The University of Minnesota’s new public safety center opened Friday in Dinkytown, a neighborhood where crime has become a major concern over the past few years.

School and law enforcement officials are hoping the new center will help address the issue.

“The hope is to really bring as much of the University and the resources we have available across the street there, bring it into Dinkytown,” said Nicholas Juarez, director of community engagement with the U of M Department of Public Safety.

A lot of construction has been happening in recent weeks to get the center ready to open at the former Kitty Cat Club near the corner of 14th Street and University Avenue.

“I think it makes me feel a lot better because I know there has been a lot of issues recently,” said Alyssa Nelson, a senior at the U of M.

Some of the issues facing the Dinkytown neighborhood in past years include young people tossing fireworks at property, a string of armed robberies including one during the middle of the day, and a deadly shooting.

“There was one time when there was the shooting just over there in one of those buildings. I was literally in my car as it happened just driving past,” Alyssa Nelson said.

“People are like, ‘Oh, you’re going to the U. Is it safe there?’ So it’s nice there’s some protection now” said Marci Nelson, a freshman at the U of M. 

The school says the building will be a central space for university officers who have stepped up patrols alongside the Minneapolis Police Department.

“This safety center opening today is an example that we are listening,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.

For the general public, the center will be open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays to serve as a community space for studying, self-defense courses and Somali Youth Link ambassadors. There will also be space for student legal services at the building.

Dr. Rebecca Cunningham, President of the University of Minnesota, says the safety center is a step in the right direction, but there’s more work to be done.

“My story and background is working with communities to be safer. I think we need to work with the local community and work on prevention tactics,” said Cunningham.

Friday afternoon, a group representing parents, students and businesses who pushed for increased safety in the Dinkytown area donated $10,000 to go towards the student center.

“By having police and presence here it does act as a deterrent and we believe that will help,” said Erin Brumm with the Campus Safety Coalition.

Many students say they’re still learning what it is, but they’re hopeful this space is a step towards a safer Dinkytown.

“It does make me feel a lot better, safer hopefully when I come out here,” Marci Nelson said.