urbanMSP

Here you go rookies. The original proposal from 2006. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7409/12117424764_ce2530db44.jpg Eclipse proposal 2006 rendering 3 by bapster2006 , on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/12117313563_68db83d42a.jpg Eclipse proposal 2006 rendering 1 by bapster2006 , on Flickr

I saw the Ritz all the time when I went to the library (in the left in that photo for the younger folks) in the 80's. They shut down the hotel and soon cleared the site to make way for big developments like IDS II. And there you have it. A few decades of sitting empty.

Funny because one of my favorite activities is comparing January / February predictions to December realities. Always good for a few giggles.

People really didn't think that crane was for 4 Marq did they? ha ha. From the east side...


Nic of Fifth from the east 11-28-13 by bapster2006, on Flickr

I hadn't noticed the purple stripes before but I like it. As far as I can count, they are on the last floor. From the north...


LPM from the north 11-28-13 by bapster2006, on Flickr

I used to go to Shinders on block E all the time in '82 while Moby Dicks and all the good stuff was still up. Yea, it was nice and junky all right. As I recall, Moby Dicks would give you a free drink if you brought in your AA coin.

Optum Phase II rendering by bapster2006, on Flickr

Here's an aerial shot showing the two new buildings on Shady Oak with the two Healthcare Lane twins in the background. The HQ building is just to the left back there.


Optum HQ aerial 9-30-13 by bapster2006, on Flickr

Yep, looks like they stacked two together.


Optum HQ tower rendering by bapster2006, on Flickr

Yep, I took that photo in the men's room on the 22nd (top) floor of the DoubleTree. Huge windows and great views on the conference level and open to everyone. I just wish there were south facing views toward the office towers.

Yep, that will be the bigger tower. I share your theory that the other two Healthcare Lane (Data Park) buildings were efficient designs so they kept with it.

The first two new Optum HQ buildings almost done and the 3rd tower started


UHG HQ 10-25-13 by bapster2006, on Flickr

The view from high up of these new apartments


Luxembourg apartments Bloomington 10-25-13 by bapster2006, on Flickr

I just had to make a smart alek comment on the Star Tribune article tonight. I couldn't help myself.

Yep, I went there many times too. I liked the huge selection. My two honeycrisp trees are from there in 2008.

A 15.5 mile bike ride in the chilly wind but got some good pics.


Elan II 10-12-13 by bapster2006, on Flickr

After my tasty lunch at Jasmine's Deli on Nicollet


LPM from 13th St 10-12-13 by bapster2006, on Flickr


LPM from Loring Park 10-12-13 by bapster2006, on Flickr

Right on the bike trail. Target Field is in the background.


Dock Street 10-5-13 by bapster2006, on Flickr

From the pedestrian bridge near 394, just west of downtown.


LPM 10-5-13 by bapster2006, on Flickr

Looking good from the south side of Gold Medal Park.


Stonebridge 10-5-13 by bapster2006, on Flickr