urbanMSP

This project along with the 2 other recent apartment additions have completely changed Uni Ave as you head into Dinkytown from 35. You can dislike the styles of the buildings and all that, but this feels like a more urban university area already. It always seemed like coming into the U district was barren and uninteresting, and now it feels so much more urban and gives you the impression you're approaching a major university/research facility/cultural district.

I agree - that area is nothing like it was just a few years ago, and it makes a big impact from 35. Speaking of, I'd love to see that crumbling 5th Street walking bridge replaced with something more dramatic. It's in such sad shape that I can't imagine it remaining as-is much longer.

I agree - that area is nothing like it was just a few years ago, and it makes a big impact from 35. Speaking of, I'd love to see that crumbling 5th Street walking bridge replaced with something more dramatic. It's in such sad shape that I can't imagine it remaining as-is much longer.

Did you mean 10th Ave, which crosses the River right next to I-35W (where gawkers watched the I-35W bridge collapse tragedy)?

No, the one just north of the University/4th Street exits. It's in terrible shape, and would be one pedestrian bridge worth making a bit nicer than the standard.

With the number of chunks missing I keep wondering if the next will fall on my car when I drive under. I've got to imagine not too far from being an unsafe bridge to cross.

This Bridges project is really impressive as you drive north on 35, it's going to look quite large when it's done.

It also has a nice presence on the north side of the upper deck of the Washington Ave Bridge.

This building really is huge, especially compared to Sanford/FloCo to the east. It's nice to see something other than stick construction around campus, too.

I believe I counted nine stories today.

Have they started putting up any of the exterior walls yet?? They really need to get this enclosed ASAP!!

A little bit on the lower floor, but all of the top floors are open air at this point. Nevertheless an impressive structure already.

The first two levels are enclosed with cinder-block masonry; they're starting to put in sheetrock on upper floors, which should move quickly I think.

As of this morning, forms are being set to pour the floor of the 9th floor (ceiling of the 8th floor), leaving just one more level until this is topped out.

Actually there are still two more floors to pour. The structure is 11 stories, but the 10th and 11th stories are set back in portions of the structure, so there will be a little bit of activity at the top of the building regarding exterior common spaces. Finally.

I hope someone posts some new pictures soon. Love to see it from the highway and across the river.

I agree, I'd like to see a view from the south side of the river.

It was nicely visible from the Washington Avenue Bridge when I went over it this morning...

No camera eh?

Most people driving across the 35W bridge can't stop for photos, but I can assure you that it's not very interesting at this point. It's fairly tall, but just a bunch of cement.

Most people driving across the 35W bridge can't stop for photos, but I can assure you that it's not very interesting at this point. It's fairly tall, but just a bunch of cement.

View of the progress from 35w bridge:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4ugj6zyylutz1 ... %2035w.jpg

Thanks rcrades. It makes a nice impression.