The Future of the Peoples’ Way at George Floyd Square

Explore the future of the Peoples’ Way at George Floyd Square, the redevelopment process, safety concerns, and hopes for a welcoming community space.

10/28/20264 min read

The Peoples’ Way is an important part of George Floyd Square and the community surrounding it. Located at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, the former gas station has served as a place for gathering, community resources, and connection since George Floyd’s murder in 2020.

Today, the future of the Peoples’ Way is the subject of discussion among community members, local businesses, and the City of Minneapolis. People have different ideas about what the space should become, but its future matters to everyone who lives, works, and gathers in the neighborhood.

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The Peoples’ Way is the former gas station property at 3744 Chicago Avenue, across from the George Floyd memorial. Following George Floyd’s murder, the site became a gathering place for community members and people advocating for racial justice.

Over the years, people have used the space for gatherings and community resources. The site holds meaning for residents, business owners, artists, organizers, and visitors who have connections to George Floyd Square.

What Is the Peoples’ Way?

The City of Minneapolis purchased the Peoples’ Way property in 2023. In September 2026, the city issued a new request for qualifications as part of its search for a partner to redevelop the site.

A request for qualifications, or RFQ, asks interested organizations to provide information about their experience and ability to carry out a project. The city’s deadline for responses was October 19, 2026.

The redevelopment process has brought forward different views about who should lead the project, how the property should be used, and how its history should be honored. The future of the Peoples’ Way is still being discussed, and community involvement remains essential.

Plans for Peoples’ Way Redevelopment

For people who live and work near the Peoples’ Way, the future of the site is also a question of safety. Local business owners have raised concerns about harassment, fighting, and drug use in and around the space.

These concerns affect whether people feel comfortable visiting the area or using the community resources available there. The Peoples’ Way should be a place where people can gather and access support without feeling threatened or unsafe.

Business owners want to see clear responsibility for the care and management of the property. They hope redevelopment will address these concerns and create a welcoming space that serves the whole community, including people experiencing homelessness.

Safety and Care at the Peoples’ Way

The Peoples’ Way is connected to a neighborhood and a movement that means different things to different people. Decisions about its future should make room for those perspectives, particularly the voices of people who live, work, and gather at George Floyd Square.

Local businesses want to see the neighborhood thrive. They hope for a future where people feel comfortable gathering, accessing resources, and spending time in the area.

There are different visions for what the space should become. Community members deserve a meaningful role in shaping that vision so the site’s future reflects both its history and the needs of the people around it.

Community Voices Matter

The Peoples’ Way sits within a neighborhood full of small businesses, art, community events, and people who care deeply about George Floyd Square. Its future will affect more than one property.

A safe, well-cared-for space can support the surrounding neighborhood while giving people a place to connect. Clear responsibility for the property, attention to safety, and ongoing community involvement are important parts of that work.

The goal is a space where residents, visitors, and business owners feel welcome and where community resources remain accessible to the people who need them.

A Future That Supports the Neighborhood

The future of the Peoples’ Way is still being shaped. Stay informed, listen to community perspectives, and continue supporting the people and businesses that make George Floyd Square a place of connection.

Explore the neighborhood, attend an event, or take a tour to learn more about the history and community surrounding the Square.

Stay Connected to George Floyd Square

The Peoples’ Way has been part of George Floyd Square’s story for years. Its next chapter is an opportunity to honor that history and create a safe, welcoming space that serves the community for years to come.

Questions? Let Us Know