Lake + Chicago Rendering
Lake + Chicago
The Vision
The Lake and Chicago project is NDC’s boldest endeavor yet: a $26 million, 30,000-square-foot innovation center rising from the heart of South Minneapolis at the historic intersection of Lake Street and Chicago Avenue. This development was born from the community’s resilience after the murder of George Floyd and the unrest that followed. As a trusted partner to local entrepreneurs for over 30 years, NDC saw a clear opportunity to build something transformational: a space that reflects the strength of the community and provides the tools necessary to support long-term economic growth and generational wealth.
Designed For Community, Built For Impact
Every element of the Lake and Chicago project is shaped by community voices and designed by leaders in entrepreneurship and equitable development. The three-story facility will include an event center, affordable retail and office space, and a commercial kitchen on the first floor; beauty, wellness, and health-focused incubation spaces on the second; and a high-tech accelerator with media labs and outdoor patios on the third. From small-batch production to tech-driven innovation, this state-of-the-art building will offer local entrepreneurs the infrastructure, resources, and inspiration to grow their businesses and create lasting impact.
What’s Next?
NDC is working closely with design and construction partners at LSE Architects, Tri-Construction, and Mortenson Construction to bring this project to life, with a financing close anticipated in early 2026 and construction beginning soon after. At every stage, NDC is committed to community-driven planning and partnership. As we move forward, we are actively seeking collaborators and supporters who share our vision: to catalyze investment in South Minneapolis, create pathways to ownership and opportunity, and set a national model for what equitable development can look like.