation
Photo by Bruce Silcox
Celebrate With Us: Inside Out Block Party
1–5 PM
35th St & Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Chicago Avenue from 35th to 36th will be closed to traffic.
What to Expect
• Opening remarks from Commissioner Angela Conley
• Special words from Minneapolis Poet Laureate Junauda Petrus
• Youth stilt walking led by PH+T Teaching Artists
• Music by Give Get Sistet and KRSM DJs
• Artist Market featuring 15+ local vendors
• Rollerskating with TC Skaters
• Food from Jakeeno’s, Kosharina, El Pariente, Life Juices, The Dogfather, and more
• Tours of the new PCC facilities, including KRSM 98.9 FM and the Technical Arts Training (TAT@P) Scene Shop
• Family-friendly activities including a bouncy house and airbrush tattoos
- Mudluk Pottery
- Virginia Griffin (spices)
- Maricela Diaz (beadwork)
- Ellen Overaa (resin art)
- Stephanie Watts (prints, apparel)
- Folasade (zines)
- Ronnie Spann (jewelry)
- Della K-Z (herbal art)
- Emma Clark (paintings, sculpture)
- Màrquise Bowie (books)
- Voice of Culture (crafts)
- Lu Berry (decorative jars)
- Ace Rice (art collectibles)
- Kosharina Egyptian Cuisine
- El Pariente Mexican Grill
- Life Juices
- The Dogfather
- Jakeeno’s
Introducing Pillsbury Creative Commons
Created by the Minneapolis Foundation
A Bold Investment in South Minneapolis
Two new cornerstones anchor the PCC campus:
- KRSM 98.9 FM: A 24-hour community radio station with new, Gensler-designed street-facing studios offering passersby a glimpse into live radio production.
- The Scene Shop: Home to the Technical Arts Training Program (TAT@P) led by André Samples, training residents in scenic carpentry, welding, lighting, painting, and sound.
“This bold new vision affirms our deep commitment to community-rooted innovation, access, and transformation through the arts.” – Noël Raymond, Sr. Director of Arts & Culture, Pillsbury United Communities
KRSM + TAT@P: Building Creative Futures
About the Building and Design
- Street-facing studios create transparency and connection
- A green roof helps manage rainwater, reduce heat, and buffer sound
- A full-height window stairwell encourages movement and natural light
- Residential artist units include access to a second-floor outdoor deck for rest and reflection
Meet our Owners Representatives – Element
JoAnna Hicks, Co-Founder and Principal at Element
With over 25 years of experience in real estate development, JoAnna brings unmatched expertise in navigating complex projects, leveraging diverse funding tools, and building trusted partnerships.
Her leadership on PCC combined deep technical knowledge with a commitment to community-rooted impact. A dynamic force in the field, JoAnna has led more than $275 million in commercial and community projects across the region. Her work is fueled by a belief that real estate can be a powerful tool for equity, access, and transformation.
Kristen Murray - Director of Development
With deep experience in project management, development, and collaborative leadership, Kristen played a key role in guiding the vision, planning, and execution of the Pillsbury Creative Commons.
Kristen has successfully led a wide range of projects—from grassroots efforts to complex, cross-sector collaborations—and her passion for participatory design was evident at every stage of PCC’s development. Her past work as VP of Design Strategy at Juxtaposition Arts, combined with her expertise in nonprofit and social enterprise spaces, made her an invaluable force on this project.
From creative facilitation to grant writing and development strategy, Kristen’s contributions helped ensure that PCC is not only a vibrant new space, but a reflection of and investment in the community it serves.
Meet the Architect Behind PCC
Jessie Bauldry, AIA
Design Director at Gensler Minneapolis lead architect of the Pillsbury Creative Commons
Since 2022, Jessie has been an integral part of this project and our community—bringing two decades of experience, deep care, and a client-centered approach to every step of the design process.
Her work balances creativity with precision, and her commitment to designing with—not just for—communities shines through in every detail.
Meet the Design Principal Behind PCC
Bill Baxley
Bill Baxley is a Design Principal at Gensler’s Minneapolis office and Vice President of the Minneapolis Planning Commission. With over three decades of experience, Bill brings a deep understanding of how thoughtful, community-centered design can shape more equitable and resilient cities.
His practice is rooted in dialogue, inquiry, and collaboration—values that lead to design solutions with lasting impact. Bill has led award-winning public, corporate, and educational projects recognized both locally and nationally. Recent highlights include Hennepin County’s first net-zero energy library in Westonka, the historic renovation of The Dayton’s Project, and the Pillsbury Creative Commons—an expansion of the Pillsbury House + Theatre campus in South Minneapolis.
Nancy St Germain
Project Manager, Flannery Construction
A leader in community-centered construction with 22+ years of experience, Nancy helped balance high design goals with budget and long-term community impact.
Mike Zacher
Superintendent, Flannery Construction
Now Rising
Pillsbury Creative Commons
Learn about our new shared home for creativity, opportunity and belonging.