Latitude 45 - 301 Washington Avenue South

[seanrichardryan]

I thought it was Ken Sherman. Too many Shermans.

[seanrichardryan]

http://www.startribune.com/local/minnea ... 57831.html

Highlight-

Rental rates and the type of retail beyond the restaurant have not yet been determined. But the targeted demographic will be the “latte and laptop crowd,” said Carl Runck, Alatus’ director of real estate development. Added Lux: “We’re looking at empty-nesters and earlier professionals. People who are aspirational.”

How aspiring.

[John]

Sounds like they are leaving the option open to become a condo conversion when and if the timing is right. I think this is probably ESG's best apartment design to date. The developer Alatus gave them some direction to make it high quality and it's evident in the rendering:

[uptowncarag]

It is taller than 6 stories. Progress.

[John]

It is taller than 6 stories. Progress.

They are using real brick and its concrete construction. Retail on the street with no parking entrance/exit interruption along Washington Ave. Fills in the one of the worst gaps in downtown's urban fabric. Hundreds of people living here. No complaints from me.

[uptowncarag]

It is taller than 6 stories. Progress.

They are using real brick and its concrete construction. Retail on the street with no parking entrance/exit interruption along Washington Ave. Fills in the one of the worst gaps in downtown's urban fabric. Hundreds of people living here. No complaints from me.

I meant it as a complement. I love this building. There are others who are obsessed with height. I believe infill is more important to a city than how tall a building is.

[Silophant]

Agreed. There's plenty of time to worry about height once we no longer have acres of surface parking along our major downtown thoroughfares. I really like the updated rendering of this project, especially the Guthrie-style light pole.

[min-chi-cbus]

When I really stop and think about it, height is less important than design and how a building compliments a neighborhood. I can't remember which photo I am thinking about but two buildings stood out to me: a giant, 20-story tower with mediocre aesthetics, and a 19th century 3 story walk-up, with ornate design and steps that connect the street to the front door within 10 feet. It was blatantly obvious to me which building I wish there were more of.

Height is nice when aesthetics and urban fabric aren't a factor, but if we could have the latter in lieu of height I think few urbanists would argue with the results.

A modern example might be The Vue over The Nic.

[John]

I meant it as a complement. I love this building. There are others who are obsessed with height. I believe infill is more important to a city than how tall a building is.

Height is frequently dependent on where the project is located. This wouldn't work next to the IDS, but it feels right for this location. The architects have created a richly textured façade which gives it a strong presence and nice urban wall effect. I also love the dramatic lighted pole /spire which ascends from the street at the intersection. Its a signature accent that make this project distinct.

[mplser]

The spiree looks More integrated in this new rendering. Before it seemed like just an after thought

[Minneapolisite]

Looks to be promising. The only issue is that for this to better serve as a bridge between Nicollet Mall and North Loop to the Mill District that loooooooong parking lot across the street from the Dunn Bros up a block north would need to be filled in with a wall of several retail storefronts. That would totally change the boring walk on 2nd St between 3rd and Portland.

[min-chi-cbus]

That sight was pegged as a sorry six story wall of senior apartments, if memory serves. So don't worry?

[seanrichardryan]

You're thinking Mill City Quarter. Seniors are pegged for Ceresota.

https://forum.streets.mn/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=966

[sushisimo]

Commercial space exists at the Carlyle and it's all empty. I'm not sure anything along 2nd would fare any better. The Latitude 45 spaces should work well. What a difference a block makes.

[min-chi-cbus]

I don't think it's such a bad thing to have vacant retail space, at least if the alternative is no retail space AND/OR a blank wall. I realize this is a problem for the investor/developer/owner but perhaps the city could subsidize a portion of the rent somewhat so at least the infrastructure is in place in the future for retail or other street-facing uses.

[Nathan]

You're thinking Mill City Quarter. Seniors are pegged for Ceresota.

https://forum.streets.mn/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=966

Both are seniors.

"Mill City Quarter will add life cycle housing to the downtown core and provide 250 rental units in a wide mix of service points ranging from independent living to supportive and assisted care."

[seanrichardryan]

Oh look, NOLA is getting the upsized version.

http://nola.curbed.com/archives/2014/02 ... corner.php

[Nick]

Lol @ comment #15 on there.

[Nathan]

Oh look, NOLA is getting the upsized version.

http://nola.curbed.com/archives/2014/02 ... corner.php

that's bizarre.

[John]

There have been copycat designs in architecture since the beginning of time. I agree it doesn't fit the character of New Orleans, but I really don't want New Orleans architecture imposed on Minneapolis either. And at least someone identifies it as Minnesota type style. I guess the conclusion is the Latitude looks "Minnesotan". Good thing because we live in Minneapolis.