50th and France Offers a Unique and Neighborly Shopping Experience

Stroll the sidewalks at 50th and France, and the neighborhood’s brick-faced buildings, vintage-inspired shop awnings and quaint patio dining will convince you: This area remains a distinctive retail and restaurant destination.But the corner’s classic charm fused with its modern vibe doesn’t happen by accident. Area business owners, property managers, the city of Edina and the 50th and France Business and Professional Association work together to continually improve the appeal of the area. The result is a beautiful location with convenient access to a diverse array of unique shops, services and restaurants.The 50th and France Business and Professional Association exists to promote and beautify this business district as well as coordinate area events. The association itself dates back nearly 50 years, in conjunction with the district’s biggest event, the Edina Art Fair from May 31-June 2.Nearly 150,000 visitors are expected to stroll the streets near 50th and France during this year’s 47th annual Edina Art Fair. In addition to coordinating the art fair, the association works with area businesses to provide convenient shuttle service and promote special store sales during the event.This year’s art fair will feature a community art project, an enhanced kids’ art zone, a silent auction to benefit the Lupus Foundation of Minnesota, food court compost stations and a visit from Andrew Zimmern’s AZ Canteen food truck.The association also helps maintain the aesthetic appeal of the corner throughout the year. Streetscapes, flower planters, tree lights, improved parking and bike racks are just some of the ways 50th and France stands out as a beautiful and accessible Edina destination.People come from all over the Twin Cities to browse, shop and dine in the district, and the high quality of the corner’s shops and restaurants cannot be overstated. A blend of small boutiques and top national chains offer shoppers the latest trends and excellent customer service.Gene Haugland is president of Haugland Company, developer of 5000 France, an award-winning mixed-used development of retail and condominiums at 50th and France. We look for exciting, one-of-a-kind retailers,” he says. “Stores that do best at 50th and France are those that cannot be found elsewhere and that provide unique offerings to shoppers.” Haugland is interested in businesses that people would love to see in the community.The many great restaurants make the area a great dining location, along with the Edina Cinema, which has been around since the 1930s, says Haugland. “It continues to be a draw because it’s unique. 50th and France is a great spot for dinner and a movie.”“There is a little bit of every cuisine,” Boehm says. From coffee shops to wine bars, sandwich shops to full service dining, 50th and France offers a wide variety of cosmopolitan food flair. Red Cow is the latest eatery to open. Its gourmet burgers and wine service give hungry explorers yet another tasty menu option.Now if only you could live closer to all this upscale convenience—oh, wait. You can. Residents of condominiums like those at 5000 France are only a few steps away from great retail, restaurants and business services. But this is luxury living that isn’t pretentious, and doesn’t overpower the quaint feel; Haugland Company intentionally set the residence portion of its development back so it wouldn’t tower over pedestrians below. The design helps maintains a neighborhood feel.Attention to these types of details is what makes 50th and France a special place—big-city sophistication wrapped up in small town ambience. It’s upscale but not intimidating.