Brunsfield North Loop

What were the circumstances of receiving the commission for this project?

Brunsfield opened offices in Minneapolis to expand their brand to the United States. It just happened that the developer that would head up this project was a former architect whom I worked with in a previous firm. When we reconnected and realized his goals for the project we realized they aligned well with our firm.

Please provide an overview of the project.

This unique residential project is located in the Historic Warehouse District on the edge of downtown Minneapolis, in the popular North Loop Neighborhood. The project needed to contextually address the massing and materiality of this neighborhood but also stand out as a new modern facility to attract tenants in an extremely aggressive rental market. The 50 unit residential apartment building with a blend of studio, 1 bedroom, 1+ bedroom, and 2 bedroom units, has mixed use commercial spaces available at street level, and a conditioned 50-stall underground parking garage.

We worked closely with the developer to identify important amenities for residents within the project’s historic and urban context. Amenities include vegetable gardens, bike cleaning and workstations, a pet cleaning room, a fitness center, and a shared public lounge space. This is all supported with a richly landscaped site and courtyard, linking the project to the vibrant, urban, historic neighborhood.

What are the main ideas and inspirations influencing the design of the building?

The massing and site relationship were inspired from the surrounding context of warehouses with their large vehicular portals. This project captured the portal concept but made it into a pedestrian entry and garden reflecting the changing use of the site and area.

To what extent did the clients and/or future users of the building influence the design and the outcome of the building?

The client played an important role in the overall development of the project. He is both a developer and architect and he recognized the importance of good design. Great project come from great clients and this is an excellent example of that relationship.

Were there any significant challenges that arose during the project? If so, how did you respond to them?

During construction the specified metal panel was pulled from production. Luckily we had a great supplier that worked with us to ultimately provide a better project and still meet the project deadlines.

How does the building relate to contemporary architectural trends, be it sustainability, technology, etc.?

This building really focused on how a building meets the city at the side walk edge. The two story glass commercial space will become a beacon at night and provide activity at street level while the two story portal provides a pedestrian courtyard space for both residents and the public.

How would you describe the architecture of Minnesota and how does the building relate to it?

Minnesota has a legacy of great architecture firms and thus great buildings. We have been forced to design in extreme climate conditions that range from 20 degrees below zero to the upper nineties. Because of this we continue to develop and modify building envelopes that are extremely durable and weather resistant.

Email interview conducted by John Hill.