Building a More Resilient Future for South Minneapolis
Sabathani’s Community Energy Project is transforming our historic community center into one of Minnesota’s most innovative community resilience hubs.
By replacing aging fossil fuel infrastructure with geothermal heating and cooling, rooftop solar, battery storage, and energy-efficient building systems, we’re investing in a healthier, more sustainable future for the community we serve.
But this project is about more than energy.
It’s about ensuring Sabathani can continue providing essential services during power outages and extreme weather, reducing operating costs so more resources stay invested in community programs, creating workforce opportunities in the growing clean energy economy, and demonstrating that innovative climate solutions belong in every neighborhood—not just the wealthiest ones.
Together, these investments will help Sabathani serve South Minneapolis for generations to come.
Construction Update – September 2026
The Community Energy Project is entering its final stages, with the geothermal system expected to become operational in mid-October. Some construction on the building’s lower levels will continue through the end of 2026.
Current progress includes:
✓ Geothermal wells and outdoor underground piping completed
✓ Existing boilers safely removed and recycled
✓ Geothermal installation completed across much of the second and third floors
✓ Major mechanical equipment installed in the third-floor mechanical room
✓ Rooftop preparation underway for solar array installation
✓ Planning underway to restore the community garden and green space surrounding the geothermal well field
What’s next:
Over the coming weeks, crews will complete and test the geothermal system, continue work on the first floor and lower level, and move forward with rooftop solar installation. The geothermal system is expected to become operational in October, with remaining construction continuing through the end of the year.
Throughout construction, Sabathani remains open and continues serving the community while work is completed in carefully planned phases.
Extended crane
A Community Effort
The Community Energy Project has been made possible through years of collaboration among community organizations, government agencies, engineering partners, utilities, philanthropic foundations, and elected leaders who share a vision for equitable climate investment.
We’re grateful to the many funding partners who have helped bring this project from concept to construction, including:
- Center for Energy and Environment (CEE)
- City of Minneapolis – Health Department
- CenterPoint Energy
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Minneapolis Foundation
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- McKnight Foundation
- State of Minnesota
- Xcel Energy and Xcel Energy Foundation
Years in the Making
The Community Energy Project began as part of the 38th Street THRIVE Strategic Development Plan and has grown through years of community engagement, technical planning, partnership building, and fundraising.
Since its inception, the project has secured support from federal, state, local, philanthropic, and utility partners while expanding its vision beyond renewable energy to include workforce development, community resilience, and environmental justice.
Today, construction is underway on one of Minnesota’s most ambitious community-centered clean energy projects—one designed to serve South Minneapolis for decades to come.
Learning Together
As construction progresses, Sabathani has become a destination for community leaders, policymakers, engineers, students, and climate advocates from across Minnesota and around the country. Through tours, presentations, and partnerships, we’re sharing lessons learned and helping inspire equitable clean energy investments in other communities.
Stay Connected & Get Involved
If you would like to stay informed about the project or if you have interest in joining a community stakeholders group, please click here to sign up for email updates.
If you have questions, please email us at info@sabathani.org.