Update on University of Minnesota’s participation in North Minneapolis Child and Family Service Center
October 9, 2008
A message from University of Minnesota Senior Vice President for System Academic Administration Robert Jones.
“As a result of current and anticipated national, state, and local financial constraints, the serious economic downturn, and anticipated project costs, the University of Minnesota will not proceed with plans to be a tenant in Hennepin County’s North Minneapolis Child and Family Service Center that is being planned for the NorthPoint Health & Wellness Campus. It is simply not fiscally possible for the university to commit to a major capital project of this magnitude at this time. Dr. Dante Cicchetti, renowned children’s mental health expert, remains committed to serving the community, despite this change in facility plans.
The University continues to develop effective partnerships with the North Minneapolis community, the City, and the County, as evidenced by our financial commitment to the development of the Urban Research Outreach/Engagement Center (UROC). We have purchased and are renovating the former shopping center at 2001 Plymouth Ave. N. at a cost of $4.4 million, and will open the building in early summer 2009. UROC will not only anchor the university’s presence in the community, but will serve as a door through which North Minneapolis community members will have greater access to university resources and more opportunities to participate in collaborative projects to build a stronger community and healthier families.
Programs that will be located in the UROC facility include an Urban Area Health Education Center, early education programs of the Center for Early Education and Development, a new Center for Innovation and Economic Development, Extension programs for youth and family development, nutrition education, Master Gardener, and others. Space in the UROC facility will also be available for use by the community, including an office for the University Northside Partnership.
So, while we’re disappointed that our original plan is not possible, we are confident we can work together to deliver enhanced services, establish sustainable programs, and address critical issues facing this and other vital communities.”
Contact: Office of the Senior Vice President for System Academic Administration at svpsaa@umn.edu