Historic Preservation

Pacific Flats, Minneapolis, MN  |  View Gallery »

Client: Pacific Flats LLC
Completion: 2004

The Pacific Block was a neglected landmark building on a busy intersection of the Warehouse District. Originally the owner purchased the building to circumvent another possible adult entertainment use in the area. When the unexpected extent of brick deterioration and lack of sound interior structural elements drove up the total project costs, the owner continued with the project and protected the building from possible demolition. The owner and architect worked with the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Department to assure that the construction was completed in a historically appropriate manner.

The exterior work is now complete and in compliance with the Warehouse Historic District Design Guidelines. The graceful arched window openings, refurbished wood cornices, cast iron columns and weathered brick provide a glimpse of another era of commercial development in Minneapolis.

Ladyslipper Building, Minneapolis, MN  |  View Gallery »

Client: 1229 Harmon Place, LLC
Completion: 2005

1221-1229 Harmon Place is located in the Harmon Place Historic District in downtown Minneapolis. It is one of several buildings in the district related to the automobile sales industry in the area from the 1920s through the 1950s. Original 1915 construction drawings refer to it as "Store Building for Hattie L. Knoblauch." Carved, limestone medallions at the storefront corners have a ladyslipper and the letter "K" intertwined, probably a reference to the original owner.

During restoration, new window and storefront framing and glazing were installed. The new window and storefront styles, sizes, mullion patterns and casing were developed from original construction drawings and archive photos of the building. New entry doors were placed in the original entry locations and recessed as recommended in the district guidelines. The deteriorated stone base was repaired and new stone added to complete the recessed entry areas. A custom wood panel door was installed at the 13th Street garage opening. The interior was renovated for office and retail use.

Dunwoody Apartments, Minneapolis, MN  |  View Gallery »

Client: Gateway Commons, LLC
Completion: 2011

The former Abbott Hospital is located in the Stevens Square neighborhood of Minneapolis. The building was constructed in five phases between 1910 and 1957, with each phase tracing through different architectural styles ranging from Renaissance Revival to Mid Century Modern. The proposed development is the adaptive re-use of a hospital complex into market-rate rental apartments. Rehabilitation of the existing buildings will include the addition of a new two level, below grade parking structure and an entry vestibule. The project will undergo a Certified Restoration for tax credits with the National Park Service.