Minneapolis to rename First Avenue block Prince Rogers Nelson Way

The block next to the First Avenue nightclub will soon honor music legend Prince.

The Minneapolis City Council has approved making the commemorative street name Prince Rogers Nelson Way between North Seventh and Eighth streets.

City officials say the application was started by Sharon Smith-Akinsanya and Joan Vorderbruggen, the organizers of the Crown Our Prince Mural, which is set to be unveiled next week.

According to the city, the renaming celebration will take place on June 7, which would’ve been Prince’s 64th birthday.

“I’m thrilled that Prince is being immortalized on concrete with ink. Right across from his musical home that is First Avenue,” Minnepaolis City Council President Andrea Jenkins said in a statement. “Prince’s independent spirit, commitment to social justice, and his love for the Timberwolves makes this the perfect space for his image to live.”

“It’s bittersweet, really,” Smith-Akinsanya said. “It’s the seventh year of our efforts to get Prince recognized, and it’s only now finally happening. While I think it’s great how we are coming together to get this done — corporations, organizations, community leaders, city and state officials, and Prince’s family — Joan and I wish Prince was here to see it and smell his flowers.”

“It was important for Sharon and me to honor Prince in a way that would last for years to come,” Vorderbruggen added. “When we started on our journey to create the mural it just made sense for us to add the street naming, it truly is the icing on top.”