The Whittier neighborhood supports vibrant commercial corridors along Nicollet Ave, 26th St, Franklin and Lyndale Avenues. Nicollet Ave serves as our "Main Street" and has long been known as Eat Street while 26th St., Franklin and Lyndale Avenues contribute the character and rhythm that make Whittier a great place to do business. The area is supported by both loyal residents and metro wide patrons who appreciate the neighborhood setting and support family owned business.
The Whittier neighborhood invites new businesses to consider being part of the independent retail and commercial spirit of Whittier. We offer a variety of pedestrian friendly storefront spaces that are unique, adaptable, and affordable. Businesses also have the support of the Whittier Business Assn. and the Whittier Alliance neighborhood organization.
As you review the locations available for lease or sale, please note the potential uses. The Whittier neighborhood has done significant work identifying development goals and gaps in our commercial, retail and service areas. We have room for more ethnic restaurants not currently represented, new neighborhood serving businesses, entrepreneurial businesses, businesses with performing, visual or media arts focus, businesses that serve children or families.
Call the Whittier Alliance for further details and information about the Whittier neighborhood. Please refer to the following documents as you explore your leasing/sale options:
Since 1996, Eat Street promotes Nicollet Avenue as a destination hub for international food. All Twin Citians know about Eat Street. Downtown and Uptown visitors are just minutes away by car, taxi, or high-frequency service by Metro Transit 18 and 17. Bicyclists arrive from the Nicollet exit off the Midtown Greenway.
New retailers and restaurants should note the following city code and ordinances in effect for this area.
The Nicollet Franklin Pedestrian Overlay which, among several requirements, disallows drive-throughs, new curb cuts, and specifies setbacks (551.155)
No "off-sale" liquor licenses can be issued, as all available distances are now occupied (362.40).
Commercial Design Guidelines
Neighborhood Amenities
High density
High pedestrian, bike, transit and auto traffic
Easy access
Metro, state and international destinations (MIA, CTC, VE)
Encourage
Independent or family owned businesses
Creative storefronts
Environmentally sustainable businesses and business practices
Structured parking/building contained parking
Discourage
Big box
Chain or franchise stores
Retail storefronts occupied by non-commercial uses such as non-profit or social service organizations
The C1 Neighborhood Commercial District is established to provide a convenient shopping environment of small scale retail sales and commercial services that are compatible with adjacent residential uses. In addition to commercial uses, residential uses, institutional and public uses, parking facilities, limited production and processing and public services and utilities are allowed.
The C2 Neighborhood Corridor Commercial District is established to provide an environment of retail sales and commercial services that are larger in scale than allowed in the C1 District and to allow a broader range of automobile related uses. In addition to commercial uses, residential uses, institutional and public uses, parking facilities, limited production and processing and public services and utilities are allowed.
The C3A Community Activity Center District is established to provide for the development of major urban activity and entertainment centers with neighborhood scale retail sales and services. In addition to entertainment and commercial uses, residential uses, institutional and public uses, parking facilities, limited production and processing and public services and utilities are allowed.
The C4 General Commercial District is established to provide for a wide range of commercial development allowing a mix of retail, business services and limited industrial uses. In addition to these uses, residential uses, institutional and public uses, parking facilities, and public services and utilities are allowed.
The I1 Light Industrial District is established to provide clean, attractive locations for low impact and technology-based light industrial uses, research and development, and similar uses which produce little or no noise, odor, vibration, glare or other objectionable influences, and have little or no adverse effect on surrounding properties.
The R2B Two-family District is established to provide for an environment of predominantly low density, single and two-family dwellings and cluster developments. In addition to residential uses, institutional and public uses and public services and utilities may be allowed.
The OR3 Institutional Office Residence District is established to provide a mixed use environment of very high density dwellings, large office uses, and major institutions, with additional small scale retail sales and services uses designed to serve the immediate surroundings. This district may serve freestanding institutions and employment centers or as a transition between downtown and surrounding moderate to low density residential neighborhoods.
The PO Pedestrian Overlay district is established to preserve and encourage the pedestrian character of commercial areas and to promote street life and activity by regulating building orientation and design and accessory parking facilities, and by prohibiting certain high impact and automobile-oriented uses.
As noted in the introduction, please review the additional overlay rules for Nicollet-Franklin Area
OR2/High Density Office Residence District
The OR2 High Density Office Residence District is established to provide a mixed use environment of moderate to high density dwellings and large office uses, with additional small scale retail sales and services uses designed to serve the immediate surroundings. This district may serve as a transition between downtown and surrounding moderate to low density residential neighborhoods.
