Following approval by the MPHA Board of Commissioners last month, MPHA is formally renaming the Sibley Triangle Apartments (616 Washington Street NE) to the Alice M. Geronsin Apartments in honor of longtime resident and community advocate Alice Geronsin.

The 35-unit building situated between the St. Anthony neighborhoods in Northeast Minneapolis was Alice’s home for 37 years. Alice was a pillar of the MPHA resident community, and she was a tireless advocate for the rights and dignity of all residents. She was an enthusiastic community builder equipped with a clear purpose and sense of humor, mentoring a generation of resident leaders in the building.

Fondly known as the “mother of the building,” Alice always provided a warm welcome to newcomers. She was an exemplary neighbor, looking after her neighbors as they were her own family. Alice showered her neighbors with care—making meals when they needed comfort and throwing parties to celebrate their life milestones. She also organized countless building dinners and events, including a Juneteenth event just last year.

“I saw in her a real advocacy for the community, and I looked up to Alice,” said Shirley Brown, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority resident. “She helped me realize that by advocating for the high-rise community, I was uplifting the residents but also myself. She really helped me grow into the individual I am today.”

For many years, Alice served as the building’s resident council president and was an active member of Minneapolis Highrise Representative Council (MHRC) committees and board. In these roles she regularly brought resident concerns to MPHA’s attention, advocated for resident management of laundry contracts, and helped shape the laundry room management system across all MPHA’s 42 high-rises. She was also an outspoken advocate for social services funding when Hennepin County threatened to cut the funding for in-building social work services.

“Renaming the building will inspire future generations to emulate [Alice’s] spirit of community service and dedication,” said Elie Maalouf, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority resident. “It would serve as a lasting reminder of the positive impact one individual can have on the lives of many.”

Building residents led the effort to get the building renamed after Alice passed away last fall, recognizing her unwavering dedication to improving the quality of life for her fellow residents. With overwhelming support by residents, staff, and commissioners alike, the initiative was presented to and approved by MPHA’s Board of Commissioners on February 26, 2025. This building renaming will be a lasting reminder of the impact one person can have on the community. It will act as a reminder to be a good neighbor and inspiration for creating positive impact on one’s community.