While it can seem like the world is at a stand-still right now, this is certainly not the case for the Minneapolis architecture scene. We are seeing many new projects in the works for residential, commercial, and retail with scheduled completion dates this year. The pace of Minneapolis construction is rebounding to pre-pandemic levels and we’re excited about our hometown projects in the pipeline!
Check out our roundup of the top architecture projects in 2021!
Eleven
This boldly designed building is located in the Mill District and finds its origins in the Art Deco tradition echoing the designs of Minneapolis’ Rand and Foshay Towers. Eleven’s stepped-back crowns will create a striking silhouette to our skyline. Eleven’s double-height windows are inspired by its neighboring buildings, the Stone Arch Bridge and the Southeast Steam Plant. The development will house 118 condos, 12,300 square feet of commercial space, and 425 indoor parking spaces. Once completed, Eleven will be 550’ – making it the 7th tallest building in Minneapolis, and the tallest residential building. Eleven is located at 1111 W River Parkway and is anticipated to be complete in late 2021/early 2022.
Developers: Luigi Berndi of Arcadia LLC and Ryan Companies
Architect: Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA)
Engineers: MBJ, AKF Group
RBC Gateway
Another Minneapolis skyline-changing development, the RBC Gateway will be home to retail space, office space, luxury condos, and Minneapolis’ first 5-star hotel. The ground floor of the building will feature multiple lobbies, a coffee shop, restaurant, and retail space along with 526,000 square feet of Class-A office space above that. Four Seasons Minneapolis will feature 222 hotel rooms, a restaurant, bar, spa complex, and a pool deck. The Four Seasons Private Residences will include 33 luxury condos with Mississippi River views. Corporate office tenants include RBC Wealth Management, Pohlad Companies. Work on RBC Gateway is anticipated to be complete in early 2022.
Developer: United Properties
Architect: Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates
Engineer: Kimley-Horn
Construction: McGough
Affordable Housing in Harrison Neighborhood
Now more than ever, affordable housing projects are needed to meet the needs outside of the luxury housing market. Plans for this new building show that it will stand five-stories tall and will include 92 units of affordable housing, replacing all of the total units that will be lost for its development. Building amenities would include a playground, indoor community space, washers and dryers in larger units, and common laundry rooms on two floors. The property will have 163 surface parking stalls, according to the project’s filing with the city. The building will also feature one level of underground parking with 64 spaces. The $28 million projects will feature a “U” shaped building with an interior courtyard facing southward and away from Olson Memorial Highway. The new apartments will be next to Van White Boulevard station of the Bottineau light rail line. Construction on 461 Girard Terrace is anticipated to be complete in Spring 2022.
Developer: Community Development Housing Corp.
Architect: LHB
Construction: Frana Cos
Karmel Mall Expansion
The Whittier neighborhood is getting an expansion! Developer and building owner, Sabri Properties, is planning the $40 million expansion that will be constructed next to the original retail center. The eight-story building will include 21,146 square feet of retail space, 36,650 square feet of office space, and 113 affordable apartments. Currently, the mall houses 100 Somali shops and restaurants and also one of the largest mosques in Minneapolis. The mall itself is believed to be the first and largest Somali shopping center in the entire United States. The top floors will have 113 affordable housing units, 55 of which will be three- to four-bedroom units. These units are tailored to large families, who often struggle to find large apartment units, the developer told Finance & Commerce.
The building’s proposal also includes 529 spaces of both underground and above-grade parking in the interior of the structure, according to documents. Work on the new mixed-use building is planned to begin in early 2021 with construction anticipated to be complete in late 2022.
Developer: Sabri Properties
The Dayton’s Project
The iconic retail destination is reimagined into a modern mixed-use upgrade for our new Minneapolis! The Dayton’s Project covers over 1.7 million square feet of space that previously was home to Minneapolis’ Macy’s Department Store. The Dayton’s Building is officially listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The new project will include ten floors of office space, over 200,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space along with a 45,000 SF food hall curated by celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern. Additional amenities include a 10,000-square-foot fitness center, a library, and a “winter lounge” with a bar and rooftop patio access. This project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2021.
Developers: United Properties, 601 Companies, Telos Group
Architect: Gensler Minneapolis
Structural Engineer: MBJ
240 Portland Avenue Multi-Use
In total, there are three parts to this expansive project. The first is a 22-story mixed-use tower with 238 market-rate apartments, 5,400 feet of commercial space, and parking, the second is an affordable housing building that also includes parking, and the last is a new fire station.
An outdoor seating area and plaza and residential lobby would be located along Portland Ave S. The residential building will contain a 6- 6-story building with 90 dwellings of affordable units. The site is currently home to the Crooked Pint Ale House and Minneapolis Fire Department’s Station One. The project also includes a replacement Fire station on the site.
Developers: Sherman Associates
Architect: ESG Design
Engineer: Sunde Engineering and MBJ
These are just a few projects going on in the MSP area, and there are many more that are still in the proposal phase of development. We are so excited to see what other new additions and advancements are going to be added to our city in 2021!
Are you looking for architectural talent for your 2021 project? Konik PrimeStaff would love to work with you! Contact us today to learn more about our unique placement process and access to Minneapolis’ best talent