A makeover of Red Andrews Park in Midtown will include replacing surface parking with more green space, park amenities, trails and lighting. [Drawing by Fitzsimmons Architects]

Red Andrews Park is set to undergo a $1 million transformation that Midtown community leaders hope will provide the downtown neighborhood with a space that will be used for more than basketball.

The park at 720 NW 8 is surrounded by new modern single-family homes, as well as the St. Anthony and Valir hospital campuses.

For years, the park has been home to the John L. Williams Municipal Gymnasium, which itself is already undergoing a $250,000 renovation. The next phase of work, expected to start this winter, is being funded with private donations, tax increment financing and city bond funds.

“Red Andrews Park is the only public green space in all of Midtown,” architect Brian Fitzsimmons said Tuesday during a presentation requesting the tax increment financing of $400,000. “It's been an active gymnasium for all these years, and it has also been active parking lot. The goal is to create a park instead of a parking lot.”