What's Happening at the Historic Coliseum?
Minnesota paid leave act
SHAKE at the Coliseum Welcomes Back Governor Walz
When life’s most important moments happen, the state of Minnesota now has accessible solutions for small businesses. On January 6, 2026, Governor Walz hosted a press conference at SHAKE at the Coliseum Event Center to share an overview of the Minnesota Paid Leave Act (PFML) which became law at the beginning of the year. The PFML provides nearly all Minnesota workers including full time, part time, temporary and most seasonal workers up to 20 weeks of partially paid leave (12 weeks medical, 12 weeks family) for qualifying needs like serious illness, caregiving, or parental bonding, with wage replacement from 55-90% and job protection regardless of business industry or size.
Janice Downing, Co-Owner of SHAKE at the Coliseum and CommonSense Consulting at Work knows the benefit that this will bring to her staff allowing them time off to care for family if needed while ensuring that their employment is not in jeopardy. As a small human resources firm, this allows her to compete more competitively in retaining current and attracting future employees as compared to larger firms.
Some key features include:
Benefit Amounts: Partial wage replacement (55-90%), capped around $1,430 weekly in 2026.
Leave Duration: Up to 12 weeks for medical leave and 12 weeks for family leave, totaling a maximum of 20 weeks in a year.
Reasons for Leave: Care for a new child, a sick family member, own serious health condition, domestic violence, or military deployment.
Job Protection: Employees have the right to return to their jobs with continued benefits.
How It Works:
Apply: Submit applications to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) via their official website.
Provide Documentation: Medical certification or other proof of qualifying events is required.
Employer Notification: Employers must inform employees about their rights under the new law.
We are grateful for the servant leadership of Governor Walz and thank DEED Commission Matt Varilek, Minnesota State Representative Cedric Frazier and Senator Alice Mann for their role in creating and advancing this significant legislation that will help Minnesota working families.
Visit https://paidleave.mn.gov for more information.
PAST EVENTS
PAST EVENTS
Exhibit ends July 31st
Family: A Revolutionary Force
First Floor Event Space
Art collecting is no longer reserved for the elite. It’s a powerful, personal act of preserving culture, supporting community, and telling stories that matter. Family: A Revolutionary Force is an immersive art experience that spotlights the brilliance of local Black artists and challenges outdated notions of who art is for and who gets to collect it. Whether you're a longtime supporter of the arts or just beginning your journey, you’ll find powerful stories, bold creativity, and the opportunity to connect with the artists shaping our cultural future. All are welcome. Come curious, leave inspired, and perhaps with your first (or next) piece of art. Come for the art. Stay for the movement. Leave with a piece of the story.
Curated by Esther Callahan as part of the Soul of the Southside
Open Thursday’s July 24th & 31st from 3-6PM
June 19th 12-8PM
JUNETEENTH AT THE COLISEUM
Lake Street Block
Proud to be a Space Sponsor for Soul of the Southside 2025, the Coliseum has been reborn as a hub for BIPOC-owned businesses and cultural leadership. Its revival honors South Minneapolis' rich legacy of resistance and reinvention-making it the perfect setting for Juneteenth gatherings that celebrate both history and future possibility. Enjoy art, food, local vendors, and community conversations this Juneteenth at the Historic Coliseum-where culture, creativity, and connection come alive.
June 21st
A DAY AT THE COLISEUM
COLISEUM BUILDING
Join us for a powerful celebration honoring the women who shape our communities—from caregivers and aunties to artists and entrepreneurs. Featuring a one-mile walk that uplifts mamas of all kinds, followed by a full day of connection, culture, and community.
Event Highlights:
8–10 AM — Mama Parade (28th Lake St to 35th Ave and back)
10 AM–12 PM — Job & Wellness Fair (family-first careers + support)
12–2 PM — SHAKE Open House (tour the new space!)
2–9 PM — Krewe DuNord Festival (live music, food, and fun)
Recognitions
2025 Historic Rehabilitation Award
The Coliseum Building Receives 2025 Historic Rehabilitation Award for Major Community Impact
We are proud to share that Coliseum 2708 has received the 2025 Historic Rehabilitation Award for Non-Residential Development that Best Exemplifies Major Community Impact.
The award recognizes the remarkable transformation of the historic Coliseum Building in South Minneapolis. Once heavily damaged during the 2020 civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd, the building was initially declared a total loss. Nonprofit developer Redesign Inc. stepped in, partnering with three women and business owners of color to bring new life to the 73,000-square-foot, three-story structure.
Today, Coliseum 2708 is home to a dynamic mix of neighborhood-based commercial tenants. The redevelopment is expected to create nearly 300 permanent and part-time jobs, with a focus on supporting Black, Indigenous, and people of color entrepreneurs while providing valuable goods and services to the surrounding community.
This $28.2 million project was made possible in part by $8 million in federal Historic Tax Credit equity from U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation. These funds helped fill a critical gap and ensured that this historic landmark was not lost, but restored as a cornerstone of economic revitalization.
Coliseum 2708 stands as a testament to what is possible when equity, vision, and community come together.