Mixed-Use Multifamily
This developer owned, multi-family project was an integral piece of larger revisioning for this Minneapolis block. The reimaging of this city block encompassed a renovation of an existing warehouse/office into a boutique hotel and a repositioning of an adjacent office/restaurant complex. Through these changes, the intention was to re-invigorate this city block with new, pragmatic programs around the site.
This multifamily housing project was part of a broader redevelopment of the block, owned entirely by the developer. The total development included renovating an existing warehouse/office into a boutique hotel, as well as repositioning the existing adjacent office/restaurant building.
My involvement ran from schematic design into design development, tapering in construction documents. My role focused on exterior design, material selection, retail coordination, and unit development.
— Minneapolis, MN
— 6 Stories, 181 Units
— Completed 2018
Site Massing Diagram
Primary building mass
Soffit of main building mass over base.
Building base - weathered steel panels / glazing
Intermediate mass setback from main mass.
Primary building mass raised at intersection of Washington & Chicago, over main grocer tenant.
Cornice expression at street.
New hotel in converted warehouse building (not in scope).
Existing restaurant & office building integrated into new underground parking. (not in scope).
Street Level
Four retail bays for active uses around entire block.
Apartment entry.
Retail Lobby for grocer provides connection between inner-block parking and street.
Existing restaurant and office building with new connections to shared underground parking.
New hotel in converted warehouse. Hotel portion completed by another firm, but part of the same scope for financing and NPS historic designation.
Materiality
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Primary Building Skin
Cupped aluminum shingles in a random, variegated color/pattern allude to the brick historically used in the neighborhood while creating a distinct, modern aesthetic.
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Primary Base Material
The heavy, earthy quality of weathered steel panels grounds the project. Being at the most human scale portion of the project, this material is intentionally rich and detailed to enhance the pedestrian experience.
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Accent Material
Wood-look aluminum siding at inset balconies lends warmth to areas where private units interface with the exterior public realm.
Rather than a typical parapet, the design includes a small cornice as a nod to the existing historical buildings on the block.
The primary mass (clad in cupped aluminum shingles) rests above a weathered steel base. The mass sits proud of the base, indicating a change in both function and construction. It also creates a distinct shadow line and lends depth to the overall facade.
Main elevation at Washington Ave, with the ground-level grocer prominently shown with floor-to-ceiling storefront.
