At the turn of 20th century, University Avenue emerged as a major transportation corridor, connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul. At the center of the corridor, the Midway district became one the Twin Cities' most prominent industrial hubs. And all along the 13-mile roadway, businesses serving the adjacent neighborhoods clustered around key intersections. But University Avenue fell into decline starting in the 1960 when a new interstate freeway, 1-94, provided a speedier and more convenient way of moving between the two cities, 1-94's economic blow was offset, at least in part, when new arrivals to Minnesota, many from Southeast Asia, injected fresh entrepreneurial energy into this aging transportation corridor. Today, University Avenue's historic role has been restored now that it serves as the route of a light-tail transit line connecting the downtowns of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Iric Nathanson tells the story of University Avenue using images from the Minnesota Historical Society, the University of Minnesota archives, the Ramsey County Historical Society, and the Hennepin County Library Special Collections.

Nathanson's most recent works include Minneapolis's Lake Street and Downtown St. Paul, both published as part of the Images of America series. The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.