2. Physical Location/Context

The Basilica of St. Mary (BSM) is located at the convergence of several major traffic routes. The walls from Interstates 94-394 (east/west, northwest) surround the Basilica's lot. Hennepin Avenue runs through downtown Minneapolis right past the front door. Lyndale Avenue starts just south of the Basilica and connects with the Uptown neighborhood. A mile or so to the east Interstate 35W runs north/south, completing the set of major routes, all of which connect the Basilica to the entire metro area.

In addition, in each direction from the BSM there are significant centers of business and education. Dunwoody Institute is a world class technical college across I-94, and Minneapolis Community and Technical College is a block up Hennepin Ave. Just a few blocks to the northeast, the University of St. Thomas (located in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul) built a satellite campus to serve the downtown community. The center of downtown Minneapolis, just a few blocks NE, is the home of IDS Financial Services, Lutheran Brotherhood, Wells Fargo and Target among others. International Market Square is across I-94 to the north, the trendy Uptown district is south a few blocks, and a window shopping walk through Nicollet Mall is only a few block east. Each provides opportunities to buy all things hip, trendy, elegant, herbal, or exotic.

Theaters and art also abound in the area. Within a one-mile radius of the BSM there are 8 theaters, ranging from the big tickets like the Guthrie, Orpheum and State Theaters to the smaller Red Eye Collaboration and Theater Garage. Orchestra Hall is a 10-minute walk east through Loring Park. The Walker Art Museum with its indoor and outdoor collection is two blocks west.

The Basilica is also located in the religious center of Minneapolis near 9 other churches/religious organizations, including Baptists, United Methodists, Episcopalians, Unitarians, the World Mission Prayer League, Billy Graham Evangelical Association, and a Jewish Temple.

Walking to the Basilica from the east (on our way from parking at Orchestra Hall, headed for the Block Party), we passed through a large housing area of condos and apartments that looked like part of a recent urban renewal project. Between this upscale housing area and the Basilica is Loring Park, (which is the site of the gay pride festival a couple weekends before, and a few small trendy restaurants and coffee shops.

After our walk, it's our guess that this is a place where yuppies live - at least on the east side of the Basilica. People also drive in from the suburbs to shop, do the theaters and museums, work, or hang out at the park, so that adds to the mix. To the north is the downtown area. To the west are among the poorest neighborhoods in the metro area. This is the heart of the city and the Basilica has intentionally made itself part of that.