urbanMSP

Status:
* Under construction
* 330,000 GSF
* Will be connected to Medical Biosciences Building (MBB) and linked across 21st Avenue to Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) via a skyway.
* Completion schedule for April 2013

Right now it looks like they're building a skyway between this building and the one immediately next to it.

I'm a big fan of the extensive use of glass. It'll be interesting to see how the Biomedical Discovery District looks in 5-7 years from now.

this is a nice looking building. i love the curved glass curtain wall.

I really like the looks of this building, and all of the landscaping around this whole row of research buildings. Here are a few pics from today. It seems like it's taking a while for this to finish, but I assume the inside is pretty complex.

http://tomabouttown.wordpress.com/2013/ ... minnesota/

I didn't realize this was happening, and I don't know how much it'll get used, but they have installed a section of cycle track in front of this building.

I didn't realize this was happening, and I don't know how much it'll get used, but they have installed a section of cycle track in front of this building.

Very cool. It might actually get a fair amount of use if they're planning to tie it in to the cycle path they're building in the Dinkytown trench, which would be logical.

This had an actual name on it when I biked by (started with an "L") but I can't find it for the life of me.


IMG_3589 by UrbanMSP, on Flickr

Was it Lillihei? I know there's a Lillihei Heart Institute at the U... would makes sense if they relocate to this cardiovascular building.

It was so beautiful. I like the use of glass and also the track in front of the building specially for bicycles.

On one end of the glass curve there is a sign that says "Lillihei Heart Institute", on the other side it says "Masonic Cancer Center"


Cancer and Cardiovascular Research Building by MSPdude, on Flickr

I was in this area over the weekend and noticed a tower crane behind this building. I walked towards the back and they seem to be putting in some kind of foundation/concrete pillars. Anyone know what this could be for?

I noticed the crane as well. Any information would be appreciated. It's great seeing all the cranes and other activity taking place at the U.

I was in this area over the weekend and noticed a tower crane behind this building. I walked towards the back and they seem to be putting in some kind of foundation/concrete pillars. Anyone know what this could be for?

It's the final building in the Biomedical Discovery District Plan, a Microbiology Research Facility.

This is the most detailed rendering I've seen:
http://www.startribune.com/housing/comm ... 63271.html

The interactive map here gives a slightly better idea of what this will look like.

Just a quick moment to recognize that this was an urband wasteland 20 years ago. WOW!

I used to park there win the 1980's when I was a student and I remember walking to my car after night classes and seeing huge rats run out from under the cars! Apparently the grain silos and the trains were filled with grain and the rats were everywhere. NickP - you're right it is much better!

Except for the rats - they used to have the run of the place and all the food they could eat. Now they're stuck in boxes and injected with cancer cells. Progress depends on your point of view!

You know, I think I'm ok with that...I once had a friend who lived in the basement of that building across from kstp and he had a rat come out his toilet. Gross. I've heard that the rat population in the sewers has to be disturbingly high for to happen and it sends shiver down my spine.

I guess they're still working on this in the back