The Minneapolis City Council is on the verge of a crucial decision as Thursday's vote approaches regarding whether to rebuild the streets surrounding George Floyd Square. This square holds significant historical and emotional value, as it was where city police took the life of George Floyd in 2020. The construction proposal drafted by city staff, based on community input, aims to rebuild the blocks of 38th Street South and Chicago Avenue that touch the intersection. The new roads will accommodate cars and buses while adding bike lanes, along with widened sidewalks, designated green spaces, and room for art and memorials.

Why Reimagine George Floyd Square?

Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Minneapolis operations officer, emphasizes the need to update the square's infrastructure. Feedback from some residents and business owners indicates a desire for change. "George Floyd Square needs to be re-envisioned … both to honor the memory of George Floyd and to really have the area that people live in be vibrant and also respectful of the events of the murder of George Floyd," she said.However, not everyone is in favor of the construction. Some residents push back, arguing that it will erase the community-run memorial and the ongoing chapter of protest history. Jeanelle Austin, executive director of Rise and Remember, highlights the significance of how people use the space. "George Floyd Square matters because of the way in which the people use the space, and the city is trying to systematically erase that," she said. She has collected thousands of items left by people, each carrying a piece of their love and heart.

Business Perspectives

Dwight Alexander, owner of Smoke in the Pit, a barbecue restaurant in the square, has noticed a slowdown in business since Floyd's murder. Old customers are unaware that the streets and businesses are open, and foot traffic has decreased. He hopes that new streets will attract more people and bring life back to the square. "We want the best for this neighborhood. We want to see the new development. Anytime you get something new in the city, everybody will come see it," he said.

Community Alternatives

Austin is part of a community group pushing for an alternative plan. They ask the city to give residents a year to come up with their own plan for road construction and street design. This alternative plan gained some traction in earlier council discussions. Council Member Jason Chavez agreed with protesters' calls to hold off on construction and invest in the neighborhood through housing or other local needs. "We're talking about tearing up a street without talking about the investments that 38th Street deserves and needs. I think there is a way to address the concerns that community members have," he said.

Long-Term Vision

Council member Andrea Jenkins has been advocating for more investment along the 38th Street corridor even before Floyd's death. She believes that road construction is a long-overdue need. "It's really important that we invest in this community to demonstrate that we do recognize the disinvestments that created the conditions that led to that murder, but also to lay a foundation so that we can create a place of social justice," she said at a council meeting last month.If the vote passes, city staff will draw up final plans, and construction is expected to start in the summer of 2025 and likely end in 2026. They will wait to break ground until after May 25, marking five years since Floyd's murder. If the proposal fails, construction will be delayed for at least a year, along with the later work on a memorial and the People's Way site.

The General contractor SR Construction has achieved a remarkable feat by delivering the $230m seven-storey West Henderson Hospital project in Nevada on time and within budget. This facility, which broke ground in March 2022, is now set to welcome patients this month. Bret Loughridge, the president of SR Construction, emphasizes the significance of this project. He states, "Beyond bringing a much-needed hospital to the community, this $230m project was significant for multiple reasons. Our team was presented with a desired budget and a project completion deadline. The plans had yet to be completed. We used our unique process, The ‘SR Built’ Process, to provide the owner with certainty in time and budget. We worked collaboratively with the design teams and the owner to develop a project solution that would accommodate the desired goals and the hospital was ultimately completed on time, and approximately 4% under budget." With a focus on efficiency and collaboration, the project utilized The SR Built Process to ensure a smooth construction journey and adherence to timelines. This approach promoted unity among all team members and trade partners, who participated as equal contributors in an interactive environment.

Unique Features and Benefits of the Hospital

The newly completed West Henderson Hospital is equipped with an extensive range of medical services. It features an emergency room with 36 bays, providing immediate care for patients in critical situations. The cardiology services offered ensure comprehensive heart care, with state-of-the-art equipment and expert medical staff. The radiology lab is equipped with the latest technology, enabling accurate diagnoses. The pharmacy is well-stocked to meet the medication needs of patients. Inpatient dialysis facilities are available for those with kidney-related conditions. Additionally, the hospital is equipped with the latest Da Vinci V advanced robotic surgery system, which offers precise and minimally invasive surgical procedures.The hospital has been designed with future growth in mind. The master plan allows for the expansion of up to 450 beds, ensuring that it can meet the increasing healthcare demands of the community. The initial phase of the hospital features 150 inpatient beds, comprising 30 intensive care units and 120 surgical beds. This provides a solid foundation for the hospital's operations. The overarching design also accommodates the potential addition of further operating rooms and radiology spaces to meet the growing needs of the community.

Construction Process and Team Collaboration

The construction of the West Henderson Hospital was a collaborative effort that focused on efficiency. The SR Built Process was implemented to ensure a smooth construction journey and adherence to timelines. This approach promoted unity among all team members and trade partners, who worked together as equal contributors in an interactive environment. The team faced the challenge of having the plans completed while working within a desired budget and a tight project completion deadline. However, through effective communication and collaboration, they were able to overcome these challenges and deliver the project on time and within budget.The General contractor, SR Construction, played a crucial role in coordinating the various aspects of the construction project. Their expertise and experience in the construction industry ensured that the project was completed to the highest standards. The design teams and the owner also worked closely together, sharing their ideas and expertise to develop a project solution that would meet the desired goals. This collaborative approach not only ensured the successful completion of the project but also laid the foundation for future growth and development.

Medical Services and Patient Care

The medical services offered at the West Henderson Hospital are designed to provide comprehensive care to patients. The emergency room with 36 bays is staffed by a team of highly trained emergency medical professionals who are equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies. The cardiology services include advanced diagnostic tests and treatment options for heart diseases. The radiology lab uses the latest imaging technology to provide accurate diagnoses and monitor the progress of patients. The pharmacy ensures that patients receive the right medications at the right time. Inpatient dialysis facilities provide a comfortable and safe environment for patients undergoing dialysis treatment.The latest Da Vinci V advanced robotic surgery system at the hospital allows for minimally invasive surgeries, which result in faster recovery times and less pain for patients. The hospital's design also takes into account the comfort and well-being of patients. The waiting areas are spacious and comfortable, providing a relaxing environment for patients and their families. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities to ensure the comfort of patients during their stay.