Crews from the City’s Public Works department have been working to restore vehicle and pedestrian access to the intersection of 50th Street and Penn Ave. following the Feb. 13, 2025 water main break. While continuing those efforts on March 13, potential signs of instability were noted at the mixed-use building at 2221 W. 50th St. As a precaution, the intersection was closed for further assessment.
The building has been uninhabited since the water main break, affecting Paperback Exchange (2227 W 50th St.) Terzo (2221 W 50th St.) and Sparrow Cafe (5001 Penn Ave S), and Theisen Renovation, plus Lake Harriet Florist, Scuba Center, and Lake Harriet Pizza next door. The water main break also flooded some homes nearby, including the home of Paperback Exchange owners Marion and Keith Hersey.
Over the past few weeks, public works crews have worked to repair infrastructure at 50th and Penn damaged by the water main break. That included the initial repair to the water main and work to repair the street, sidewalk, and traffic lights. Sub-zero temperatures and a snow emergency have presented challenges for crews. In mid-March, the city began building a temporary retaining wall to support the sidewalk and street while the building restorations were underway.
Crews will continue to work to stabilize the building’s foundation so that restoration work can continue.
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