Minneapolis/St.Paul Development News

[Mpls_9]

I post over at Minnescraper (FSUViking) and there's talk of a big apartment building that is in talks to be built by the new Twins stadium. I forget how many units, but we figure it should be between 30-34 stories tall.

Also, it appears that Mall of America Phase II is a go. Or close to it.

There are so many rumors going around now. From a potential 1000", a new TCF Tower, new Target tower, Opus building something, the commotion on Hennepin and 11th, Best Buy looking for a spot for a DT store.......lots to anticipate in the coming weeks/months.

[Paule]

That all sounds like great news MPLS but what about the Nicollet proposal? Have you heard any news?

[Mplsuptown]

^ETA 2023.

[Avian001]

Here are some general updates of a few projects in Minneapolis. The new Twins Stadium is covered under a separate thread.


University of Minnesota's Gopher Football Stadium (aka TCF Bank Stadium). Steelwork rising:

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7773/constrtcfstadium00kh2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/8472/constrtcfstadium01pv3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Masonry work begins on the colonnade:

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/8256/constrtcfstadium02ae9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Zenith Condominiums rising next to the Guthrie Theater, on Gold Medal Park:

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/2208/constrzenith01xr5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

View from Washington Avenue, showing the Aloft Hotel portion, with the newly completed Bridgewater condos in the background:

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/4269/constrzenith02ca3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Also on Gold Medal Park, near the Zenith, this project has been proposed to the city. It's the "Marmont Apartments."

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/7295/marmontrender011oa1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Phoenix on the River Condominiums (16 story luxury building):

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/1254/constrphoenix01qg5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/9831/constrphoenix04le9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

View from the Guthrie Theatre's cantilevered Endless Bridge:

http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/2874/constrphoenix03cl7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Eitel City Apartments. A great infill project on Loring Park downtown, and includes conversion of the old hospital building (right). A 39-story tower is slated for phase II of this project:

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/6321/constreitel01ip9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/6104/constreitel02om8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Renderings of Phase II:

http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/4518/eiteltowerrenderingsjr8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


35W Bridge. This is replacing the one that collapsed last August:

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/5300/constr35wbridge01fo7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/6044/constr35wbridge02gw9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/4233/constr35wbridge03zy7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Mplsuptown]

Nice job Avian and great clarity.

[Mpls_9]

That all sounds like great news MPLS but what about the Nicollet proposal? Have you heard any news?

Who knows. Hotel has been added and Minnescraper says ground breaking should happen by the end of the summer, but we've heard that before.

[Paule]

Who knows. Hotel has been added and Minnescraper says ground breaking should happen by the end of the summer, but we've heard that before.

Great! I just really like the design of the Nicollet and think even if they have to down size it a bit on order to get it built they should do it.

[Avian001]

^The Nicollet as it was originally designed is dead. The developer (Opus + Pratt/Ordway) is mum about the new plans. The original architect is no longer involved. Rumor had it that the new design would incorporate a hotel & offices, along with condos. The site is directly across the street from the world HQ of Target.

[Paule]

^The Nicollet as it was originally designed is dead. The developer (Opus + Pratt/Ordway) is mum about the new plans. The original architect is no longer involved. Rumor had it that the new design would incorporate a hotel & offices, along with condos. The site is directly across the street from the world HQ of Target.
Bummer

I take it they haven't released any renderings of the new design yet?

[vgmLiquid]

Update on construction of the Elliot Park Hotel as seen from the Foshay (photo by bapster on minnescraper). It is in the dead center of the photo if you can't see it.

http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/elliot_park_hotel_5_8_08_200.jpg

[vgmLiquid]

Rumors are floating around about a possible development of a soccer specific stadium in an urban setting someplace in Minneapolis or St Paul. The Minnesota Thunder and Minnesota Lightning (mens and women teams) were sold to a European company that is serious about holding one of the most competitive soccer franchises in North America. Perhaps a bid to turn the Thunder into an MLS team?



-----------------

10/18/07 - Thunder and Lightning Announce New Ownership Group

Owners Set Eyes on Soccer Specific Stadium within Four Years

Manny Lagos Promoted to President and Director of Soccer Operations



ST. PAUL, Minn. (Thursday, October 18, 2007) – The Minnesota Thunder and Lightning Soccer teams (part of the United Soccer Leagues – USL) confirmed today that both franchises were acquired by a new ownership group, WingField Corporation N.V., based in Brussels, Belgium and headed by St. Paul native Dean Johnson and Dutch national Henk Habers. The new ownership group is committed to bringing championship soccer back to Minnesota and building a permanent home for both teams.



“We are extremely excited about where these two franchises are heading under the new ownership,” said Thunder president and director of soccer operations, Manny Lagos. “Dean and Henk are passionate about Minnesota, the sport of soccer, and expanding on our 18 year tradition of community involvement in the Twin Cities. They are also committed to putting together entertaining, competitive teams with an emphasis on winning USL championships as well as playing top international soccer.”



On August 29, 2007, WingField purchased the Thunder and Lightning from previous owners Saeed Kadkhodaian and Jim Froslid who had assumed ownership of the club in the spring of 2005.



“We want a to have one of the most successful professional soccer franchises in North America and want to give the Thunder and Lightning the resources to achieve this,” said Dean Johnson. “Currently, we are evaluating various options and sites in the Twin Cities for a permanent home for the Thunder and Lightning.”



In the interim, the Thunder continues to search for a new venue. Discussions are ongoing with respect to several sites and a decision will be made in early November on where the team will play in 2008.



“The Thunder has already established a rich tradition of success on the field and in the community,” said Johnson. “We expect to build on this long-tradition of success through a continued and expanded presence among youth soccer players in Minnesota. In fact, it is this strong integration and identification with the community that attracted Henk and me to the USL instead of exploring an MLS association.”



Henk Habers explained, “As in the past, the club will develop young soccer players within the USL ‘pyramid’ structure, which is a great way to lead them to the top level of soccer with our club. They will love the game and new lifestyle of the Thunder and Lightning which we will introduce along with international opportunities we intend to develop.”



“We have made great strides in the past three seasons with our camps and our relationships in the community especially with MYSA (Minnesota Youth Soccer Association),” said Thunder and Lightning general manager Djorn Buchholz, “Our goal is to strengthen and build on all of our past partnerships.”



“The 76,000 plus youth soccer players in Minnesota are very fortunate to have a professional men’s and top level women’s soccer team in the state and the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association is excited about the new ownership of these teams,” said Candace Daley, executive director of MYSA. “We look forward to seeing the level of play and attendance at these games continue to grow.”



“We appreciate immensely the loyalty and support of the Thunder and Lightning fans over the past years and are extremely pleased to be able to bring back the prospect of quality soccer they deserve,” Johnson concluded.



Dean Johnson, originally from St. Paul, Minnesota graduated from Hamline University and completed his graduate studies at the Ruhr-University in Bochum, Germany. He has over 25 years of experience in various areas of finance including capital markets, corporate finance, structured finance, treasury advisory and real estate finance.



Habers has 26 years of experience in the hotel, tourism, and leisure industry. He earned a BA degree in finance, economics, and general management from the International Institute for Hospitality and Management, The Hague, and has 15 years management experience in top sports like basketball and motor sport racing.

http://www.mnthunder.com/igsbase/igstemplate.cfm?SRC=MD006&SRCN=articledetails&GnavID=10&SnavID=48&TnavID=&NewsID=355&NewsCatIDdisplay=&KeywordSearch=

--------------------------------

05/12/08 - Minnesota Thunder to Move Home Field to Blaine's National Sports Center

Track to be removed and playing surface moved 80 feet closer to the existing stands; all four sides enclosed to create intimate soccer venue



ST. PAUL, Minn. (Monday, May 12, 2008) – The Minnesota Thunder announced today that the team has signed an agreement with the National Sports Center (NSC) to help expand NSC Stadium at the complex in Blaine, where it will play its home games effective immediately. The next home game will be Saturday, May 24, at 7:35 p.m. against Miami.



For the past four years, the Thunder has played its home games at James Griffin Stadium at St. Paul’s Central High School. After exploring all options to remain in St. Paul, the team made its decision to make an interim move to Blaine while continuing to work on plans to build a permanent Twin Cities soccer facility in an urban location.



“The people of St. Paul have been tremendously supportive of our team and our goal to bring premier level soccer to the community,” said Dean Johnson, owner of the Minnesota Thunder. “We considered every possible option to stay at Griffin Stadium as we continue to improve the quality of the team and enhance the fan experience. Unfortunately, we could not find a solution that worked.”



NSC Stadium

Work is already underway to remove the jogging track between the field and the seating area. Crews will then extend the playing field towards the main grandstand by approximately 80 feet. The other three sides of the venue will be enclosed with additional bleachers to create an intimate soccer atmosphere. The expansion project will also create new fan-related amenities and additional concession areas. When completed, the venue will be more comparable to other United Soccer Leagues (USL) facilities. The upgrades are scheduled to be complete by July 1, 2008. When completed, the facility will have the capacity to hold up to 12,000 fans with potential expansion to hold 20,000 fans.



“We are very excited to have the Minnesota Thunder return to our complex and have the opportunity to make a great soccer venue even better,” said Paul Erickson, executive director of the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission, which manages the NSC. “We share the Thunder’s commitment to bringing soccer to the next level in Minnesota and expanding soccer’s popularity across the entire metro area.”



Reasons for the move

In addition to logistical concerns about Griffin Stadium, another key issue that led to the Thunder’s move is the USL’s requirement that teams play in venues that are specifically dedicated to soccer. Griffin Stadium is a multi-use facility that hosts a variety of sports and events. The USL has been strongly encouraging teams to improve the quality of the on-field performance and supporting efforts to improve the overall fan experience.



“With this move, the Thunder will be playing in one of the top venues in the USL,” said Tim Holt, Executive Vice President of the USL. “The Thunder will join the ranks of the rest of the USL First Division clubs that play in soccer-friendly venues and we are excited for them to showcase their talent on and off the field in a venue intended for the sport of soccer.”



Nike now owns the USL after buying former USL owner Umbro last year.



“This decision is one more example of the Minnesota Thunder’s commitment to bring world-class professional soccer to Minnesota,” said Manny Lagos, Minnesota Thunder president. “The league is raising the bar on what it expects from each team. We are investing money and energy into the quality of our team on the field. The other key element of our plan is to offer more to our fans than was possible at Griffin. The NSC Stadium has more room for fans, more amenities and concessions, and will bring us to the next level.”



The Thunder signed a contract to play at the NSC through 2011. Meanwhile, team owner Dean Johnson is planning for the team’s return to an urban setting. “We are committed to building a permanent home for the Thunder at a new professional soccer stadium in the Twin Cities,” he said.



About the National Sports Center

The NSC is a 600-acre multi-sport facility located in Blaine, Minn. The campus includes the Schwan Super Rink, an eight-sheet ice arena that is the world’s largest ice facility; a soccer stadium; the Schwan Center meeting and convention building; a multi-faceted family golf center, the National Youth Golf Center, which features the 18-hole Victory Links course; an indoor Sports Hall: a 150-bed residence hall; and 52 soccer fields. The facility hosts nearly 300 events annually and is projected to welcome four million visitors in 2008, making it the most-visited sports facility in Minnesota. The NSC generates over $37 million in annual out-of-state economic impact.



About the Thunder

The Minnesota Thunder was founded in 1990 and is playing its 19th season. The Thunder is one of the longest standing soccer franchises in the entire country. WingField Corporation purchased the Minnesota Thunder in 2007. For more information, visit mnthunder.com

http://www.mnthunder.com/igsbase/igstemplate.cfm?SRC=MD006&SRCN=articledetails&GnavID=10&SnavID=47&TnavID=&NewsID=403&NewsCatIDdisplay=&KeywordSearch=stadium

[Sirus]

Hines marketing next downtown skyscraper
Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal - by Sam Black Staff Writer

Hines Interests has gained control of a parking lot in downtown Minneapolis where it hopes to develop a 1 million-square-foot office tower that could rival the city's tallest buildings.

Houston-based Hines has reached an agreement with The 614 Co. of Minneapolis, a small family-owned real estate company, to jointly pursue a development project on a half-block site along Marquette between Ninth and Tenth Streets South.

The project could potentially affect the Schmitt Music Building, or its famous exterior, which features a block-long mural of complicated piano music.

Hines is "rolling up its sleeves" and going "full speed" designing and marketing the tower, which would rise between 50 and 60 stories, said Bill Chopp, senior vice president - operations and head of Hines' Minneapolis office. The tallest building in downtown Minneapolis today is 225 South Sixth, which has 53 floors of leasable space, not including the mechanical systems or the distinctive halo atop the building.

http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2008/06/02/story1.html?b=1212379200

There's more to the article, but you need to have a print subscription to access it.

[cmj2k2]

Hopefully it is taller or slightly shorter than the big 3 ^^^

We don't need another at the exact same height

[Mplsuptown]

At least there's more speculation of a new tallest. This along with a few others brings further creedance something might start before then end of the decade.

[Double]

Based on how fast the Nicollet filled up, I'm sure this one will break ground before the end of the year.

[vgmLiquid]

http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2008/06/09/daily9.html

The metro area might be adding another minor league baseball team. A group of investors is looking to build a $27 million dollar 7,000+ seat stadium in the southern suburb of Burnsville. The team would be called the Metro Millers (carrying on the tradition of the original minor league team in the metro that shut down when the Twins came to town, the Minneapolis Millers). This will be the third professional baseball team in the Minneapolis metro area which already include the Minnesota Twins (MLB) and the Saint Paul Saints (American Association of Independent Professional Baseball).

The Metro Millers will be part of the Northern League, one of the oldest independent professional leagues. The St Paul Saints are also part of an independent league.

This is really nice because now we have two options for minor league baseball. The Saint Paul Saints rank #2 in overall attendance for an independent baseball team and usually sell out their games. This might be indication that we can absorb another minor league team. On the contrary, the Saints have been looking to build approximately a 10,000 seat stadium from my understanding in Downtown Saint Paul (Saints and Thunder would build stadiums next to each other downtown...so a soccer specific stadium and a baseball stadium next door). I hope the Metro Millers do not interfere with those plans.

Apparantly there is no public money involved for the Metro Millers stadium, so I think this is going to happen.

[Paule]

Based on how fast the Nicollet filled up, I'm sure this one will break ground before the end of the year.
:lol:
The Nicollet was mostly all condo and hotel, this new proposal is all office space. At least there are people in the Cities with a vision and a willingness to build taller than the big 3. Although with the floor range of 50 to 60, I couldn't imagine it being significantly taller if built.

[vgmLiquid]

:lol:
The Nicollet was mostly all condo and hotel, this new proposal is all office space. At least there are people in the Cities with a vision and a willingness to build taller than the big 3. Although with the floor range of 50 to 60, I couldn't imagine it being significantly taller if built.

I am hoping that a condo/hotel tower will be built on the Nicollet site just to get more people living in the heart of downtown rather than just in downtown.

[meh_cd]

Hines marketing next downtown skyscraper
Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal - by Sam Black Staff Writer

Hines Interests has gained control of a parking lot in downtown Minneapolis where it hopes to develop a 1 million-square-foot office tower that could rival the city's tallest buildings.

Houston-based Hines has reached an agreement with The 614 Co. of Minneapolis, a small family-owned real estate company, to jointly pursue a development project on a half-block site along Marquette between Ninth and Tenth Streets South.

The project could potentially affect the Schmitt Music Building, or its famous exterior, which features a block-long mural of complicated piano music.

Hines is "rolling up its sleeves" and going "full speed" designing and marketing the tower, which would rise between 50 and 60 stories, said Bill Chopp, senior vice president - operations and head of Hines' Minneapolis office. The tallest building in downtown Minneapolis today is 225 South Sixth, which has 53 floors of leasable space, not including the mechanical systems or the distinctive halo atop the building.

http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2008/06/02/story1.html?b=1212379200

There's more to the article, but you need to have a print subscription to access it.

You guys need a good one with a 1000 foot roof. It'd be neat to have one in this area of the country.

[cmj2k2]

^ For sure.

Also would like to see the metrodome area developed, along with "Twinsville" developed around the new Twins stadium.. and with the passenger rail projects, could be quite the impressive downtown.

[Avian001]

Update on the progress of a new Minnesota Vikings Stadium in downtown Minneapolis

The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (which operates the Metrodome) is issuing Requests For Proposals for a new billion-dollar stadium. The intent is to have an architectural/engineering team in place before the Commission goes to the state legislature next winter.

The Vikings would play in the new University of Minnesota football stadium during the construction process in 2010-2011.

Full story here:

http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2008/06/23/daily38.html

[Somnifor]

Does anyone else think a billion dollar stadium is unrealistic in the current economic climate? That is going to be a tough sell at the capitol.

[Badgers77]

Does anyone else think a billion dollar stadium is unrealistic in the current economic climate? That is going to be a tough sell at the capitol.

Not to mention with two new stadiums already being built, a billion dollar deficit, and not a whole lot of hope on the economic horizon...

[Mplsuptown]

The Penfield is no longer because of lack of condo owners, stay tuned for possible reworking - maybe apartments? If so though I doubt it will be as nice looking.

[Mplsuptown]

Update on the progress of a new Minnesota Vikings Stadium in downtown Minneapolis

The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (which operates the Metrodome) is issuing Requests For Proposals for a new billion-dollar stadium. The intent is to have an architectural/engineering team in place before the Commission goes to the state legislature next winter.

The Vikings would play in the new University of Minnesota football stadium during the construction process in 2010-2011.

Full story here:

http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2008/06/23/daily38.html

I've never played Fantasy Football but this might be a start, oh wait isn't this already in OT?

[Avian001]

Here's one of the RFPs, from Ellerbe Becket Architecture/Engineering. They are proposing a "reconstructed" Metrodome.

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/8498/metrodomereconstructionqx7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/4836/metrodomereconstructionpc3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Avian001]

Here's another update to a new office tower for Minneapolis:

Hines Plans 1M-SF Tower, Banks on Tenant Growth

http://www.globest.com/news/1176_1176/minneapolis/171460-1.html

By Robert Carr

June 11, 2008

MINNEAPOLIS-Hines Interests, which owns and/or manages more than five million sf in the city, including 225 S. Sixth, 50 S. Sixth, Wells Fargo Center and US Bank Plaza, is looking to construct another million sf tower. The Houston-based company has signed with the 614 Co., based here to build the new office building on a half-block along Marquette, between Ninth and 10th Streets S.

Bill Chopp. SVP of operations and head of the local office of the firm, tells GlobeSt.com that the property could cost about $300 per sf to build, or about $300 million. He says the discussion is very preliminary, however, as no rendering has even been drawn yet. The building will likely be more than 50 stories, and would be one of the tallest towers in the Downtown.

[Mplsuptown]

^dtd June 11th. Breaking news folks. Avian ...I know you're trying to keep things up to date so thanks. Shows you how much we like to update here I guess.

[Dale]

Sounds like things are heating up a bit.

[Sirus]

^dtd June 11th. Breaking news folks. Avian ...I know you're trying to keep things up to date so thanks. Shows you how much we like to update here I guess.

I think we've all been burned too many times lately that everyone is afraid to jinx the projects by posting them here. ;)

[Dale]

Still, you've got to like the chances of a Hines project, and particularly an office project.

[Avian001]

I think we've all been burned too many times lately that everyone is afraid to jinx the projects by posting them here. ;)

LOL so true. But what the heck, it was in the papers so it's gotta be true, right?:)

[SRG]

We've been discussing and comparing Minneapolis and Denver's urban qualities over on the Okie urban forum. In case others are interested in what's being said about Minneapolis around the nation:

http://oktalk.net/bb/index.php?topic=3175

[vgmLiquid]

^haha, I took a look at what people are saying. Fun to read an outsiders perspective. You should mention we have a little place called Saint Paul a few miles away. I think people forget that it exists.

Anyways, on other news...

Minneapolis is going to be creating its own Walk of Fame on Hennepin Avenue in the Theatre District from my understanding. Instead of using regular stars it will be the North Star symbol which I believe is the same star on the floor of the state capital building (i think it has 8 points instead of 5). It will be starting with three initial stars and continue to add more on a regular basis which will eventually include the likes of Bob Dylan, Prince, Steve Zahn, Vince Vaughn, Josh Hartnett, Jessica Biel, etc...

Anyways, it is an interesting concept that will give locals something to be proud of and visitors another thing to look at while they are here.

[Mplsuptown]

Lunds part of new project downtown.

http://www.startribune.com/business/26284959.html?location_refer=Homepage:latestNews:4

Lund Food Holdings Inc. said today that it plans to build a supermarket as part of a mixed-use project being developed on Hennepin Avenue between 10th and 11th streets.

Construction of the store will begin next fall; no completion date has been set yet, according to Aaron Sorenson, spokesman for the Edina-based supermarket chain. The 30,000-square-foot store will be on the ground level of the project being developed by Alatus Management.

The other elements of that development should be determined in the next month or two, according to Alatus partner Bob Lux. He said it will include housing but otherwise declined to comment. Area real estate sources have said Alatus is known to also be considering office space and an all-suites hotel

[The anti-cheesehead]

We've been discussing and comparing Minneapolis and Denver's urban qualities over on the Okie urban forum. In case others are interested in what's being said about Minneapolis around the nation:

http://oktalk.net/bb/index.php?topic=3175

Interesting.

Railguy:

"Denver has so much more history, lore, and legend than Minneapolis."

I never understood how people can talk out of their ass, mine doesn't function that way. :)

Denver has so much more history? I don't know how that can be considering Minneapolis was a larger city earlier than Denver. St. Paul was too.

http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0027/tab12.txt

http://www.peakbagger.com/pbgeog/histmetropop.aspx

Copy and paste into the address bar if the links don't work.

[cmj2k2]

That is truly talking out of your ass

[haldcottingham]

How did talk of Denver make it into this thread?

[Avian001]

The historic, c. 1929 art deco building, Foshay Tower (447' - 605' with spire) has officially re-opened as a W Hotel (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/index.html) as of yesterday.

Supposedly it was a challenge to the interior designers, since each guest room was 4 inches smaller than the one below it due to the taper of the tower...

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/1214/foshayw01gx9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
By Renee Jones Schneider, Star Tribune

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/6277/foshayw02jn8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Photo by forumer Downtowner at Minnescraper.com

Up until 1972, this was the tallest tower in Minneapolis.

http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/5606/skylinempls07awc1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Mplsuptown]

That last picture really shows the skyline nicely and I'm so glad that the Foshay found a new use since it's use as a modern day office building had run its course. Also the new hotel name W is just a M (for Minneapolis) upside down.

[Nordeaster]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/epmd/2759298497/in/pool-tc

Another pic of the Foshay now as the W Minneapolis.

[The Voice of reason]

I posted this on Urban Planet with no response, and have tried to join Minnescraper, but the admin has not yet approved my membership. So I must post this here as well.

If anyone is a minnescraper member please see if the people running the show over ther are asleep at the wheel. I have used work and personal e-mail, and tried contacting them, and nothing.

so here goes...


I might be moving to Minneapolis in the coming months. There is no set time line as of now.

I was wondering if the kind people of the Twin cities could give me some info.

I am not sure where I would be working but I would assume downtown. My wife would be at Polaris Industries HQ out on 55 in Medina.

We have never lived in a true downtown setting, and are seriously concidering renting downtown for say 6 months before buying.

I have been to minnescraper.com and have been trying to register there, but in the mean time was hoping that I could get some info here.

How long would my wifes commute be to Polaris HQ from downtown?

how about in winter?

I am not at all worried about the cold or winter I am from upstate (Potsdam) NY and I know 70 Below but I am worried you people might hybernate like Potsdam NY used to in Jan/Feb. is the city still happening in the dead of winter?

What areas of downtown are most vibrant in the evening? How about on week days/nights. Week nights in the winter?

I want to be able to walk to work or maybe ride a bike or something. Maybe ride the LRT. Mainly I do not want to drive and we know my wife has to drive.

If I were to buy downtown the Mill district seems like it might be the best in terms of potential future, but Loring park seems potential filled as well. and all ready has a lot of housing near it. cheap housing. The wharehouse district seems to be a bedroom community is this true? what are your opinions?

I do not want to walk past countless blocks of flat parking lots to get to work. I want to feel connected to the city but at the same time safe. Mainly I want my wife to feel safe if she were to go for a walk without me, or walk our future hypothetical dog.

If my wifes commute would end up sucking, We would need to find something on the West side of Minneapolis.

any nice towns on the west side? no, not burbs, but towns with main st and walkable shops with resturants?

We like to go out to dinner 1-2 times a week, but also love to cook so access to a grocery store would be key. it shouldnt be a problem with my wife working out 55, I am sure there is a store on the way home for my wife, but at least a produce market would be nice nearby.

any ideas, questions responses whatever?


Cheers

[colink]

I'm biased here but you might want to check out the Bryn Mawr neighboorhood. It doesn't have everything on you list but it is a GREAT location thats only 5 minutes (by car) west of downtown. I ride the bus downtown to work and it usually only takes about 15 minutes including all of the stops. It also has easy access to both Highway 55 and 394 which take you into the western suburbs.

There are 2 coffee shops, a pizza place and small grocery store (expensive and not much fresh produce) as well as some other small businesses.

It's also about 5 minutes to the farmer's market and right next to the Cedar Lake Bike trail.

There are a lot of transplants in this neighborhood and they love it. I've actually made friends with people on the bus who are from New York, San Fran and Sydney.

It might be difficult to find rental housing but I know there are several duplexes in the neighborhood.

In a nutshell, it's quick access to all that downtown has to offer with a small-town neighborhood feel.

[vgmLiquid]

I'm not particularly an auto-sports fan, but there has been a proposal for Big Lake for a top-end motorsports complex to be built to accommodate upwards of 150,000 fans for a variety of events like drag racing, indy style races, or nascar races. I guess it will cost around $200 million. It will be interesting to see if this is built. The Northstar Commuter rail goes from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis, so this could actually be accessible and have the space to accommodate the noise levels.

http://www.startribune.com/local/north/27230094.html

http://stmedia.startribune.com/images/765*492/1biglake082208.jpg

[Minneapolitan]

Ugh, another way for Americans to waste fuel. Gross.

[cmj2k2]

^^ Like they aren't already doing it?

[Minneapolitan]

That's why I said another...as in another race track built = more wasted.

[cmj2k2]

Is there anything going on in Minneapolis? Don't link me to Minnescraper, as its impossible to find development updates on there between all the conversation in the threads.
:cheers:

[Dale]

Ugh, another way for Americans to waste fuel. Gross.

This is to inform you that your gender card is under review. This is racin', man! :bash:

[vgmLiquid]

Is there anything going on in Minneapolis? Don't link me to Minnescraper, as its impossible to find development updates on there between all the conversation in the threads.
:cheers:

Yeah, i'll post a comprehensive update once i get a chance and this gets onto a new page so it will be at the top versus the bottom.

There are a few developments that have been approved, primarily around the University of Minnesota, that intend to supply additional student housing. Beyond that there are like 10 rumored projects it seems that are all fairly substantial. I think it will just be a matter of time to get out of the current credit crisis...or at least until we see how it will end up...before we see anything start up.

[vgmLiquid]

Updates:

Minneapolis:

Orchestra Hall
http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2008/09/22/daily16.html

Manager for the $90 million expansion and redevelopment of Orchestra Hall has been announced. The project will include a major expansion of public spaces and a restaurant on the Peavey Plaza. The project is scheduled for completion in 2013.

Northstar Commuter Rail
http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2008/09/22/daily12.html
Rates have been announced for the commuter rail line. The line is scheduled to start service in 2009. The Hiawatha LRT expansion to the Northstar I believe will be ready for 2009 also.

35w Bridge
The bridge is operational.
http://stmedia.startribune.com/images/746*500/M4286837.JPG

Washington Avenue Bridge
http://mndaily.com/2008/09/24/depth-washington-avenue-bridge
This bridge is in serious trouble. This bridge is the direct connection for the University of Minnesota between its East Bank and West Bank campus. Traffic (both auto and foot) have been reduced. This is the bridge where the central corridor will cross so it is likely the bridge will need to be replaced to handle LRT.

Light Rail
Basically we seem to have 4 lines that could be in operation by like 2016...so we would open 3 over the next 8 years (central, southwest, northwest). We will just have to wait and see on this though...the only one with any real shot at the immediate future is the central corridor.
http://mndaily.com/2008/09/23/foundations-taking-interest-light-rail-development

Foshay
The W is open at the Foshay now. Manny's, a popular steak restaurant downtown, also moved into the Foshay recently.
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/p1010124_558.jpg

35w Bridge Collapse Memorial
The features of the Remembrance Garden are symbolic of the lives affected by the bridge collapse. The names of the 13 people who died will be engraved on opaque glass faces on the inside of the 13 I-beams. The 81-foot dimension of the rock square references August 1, the date of the bridge collapse. The 65-foot diameter of the circular plaza references the time of the collapse – 6:05 p.m.

It will be constructed in Gold Medal Park, adjacent to the Mississippi river and in view of the 35w bridge.

http://www.oaala.com/otb/35WRemembranceGarden/SU02.jpg
http://www.oaala.com/otb/35WRemembranceGarden/SU03.jpg

Target Field
http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2008/09/22/story2.html
http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/28606179.html
The twins stadium has been officially named Target Field. The plaza going over 394 and connecting to first avenue will be named Target Plaza. Essentially, target is going to soon own downtown as they now have Target Field, Target Plaza, and Target Center all adjacent to one another. Perhaps we will soon see a Target Supertall in the background of it all.

http://stmedia.startribune.com/images/640*265/M4091705.JPG

Hennepin between 10th & 11th
This is essentially several blocks rumored to be part of a massive project. There was a Ramada Inn on one of the blocks, and it has been torn down. There are rumored to be a lot of housing units and substantial office space (one of about 3 rumored locations for a supertall). Lunds is apparently on board too which would bring a full grocery store downtown. On the other side of downtown closer to the river, a Whole Foods was rumored for a while but nothing has materialized yet.

Elliot Park Hotel
This is coming along nicely. It is pretty far in the construction process.
http://media3.dashwire.com/media/aP4YSqmnar3BhAQGcYDlRd/d8nPKQFPWr3yR_adbiFPIU-medium.jpg

aLoft
The aLoft was open in time for the RNC. In the background you can see the Zenith coming along nicely. I don't know how Zenith is going as I haven't been to that end of downtown recently.
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/aloft_zenith_504.jpg

Zenith
Phase 1 is getting close. See above.

Hines supertall
All speculation and rumors.

Vikings Stadium
Not much new information other than Zygi is gonna keep pushing for a new stadium and we will all listen intently. If Zygi gets his way he will redevelop a ton of land around the stadium, which is a good thing.

Murals of Lynlake - 2833 Lyndale
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/murals1_841.jpg
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/murals2_566.jpg

Dinkydome Redevelopment
http://www.mndaily.com/2008/09/18/apartment-complex-tower-over-dinkytown-businesses
Basically the Dinkydome in Dinytown will get a facelift along with a large building built directly behind it on the surface lot. Good density and will add residents into dinkytown. Only con is it is literally right up next to the Dinkydome which is sort of a landmark.

http://www.mndaily.com/sites/default/files/images/2008/09/17/p1dome.feature.jpg

Oak Street Cinema Development
http://www.mndaily.com/2008/07/09/development-planned-stadium-village-0
More housing aimed at students.

Bunge Tower
Part of a grain elevator redevelopment into housing.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/2598239687_d4f00a4baa_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/2599073486_9e1a72999a_b.jpg

Hiawatha Flats
This image is from mid June so just sort of fast forward and you get the idea.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/2582173294_d35dddf283_b.jpg

East Bank Mills
http://www.downtownjournal.com/index.php?publication=downtown&story=12168&page=65&category=56
Changes are gonna happen to the plan...in other words they are going to try to swap some housing for a hotel.

Chicago & 29
New building. Supposed to be medical office space.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/2754235703_3c05e1462b_b.jpg

The Wellstone
Pretty sure this is done now, these are really old pictures.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2598239481_4621664739_b.jpg
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/wellstone071408_2_169.jpg

Coloplast HQ
Again, this is an old picture, its a lot farther along than this.
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/coloplast_160.jpg

Phoenix on the River
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Midwest_Product/Phoenix080208C.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Midwest_Product/Phoenix080208A.jpg

University of Minnesota Children's Hospital, Fairview
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/2755069824_5a582d11b5_b.jpg
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/fairview_180.jpg
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/fairview2_153.jpg

Children's Hospitals & Clinics Mpls Campus Expansion
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2755068360_0af7591171_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/2582171898_5745f663c7_b.jpg

---

That is about it for now for Minneapolis. There are some small projects I could have posted that aren't really significant...


St Paul:

Penfield
http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2008/08/04/daily1.html
This still isn't dead yet, although its getting close. Basically they want to add a Lunds grocery store to the project in addition to the hotel and condos.
http://www.minnescraper.com/content/images/stories/Penfield_rendering_8_14_06.jpg

Wabash & 6th Street Skyscraper
Little to no news regarding this. My guess is it won't be built or discussed to be built until the central corridor LRT is under construction.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d190/SRieder/adjaye_stpaul.jpg

St Paul Jail Site
http://www.startribune.com/local/east/17763964.html
Opus is trying to make it work, this one probably has the best chance out of the three major proposals for downtown St Paul (Penfield, Wabash, and this)
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/1opus04101_155.jpg

Grand Avenue Apple Store
Grand Avenue likely will be getting an Apple store soon.

Farmers Market Flats
http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/26438209.html
This project is currently on hold...for a while.

2700 University Avenue
http://www.startribune.com/business/26160659.html?location_refer=Business:highlightModules:2
Mixed use project.

100,000 square foot project including office and residential. This is along the central corridor line.
http://stmedia.startribune.com/images/640*412/1wellington0801.jpg

Children's Hospitals & Clinics St. Paul Campus Expansion
http://xpedio02.childrensmn.org/stellent/groups/Public/@XCP/@Web/@WhatsNew/documents/PolicyReferenceProcedure/web127549.asp

That link actually has renderings for both the St Paul and Minneapolis campus expansions. Below is st paul.
http://xpedio02.childrensmn.org/stellent/groups/public/@web/@images/documents/embeddedgraphic/127555.jpg

West Seventh Professional Center
http://www.startribune.com/business/11225626.html
http://www.cbre.com/usa/us/mn/minneapolis+-+st+paul/property/west7th
http://www.cbre.com/NR/rdonlyres/8D2BD079-29CB-44DA-8C49-849E7A19ADD8/537987/FrontPage_1606106893.jpg

Regions Hospital Expansion Tower
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/regionshospital_313.jpg
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/regions_jun2008_504.jpg

The Winnipeg
http://service.govdelivery.com/docs/STPAUL/STPAUL_200/STPAUL_200_20071127_en.htm

St Paul Ford Plant
http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2008/06/09/daily28.html
This has long been rumored to be redeveloped into housing once Ford closes it, but recent reports suggest it could be converted to create hybrid trucks or cars. This is one of Fords less expensive plants to run due to its utilization of the Mississippi river.


Suburbs:

Edina Gateway (Pentagon Park Redevelopment)
http://homepage.mac.com/callipygianking/x/pentagonpark.jpg

Four Seasons Mall Redevelopment
http://www.finance-commerce.com/article.cfm?recID=8408
There is a 30 year old mall in Plymouth that is rumored to be part of a new development. Likely would just be a big box but who knows.

Excelsior Crossing
http://excelsiorcrossings.com
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/dpp_0003_167.jpg

Bloomington - 8200 Tower (Normandale Lake Office Park)
Very old photo.
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/8200tower_170.jpg
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/8200_norman_center_drive_726.jpg

Hoigaard Village - St. Louis Park
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/harmony_vista_rendering_798.jpg
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/hl071408_3_157.jpg
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/hl071408_1_102.jpg

Penn & American (Bloomington)
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/pennamerican1_869.jpg
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/pennamerican2_446.jpg
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/pennamerican3_995.jpg

Syngenta Development
http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2008/07/07/daily9.html

Edina Westin
This thing has been built and completed for a while now.
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/westingalleria_124.jpg

West End - St Louis Park - Hy 100 and I-394
Great photos in these pdf files
http://www.stlouispark.org/webfiles/File/Comm_Dev/current_photos(11).pdf

Wayzata Bay Center Redevelopment
http://www.wayzatabaydevco.com/uploads/700w/Model_3.jpg
http://www.wayzatabaydevco.com/uploads/700w/model_1.jpg
http://www.wayzatabaydevco.com/uploads/700w/West_Block___hates_new.jpg
http://www.wayzatabaydevco.com/uploads/700w/West_Block_Bottom_Campanile_New.jpg

Photos are from Minnescraper members, Star Tribune, or other sources. (Just check the link)

I can't think of anything else worthwhile. I could post the two twenty-two project as it was revised but I haven't heard anything substantial regarding it in a while.

[Minneapolitan]

I'm really liking how the Murals of Lynlake is shaping up. The density is sure a bonus, and it looks quite imposing/impressive riding your bike down Lyndale. On the other hand, the medical office building looks hideous.

Thanks for doing these updates and representing MPLS, VGM. You truly do us a service.

[Avian001]

The Minneapolis StarTribune (http://www.startribune.com/local/west/29802204.html?elr=KArks:DCiUMEaPc:UiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU) has reported that HKS Architects and Mortenson Construction have been chosen to design a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings.

Excerpt:

"Mortenson Construction of Minneapolis was selected by the Sports Facilities Commission today to be the builder of a proposed new retractable roof stadium for the Minnesota Vikings.

Mortenson and HKS Architects of Dallas, also selected today, will deliver a design, a construction schedule and cost details that the sports commission will use in seeking funding and legislative approval for the project, which would be built on the Metrodome site. The commission will pay about $2.5 million for this initial work.

HKS, chosen over three other competitors, was the architect for the recently completed Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and is the architect on the Dallas Cowboys Stadium under construction now."

[cmj2k2]

Thanks for updates

[Avian001]

Updates:

Minneapolis:
Foshay
The W is open at the Foshay now. Manny's, a popular steak restaurant downtown, also moved into the Foshay recently.
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/p1010124_558.jpg


We should make clear that this is not the "everynight" lighting scheme for the Foshay! :lol:

[Second City]

^^ That would be pretty sweet!

[confused04]

1.) I thought the Nicollet as it was designed is dead, but there is still a project for the location, although its exact uses were still to be determined? I knew that the folks had some tax issues but they had stated they were going to pay it and continue with some sort of project (likely scaled back and mixed use). Can anyone confirm this?

2.) Although the Foshay isn't lit up purple, isn't the top now equipped with fancy purple lighting that accents each tier? I thought I saw it well after sunset a week ago or so, or was that also just temporary?

3.) And something thats not a question......
Federal grant to help rail line between Duluth, Twin Cities (http://www.startribune.com/local/29951099.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aU7EaDiaMDCiUT)

and the obligatory....

4.) Any news on those rumored skyscrapers/supertalls (Hennepin between 10th and 11th, Marquette between 9th and 10th, TCF Bank site)

[Avian001]

I saw that article too about the high-speed rail between Minneapolis & Duluth. Good news! Here's an excerpt:

"The federal government is giving a $1.1 million nudge to a proposed passenger rail line connecting Duluth and Minneapolis.

The grant, announced this afternoon, will go to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, which will use it to examine what would need to be done to existing tracks to allow trains to travel as fast as 110 miles per hour."

Regarding the Nicollet, it is dead and it doesn't look like a project will be built there anytime soon. The partnership dissolved a few months ago. But who knows? The site is ideal for a Target HQ expansion.

The other two projects - at 10th & Hennepin and on Marquette & 9th are still active as I understand. The former is being developed by Alatus Partners, the latter by Hines. Both are developers with strong track records downtown. No indication though that either will be a supertall although the Hines project appears to be in that range. I don't expect anything real soon on either, at least until the economic confidence crisis works itself out. Banks have even stopped lending to each other, let alone developers. And even so, Hines has said that they would probably be another year or two out from any groundbreaking, even before the latest crisis since they are shopping the skyscraper to potential tenants right now.

[vgmLiquid]

New project...

Workforce Housing
http://www.startribune.com/31409374.html?elr=KArksDyycyUtyycyUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
http://www.humphreys.com/project.aspx?projectID=98

24 story, 236-unit apartment tower plus townhouse element.

Basically it kind of looks like if Grant Park and Skyscape had a child from the renderings in the humphrey's link above.

[Avian001]

Another new project...

25-story, 369-unit apartment building in Minneapolis' 7 Corners neighborhood. Approved by the city Planning Commission this week. It will be on the site now occupied by (the closed) Grandma's Saloon, and next door to the existing 14-story Holiday Inn Express. It will also have 5500 sq. ft. of commercial space. No rendering available yet.

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/9357/luxapartmenttower7cornear9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[araman0]

Do you believe there is enough space on this bridge for LRT? Looking at the picture I'm having a hard time figuring out where it would go.

http://stmedia.startribune.com/images/746*500/M4286837.JPG

[vgmLiquid]

^yeah, there is space. It is 10 lanes right now...it would go down to 8 with an LRT. Keep in mind though the central corridor is not going to go over this bridge...it would be for some future LRT if any. There are three lines that have a higher priority than something over this bridge so it could be 2020 before we even talk about putting something over this bridge.

[Avian001]

The area just north of the new Twins Ballpark is officially being developed as North Loop Green (old working name was Twinsville). Hines will be constructing several towers from 15-35 stories, depending on market conditions, and several restaurant/retail areas. A new street will run down the center joining the ballpark to Washington Avenue. Full article here:

http://xrl.us/owvfq

The area adjoins the new Northstar Commuter Railroad and the Cedar Lake Bike Trail. It will also provide a more solid link between the Warehouse District entertainment area and North Loop Village.

Plan:

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/4594/plannorthloopgreensd0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Location relative to downtown Minneapolis:

http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/7805/plannorthloopgreen2yv0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[sicarim]

what are they going to do with all the traffic infradstructure around the new ballpark? It seems to be a main connection point for 394 to i94 and downtown mpls, so i'm a but curious about how they're going to rework traffic.


In other news, just noticed they have almost completed the light rail extension onto the twins ballpark when I was down there last week. it is coming along well!

[Dale]

I thought I'd read somewhere that the Vikings stadium had gotten funding.

Can anyone confirm ?

[sicarim]

Feasibility plans won't be done for a few months, as far as I know no funding yet: at least none that has been announced publicly.

[Dale]

I thought I'd read that a referendum passed. Maybe it was just my imagination.

[cmj2k2]

What a boring stage for developments in Minneapolis/St Paul!

..and across the country/world

[NaptownBoy]

Wow, Minneapolis is really densifying. That's the kind of shit we need here in Indy, not bland infill projects.

[IndyYeah]

Those are what Indy will eventually have. It will happen. Imagine the look of Indy 15-20 years ago. Minneapolis is a nice city, great looking women as well.

[cmj2k2]

this economic downtown has made my visits to this site a lot less frequent, and a lot less interesting. :ohno:

[Dale]

this economic downtown has made my visits to this site a lot less frequent, and a lot less interesting. :ohno:

Go to NA skybar then. Things are heating up over there. :cheers:

[Avian001]

Well then, here are some updates to the construction of Target Field in downtown Minneapolis! :)
Saturday, Jan 31, 2009.

East side:

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2263/targetfieldconstr10zs1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/6871/targetfieldconstr07sd7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/2482/targetfieldconstr01ch5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

North side, showing the relationship to downtown Minneapolis. A new LRT station is being built in the foreground:

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/2096/targetfieldconstr05xy3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Multi-levels - The street, entry plaza and skyway. A stair connection to the skyway is beginning construction:

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/1974/targetfieldconstr11hn9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/7696/targetfieldconstr15fw8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

South side:

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/8113/targetfieldconstr16fn6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Badgers77]

Anyone got any recent pics of TCF Bank Field?

[Mudhen419]

Lookin great!!! Glad you guys are finally out of that ugly Dome

[Avian001]

Anyone got any recent pics of TCF Bank Field?

Here are some.

Updated Construction pics. Saturday, Feb 07, 2009.

The south side is approaching completion. For a traditionally-inspired design, the look is remarkably clean and crisp:

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/1198/umstadiumpan03fz0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Moving toward the open end of the bowl:

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/2739/umstadiumconstr09uq3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/5113/umstadiumconstr08yl9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6427/umstadiumconstr07uw0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/659/umstadiumconstr10qy6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/3861/umstadiumconstr11pz4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[spectre000]

^^ I just drove by this beauty today. Man it's looking great! I can't wait for fall!

[S_OC]

The pictures really make me miss MPLS. The cold reminds me of why I left LOL. If only I had money for two homes, I would LOVE a place along the river by the old mills for spring/summer.

[spectre000]

Some construction photos I took today of the new 100,000 sq ft, 5-story 2700 University Ave commercial development. This one is going quickly.

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/407/p5060011yf0.th.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p5060011yf0.jpg)

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/9245/p5060015eh6.th.jpg (http://img17.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p5060015eh6.jpg)

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/1613/p5060014bs7.th.jpg (http://img18.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p5060014bs7.jpg)

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/7374/p5060013gx8.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p5060013gx8.jpg)

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/9936/p5060012kv0.th.jpg (http://img8.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p5060012kv0.jpg)

and here is what the finished building will look like. Completion is expected in the first half of 2010.
http://www.2700theavenue.com/images/renderinglrg.gif

[spectre000]

The 10-story 385,000 sq ft addition to Regions Hospital is nearly complete. Should open in October.

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/4973/regionshospitalit3.jpg

[Major Deegan]

I hate the color but the building itself is ugh.. better than the old campus I guess.

[altfelix]

That's actually the new construction second phase of the Carleton Artist Lofts. Unfortunately, no one has yet been able to locate a rendering of the project. The St. Paul permits database says it's a building of 67 feet.

The 2700 University Project is the SE corner of University & Emerald, directly on the Mpls line, and hasn't yet broken ground. That site is about 3/4 of a mile to the west.

Some construction photos I took today of the new 100,000 sq ft, 5-story 2700 University Ave commercial development. This one is going quickly.

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/407/p5060011yf0.th.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p5060011yf0.jpg)

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/9245/p5060015eh6.th.jpg (http://img17.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p5060015eh6.jpg)

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/1613/p5060014bs7.th.jpg (http://img18.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p5060014bs7.jpg)

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/7374/p5060013gx8.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p5060013gx8.jpg)

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/9936/p5060012kv0.th.jpg (http://img8.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p5060012kv0.jpg)

and here is what the finished building will look like. Completion is expected in the first half of 2010.
http://www.2700theavenue.com/images/renderinglrg.gif

[Paule]

Minneapolis time lapse.
Must see!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhVBdPRe8K4&feature=related

[B'moreOrioles]

Looks like the Twins stadium is moving right along. Congratulations to you guys.

[Paule]

Looks like the Twins stadium is moving right along. Congratulations to you guys.
And usually, not always, when a new stadium gets built the city is awarded an All Star game shortly there after. Now news just came out that Arizona will get the 2011 All Star game but don't be surprised if Minnesota gets the 2012 All Star game! Minnesota hasn't hosted an All Star game since 1985 so they are due for one.

[Badgers77]

Minnesota will definitely get an all star game very soon. 2012, probably.

[Paule]

Minnesota will definitely get an all star game very soon. 2012, probably.
Well, I'm more than sure that it will be within the few years after 2011. If it doesn't happen in 2012 look for it to happen in 2013 or 2014 or 15. If by 2015 Minnesota doesn't have an All Star game I would seriously complain! 2012 or 2013 is when I believe they will host one.

[Major Deegan]

The new stadium seen from the air

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3453541005_ab1b8f63c0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/beautifulbokeh/3453541005/in/set-72157617014096450/)
by merzbow1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/beautifulbokeh/)

[cwilson758]

hey all, I am excited that I will be in your fine city tomorrow for the APA conference. I have only used the airport and look forward to spending nearly a week in the Twin Cities. There is a lot to do with regards to the conference and a number of mobile workshops, but I would like a list of the best local eateries downtown. I am staying at the Crown Plaza and obviously will be without a car.

Cheers!

[Sirus]

Just some random ones off the top of my head. I don't eat downtown often, when I do it's usually on the cheaper side of things, but I'll try my hardest.

Brits Pub (rooftop patio and lawn bowling)
Masa (never been, hear it's tasty though)
Hells Kitchen (great breakfast/brunch)
Keys Cafe (Food is good, not great, but location is hard to beat)
Grumpy's Downtown (great bar food, casual attitude)

If you can make it across the river -
Punch Pizza (more lunch than dinner)
Tuggs Tavern (good burgers / scenic)
Brasa (awesome rotisseria)
Red Stag Supper Club (spendy side but great comfort food/steaks)

If you still aren't sure where to go, just walk down Nicollet or First Avenue. That's where most of the eateries are.

[GarfieldPark]

I'll be arriving at MSP on Saturday around 11:30 am to attend the APA. I understand there are supposed to be about 6000 planning-type people attending. Looking forward to seeing all the great things in the Twin Cities. Looks like an excellent agenda - with plenty of local tours to see the results or works in progress of many of Minneapolis and St Paul's planning and development strategies.

[cmj2k2]

fill us in when you return
:cheers:

[GarfieldPark]

Got back from Mnpls this evening. It was great being with so many planners from all over the country. Plenty of very helpful sessions. Some less so, of course ---- but overall it was a great event. Saw lots of good things in Mnpls -- was interested in the technical aspects of the short extension for the Hiawatha light rail line and North Star Commuter line that are under construction downtown - ie. turning radii, elevation changes along the corridor, vehicle information. I got over by the new Twins stadium and saw not only the construction on that facility but the rail transit work. Learned some good things about the construction of the Hiawatha line; saw a lot of bikers and bike lanes; Mnpls has so many excellent, urban commercial corridors --- Uptown; Along Lake Street; Edina; many others that I saw but don't remember the names of the areas -- most everyone I talked to was pretty impressed with downtown. The Nicollet Mall is impressive with all of the bus and ped traffic. It seems to work pretty well.

I learned how easily people can get lost and turned around in the skywalk system. If you live in Mpls and are used to using it - I'm sure it works pretty well. I talked to a lot of people though who had trouble getting where they wanted to go. (me included) Corridors locked, closed, or sometimes you enter a building like a hotel - and it isn't always the easiest to find your way out on the other side.

Unfortunately with the cool weather and dampness, MN's reputation as a cold place didn't change in most people's opinions. Tuesday was nice though.

I love Mnpls. Didn't get over to St. Paul though. I like the way it is such a great, working city. Its got its great spots, its rough areas, it new areas, its architectural successes, some architectural problems (just a few - perhaps, like some of those typical 60's / 70's structures that look a little out of place today.) Definitely some classic big old historic stone buildings that are great. The Masonic Temple is amazing. Love the red stone City Hall and that Plaza and County Building across from it.

I could probably go on and on -- but its late. I may add more later. I think I'm starting to ramble now. Anyway --- overall Mnpls did a great job hosting. Great city.

[Mplsuptown]

Glad you loved it. FYI it's Mpls but eh! Walking the skyways helps if you really know what direction you're going and try to keep it in your mind as your moving through.

[cmj2k2]

Skywalks making people get lost?????


Objective complete it sounds like to me.... :)

[Avian001]

Nothing to see here folks.

Move along!

J/K, at least a little bit. Boy, has the economy really done a number on us or what?

There are some developments going on, mostly smaller scale stuff. But the two huge projects in Minneapolis - the new Minnesota Twins baseball stadium and the new University of Minnesota Gopher Football stadium - are continuing to chug along.

I'm currently living in Washington DC for a few months, so I can't post original pix of them. Perhaps some Minnescraper (http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/) types would care to update ???

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/8366/tcfpic01.jpg (http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tcfpic01.jpg)

[Badgers77]

Why are only a select few of the bleachers red? Wouldn't that look a lot better if they were all red?

[GarfieldPark]

This isn't Madison!! The color for the U of Minnesota stadium would be Maroon! (Not red) -- anyway --- back to your question --- I don't know -- maybe they were trying to save on paint or maybe the architect didn't want too much dark color used. (Maybe they're not done installing the seats in the picture -- maybe they just started with the seats covering the part of the stadium where MINNESOTA is spelled out. Who knows?

[cmj2k2]

The color of the seats won't matter when its a packed house and everyones wearing maroon and gold

[MediaDoggie]

Just some random ones off the top of my head. I don't eat downtown often, when I do it's usually on the cheaper side of things, but I'll try my hardest.

Brits Pub (rooftop patio and lawn bowling)
Masa (never been, hear it's tasty though)
Hells Kitchen (great breakfast/brunch)
Keys Cafe (Food is good, not great, but location is hard to beat)
Grumpy's Downtown (great bar food, casual attitude)

If you can make it across the river -
Punch Pizza (more lunch than dinner)
Tuggs Tavern (good burgers / scenic)
Brasa (awesome rotisseria)
Red Stag Supper Club (spendy side but great comfort food/steaks)

If you still aren't sure where to go, just walk down Nicollet or First Avenue. That's where most of the eateries are.

I just wonder why Keys is always mentioned as a great place. I've had three bad experiences and won't return. Service has always been poor (at the Raymond St. location) and the food just average but overpriced. Anyone else feel this way?

[Avian001]

I just wonder why Keys is always mentioned as a great place. I've had three bad experiences and won't return. Service has always been poor (at the Raymond St. location) and the food just average but overpriced. Anyone else feel this way?

I absolutely agree. I have no idea - none - why people think Keys is anything other than the most average, bland food money can buy.

Give me Hell's Kitchen any day. (http://www.hellskitcheninc.com/)

[Sirus]

Oh I would agree with the Raymond location. That one is terrible. Downtown is ok. Notice I did say "not great" ;).

[Major Deegan]

NCDA showcases the the first two Northstar Commuter Rail passenger cars to arrive in Minnesota:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3629004933_a8c89b6a3b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3629820180_8c282aa2db_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3513315116_20f0087a6e_o.jpg

Northstar locomotives:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3346592107_b9748fc36d_b.jpg

[Avian001]

Very nice. Thanks Major Deegan!

[Avian001]

Numbers are in (http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/08/10/southwest_light_rail/) for the projected ridership of the new LRT line connecting downtown Minneapolis with the growing Southwest suburbs: 39,000 people a day, counting those on both "normal" and "reverse" commutes. This exceeds the successful Hiawatha line, which now carries about 30,000 people per day (More than was expected by the year 2020). Cost of the SW line: Approx. $1.2 to $1.8 billion. The next step is preliminary engineering. The Southwest line is expected to open in 5-6 years.

Final alignments are yet to be determined, but all would link to the existing Hiawatha Line along 5th street in downtown Minneapolis. The more expensive version would have the line run through the popular Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis. The least expensive would run north of the Chain of Lakes:

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/8845/lrtsouthwestmap02.jpg (http://img35.imageshack.us/i/lrtsouthwestmap02.jpg/)

The 11-mile Central LRT line connecting the two downtowns is undergoing final engineering. The $1 billion line is starting construction next spring:

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/7334/centrallrtmsp03.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/i/centrallrtmsp03.jpg/)

[Major Deegan]

Can't wait for my first ride on the spanking new Northstar train! 30K sounds like a conservative figure, I certainly do hope that when the line commends, the actual figure will trump this preliminary estimate.

[Avian001]

I agree!

I think the Uptown alignment, even though it adds a couple more stops, would be a better (if more expensive) choice. One thing that helps make it work is that it drops off passengers in the heart of the office district - better for commuters. The northern alignment drops them off at the new Twins Stadium, which is a hike through the skyways to the office core. This is even more important as Downtown East develops.

[Major Deegan]

IMHO what Uptown really needs is either some variation of a streetcar system, like in the old days, or a thought-through BRT, Bogota-style, that would enable commuters for a more hustle-free connection to the rail.

[Major Deegan]

Anyone in the know on what happened to the Hine's North Loop Village proposal? It seemed like a progressive plan to bring some activity to otherwise idle streets of that area, reconnecting it with the rest of downtown fabric. Would be sad to see it fall through the hoop in this economy though.



http://i056.radikal.ru/0908/3c/69808a4776d9.jpg

[MillerTime]

I think the 3C alignment on the southwest LRT would be the best of the options. It gives passengers more access to downtown as well as passing through uptown and then through the Golden Triangle and Eden Prairie. It would be interesting to see their plans on how it would pass through Uptown without disrupting the current setup of everything along Hennepin Avenue. With the addition of LRT connecting Uptown to Downtown I would imagine Uptown will become even more popular and yuppie than it already is.

I would also love to see the North Loop Village get built. That concept drawing looks amazing. I would totally buy a condo if it ended up looking anything close to that.

[Paule]

Nothing to see here folks.

Move along!

J/K, at least a little bit. Boy, has the economy really done a number on us or what?

There are some developments going on, mostly smaller scale stuff. But the two huge projects in Minneapolis - the new Minnesota Twins baseball stadium and the new University of Minnesota Gopher Football stadium - are continuing to chug along.

I'm currently living in Washington DC for a few months, so I can't post original pix of them. Perhaps some Minnescraper (http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/) types would care to update ???

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/8366/tcfpic01.jpg (http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tcfpic01.jpg)
Everytime I look at this stadium I have a hard time believing that it will only seat 50,000 fans.

Anyway, question for all you Twin Citians; was there ever at anytime a Hines North Loop Village type proposal for around the Metrodome?

[Major Deegan]

Here is an aerial of the area you're looking for. It looks... sad to say the least.



http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/downtown_east_aerial_1_155.jpg

Here's one proposal by ROMA Design Group

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d190/SRieder/siteplan.jpg

more pictures on the STRIB web site here:
http://www.startribune.com/galleries/11696266.html

[MillerTime]

Looking at that aerial of the Metrodome site and remembering the plans to use the existing dome as part of the new stadium I couldn’t help but notice that there isn’t allot of space to work with. If they go with the plans to use some of the domes structure are they going to have to move streets and the LRT line to fit the stadium? Obviously this wouldn’t be much of a problem if they kept the field oriented the way it is, but since they want to rotate it 90degrees so it looks into downtown it looks like it would be a problem with the street that curves around the dome as well as the LRT station. Or is it just deceiving as to how much room is actually there?

[Major Deegan]

^^ Judging from the concept drawing, it looks like they will be expanding into the surrounding plaza area, while keeping LRT tracks fully intact. This might be considered a disadvantage by some seeing how there will be no more space left to congregate before/after games.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/38/111779111_3e83a18ba2.jpg

[MillerTime]

God it would be so nice to see that Dome removed from the streetscape and replaced with something more modern and appealing to pedestrians. I’ve seen plenty of games at the dome and it’s not a bad place to watch football (unless you have to pee during one of the breaks). But this is a top 5 ugliest stadium in my book. I would love to see this become a top 5 greatest football venue. Although I’m more for the Vikings doing a mix of Jerry World in TX and TCF Bank stadium from across the river. Make it an 80k seat open air horse shoe shaped stadium that looks into downtown. With all the amenities that jerry world has to offer, well except the huge video screens over the field. I would go with the U o M's design and put it in the open end of the horse shoe. I think that would be the tops. But it will never happen since everyone wants a roof on it so they can host a Super Bowl at least once. Which is nice to get the super bowl, to Show off your city a bit and bring in a crap load of revenue. But I think for the fans , as myself, would be happier with a stadium that is set up for them and how they want to enjoy watching football in Minnesota and not for the flock of fans that come up there once to see one game and a halftime show. /ENDRANT/

[Major Deegan]

Anything can happen. In a hundred-years-time Minneapolis may well become just as sophisticated a city as any of its European counterparts. Just remember to keep your fingers crossed and eyes wide open.

[Major Deegan]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3432/3808292469_381f8ba4bc_b.jpg

This is a Northstar test train pushing into Minneapolis heading for downtown, as seen from the 5th Street NE overpass. 8/10/09.

by steve55126 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/2719/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/3809108644_67899d1ac3_b.jpg

Finally Downtown (warehouse district).

by steve55126 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/2719/)

[confused04]

As much as 3C is considered a "no brainer" in terms of ridership, it does create many issues that would make it cost prohibitive, specifically engineering and space. If this costs some 2 to 2.5 billion total to build it for a minimal gain, that would be hard to stomach, especially as it would (as according to various articles) would not meet the CEI requirements for federal funding. The best thing we can hope for, and I think probably the most logical is that the 3 A alignment is indeed used and developed more like the Hiawatha line and simultaneously Minneapolis gets an Uptown street car. I think this would perhaps be the best option, specifically to bring down costs. Now I'm no city planner so who knows if this idea even works but it sounds far more cost efficient and easier to engineer.

I have an odd request to make...

Can someone make a transit map that includes ALL the planned routes currently for commuter rail, passenger rail, highspeed rail, light rail, street car, and BRT onto ONE comprehensive map. Its hard to explain how transit oriented Minneapolis might be in the next 20 years if you don't show ALL the plans. Its easy to show one map for each (or for a few of them), but I haven't found a decent map for ALL of them. There was a decent one that included quite a few passenger routes that I was not aware of (passenger train study).

And regarding that Minneapolis pic showing all the parking lots... How dare you show our ugly side :O. Oh well, we'll just have to wait til Star Tribune goes out of business and the lots it owns are sold at auction for dirt cheap and either developed or turned into an awesome green space (as long as its not a Block E style development, whatever). My fantasy would be to develop a cool oval kinda thing with a massive fountain in the center with a large plaza and the edges would be zoned for 6-10 story development. Again... complete pipe dream. Well... Maybe a new Vikes stadium could fix it all (just as the Metrodome was supposed to.... :\)

[Major Deegan]

Can someone make a transit map that includes ALL the planned routes currently for commuter rail, passenger rail, highspeed rail, light rail, street car, and BRT onto ONE comprehensive map.

I could easily make such a map but I think one already must exist somewhere. Just waiting for the right person drop a link any moment now..

[Avian001]

There is this map from the Twin Cities TOD Toolkit website (http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/static/twincitiestodtoolkit/index.html):

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/461/mspregionaltransitmap.jpg (http://img199.imageshack.us/i/mspregionaltransitmap.jpg/)

[confused04]

Thanks, I appreciate finding the map!

[Major Deegan]

After a dozen years of hard work and commitment to make it a reality, the Northstar Commuter Rail Line from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis will begin passenger service on Monday, November 16.

This exciting announcement was the focus of a media event that took place this afternoon at the Downtown Minneapolis Ballpark Station. Read the news release for more details about the announcement.



Metro Transit, which will operate the Northstar Line, and Northstar officials have been busy putting the final touches on stations and testing Northstar trains to prepare for the service. Media also got a first look at the inside of Northstar's passenger cars today.

We hope you also will mark your calendars for Saturday, November 14, when the public will have an opportunity to celebrate Northstar's opening during events held at each Northstar station. Each station event will include a program, information about how to ride Northstar, refreshments and family-friendly activities and a chance to be among the first riders on a Northstar train. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more information.

As Northstar's opening day approaches, I'm reminded that none of this would have been possible without the determination and dedication of many federal, state and local officials, members of the business community and supporters like you. Thank you.

Let's get ready to ride the line on November 16...

[sicarim]

..

We're long past due for regional rail, so this is exciting.

[Indy Rock]

Here is an aerial of the area you're looking for. It looks... sad to say the least.



http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/downtown_east_aerial_1_155.jpg

Here's one proposal by ROMA Design Group

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d190/SRieder/siteplan.jpg

more pictures on the STRIB web site here:
http://www.startribune.com/galleries/11696266.html

Looking at the aerials around the Metrodome really makes me feel a little better about the surface lot epidemic we have in Indianapolis. In the same perspective, downtown Minny is obviously still more urban in nature. :cheers:

[GarfieldPark]

Probably has something to do with being able to use those surface parking lots for Vikings games, Twins games and Gophers games throughout the year. There isn't much incentive to turn them into buildings when you can make some decent $ by selling spaces throughout the year. Also, being so close to the CBD, I'm sure they sell parking spaces to downtown workers throughout the year as well.

[araman0]

^^ I would vote for one or two mamoth parking garagees with first floor retail instead of all those blocks of parking. That neighborhood can be turned into quite a destination, given how many pedestrians spill in and out of the stadium + proximity to downtown.

[EastSider]

Milwaukee has an ordinance that requires owners of downtown surface parking lots to pay additional taxes to cover costs associated with storm water runoff. Does Minny have anything like that? Just curious if that's a trend we're going to see with sustainability gaining popularity.

[Avian001]

The new TCF Bank Stadium is finished and open!

Here's a fun time-lapse video of the first game at the stadium. (http://xrl.us/bfkpwm)

[Major Deegan]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3928671363_8f31d7393b.jpg
The parking garage adjoining the Hyatt in downtown Mpls got a makeover recently.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/3156637690_d7157f5ed1.jpg

This is how it looked before. This is a nice upgrade. I wonder if they are going to do anything with the hotel?

[Major Deegan]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/3927650830_d4163ccab2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mspdude/3927650830/sizes/l/)

Minneapolis Skyline from the rebuilt 46th St. bridge over I-35W. The Crosstown Commons reconstruction is in full swing below, with work for bus-only access to an in-line BRT station beginning.

by MSPdude (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mspdude/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2584/3926827599_c9815c0a37.jpg
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/mspdude/3926827599/)by MSPdude (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mspdude/)
A Northstar train undergoing testing at the Minneapolis station next to Target Field

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/3926831399_7c277d7cdd.jpg
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/mspdude/3926831399/)by MSPdude (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mspdude/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3926824543_8be8d923f3.jpg
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/mspdude/3926824543/sizes/l/)
[/URL]by MSPdude (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mspdude/)
Trains from Washington Ave.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2431/3927616064_350388b168.jpg
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/mspdude/3927616064/sizes/l/)
[/URL]by MSPdude (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mspdude/)

A Northstar train undergoing testing at the Downtown Minneapolis station, in front of an old Ford factory.

[/URL]
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3909831495_b5af089945.jpg
by Mulad (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mulad/)

The Northstar train out for a test run at the St. Anthony rail yard in St. Paul, heading toward the University of Minnesota bus transitway (service doesn't begin until November 2009).

I wonder if they were testing out some routes for the potential Red Rock Corridor, a proposed route from Minneapolis through St. Paul to Hastings.

[Jennifat]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3928671363_8f31d7393b.jpg
The parking garage adjoining the Hyatt in downtown Mpls got a makeover recently.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/3156637690_d7157f5ed1.jpg

This is how it looked before. This is a nice upgrade. I wonder if they are going to do anything with the hotel?

I just noticed that the other day. I don't like it at all. The only way they could have possibly made that ramp more hideous is by painting it in rainbow colors! Christ, that is ugly! Should have just painted it black.

[Major Deegan]

http://s51.radikal.ru/i132/0909/6a/dadda527817a.jpg
(http://www.mnrides.org/transitprojects.html)

Here are just a few of Northstar's route connections:

1. Suburban bus routes
(http://ga3.org/ct/opgf0E71MraE/northstarfares) currently
serving areas along the Northstar Corridor will be adjusted to
work in conjunction with commuter rail service. Some
neighborhoods will acquire new bus service while other route
schedules will be adjusted or replaced by Northstar trains.

2. The Hiawatha Light Rail Transit Line
(http://ga3.org/ct/ldgf0E71Mray/hiawathaline) provides more
frequent service than commuter rail and is a free transfer for
Northstar passengers. Hiawatha has stops in downtown and south
Minneapolis, as well as at the VA Medical Center,
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and Mall of America.
Access to Hiawatha LRT trains is a quick escalator ride up from
Northstar's platform at Target Field Station in Minneapolis.

3. The Downtown Transit Center
(http://ga3.org/ct/l1gf0E71MraU/downtowntransitcenter) at the
5th Street Garage is within walking distance from Target Field
Station. Northstar passengers receive a free transfer to any
weekday Metro Transit bus route, and a shuttle bus will meet
each weekday train to take customers to the south end of
downtown Minneapolis.

4. Northstar Link (http://ga3.org/ct/o1gf0E71Mrau/northstar)
will transport riders between a park-and-ride lot at Highway 10
and Lincoln Avenue in St. Cloud and Northstar's Big Lake
Station. The commuter coach will meet every train and
introductory fares on the commuter coach will be $1 per trip.
Transfers do not apply between the Northstar Link and the train.
One of the bus trips to St. Cloud stops at St. Cloud State
University and downtown St. Cloud.

Downtown Minneapolis Target Field Station, located in downtown Minneapolis and adjacent to the new Twins' Ballpark, provides connections to the
Hiawatha light rail line and is the proposed hub for other
transit lines into the metro area
(http://ga3.org/ct/l7gf0E71Mrah/proposedhub). The station is
conveniently situated near the downtown business district,
distinct restaurants, theaters, Nicollet Mall shopping and other
destinations. Visit the City of Minneapolis
(http://ga3.org/ct/odgf0E71Mraj/cityofminneapolis) or the
Minneapolis Downtown Council
(http://ga3.org/ct/o7gf0E71Mram/downtownminneapoliscouncil)
for more information.

[Avian001]

Ground has been broken on the addition to Frank Gehry's Weisman Art Museum (http://www1.umn.edu/news/news-releases/2009/UR_CONTENT_133392.html) on the U of M campus in Minneapolis.

The addition, also designed by Gehry, will add 5 new exhibition spaces.

The new north facade:
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/2011/weismanaddition01.jpg (http://img16.imageshack.us/i/weismanaddition01.jpg/)

The existing west facade:

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/9906/weismanmuseum01q.jpg (http://img301.imageshack.us/i/weismanmuseum01q.jpg/) http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/weismanmuseum01q.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img301/weismanmuseum01q.jpg/1/)

[Sirus]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3928671363_8f31d7393b.jpg
The parking garage adjoining the Hyatt in downtown Mpls got a makeover recently.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/3156637690_d7157f5ed1.jpg

This is how it looked before. This is a nice upgrade. I wonder if they are going to do anything with the hotel?

That's pretty sweet.

[rockin'.baltimorean]

in the battle of the "purple people", here's my prediction.....

baltimore - 24
minnesota -17

[Major Deegan]

Shots of Hennepin and 1st avenues after having been reconfigured with a cycle track on 1st and shared bus/bike lanes on Hennepin.




http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2581/4011543327_15816acd33_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/4012310874_7358328b08_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/4012311254_e37b8ac430_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2549/4012311478_af1f012708_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/4012313292_215b233829_b.jpg

[Mplsuptown]

I rather like the new colors on the Hyatt ramp. Gives it some artsy fartsy pizzaz

[araman0]

What a wonderful idea, putting the bike lane between the curb and parking lane. Not only are bikers safe from passing traffic, but they also don't have to deal with driver side car doors opening. Great simple, yet very effective idea Minneapolis!

[Major Deegan]

Yes, it's a very kewl idea. Such bikes lanes have been in existence in Europe for several decades now. New York City has them as well.

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2006/09/02/knCOPENHAGEN_wideweb__470x337,0.jpg

[Paule]

I don't know, this seems alot more fun, and manly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2uTpkEiJDc&feature=related

[perilouspete]

^^ Lol wow, now that's ridiculous. every time you hear someone bitching about not having bike lanes, let em know at least we don't live in moscow.

[araman0]

At least traffic was moving at the same speed or slower as the biker, giving the alert bike driver time to react to a situation. Here the same cars would blow past bikers at 45 mph giving the biker no chance to see what's coming.

That does look like it would be fun though!

[Major Deegan]

Gridlock traffic or not, I'd take the communist splendor of Moskva over homogeneity of Midwest any day no questions asked.

http://s59.radikal.ru/i164/0910/c7/9c6794e883e9.jpg

[Major Deegan]

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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2712/4033226716_78435e353e.jpg

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[Major Deegan]

(click for larger image of full map)

http://i064.radikal.ru/0910/b0/742afa35221et.jpg (http://i064.radikal.ru/0910/b0/742afa35221e.gif)

Its hard to believe just how much rail transit infrastructure has been lost in the Twin Cities since the original streetcar era. To reconstruct such an extensive network today would probably cost several billion dollars. While the Central Corridor LRT line will reconnect Minneapolis and St. Paul by rail transit in 2014, back in 1933 the Twin Cities had THREE direct connections by street car (Como, University, and Lake/Marshall lines) plus a transfer connection at Ford Parkway.

via cityoflakesurbanism (http://cityoflakesurbanism.blogspot.com/2009/10/great-map-of-1933-twin-cities-streetcar.html) blog

[Major Deegan]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2439/4048837458_fb5bbf8ae9.jpg[/IMG] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mspdude/4048837458/sizes/l/)
by MSPdude


The Uptown Bar is closing, to make way for more retail similar to what is under construction next door. I am usually all for new developments and such, but Uptown is seeming more and more like "Updale", a mall.

[Avian001]

Target Field LRT Station is set to open in a week, on Saturday, November 14th. The Northstar Commuter rail will also begin carrying passengers to this station as well. Some random shots of the area:

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/5128/targetfieldlrt00.jpg (http://img198.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt00.jpg/)

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/6337/targetfieldlrt01.jpg (http://img63.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt01.jpg/)

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/5159/targetfieldlrt02.jpg (http://img682.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt02.jpg/)

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/3867/targetfieldlrt04.jpg (http://img509.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt04.jpg/)

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/6217/targetfieldlrt05.jpg (http://img121.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt05.jpg/)

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/9785/targetfieldlrt07.jpg (http://img524.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt07.jpg/)

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/targetfieldlrt07.jpg/1/w450.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img524/targetfieldlrt07.jpg/1/)

[spectre000]

From today's Pioneer Press,

St. Paul Pitches new Ballpark for Saints

City asks state for $25M of $35M cost
By Dave Orrick


St. Paul officials Tuesday unveiled bold new designs for an envisioned minor league ballpark in Lowertown.

Mayor Chris Coleman pitched the plan for a $35 million St. Paul Saints stadium to state lawmakers as a top priority in the city's request for money in the state's biennial capital spending program.

The city is asking for $25 million from the state. The remaining $10 million would be paid by the city and the team. Those details haven't been worked out, but Joe Spencer, Coleman's point person on the project, said projected revenues from the 7,500-seat ballpark eventually would cover the city and Saints' share.

the rest of the article is below
http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_13759809

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/3793/proposedsaintsstadium.jpg

[Avian001]

^ I like it, even though it's still in the conceptual phase. Julie Snow is a hell of an architect, and I've liked her work for years.

[spectre000]

It's definetly different. Not what I would've pictured a minor league ballpark to look like. In the Pioneer Press article she doesn't want to call it "modern" , but it is. Just judging from the renders, if you looked at it from an angle where you couldn't see the field, you'd probably think it was a museum. Very cool. I think it'd fit in downtown St. Paul very nicely.

I think the project has a good chance getting through the State legislature as part of the 2010 bonding requests. But I don't see Gov Pawlenty signing it. He red lined much of St. Paul's 2008 bond requests which were pretty similar to the 2010 requests. I think it stands a better chance in 2012 or 2014 if the state's budget is healthier.

[minneapolis-uptown]

any news on a new skyscraper for Minneapolis?:dunno:

[spectre000]

any news on a new skyscraper for Minneapolis?:dunno:

I think Hines project on Marquette between 9th and 10th has probably the best chance of going forward in the future. They seem to be a little more speculative than other developers. Opus owns three plots in downtown but they've taken such a beating they'll wait until they have a sure-thing.

It'll come down to if a developer can land a major anchor tenant or not. Nobody is looking for high priced office space right now. It's probably going to be several years before anything tall rises. Some say it could be ten years or more.

Their may still be hope in a scaled down version of the Nicollet project. I occasionally read little snippets that the developer hasn't given up, that their looking at a height reduction, mixed use proposal. It's a long shot, but who knows.

[minneapolis-uptown]

I think Hines project on Marquette between 9th and 10th has probably the best chance of going forward in the future. They seem to be a little more speculative than other developers. Opus owns three plots in downtown but they've taken such a beating they'll wait until they have a sure-thing.

It'll come down to if a developer can land a major anchor tenant or not. Nobody is looking for high priced office space right now. It's probably going to be several years before anything tall rises. Some say it could be ten years or more.

Their may still be hope in a scaled down version of the Nicollet project. I occasionally read little snippets that the developer hasn't given up, that their looking at a height reduction, mixed use proposal. It's a long shot, but who knows.

^^:fiddle::gaah::cry: :mad:

[Paule]

What about just high rises? We here never see any proposals of any kind in the Twin Cities. After the Nicolet fell threw we haven't heard anything. I always though it was because for a long time this forum wasn't populated with alot of Twin City folks but now there is more of you and I would love to hear what's going on. Even if it's just like 5 to 10 story condo's I'd still be interested.

[spectre000]

^^ Well, here is a compilation of the construction going on right now in St. Paul. Their are some nice vertical projects ongoing or about to start.


Peter J King Emergency Care Center,
http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/1707/peterjkingemergencycare.jpg

Picture below is from lorwest on minnescraper.com as of 10-18-09. As of today, they've built out a couple more floors.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/4429/peterjking1018.jpg


The Lyric Apartments

This one is along University Ave, the future route of the light rail line between downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul.
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/989/lyricrender.jpg

Construction pic from their website, around the first week or so of October. The exterior is now about 75% finished.
http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/3609/lyric10809.jpg


That's pretty much it for construction right now in the city. Another hospital downtown is doing a small 20,000 sq ft expansion.

Here is the future projects,

The Farmers Market Flats,
http://www.yourstpaulhome.com/xSites/Agents/yourstpaulhome/Content/UploadedFiles/Farmers%20Market%20Flats%20Rendering.jpg

The city, the developer, and construction company all got into a legal fight after this one stalled due to increased construction costs. The site is now a weed infested hole. But the city is now going to take over as the developer. Should restart in 2010.

The Penfield,

A 229 foot tall apartment/retail low-rise. This has been scaled down from the original plans. I attended a meeting regarding this project a few months ago. The developer hopes to start January 1. Probably won't happen. They are trying to get financing through HUD. But it's a long process. The city received $550,000 from the stimulus bill to start the decontamination of the existing Public Service Building. But workers are still located in the building. So I don't see this starting till probably spring at the earliest.

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/7484/blog2020200920200715202.jpg

Here is a picture of the existing government building.
http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/5458/publicservicebuilding71.jpg


2700 the Avenue

This is an approved 100,000 sq ft office/retail building. It's currently 45% pre-leased. Set to be built along the light rail line. It's currently a surface lot. Hopefully construction will start next year.

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/5136/2700univave.jpg


King's Crossing Apartments

Another project approved along the future light rail line. This is currently in the financing phase. Could begin next year. It's a mixed use senior rental/retail building.

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/9891/kingscrossing.jpg

[spectre000]

Their are also three apartment conversion projects that just started or are about to in downtown St. Paul.

The Commerce Building.
The developer CommonBond completed half this buildings conversion to apartments. The city doled out money to start the second half conversion. I'm not sure if work has started yet. If it isn't it probably will very soon. The units are pretty sharp. The second phase includes a theater and exercise room for the residents. A very nice building
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/1125/commercebuilding.jpg


The Minnesota Building.
Like the Commerce Building this was a long vacant class C office building. Sand Companies has begun the first phase conversion. Sand Co. recently did another conversion project in Lowertown that turned out very nicely. So I expect good things about this one. It has a nice location as well. It'll be adjacent to the 4th and Cedar light rail stop. That's a prime redevelopment site for a major transit hub and office tower.
http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/9598/minnesotabldg.jpg


The Renaissance Box.
Developer Aeon is converting this long vacant class C building starting next month. I believe some units will be geared towards residents who've experienced homelessness. Aeon runs another building in downtown st. paul and many over in Minneapolis. They run an exceptionally tight ship. Their even seeking LEED certification for it.
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/7031/renaissancebox.jpg

[minneapolis-uptown]

anyone know if the moa phase 2 is still supposed to happen?

[Paule]

Thanks spectre000, real nice compilation. Looks like there is some quality developments going on. That's too bad about the Penfield though. Did you know that the Penfield has it's own development thread here? I remember when it started and really liked the design, coarse it was over 20 floors then. It still looks good.

[spectre000]

Thanks spectre000, real nice compilation. Looks like there is some quality developments going on. That's too bad about the Penfield though. Did you know that the Penfield has it's own development thread here? I remember when it started and really liked the design, coarse it was over 20 floors then. It still looks good.

I've posted in the Penfield's thread a couple of times. When (not if :) ) construction begins I'll post plenty of pictures. I live in the neighborhood. Alatus (the developer) is a "think big" kinda company. They've done some major projects over in Minneapolis. I know they think St. Paul deserves a major project too. HUD has to go thru a lot of checks and verifications before they can sign off on the construction loan. But a grocery store has signed a lease as well. I saw some blueprints of the building. The layout of the parking lot, underground structure, the grocery store. So it's not some pipe dream. Even at 230 feet it's going to make a dent on the skyline.

[Avian001]

Sydney Hall (apartments) is now under construction in Dinkytown. It will be marketed primarily to University of Minnesota students:

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/3638/sydneyhallelevations01.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/i/sydneyhallelevations01.jpg/)

The project will include renovation/restoration of the Dinkydome, which is the building on the right:

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/8264/sydneyhallelevations03.jpg (http://img34.imageshack.us/i/sydneyhallelevations03.jpg/)

[Mplsuptown]

The Mill City apartments just started too I think

[srsmn]

Hopefully we get some action after the thaw. Hines told the Strib recently that Spring of '10 was a possibility to get started on the North Loop Village project..... I think we're starting to see property prices stabilize, unemployment go down, and general light at the end of the tunnel for the credit crunch. It won't be stabilized for a few more years, but at least it looks like we could be on the upswing with it pretty quick. Don't quote me on any of this, though....:nuts:

Anybody have anything on Hines's North Loop Village that hasn't been divulged to the media? I think that's our best shot to see midrises or highrises go up any time soon, unless anything that's been stalled indefinately makes any miraculous comeback....

[spectre000]

The Mill City apartments just started too I think

Yup, they are doing prep work right now. I can't find any good sized renders though. You can see some renders at their website.

http://www.villagegreen.com/minneapolis/mill-district-city-apartments/

[Major Deegan]

Three big changes make downtown Minneapolis a better place

http://www.minnpost.com/client_files/alternate_images/10800/mp_main_wide_Hennepin2Way452.jpg


MinnPost photo by John Noltner
http://www.minnpost.com/steveberg/2009/11/23/13676/three_big_changes_make_downtown_minneapolis_a_better_place


Hennepin Avenue is back to two-way auto traffic, making the city's entertainment district feel more like a destination than just a pass-through.


Cityscape, a column about city life and urban design, resumes today after a six-month hiatus.
The old gal is getting a makeover. Downtown Minneapolis over the last several months has updated its vacuous 1960s look to become something that feels like a cozier, more authentic urban place.

• Two major streets — Hennepin and First avenues — have gone back to two-way auto traffic after three decades as a one-way pair. The change makes the city's entertainment district feel more like a destination than just a pass-through.

• Two other streets — Marquette and Second avenues — are being recast as transit malls complete with actual trees, public art, heated shelters and digital "scoreboards" that announce real-time bus arrivals. The aim is to concentrate most bus traffic on just two streets, thus loosening the grip on other streets. Launch date is Dec. 14.



• A new business-led Downtown Improvement District has kept sidewalks far cleaner and plans next year to begin planting (and watering!) more greenery along the sidewalks. The district has also placed 50 green-clad "ambassadors" on the streets to direct visitors and provide a friendlier, more confident atmosphere for pedestrians.

It's about time. When public spaces begin to slide it's easy to conclude that a city is headed downhill. New attention to streets and sidewalks are meant to change that perception — and to match the city to a changing world.

Downtowns must change to succeed
The old model cast downtown primarily as an office district for workers to use for eight hours a day and then to quickly abandon. Wide one-way streets were designed to get them in and out as quickly as possible. With skyways overhead, sidewalks weren't considered important.

But over the last 20 years a new model has taken hold in many U.S. cities. Successful downtowns are 24-hour districts. People not only work downtown but live there, too. Retail stores that trickled to the suburbs are slowly returning. Sidewalks have become livelier. Transit ridership has risen to its highest levels in decades. A growing number of people use bicycles to get around. Downtown streets are no longer just funnels for cars but parts of a community.

The changes in Minneapolis [PDF] are meant to match these national trends. The hope is that a cleaner, greener, cozier atmosphere will provide a more attractive setting for new offices, retail and housing when the economy revives. "We're trying to consider the greater social and environmental good," said Council Member Lisa Goodman, whose ward includes most of downtown. "And the greater good is not just for people in cars. We are converting to a new kind of city."

If Goodman's new kind of city is sometimes clogged with cars — especially in its entertainment district — the answer may not be returning to one-way streets but rather improving police traffic control, she said. "It's not the job of every street downtown to funnel traffic as fast as possible. Some streets are also places to be. They're not just conveyances."

Heartburn on First Avenue
Of the three big changes the two-way conversions on Hennepin and First avenues have raised the most objection. Thirty-year driving habits are hard to relearn. New traffic patterns may have worsened auto congestion when the usual nightclub traffic mingles with special event crowds at Target Center. Some drivers are abusing the right lane restrictions on Hennepin (the lane is set aside for buses, bikes and right-turn autos only). And a new parking configuration and curb-hugging Euro-style bike lanes have caused confusion on First Avenue. Between Oct. 3 and Nov. 7, police officers issued 274 citations on that street alone. It didn't help that the streets were changed before markings were painted on the pavement, but that has been fixed.

Complaints are inevitable any time change occurs, but normalcy has returned in recent weeks. Jenifer Loritz, project manager for the street job, said the city is studying a number of adjustments to help traffic flow, including a downtown-wide recalibrating of traffic lights next year. "It's an extreme balancing act," she said, referring to reality that downtown streets must satisfy merchants, parking, shoppers, commuters, bicyclists, buses and pedestrians, all within a 60-foot strip.

"This is our entertainment district," she said. "We want it to be a destination, not just a route through downtown."

A better bus experience
Workers are putting finishing touches on the extreme makeover applied to Marquette and Second avenues, where 16 months of dusty construction caused a business nightmare. Some merchants uttered words not heard since Vietnam: "They're destroying it in order to save it." But the emerging streetscape transforms two of the city's bleakest streets into pleasant places — complete with wider sidewalks, trees and public art.

"It was a lot of short term pain for a lot of long-term gain," said the city's project manager Bill Fellows, who noted that the massive volume of work is being completed at a rate two to four times faster than normal.

The main point is to consolidate 80 percent of downtown's express buses on just two streets while also speeding their flow through the 20-block core. The old configuration was a mess: scores of buses inching single file through downtown. "No bus was faster than the slowest bus," said Bob Gibbons, communications director for Metro Transit.

The new double-lane arrangement allows buses to pass one another and to pick up riders on every other block. The system will triple transit capacity and speed on the streets. A 10-block southbound afternoon trip through the core that took a half hour will now take 10 minutes. Heated shelters with GPS-provided real time arrival information will remove a lot of anxiety during the p.m. rush.

The project, nicknamed Marq2, is a $40 million piece of the $133 million Urban Partnership Agreement with the federal government. It's one of several incremental steps toward BRT, or Bus Rapid Transit, which gives express buses some of the attributes of trains: exclusive lanes, more comfortable stations and fewer stops. BRT in the Twin Cities won't be accomplished all at once but rather in bits and pieces spread over several years. The federal agreement covers not only the remaking of Marquette and Second avenues but BRT and toll lanes (and several new bus stations) between downtown and Burnsville, Lakeville and Apple Valley, along both Hwy. 35W and Cedar Avenue.

Sixty-seven Metro Transit routes and the routes of other bus lines will begin using Marq2 on Dec. 14. Another 14 routes will be shifted off Nicollet Mall starting next March.

Cleaner, greener, safer
Perceptions matter. People take their cues from seemingly small things that begin to add up. A city that shrugs off loitering and aggressive panhandling, a city that fails to pick up trash or wash down sidewalks or care for trees and plants begins to send the signal that it doesn't care. That's the trap downtown Minneapolis was falling into. Because some its most visible public spaces were being neglected, people began to assume that the city was in a downward spiral.

But since its launch in July, the Downtown Improvement District, under director Sarah Harris, has made remarkable progress. In its first three months the DID: removed more than 300,000 pounds of trash and 4,200 graffiti tags; pressure-washed and weeded hundreds of blocks of sidewalk; reported several hundred panhandling incidents and offered directions and assistance to more than 27,000 visitors.

"It's hard to overstate the impact of the DID," said Tom Hoch, president of the Hennepin Theatre Trust. "The new level of cleanliness communicates a sense of order, and that translates to a greater feeling of safety." Hoch said he looks forward to next summer when the DID begins its greening program.

A facelift won't solve all of downtown's ills, but, like they say about chicken soup, it can't hurt.

[spectre000]

Lyric Apartments update, 11-29-09

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/6936/p2160013n.jpg

[araman0]

Three big changes make downtown Minneapolis a better place


These types of changes are very exciting, and far better than any highrise going up. It's been a few years since I've been there, so I'll have to check this out firsthand next Summer.

[Major Deegan]

Lyric Apartments update, 11-29-09


I really like how it turned out. Any idea if most of the units have been sold out?

[Major Deegan]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2710/4139699792_8d863fc14a.jpg
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobex_pics/4139699792/in/pool-36521986938@N01)
by Bob L2008

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2793/4139699772_b04cc39c64.jpg
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobex_pics/4139699772/in/pool-36521986938@N01)

[Mplsuptown]

^2 story car wash?

[Somnifor]

I believe that is a clinic being built by HCMC. I haven't read anything about it though so I am just going by word of mouth.

[spectre000]

I really like how it turned out. Any idea if most of the units have been sold out?

It's rentals. I don't think they've been listed yet. I'm sure they'll fill up quickly.

[TampaMike]

If everything works out as they stand at the moment, I'll be staying in the Marriot City Center this Wednesday and Thursday.

[spectre000]

Posted by lorwest on minnescraper.com, Peter J King Emergency Care Center expansion at Children's/United Hospital, downtown St. Paul. 12-13-09.

http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/peterjkingemergencycarecenter_137.jpg

[Avian001]

The new Vikings stadium plan is heating up. The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission is touting a new $870 million plan that includes saving a small portion of the Metrodome:

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_14016673

The Vikings are not on board with it though. They prefer an entirely new stadium.

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/8611/metrodomeremodel01.jpg (http://img40.imageshack.us/i/metrodomeremodel01.jpg/)

[spectre000]

They shouldn't be renovating the 'dome. Build a completely new stadium, the cost is nearly the same afterall. The only thing I like in that render they showed was all the development around the stadium. Those plots have been surface parking for far too long.

[minneapolis-uptown]

I havent gotten a chance to ride the light rail since the new station opened, does anyone know how it connects to the northstar station? are they on top of one another?

[Jennifat]

^^The stations aren't necessarily on top of each other; they intersect in a perpendicular 'L' shape with the enclosed stairway/escalator as the connection.

[Paule]

They shouldn't be renovating the 'dome. Build a completely new stadium, the cost is nearly the same afterall. The only thing I like in that render they showed was all the development around the stadium. Those plots have been surface parking for far too long.
I agree, I don't like that design one bit.

[GarfieldPark]

Of the new enclosed stadium styles of other recent NFL stadiums, which do you Twin Citians like best? Least? (examples: Houston's Reliant Stadium; Phoenix's (Glendale's) University of Phoenix stadium; DFW's (Arlington's) Jerry Dome (does it have a sponsored name?); Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium; Detroit's Ford Field, etc. (Or "none of the above").

Do you think a retractable roof is needed for an NFL stadium in the Twin Cities? or do you think its not worth the extra $50 - $100 milliion -- above the cost of just putting up a permanantly "closed" roof? (A roof is pretty much a necessity, wouldn't you say? or are there some die-hards who would rather see an open air style, like Lambeau or Soldier Field? If roofless is the direction that is pursued -- I suppose the cost savings might be another $100 - $150 million less than with a roof. )

Basically, I'm asking if you'd rather see a super modern bubble style, more along the lines of Phoenix and Dallas -- or a more "traditional" (brick and steel) style - like Detroit, Indy and Houston. Or something completely different?

[spectre000]

I would love to see something like the new Cowboys Stadium. That is the creme de la creme of sports facilities if you ask me.

But I also like Lucas Oil Stadium. I think that style of building would fit in nicely with any future surrounding buildings. Facilities like the new Cowboys stadium are so grand and imposing they hog all the attention. But something quaint looking like LOS would compliment a Block E or Calhoun Square type venue nearby very well.

I also think a roof is a must. A retractable one would be great, but cost then becomes an issue. If you want to lure a Super Bowl or other major events, we would need a roof. TCF Stadium can get away without a roof because they play in fall and early winter. I just can't see how anyone can really enjoy a game in sub zero temps. Burrr.

I really want the ownership, Minneapolis, and the politicians to stop the public posturing and start negotiating real, viable options. If we don't build a new stadium they are going to leave. Not necessarily to LA, but somewhere down the road. The Browns left Cleveland, the Raiders left LA, and so on. The Jaguars are probably moving, the Bills could be heading to Toronto. If Minnesotans don't help Wilf pay for it, another city will take em.

[srsmn]

Awful quiet around here.....

...but it's a new year, and it looks like the economy might be headed in the right direction (*knocks on wood*).

Any news? Is the condo phase of Eitel still in the works, or has it been shelved? I was just down there the other night, and we could really use something big on that side of downtown....

[vgmLiquid]

It is awful quiet. I'd post updates from Minnescraper but that site is currently messed up and I won't visit it until it is fixed because the viewing experience is...well...if anyone wants to see for themselves http://www.minnescraper.com

Maybe I will just start my own forum for the Minneapolis stuff that doesn't have all the attack site stuff going on.

[srsmn]

It is awful quiet. I'd post updates from Minnescraper but that site is currently messed up and I won't visit it until it is fixed because the viewing experience is...well...if anyone wants to see for themselves http://www.minnescraper.com

Maybe I will just start my own forum for the Minneapolis stuff that doesn't have all the attack site stuff going on.

I *braved* the security warnings today, and checked it out.

Don't know if you've seen it recently, but there are two things on there that seem of interest:

1.) Scherer Bros sells lumber yard near Boom Island to the park board....possible new city park?

2.) Just posted today: Apparent activity at 10th Ave and 7th St in the North Loop. Any idea what type of zoning that site is? When/if it was sold? Been around and actually seen the 'activity' in question (I haven't...)?...It's only a stone's throw from the new ballpark, so I'm reserving hope that something interesting could happen there, but if something interesting were to happen, I'd think there'd be more coverage than just a blurb from a passerby on Minnescraper....

The rest is pretty much the typical. :cheers:

[srsmn]

oh, and vgm: if you do start a new forum, will you let us know?

[TampaMike]

All I can find on the corner of 7th St. and 10th Ave. is that the Transit for Livable Communities got funding for something on the site back in 2007.

[spectre000]

There really isn't much development anywhere in the twin cities right now. Just a few proposals, a few apartment buildings u/c, a couple hospital additions... sad.

I post occasionally on minnescraper, but frankly the forum is pretty tired. A lot of posts are just articles from startribune.com, bizjournals, etc. Nobody really "discusses" anything.

[srsmn]

There really isn't much development anywhere in the twin cities right now. Just a few proposals, a few apartment buildings u/c, a couple hospital additions... sad.

I post occasionally on minnescraper, but frankly the forum is pretty tired. A lot of posts are just articles from startribune.com, bizjournals, etc. Nobody really "discusses" anything.

I know....I hope this year is better than last. Maybe I just need to keep being patient on this one, but man....we just hit a brick wall with all of the development that was supposed to happen that got shelved or killed altogether, and it's really frustrating...

[srsmn]

All I can find on the corner of 7th St. and 10th Ave. is that the Transit for Livable Communities got funding for something on the site back in 2007.

Huh. Interesting. I wonder what they could possibly want with that site, and if that's what's going on now...

[vgmLiquid]

oh, and vgm: if you do start a new forum, will you let us know?

If I were to start one it probably wouldn't be for another 6-12 months just so we have something to talk about other than the cold. I'm sure some development will be pitched within that time that can keep us going.

[spectre000]

An article from Finance & Commerce,

"January 7, 2010 2:07 PM CST
St. Paul’s Minnesota Building to mix housing, commercial, office space
by Brian Johnson Staff Writer

The Minnesota Building in downtown St. Paul is in the early stages of getting its long-anticipated makeover.

This week, crews from Lloyd’s Construction Services began interior demolition in the 13-story building at 46 E. Fourth St., the first step toward redeveloping the 101,000-square-foot, 80-year-old structure for 137 rental housing units, including some affordable units.

The plan also calls for 10,000 square feet of commercial and office space."

The rest of the article here,

http://http://www.finance-commerce.com/article.cfm/2010/01/08/St-Pauls-Minnesota-Building-to-mix-housing-commercial-office-space

Here's a picture by me from today. They just put up an elevator and small crane on the street.

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/7237/mnbldgconstruction.jpg

[spectre000]

Pictures by lorwest on minnescraper, 1-16-10.

Lyric Apartments

http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/lyric_534.jpg


Peter J King Emergency Center

http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/peterjkingemergencycarecenter_117.jpg

[spectre000]

Another picture by lorwest from minnescraper, 1-16-10.

Mill City District Apartments. Foundation works ongoing.

http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/milldistrict_358.jpg

[srsmn]

drove by 10th Ave. and 7th Street today, and indeed, there is something apparently big going on on the site. Looks like it's been a tear-down so far, and what (if anything) they plan to do with the site once they've cleared it is beyond me...

[TampaMike]

drove by 10th Ave. and 7th Street today, and indeed, there is something apparently big going on on the site. Looks like it's been a tear-down so far, and what (if anything) they plan to do with the site once they've cleared it is beyond me...
Have you contacted anyone from the city about it?

[Major Deegan]

Lyric Apartments
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/lyric_534.jpg

Without trees it looks so bare, but it is a fine large 'brick' building.

[spectre000]

Without trees it looks so bare, but it is a fine large 'brick' building.

The entire length of University Avenue needs trees. Its so barren. It makes me mad that the property and business owners could care less.

[srsmn]

Have you contacted anyone from the city about it?

Just got done sending an e-mail about it. We'll see what they say....

[srsmn]

Just got done sending an e-mail about it. We'll see what they say....

According to the city, the site is owned by the Minnesota Ballpark Authority. They gave me the e-mail address for somebody who must be part of zoning/development that could give me more info. When her e-mail comes, I'll post again here...

[confused04]

Apparently its officially, the Central Corridor will be getting another 3 stops (http://www.startribune.com/local/82601562.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUUUac8HEaDiaMDCinchO7DUs)in the Midway Community at Victoria, Hamline and Western Avenue which will hopefully calm complaints that the light rail plan is avoiding minorities.

This only makes sense. The Victoria station I thought was VERY needed... Dale to Lexington is a pretty long distance. Hamline to Snelling didn't seem that bad to me (although at -30, I'd probably say otherwise). Thankfully, the Obama administration has eased the CEI requirement so this shouldn't affect its funding chances. Not to say that the lawsuits couldn't still derail funding which I'm sure 30 other cities across the US are crossing their fingers for.

Now for those from the Twin Cities, what do you guys think of the assessment fees they were thinking levying for sidewalk/road improvements in the corridor?

[spectre000]

Apparently its officially, the Central Corridor will be getting another 3 stops (http://www.startribune.com/local/82601562.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUUUac8HEaDiaMDCinchO7DUs)in the Midway Community at Victoria, Hamline and Western Avenue which will hopefully calm complaints that the light rail plan is avoiding minorities.

This only makes sense. The Victoria station I thought was VERY needed... Dale to Lexington is a pretty long distance. Hamline to Snelling didn't seem that bad to me (although at -30, I'd probably say otherwise). Thankfully, the Obama administration has eased the CEI requirement so this shouldn't affect its funding chances. Not to say that the lawsuits couldn't still derail funding which I'm sure 30 other cities across the US are crossing their fingers for.

Now for those from the Twin Cities, what do you guys think of the assessment fees they were thinking levying for sidewalk/road improvements in the corridor?

The city originally wanted to start the assessments immediately, but it looks like they will back off and not begin them until 2014. That seems much more fairer. Some of the small businesses aren't going to survive the construction so they won't have any benefit from the beautification.

I read some of the letters businesses sent to the council voicing their opposition. I'm more than a little dismayed at the lack of interest some businesses show for the neighborhood. A seperate vote on the assessments is scheduled for the downtown business and property owners, and their were no such letters submitted. I hate to see some businesses chased off (gentrified) by the light rail. But I'm hopeful University Ave will be transformed into a much more vibrant street because of it. The street now is just awful, and it doesn't help that so many property owners and businesses couldn't care less.

[confused04]

The city originally wanted to start the assessments immediately, but it looks like they will back off and not begin them until 2014. That seems much more fairer. Some of the small businesses aren't going to survive the construction so they won't have any benefit from the beautification.

I read some of the letters businesses sent to the council voicing their opposition. I'm more than a little dismayed at the lack of interest some businesses show for the neighborhood. A seperate vote on the assessments is scheduled for the downtown business and property owners, and their were no such letters submitted. I hate to see some businesses chased off (gentrified) by the light rail. But I'm hopeful University Ave will be transformed into a much more vibrant street because of it. The street now is just awful, and it doesn't help that so many property owners and businesses couldn't care less.


Yes, I read a few of those letters (which I wish someone would have edited for them). I completely understand their concerns, but I feel as though if you waited for the beautification to be done 4 years after construction, that it would cause a second full round of hardship. My street which someone has taken a bunch of pics of (Selby) just went through its own beautification process and it was relatively minor but I'm sure the businesses saw a major hit to their revenue. I can't imagine going through 3 years of road construction followed by at least another year of beautification when you could just get it done all at once.

In terms of funding, why can't the City put a request for say... 5 million in the State bonding bill. Seems like the 5 million dollars would be put to better use there than to rehab some lame 1 lane bridge in Nowhere, MN. The assessment does seem punishing, I believe one business was estimated to owe $13,000 for some a relatively short length of University Avenue. Yes the street owners do stand to "benefit" from the beautification, but it seems like most of the businesses currently on University are doing fine without it and don't see the benefit to be greater than the cost (and for most of those businesses, thats probably true). This is not even including the increase in property tax that the city will undoubtedly receive after the assess the property values. I'm sure Victoria and University properties will suddenly skyrocket to 3 million dollars... I can see the frustration of minority business owners, I just hope they can find outside funding. If Saint Paul can build a refrigerated ice rink, seems like they can find the funding else where.

[confused04]

This isn't really development news, but community news... Minnescraper (http://www.minnescraper.com) has updated its forum software and upgraded. It no longer posts the malware warning (although I'm I guess older stuff linked to it still does). It now even has a twitter account @minnescraper if you REALLY need to be updated, like me. Hopefully some of you enjoy this news like I did.

[srsmn]

This isn't really development news, but community news... Minnescraper (http://www.minnescraper.com) has updated its forum software and upgraded. It no longer posts the malware warning (although I'm I guess older stuff linked to it still does). It now even has a twitter account @minnescraper if you REALLY need to be updated, like me. Hopefully some of you enjoy this news like I did.

Could be too late for my laptop, I'm afraid :ohno:

Also, I got a response on my mystery site in the North Loop. Metro Transit owns it and apparently plans to build a bus layover facility...

[vgmLiquid]

This isn't really development news, but community news... Minnescraper (http://www.minnescraper.com) has updated its forum software and upgraded. It no longer posts the malware warning (although I'm I guess older stuff linked to it still does). It now even has a twitter account @minnescraper if you REALLY need to be updated, like me. Hopefully some of you enjoy this news like I did.

I still get the messages.

[spectre000]

I still get the messages.

So do I. I still visit the forum even though a lot of the posts are just news links. Also when I try to reply its always asking me to log in. Lots of bugs to work out.

[confused04]

Hmm... odd, I don't get those warnings anymore since the revamp. Does it matter which browser your using? I'm using Chrome.

On a development front....

Saint Paul Saint's ask for new stadium (http://wcco.com/sports/st.paul.saints.2.1450963.html). Personally... Hell to the yea. This stadium will bring much needed life to Saint Paul and its relatively cheap. Helps deal with very ugly land. If completed, it would mean the Central Corridor begins and ends at a baseball park :P.

[spectre000]

I love the idea of a ballpark in downtown st. paul, and so do a lot of other downtown residents. It's a real longshot in the legislatures bonding bill though. Many in the legislature are proposing a billion dollar bill or even higher. But Pawlenty has been vetoing just about every single St. Paul request the last couple of bonding bills.

I wouldn't descibe Pawlenty as anti-development. Not with all thats been built in the twin cities this last decade. But he sure doesn't "help" projects. It'd be nice to have another Rudy Perpich. He got things built.

[Sirus]

According to the city, the site is owned by the Minnesota Ballpark Authority. They gave me the e-mail address for somebody who must be part of zoning/development that could give me more info. When her e-mail comes, I'll post again here...

From a Jan 22 Finance and Commerce article:
"Perhaps the most concrete plan for development in the area comes from public agency Metro Transit, which is planning a new bus garage on the former Ragstock site at 812 Seventh St. N. Metro Transit spokesman Bob Gibbons said that the total project budget is $70 million, including land costs."

[spectre000]

Good news for the west side of St. Paul.

http://www.twincities.com/ci_14291290?source=most_emailed

West Side Flats may rise again in St. Paul
Pioneer Press

Updated: 01/28/2010 11:18:25 PM CST


The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency awarded $1.5 million Thursday to a long-stalled plan for residential construction at the Wabasha Street bridgehead and Water Street, just across the Mississippi River from downtown St. Paul.

Called West Side Flats, the development would feature a six-story, 185-unit apartment building that would include 37 affordable-housing units. It was one of 56 projects that on Thursday received final funding approval from the board of Minnesota Housing, which doled out nearly $50 million for statewide affordable housing developments.

The funding from Minnesota Housing is contingent on the developer of West Side Flats raising $24 million over the next eight months, said Megan Ryan, a spokeswoman for the state housing agency.

The West Side Flats project has taken many twists and turns over the years, as the original plan for condos was scrapped because of the weak housing market. The project currently carries a price tag of $32.3 million, Ryan said, and has financial backing from St. Paul, Ramsey County and soon-to-be-finalized funds from the Metropolitan Council.

— Christopher Snowbeck

[spectre000]

Bill Hosko, downtown business owner and one time candidate for city council proposes a different sort of redevelopment near the Farmer's Market downtown. Can't say I like it too much. A windmill is downtown? No thanks. But I do like the idea of the second floor available to artists for gallery purposes. However, their is already enough empty class C space in downtown St. Paul for artists to showcase their work. Hopefully his idea doesn't take too much hold.

I scanned the article from the Downtown Voice publication. Sorry for the image bleeding through the other side of the page.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/953/5thadnwallproposal.jpg

[losangelino]

WOW!! Bravo Twin Cities. It's been more than 20 years since I lived and went to school there and man the changes are unbelivable. It was vibrant then (and cold lol) but seems much moreso now. How I miss it. Keep it going!!! I'll have to plan a visit real soon.

[Milwaukee, WY]

Nice banner today... Contrats St. Paul!

[araman0]

I've got a question for you guys. Now that the two trains have been introduced into the region, has the downtown parking garage occupancy rate gone down? I assume that the trains have led many dowtown workers to ditch their cars and hop the train. If this results in a smaller demand for downtown parking garages, it may lead to future projects which require little or no parking while absorbing the extra parking capacity recently created in downtown. It would be wonderful to see some parking-free developements sprout up around downtown as a result.

[Jacobean]

I've got a question for you guys. Now that the two trains have been introduced into the region, has the downtown parking garage occupancy rate gone down? I assume that the trains have led many dowtown workers to ditch their cars and hop the train. If this results in a smaller demand for downtown parking garages, it may lead to future projects which require little or no parking while absorbing the extra parking capacity recently created in downtown. It would be wonderful to see some parking-free developements sprout up around downtown as a result.

Minneapolis not too long ago removed minimum parking requirements for downtown developments.

[Jacobean]

Bill Hosko, downtown business owner and one time candidate for city council proposes a different sort of redevelopment near the Farmer's Market downtown. Can't say I like it too much. A windmill is downtown? No thanks. But I do like the idea of the second floor available to artists for gallery purposes. However, their is already enough empty class C space in downtown St. Paul for artists to showcase their work. Hopefully his idea doesn't take too much hold.


Agreed about the windmill....its an urban area, not a small farm village. Also dont understand the writer's lack of interest in incorporating housing to the project. To make downtown St. Paul a true livable urban neighborhood, housing should be incorporated in mixed-use projects wherever and whenever possible. Whether or not "opportunities exist for housing elsewhere nearby" is besides the point...to get sufficient population density to make a vibrant urban community, you need housing everywhere possible.

[spectre000]

I rented a loft in Lowertown near the Farmer's Market, and there are only a handful of rental apartment buildings. Most of the other buildings are condominiums. So there really isn't a huge amount of housing. I know right now the apartment vacancy rates are around 10% in both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. But when the economy is strong, those numbers shrink fast. I remember reading occupancy rates at nearby Galtier Plaza at 98% back in 2006 or 2007. The building I lived at was nearly always fully rented. There will be plenty of demand for more housing in downtown St. Paul.

[minneapolis-uptown]

I have Good news for downtown Minneapolis! I work at Westminster church on Nicollet and I have heard that they plan to build a 20-something storey building to house seniors in the place of the wells Fargo building next to the church:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1044/756924130_7f655e6684.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1407/756054335_b00c344aa6.jpg?v=0
The senior part is bad news, though. Old people can get kinda annoying. Just saying.

[Sirus]

So they're tearing that building down?

[spectre000]

So they're tearing that building down?

I hope not! That's a pretty nice looking office building. There are plenty of surface lots around downtown to develop. They don't need to bring a wrecking ball to that.

[minneapolis-uptown]

So they're tearing that building down?

I belive so. I like this building too, but hopefully the new one will be cool

[minneapolis-uptown]

I hope not! That's a pretty nice looking office building. There are plenty of surface lots around downtown to develop. They don't need to bring a wrecking ball to that.

This building is right next to the church in a already highly developed area

[srsmn]

I belive so. I like this building too, but hopefully the new one will be cool

That's good news to hear. Even if we do lose that mid-rise, it will be good for something to get done down there.

Any idea how far along they are in the process? By that I mean, are they just planning, or do they have a date with the zoning board? Contracter? Architect? Funds? I really appreciate insider scoops, but I also prefer not to get my hopes up...I'm sure you understand. :cheers:

[altfelix]

That's good news to hear. Even if we do lose that mid-rise, it will be good for something to get done down there.

Any idea how far along they are in the process? By that I mean, are they just planning, or do they have a date with the zoning board? Contracter? Architect? Funds? I really appreciate insider scoops, but I also prefer not to get my hopes up...I'm sure you understand. :cheers:

Presbyterian Homes has owned the building since late 2005.

http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2005/11/28/daily34.html

[minneapolis-uptown]

That's good news to hear. Even if we do lose that mid-rise, it will be good for something to get done down there.

Any idea how far along they are in the process? By that I mean, are they just planning, or do they have a date with the zoning board? Contracter? Architect? Funds? I really appreciate insider scoops, but I also prefer not to get my hopes up...I'm sure you understand. :cheers:

They keep pushing back the date. When it's a non-profit organization there arent realy that many serious deadlines. Last I heard it was planned for like 2015 or something?

[srsmn]

They keep pushing back the date. When it's a non-profit organization there arent realy that many serious deadlines. Last I heard it was planned for like 2015 or something?

2015 would be about right if they wanted to start getting the prelim type stuff done this year, and possibly break ground spring or summer of '11....

[srsmn]

Presbyterian Homes has owned the building since late 2005.

http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2005/11/28/daily34.html

Ah, well that's one roadblock out of the way. Thanks for the info!

So, what's Presbyterian Homes doing with the building currently?

[spectre000]

Ah, well that's one roadblock out of the way. Thanks for the info!

So, what's Presbyterian Homes doing with the building currently?

It's a typical office building. I can't believe they want to tear it down for a residential highrise. I love new developments, but there are other surface lots that could be of use for a new building.

It's less than 30 years old. :ohno:

I'm sure there are cheaper areas around Elliot Park that could be developed instead of Nicollet Mall.

[srsmn]

It's a typical office building. I can't believe they want to tear it down for a residential highrise. I love new developments, but there are other surface lots that could be of use for a new building.

It's less than 30 years old. :ohno:

I'm sure there are cheaper areas around Elliot Park that could be developed instead of Nicollet Mall.

I don't like it either, but I'll take what I can get. We need higher density (IMO) everywhere downtown. This may not be the catalyst, but it can be a part of the solution, at least.

[spectre000]

I don't like it either, but I'll take what I can get. We need higher density (IMO) everywhere downtown. This may not be the catalyst, but it can be a part of the solution, at least.

I agree with the wanting more density. But you don't get it by removing one short fat office low rise, with what will most likely be a tall skinny residential building. Hopefully they'll propose something with a large retail base I bet they want something close to the downtown core so that it can be connected to the skyways. Which is a big plus for mobility impaired seniors.

[srsmn]

I agree with the wanting more density. But you don't get it by removing one short fat office low rise, with what will most likely be a tall skinny residential building. Hopefully they'll propose something with a large retail base I bet they want something close to the downtown core so that it can be connected to the skyways. Which is a big plus for mobility impaired seniors.

I mean, my understanding is that they want it close to Westminster, first and foremost.

Maybe they could incorporate the existing building into the design somehow?

Although, to be quite honest, I think we have plenty of glass sheet high-rises downtown as is....I'd rather see some brick...

[minneapolis-uptown]

I mean, my understanding is that they want it close to Westminster, first and foremost.

Maybe they could incorporate the existing building into the design somehow?

Although, to be quite honest, I think we have plenty of glass sheet high-rises downtown as is....I'd rather see some brick...

yeah, but theres a lot of brick in that neighborhood already:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/3033566818_3793658430.jpg?v=0
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/3245319.jpg
I dont know if it would be a good thing to blend in, or to add some variety. Maybe some stone of some kind?

[confused04]

The glass building doesn't seem terribly integrated to the surrounding neighborhood. I'm always supportive of increasing downtown residency, even if it is at the expense of a relatively run of the mill glass building. Even if its senior housing, its at least a way to increase demand for services like transportation and perhaps another grocery store. This is one of the more minor switch-a-roos so this structures fate really doesn't concern me a whole lot. 20 floors of something is nothing to scoff at, especially in a poor outlook.

I'm not terribly familiar with this building but it appears relatively unintegrated with the neighborhood (and I'm not meaning architecturally speaking). Anything that would increase ground level retail/services is fine by me.

[Jacobean]

While it would be a shame to see buildings torn down when there are so many surface parking lots downtown the could be developed, this area could use some retrofitting. The whole area to the northeast of Loring Park and west of the convention center is pretty poorly designed. While there is decent density (as evident in the picture above), the buildings are often the suburban-style development transplanted to the city that is typical of 1970s-1990's era development. In other words, lots of blank concrete walls at the street level, lots of towers surrounded by grass and concrete, very little streetfront retail or restaurants. Its a shame because this area has some of the higher residential densities in downtown, and could potentially be a much more vibrant neighborhood than it currently is.

These office towers are a good example of that style of development, and it would not be the worst thing in the world for them to be replaced by buildings that would contribute more to the urban pedestrian environment. Nevertheless, would still rather see this happen AFTER all the surface lots in downtown east are redeveloped.

[spectre000]

Presbyterian Homes is pretty busy apparently. The Highland Villager is reporting that a new senior housing apartment complex with 200+ units in St. Paul is set to break ground May 1st.

Here are a couple graphics from its website.

http://csjstpaul.org/files/csjstpaul/images/New%20BuildingPix/BWDrawing1-web.jpg

http://csjstpaul.org/files/csjstpaul/images/New%20BuildingPix/clrsite10-22-08.jpg

http://csjstpaul.org/carondeletvillage

[srsmn]

That's on St. Kate's campus-- I think I've seen those plans before.

[spectre000]

I was digging around St. Paul's website and came across some development plans regarding the Central Corridor LRT. Here are some renders of a ~50 story tall office tower for the proposed 4th and Cedar block in downtown St. Paul. Really just a pipe dream for now. But who knows, maybe we'll throw $100 million at a company to move here just like we did with Lawsons Software in the late 90's. I'd seen a cropped version of the first picture before, but never in full form. Blows me away. I hope one day we'll see something like this.

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/5348/4thandcedartower.jpg

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/4146/proposalsfor4thandcedar.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2519/towerrender.jpg

http://www.stpaul.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DID=4774

[confused04]

spectre000: Thanks, I've been looking for that. I saw the smaller image a long time ago and I couldn't find it again. Is there anything even any solid leads on this other than "This is what could happen"? Any developers working on a plan or anything? It'd be nice to get this started during the construction period. Of course, if this were to be built, then I guess you could kiss the Wabasha tower goodbye :(.

[spectre000]

The 2009 Capital City Partnership annual report has the 4th and Cedar hub planned for 2013 at $35 million. Those dates and figures are really nothing more than targets. But who knows. It is in the cities planning. As for the tower, it'll take landing a major anchor tenant. I know of no major developer marketing the land.

I think the redevelopment of the County Jail and former West Publishing site has a slightly better chance. Those buildings will be vacated by Ramsey county employees this year. I've heard rumors the city will step in and demolish the buildings to make the sites "development ready".

As for the Wabasha tower site, Dean Johnson has no money. His soccer team folded. He's probably just going to flip the parking lot as soon as he finds a buyer. My bet is the city might take it over and build a goverment office building there someday.

[minneapolis-uptown]

I thought the heights of the buildings in downtown ST paul were limited due to the nearby airport? how is this building possible?

btw it reminds me of the Nicollet:fiddle::cry:

[spectre000]

I thought the heights of the buildings in downtown ST paul were limited due to the nearby airport? how is this building possible?

btw it reminds me of the Nicollet:fiddle::cry:

The airport related height limits are geared more towards Lowertown.

This block is located in the CBD with tall buildings already around it (ie. First National Bank Building) and not in any direct flight path.

[srsmn]

This woul be absolutely amazing for St. Paul if it happened-- the type of building that could really define the skyline.

Quick question, though: if we're talking about 50 stories, this thing has to be at least 600+ feet. From those renderings (and even taking in perspective) it doesn't look that much taller than anything else downtown, and right now nothing exceeds 500 feet....what's the deal?

Anyway, whether it gets done or not, that entire corridor will be huge for development in St. Paul. As they start to break ground and through the Summer, I think we just might see more and more proposals pop up...

[confused04]

This woul be absolutely amazing for St. Paul if it happened-- the type of building that could really define the skyline.

Quick question, though: if we're talking about 50 stories, this thing has to be at least 600+ feet. From those renderings (and even taking in perspective) it doesn't look that much taller than anything else downtown, and right now nothing exceeds 500 feet....what's the deal?

Anyway, whether it gets done or not, that entire corridor will be huge for development in St. Paul. As they start to break ground and through the Summer, I think we just might see more and more proposals pop up...

I was thinking the same thing, but as this is only conceptual, I think the city may have just told the artist who came up with this rendering to "put a tall building in there" and thats what came out. Jackson Tower of Galtier Plaza is 47 floors so 50 of similar height isn't THAT outrageous.

[srsmn]

I was thinking the same thing, but as this is only conceptual, I think the city may have just told the artist who came up with this rendering to "put a tall building in there" and thats what came out. Jackson Tower of Galtier Plaza is 47 floors so 50 of similar height isn't THAT outrageous.

Yeah- Galtier is kind of odd....in that it's not very tall for a building with that many stories. Maybe it's a residential thing? People probably only look for maybe 10 foot ceilings in their apartments, and when Galtier was built, the standard was probably more like 8 feet....

[spectre000]

Peter J King Emergency Center, 3-14-10.

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/2442/dscn0039e.jpg

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/2482/dscn0038x.jpg