urbanMSP

...put in an Ace Hardware or something that is lacking in the area...

Gardner Hardware. http://www.gardnerhardwareco.com/ Since 1884!

But I do agree with the rest of your post.

There are too many variables to predict a height. So I will... :) If they do go for 600,000 sf build out then perhaps the best guess is that the floor plates would be considerably smaller than 25,000 sq. ft. They have already said they will keep the existing 17-story tower. If they do not physically...

I may be wrong but I don't see the ADU-above-the-new-detached-garage is going to be common. One of the biggest expenses is running new plumbing and sewer connections, and in Minneapolis those main sewer lines are usually in the street. In a worst-case scenario you'll be trenching 100 feet or more to...

Johnson/Burgee were the architects along with Edward Baker Associates as the local architects of record (Baker was later liquidated). The contractor was Turner Construction, one of today's biggest contractors. They also worked on the Burj Khalifa.

http://www.turnerconstruction.com/

I'd advise everyone to relax. The (presumably) Mid-East investors have little chance to make that somewhat bizarre hotel a reality. Someone leaked the images and no one is going to jail for it.

This is a hoax.. right??

Not in the least. But it won't get built.

I can easily accept that this would be the choice by Hennepin County. It's certainly "interesting.' Maybe you and I have differing perceptions about their taste levels. Hennepin is a county that prides itself on being cutting edge. Within reason, of course. But granting an international develop...

That grainy rendering is authentic as far as I know. I saw the same one earlier this year from a reliable source. I have strong doubts that it will be the design that is ultimately selected though.

There are quite a few SRO buildings in the Twin Cities already, with shared baths and a central kitchen where food is served to the residents. They are part of the GRH program run by the state. They are privately owned but many receive all of their funding from the public and some of them make a tid...

strib has brought back a regular architectural review column. first up was the orchestra hall revamp. http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/278047101.html To which I wholeheartedly agree. The new lobby is "nice." And a bit boring. It hardly lives up to the stellar hall. Not great for an or...

I need to say something. First of all, I never thought anyone was calling me a "liar." That was said by someone else. Second, I've always tried to preface any behind-the-scenes news with a general reminder that oftentimes many of these planned projects don't get built or are drastically ch...

1. Is Lord & Taylor really scouting for a site in downtown or was that just a made-up scenario? You'd have to ask Avian. Frankly, it all sounds a bit rumor-ish, if none of this ever leaked to the media. :| At this point I may never again respond, so I'll just say this. I have been privy to info...

The site keeps re-setting for me as well.

I like your idea for Lord & Taylor. Better than a Walgreens.

Anyway, I would hope Opus would include a major retail component if they go with the residential towers. If not, that would be pretty short-sighted of them.

Confirmed?

That's what was all over the news in June. If it changes, it changes.

...and Lord & Taylor would consider renovating and moving into the soon-to-be vacant Saks space.

The Saks space is being taken by an upscale Walgreens.

That rumor is hedged so much that it was bound to be true. In other words, completely worthless. I for one don't think it's worthless to talk about what's going on behind the scenes of potentially major projects. Yes, there is a Norman Foster design for the Ritz Block. I could even describe it. Yes...

Occupancy last night:

I suspect most of those "occupied" apartments are empty. Towers like this often turn on the lights as a PR move to create buzz about the building. There are few, if any people moving around in those apartments yet.

It is a laugh about the residents. And I love the way it's phrased:

"The team has said that they do not object outright to the additional level, but wanted assurances that residents would not leave during games."

What are they asking the city to do? Declare Martial Law on game days?

Twin Cities economy passes Detroit.

http://www.startribune.com/business/275384691.html

The Strib is late to the party. The Twin Cities' GDP surpassed Detroit's in 2010.