MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Two area construction firms have formed Kraus Anderson/Zuri 3, A Joint Venture to serve as the construction manager of the new Community Performing Arts Center (CPAC), an 8,000-capacity amphitheater operated by the Port of Minneapolis, LLC. The joint venture integrates Kraus-Anderson’s construction portfolio with Zuri 3’s community relationships.
Zuri 3 and Kraus-Anderson (KA) began conversations in 2023 on ways to work together on upcoming projects. Both companies share similar goals in prioritizing community interests, subcontracting, and workforce objectives.
“When we began the CPAC project, we were looking for a partner that has shared values and a great reputation on delivering quality projects. Forming a joint venture with KA is the perfect fit,” said Bernard Furlow, President and CEO of Zuri 3, a Black-owned commercial construction firm focused on diverse leadership and community impact. “The partnership will combine our extensive collective resources and expertise to deliver an exciting performing arts center for the community.”
CPAC is an initial phase of a plan to redevelop The Upper Harbor Terminal, a 48-acre site along the Mississippi River off I-94 and Dowling Avenue North in North Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Port of Minneapolis (POM), a joint venture between First Avenue and the Minnesota Orchestra, expects to host approximately 50 ticketed events annually. A portion of the ticket proceeds will be reinvested directly into the local community through a partnership with the African American Community Development Corporation, which will serve as the fund manager for CPAC. A community entity will manage the fund to explore and develop community programming, local vendor and entrepreneur opportunities, and youth jobs and career programs.
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In addition to musical acts, CPAC will also host year-round community programming in public spaces, with a focus on including Northside residents, businesses, and organizations.
CPAC will create more than 500 construction jobs, and once completed, amphitheater operations will employ more than 250 people. Additional Twin Cities companies involved in the project include NTH, the owner’s representative, and LSE Architects.
The amphitheater is scheduled to break ground this spring with construction expected to be completed in the summer of 2027.
