The City of Minneapolis has selected LSE Architects to design the new Minneapolis Democracy Center at 3000 Minnehaha Ave, the former third precinct police building. Today, the City Council voted to approve a contract with LSE Architects, Inc. for architectural, engineering, construction administration, and cost-estimating services.
“Third Precinct residents asked us to turn 3000 Minnehaha into a place where democracy thrives, and we listened,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “This milestone brings us closer to opening the Minneapolis Democracy Center, complete with voting services, civic‑engagement resources, and 8,000 square feet of space for community to gather. Together, we’re transforming this site into the welcoming space our neighbors deserve.”
“The Minneapolis Democracy Center will allow our Elections and Voter Services team to better serve the community in a new, centralized location,” said Casey Carl, City Clerk. “We're excited to work with Mr. Lawal to design a space that will empower our community with greater accessibility to the ballot box and our staff.”
The Minneapolis Democracy Center will house Elections and Voter Services as well as a large, ground-floor space for community use. This will include the Early Vote Center, offices for election staff, flexible space for election-related equipment and supplies and 8,000 square feet space available for lease to a community partner. The City’s community engagement efforts found 70% of respondents living within the 3rd Precinct support plans to create the Minneapolis Democracy Center.
"We have been fortunate to work on several projects across Minneapolis. To be able to transform the building at 3000 Minnehaha into the Minneapolis Democracy Center will be one the highest honors among them,” said Mohammed Lawal, CEO of LSE Architects. “We're excited to have been selected for the project and we're looking forward to working with the City and community on the path forward.”
LSE Architects, Inc. is a 50-person, full-service architecture, planning, and interior design firm based in Minneapolis. They were founded by Mohammed Lawal, Quin Scott, and Ron Erickson in 2011.
Clean-Up
Crews from Property Services and Public Works have been working on cleanup and maintenance of the site to make the building safe for workers and repairs. The City is currently working on the interior of the building, performing clean-up, replacing windows and doors and rebuilding the front entry at Lake and Minnehaha.
Next Steps
The design process for the Democracy Center will begin this summer and will incorporate community input. A conceptual design presentation will be made to the City Council later in the year. The project is anticipated to move into construction in 2026.