urbanMSP

Thanks for posting! The IDS of the 70's reminds me of a current tower that just finished in OKC (Devon Tower, 844'). They now have a similar 70's Minneapolis skyline. Devon is almost twice as tall as anything else in OKC. The IDS really did put Minneapolis on the map. Now if only Target or someone ...

I think the new building will look good and fit in nicely here. I really like the transparency and openness. That relates well to the liberal and open minded character of the Uptown community. The red coloration of the upper exterior will be cheerful and warm. I think there will be spaces inside tha...

I have a few b&w photo's of the IDS Center under-construction. Let me find them spectre000. The skyline looked so different back then, compared to the present day. Few buildings, even by today's standards have the efficiencies of the IDS. We're very fortunate to have such a high-quality and sta...

Hi, I'm John. I have lived downtown for 30 years and have a huge passion and interest in watching downtown Minneapolis change and grow. I bought a small condo 5 years ago with a spectacular skyline view so it can be part of me 24/7. I am a currently psychiatric nurse and I really love my job helping...

A website devoted to development in the Toronto metropolitan area. Downtown Toronto is the fastest growing urban core in North America. Very fun website for fans of modern architecture and futuristic skyscrapers! http://urbantoronto.ca/

Keep the movie theater, but turn it into an Art House movie theater and allow it to sell beer. Try to get Lucky Strike to take over the bowling alley vacated by Gameworks. Fill in the remaining street level retail with local restaurants and bars (no chains) and fill in the skyway area with places u...

I like your enthusiasm and vision Witruth. I think many people who live here don't realize the tremendous amenities we have in of our city. We definitely need something very tall and bold as a distinguishing feature of our skyline that say " Minneapolis". But I'm not sure if Block E is the...

Hennepin Ave is really on the upswing as far as development goes. I've lived downtown for 30 years and I'm amazed at the positive change over just the last couple years, especially on the northern and southen edges of Hennepin Ave downtown. I agree the issue ( and perception) of public safety is a m...

Whatever they want to do with the upper levels is fine IMO. They have to make the complex work financially as an investment. The main issue for me is to have the street level relate well with Hennepin Ave and the surrounding theater district. It should open up to the city, engage with the pedestrian...

Here's a link to a really good article on "entertainment districts" by someone I'd seen on Minnescraper in the past, he writes for Strong Towns , also a really good website. http://nathanielhood.com/2012/05/06/avoiding-the-allure-of-entertainment-districts/ The lesson being that very, ver...

Count me among the group who doesn't want to see a big box store or a grocery store in this space. That area on Hennepin is all lit up with theaters, restaurants, dance clubs, etc. Whatever goes in at the ground level needs to mesh with the "entertainment district" that's already there. I...

Renderings from the Architect's website: http://www.vjaa.net/sites/default/files/styles/main_image/public/image02_0.jpg http://www.vjaa.net/sites/default/files/styles/main_image/public/image04_0.jpg http://www.vjaa.net/sites/default/files/styles/main_image/public/image03_0.jpg http://www.vjaa.net/si...

I would LOVE to see something totally mixed-use so we don't depend on one entity in this space. It should be office (to gaurantee day time foot traffic), retail (to add to the vibrancy of the street and create security/eye's on the street), residential (to create a critical mass of invested citizen...

Transparent, pedestrian friendly , and contemporary. Exactly as described by Gail Dorfman. No, it is not iconic, however, being as it's so close to the iconic Uptown Theater marquee, would you want it to be?? It fits in well and has a quiet yet very distinct presence. I think it looks great!

I think they are supposed to close by July and begin initial site work.

From what you say we will probably see some renderings of the new library in July. I have high hopes this is going to be a great building and asset for Uptown.

They can reuse all the barnwood from slims for one of the other new barnwood restaurants around town. Seriously, La Grassa, Butcher and Boar, Icehouse, George & Dragon, Eat Street, etc. It's getting old.

Maybe they can use the barnwood to cover up The Mozaic?

I really like the two corners with transparent glass on the north side. Makes the complex much more open and engaged with the surrounding area and pedestrian. Would be even nicer if they could carry that transparency through to the other sides. I like the underlighting of the over hanging eaves. The...

It would be nice to see the designs. I remember Gail Dorfman saying the building would be transparent. pedestrian friendly, and contemporary. Sounds like the concept for the design was off to a good start.

What about colored mesh panels?

That would be really cool. And at night have them glow with back lighting.

Thanks Min-chi-cbus for that insight. 1368 Lasalle is such a beauty; I am crossing every one of my fingers and toes it gets built!. I think 1368 will change the whole dynamic of the area, and spur development along Nicollet Ave. BTW, I grew up in Cleveland ( Shaker Heights) and I am hearing that dow...