Corcoran

Corcoran was settled in 1855, and was organized on May 11, 1858. The city is named after Patrick B. Corcoran, the first schoolteacher, merchant, and postmaster of the town.

Patrick B. Corcoran was originally from Ireland, but moved to the United States in 1847, and to Hennepin County in 1855. The city of Corcoran was incorporated on December 4, 1948.

Situated east of the Powderhorn Park is the neighborhood of Corcoran. This community is named after William Wilson Corcoran (1793-1889) who was the founder of the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.. Connected to Downtown, the famous Mall of America, and the airport by light rail transit, this neighborhood is home to a diverse and growing population of Minnesotans.

Mostly a residential neighborhood, Corcoran has more than 60% of its land devoted to housing. Most of the cottage and bungalow style homes were constructed prior to 1920, and it continues to be a place where many families choose to make their homes. Residents can enjoy the local Corcoran Park and Recreation Center, playground, various athletic fields, a wading pool, and a volleyball court for year-round activities and opportunities. There are even new neighborhood murals which are springing up and making their marks as new landmarks of the community. Residents can also take advantage of the Midtown YWCA.

One of the special features of Corcoran is the Midtown Farmers’ Market, a relatively new project developed by the Corcoran Neighborhood Organization. Included in this market are products, produce, and other goods from more than 70 famers and vendors. More than 40,000 people come to take advantage of the wonderful offerings that the market has to offer.

Corcoran is a heart warming residential neighborhood in South Minneapolis. It has a diverse population as well as some dining and entertainment options in addition to quick access to downtown via Hiawatha Avenue. Anyone living her can easily bike and often walk to anything they should need and only step out for work or a night on the town in the more centralized communities. Lake Street between Cedar and Hiawatha Avenues is the height of business and other activities with everything from the local YMCA to Bright Moon Restaurant and Coffee to the Midtown Framer's Market. Those who love a good story can mosey on over to Frank Theatre for a live stage performance or to the Trylon Microcinema for some independent films made from local and out of town filmmakers.

One thing that is making Corcoran distinguishable from other Minneapolis neighborhoods is the emergence of murals all along the streets. Residents and visitors also have many options for outdoor recreation with Corcoran Park which has its own trail, swimming pool, baseball field and volleyball court. The property prices are a little contradictive since the houses for sale are listed at very low rates, seldom exceeding $140,000, but rental prices are a tad expensive. Like with many Minneapolis neighborhoods, the majority of houses here were built in the 1920's and tend to of be modest sizes. The population is a mix of ages with a slightly larger portion leaning to younger in college and out of college individuals. Families, though, can feel very much at home in Corcoran if they do not mind mixing in with the occasional young adult crowd.