DTE: Wells Fargo, Radisson Red, Edition Apts & Millwright Building

[Didier]

The whole "see it from a blimp" angle is really overplayed. For one, blimps are less common at covered stadiums anyway. For two, it's not like any game is filled with excessive, wide-angle blimp shots. They usually show the stadium for about eight seconds, often with a logo impeding the view anyway, and then move onto something else. And for three, the "money shot" is clearly going to be taken from well east of the new stadium, with the park and skyline in the background.

You'd almost have to try to get the roof of these buildings into the blimp shots. (Or maybe that's the point and Wells Fargo is getting ready to claim the stadium naming rights and take over DTE).

[seanrichardryan]

The plaza in front of Target Field is essentially the same thing.

http://goo.gl/maps/8MIfc

[mullen]

wells fargo committing to this project was contingent on having that roof signage. the size of the signs has been reduced since they were first proposed a few months ago.

[talindsay]

I love the idea of Target controlling the naming rights for DT West and Wells Fargo controlling naming rights for DT East - if they name it Wells Fargo Field and Wells Fargo Plaza we'll be able to rename Nicollet "Division Street" and we'll know who owns us.

Actually I have no issue with a corporation sponsoring public parks and spaces, though I prefer Maguire's "Gold Medal Park" approach, which involves no United Health signage.

[min-chi-cbus]

This is an opportunity for Wells Fargo to build a green roof or perhaps solar paneling, and yet they want a giant aerial billboard instead. I don't feel bad for them if they can't have it...

[Tyler]

This is an opportunity for Wells Fargo to build a green roof or perhaps solar paneling, and yet they want a giant aerial billboard instead. I don't feel bad for them if they can't have it...

How about a green roof /ad combo. Something like: https://maps.google.com/maps?q=gardiner ... 02,,0,4.99

[twincitizen]

If you're really wanting to nerd out over this proposal, you can watch/listen to Tuesday's Planning Commission testimony here: http://v.qwikcast.tv/view.aspx?q=11V8R

The fun starts at 83:00

[lordmoke]

Building will probably be demolished, save for the medallions:
http://www.startribune.com/local/blogs/231943841.html

Depressing.

[nordeast homer]

I don't get the love for this building. I was looking at it last week trying to see what someone would find redeeming about it. It's an old building that's really not attractive. Other than the medallions I'm not sure what people like about this place.

[David Greene]

I don't get the love for this building. I was looking at it last week trying to see what someone would find redeeming about it. It's an old building that's really not attractive. Other than the medallions I'm not sure what people like about this place.

I'd like to see the entire entrance "archway" preserved. It is a nice Art-Deco feature and could make a great gateway entrance to the park.

The building itself is unremarkable. The facade is generally what people want to preserve, particularly the entrance.

[skyrab]

[quote="David Greene"][quote="nordeast homer"]I'd like to see the entire entrance "archway" preserved. It is a nice Art-Deco feature and could make a great gateway entrance to the park.
I love this idea David, I hope they're reading your post.

[Nathan]

it's definitely the entry facade. the Strib headquarters was built in a very tough time in the US. there were very few large buildings built in that time. and though it's simpler than its 20's relatives it's still sleek, beautiful, and tells the important history of architecture in a United states recovering from the depression, and just about to enter wwii...

[David Greene]

it's definitely the entry facade. the Strib headquarters was built in a very tough time in the US. there were very few large buildings built in that time. and though it's simpler than its 20's relatives it's still sleek, beautiful, and tells the important history of architecture in a United states recovering from the depression, and just about to enter wwii...

Just to clarify, the building wasn't "built" then, but rather expanded and refurbished with a new facade. The original building is almost a hundred years old.

The CPED report in the linked articles is a fascinating read. I had no idea the Strib has roots in socialism (you wouldn't know it from their editorial bent today). Don't tell the Republicans!

[Tom H.]

Well, with a name like the "Star", maybe you shouldn't be too surprised of the socialist origins!

[spearson]

Here is a link to a staff photo pdf from the Heritage committee minutes, gives a little evolution history of the building in a few pictures.
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/www/gro ... 116905.pdf

Here is the whole blurb from the minutes:

Ryan Companies, US, Inc has applied for a demolition of a historic resource to demolish the StarTribune building at 425 Portland Ave.
Staff Recommendation: The Department of Community Planning and Economic Development recommends that the Heritage Preservation Commission adopt staff findings and approve the demolition of the property at 425 Portland Ave subject to the following condition:

1: Mitigate for the loss of the building:

A) At the developer’s expense, the developer shall ensure the six stone medallions are safely removed, stored, and incorporated into the proposed park onsite, along with an interpretive plaque describing the history of the site.

B) The developer shall commission a historian who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards in History to document the history of the Star Tribune and its previously purchased newspapers, for distribution to CPED and local historical organizations, and possible publication in popular and/or scholarly journals.

[the kid]

The CPED report in the linked articles is a fascinating read. I had no idea the Strib has roots in socialism (you wouldn't know it from their editorial bent today). Don't tell the Republicans!

Don't worry David. We already knew that...

[seanrichardryan]

Video of the planning commission hearing. Presentation starts about 82:00. Judging by the excessive loading space, I assume they'll be doing lots of back of the house (check processing) stuff in the new buildings. Also, the lobby and wellsfargo 'retail' facing the park will be dead most of the day. http://v.qwikcast.tv/view.aspx?q=11V8R

*edit- the first floor loft spaces that can be developed into commercial are great.

[Tyler]

Thanks for that link sean.

It seems to me the parking ramp with it's convertible retail makes for an interesting dynamic and a potential conflict of interest. I'm making the assumption here that the city will own the ramp and will be responsible for converting the parking to retail and also leasing the space. I could be wrong on this, but that would put this space in competition with the Ryan owned space in the other buildings. It's weird because while the city will pay for the construction of the ramp, Ryan is the applicant and the city is considering it as if it's a Ryan project. But, for example, adding the condition to build out the Chicago ave retail space will effect the ramps profitability for the city itself. It would make more sense if the ramp was viewed separately as a city project. Or maybe I just don't get it.

[Didier]

Business Journal reports that Strib is finalizing a move to Capella Tower.

[twincitizen]

I'm still really surprised that they went for Class A space. It seems both impractical and fiscally unwise for an industry that has been struggling, and will continue to until they figure out online revenue streams. I know Strib's finances have been much healthier lately, and the land sale obviously gives them a large cushion, but all newspapers are living on borrowed time...let's not kid ourselves here.

I suppose, in the end, it came down to finding a building with enough available space for their needs in or near the downtown CBD. Their employees will be very excited about the move, I'm sure, except for the ones who drive that will be paying more for parking.

I wonder how long the lease is for...