The Decline of Washington Avenue

The Decline of Washington Avenue. . , [Captions:] , Razing of Gateway Building, corner of Hennepin and Washington, circa 1953 - view 1, Aerial view of Gateway area, circa 1962 - view 2, By the 1930s, flour milling on Minneapolis' riverfront was in decline. Its role as a regional economic center continued, but became more diversified. Technologies to harness waterpower and grind grain that were perfected in the 19th century gave way to new technologies in the 20th century. Power could now be produced by steam and electricity, allowing industries to relocate away from St. Anthony Falls near newer markets and population centers. Some of the old water-powered mills were converted but others closed., Railroads were still active, but trains became less and less frequent. In 1948, 72 passenger trains crossed the Stone Arch Bridge each day, but by 1978, the daily total dropped to only four. By the 1950s, the Gateway District, the area considered the birthplace of Minneapolis, had become its blighted backyard, full of vacant and underutilized land and buildings and isolated by a largely unused network of rail lines. Washington Avenue, which traverses the Gateway District, was considered one of the worst skid rows in the country. Forced to take action, the city tore down 14 city blocks in an urban renewal effort., Image Source: Minnesota Historical Society, Razing of Gateway Building, formerly Temple Court, corner of Hennepin and Washington. Photographer: Norton and Peel. Photograph Collection 7/29/1953. Aerial view of gateway area and beyond, Minneapolis. Photograph Collection 1962. Text Sources: Washington Ave: from the first street of Minneapolis to 21st century boulevard Timeline page 14. http://www.mnhs.org/places/safhb/history_midCentury.shtml.