Community Meeting After 50th & Bryant Fire

MINNEAPOLIS - Business and policy leaders in the Lynnhurst neighborhood of Minneapolis have organized a community meeting in the wake of a fire that destroyed a block of businesses at W. 50th Street and Bryant Avenue in southwest Minneapolis.

Last Thursday, a grease fire broke out in the kitchen of Heidi's restaurant, spreading quickly to other businesses in the same building. The building that caught fire was also home to Blackbird Cafe, Stacey's Jewelry Design, Patina gift shop and Patina's newest store, Shoppe Local.

No serious injuries were reported in the fire.

According to the Southwest Journal community newspaper, Kasia Organic Salon was set to have a grand opening Feb. 25, right across the street from the fire. But owner Kassie Kuehl decided to postpone to event in favor of a community meeting about the fire, telling the newspaper she thought a meeting would help begin the process of moving forward.

The Lynnhurst Neighborhood Association and City Council Member Betsy Hodges helped organize the meeting, set for 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kasia Organic Salon. The goal of the meeting is to discuss the loss and plan a rebuilding effort.

Read more reaction at SWjournal.com