A view of the George Floyd mural at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue a day before opening statements in the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, who is facing murder charges in the death of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., March 28, 2
A view of the George Floyd mural at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue a day before opening statements in the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, who is facing murder charges in the death of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., March 28, 2021. Reuters / OCTAVIO JONES

The city of Minneapolis is negotiating to purchase an abandoned gas station in George Floyd Square in South Minneapolis to turn into a racial justice healing center.

The Speedway gas station is near where former Minneapolis Police Officer Dereck Chauvin killed George Floyd in May 2020. Floyd's death started a wave of protests across the country against police brutality and institutionalized racism. The four-way intersection where Floyd died has been renamed George Floyd Square and has become a memorial, home for activists and a healing location for the community.

Chauvin was found guilty of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the death of Floyd and will serve 22 ½ years in prison.

The gas station on the corner of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue has been renamed the "People's Way" by demonstrators. If the city of Minneapolis purchases the gas station, it would assume responsibility for environmental contamination and security.

If approved by the City Council in November, the city could own the gas station by December. It is currently unknown what the property will sell for or what the contract will look like. In 2010 the Speedway location sold for $1 million, but current assessments state the value at $585,000, according to Hennepin County records.

The plan to turn the dilapidated gas station into a racial justice and healing center was announced Monday evening during a South Side community meeting. The StarTribune reported mixed opinions of the plan from residents. While some people feel it is a positive move for an area that has faced economic hardship, others believe it infringes on the organically created memorial and active protest site.

During Monday's meeting, Minneapolis Director of Community Planning and Economic Development Andrea Brennan said there would be more public engagement with the site as plans are set in motion, and community input is wanted. The city of Minneapolis does not plan on owning the property long-term.