From machine shop to art haven, Northeast’s newest art gallery is a testament to adaptive reuse, environmentally sustainable design, and contemporary art.
On Thursday, Aug. 1, the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District will welcome the grand reopening of Midway Contemporary Art at 1509 Marshall St. NE. The gallery’s inaugural exhibition will feature a new collection of sculptures by New York-based artist K.R.M. Mooney.
Over time, this building has evolved with the industrial character of the neighborhood. What began as a machine shop has been everything from a limousine garage to garment business, hair salon and ice cream parlor.
Now, thanks to Midway Contemporary Art, it’s found a new calling as a hub for contemporary art and community library. This transformation, guided by b+ Architects, highlights the power of adaptive reuse, merging sustainable design with the charm of the original structure to create a dynamic, community-focused art space.
This isn’t just a renovation; it’s a complete eco-friendly overhaul. By integrating hemp-based insulation, recycled glass foam gravel, triple-pane windows, and a fully electric energy system, the building now stands as a model of climate resilience, comfort, and energy efficiency. Future plans for a timber addition made of locally reclaimed wood will function as the gallery’s education wing. It will offer an expansive art library, research initiatives, and education programs, further establishing the space as a vibrant community resource for years to come.
Midway Contemporary Art was founded in 2000 by a collective of practicing artists in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood. From its inception, the nonprofit organization has been dedicated to providing exhibition space for emerging artists and promoting access to contemporary art.
In 2007, they launched an art library and research archive, now boasting 12,000 volumes. This resource offers free, no-membership-required access to a treasure trove of art catalogs, periodicals, and reference materials. The art library will be accessible to all in September, at 1509 Marshall, until construction is finished in 2026. With the addition, the collection would have room to grow to over 30,000 volumes.
Midway Contemporary Art’s relocation promises more for the Northeast arts community: more exhibitions, more public lectures, more film screenings, more book launches, and more opportunities for creative collaboration. The gallery plans to host four to five free exhibitions annually, each showcasing innovative contemporary art for months at a time. For anyone interested in learning more about the workings of a nonprofit art space, they also offer internships and opportunities to volunteer.
The grand reopening of Midway Contemporary Art is a celebration of the potential of adaptive reuse to breathe new life into old structures. Public hours are Wednesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Experience a space where art and architecture converge the next time you’re exploring the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District’s Mississippi riverfront.
Discover the latest updates and engage with Midway Contemporary Art by visiting www.midwayart.org and following them on Instagram @midwayart.
By Jacob Dommer