Block E (archive)

[uptowncarag]

The outside facade is the worst. Improving the appearance of the Target Center and Block E will make a huge difference in this part of downtown.

[Wedgeguy]

Getting rid of those concrete facades would help all around that area. they need real bricks, stone and glass so that these can have some class.

[John]

Yes!!! This is very very good news. Will be a major improvement to our entertainment district and downtown in general.

[gpete]

In case you haven't seen them yet, here is a link to 4 renderings of the new Block E basketball practice facility and offices: https://psbpr.app.box.com/s/fhw2y3q7u8q ... 23047958/1

[TheUrbanGopher]

Initial reaction: 1 and a half thumbs up. I like the sleek design, the street front is obviously much improved, and it should pair up with the Target Center renovations well. I would like to see what the actual practice facility will look like and where it will be (probably fairly utilitarian; after all, it is only a practice facility), and how much real street level retail there will be. There certainly could be a demand for it if its designed properly.

A Mayo sports medicine clinic could be really cool too. Overall, pretty exciting project. Thanks, DTE parking ramp!

[John]

One hundred times better than the current exterior .

[David Greene]

That's all we need, another Tenant franchise. Can't we bring in a non-chain local offering? They'll now have two prime spots along Hennepin. We don't need more Tenant!

[twincitizen]

Agreed (with John). Hennepin & 7th is the key intersection here. I'm already frustrated that the Target Center reno focused too much on the 6th St facade and not enough on this key vantage point for northbound drivers/walkers/bus riders. Getting tenants in the old Gameworks space and the former Chevy's (kitty corner from Block e) will really liven up this critical intersection of downtown.

[lordmoke]

Strib article:
http://www.startribune.com/business/233328781.html

Major takeaways: They apparently plan to have this finished by the end of 2014. Good riddance! All current first floor retail tenants will also remain.

[twincitizen]

Who?







(kidding of course)

[David Greene]

Still looks like a big blank wall along Hennepin.

[Didier]

I'm taking the pictures as very much conceptual at this point. Also, to be sure, the basketball courts would almost for sure be on the top floors where the movie theater was, so still room for active street and skyway levels.

[mullen]

vast improvement....awesome news.

[nealh]

This makes me optimistic:

Nearly 120,000 square feet of "reconstructed, high-ceilinged, well-daylit space will be available at skyway and street levels surrounding a rethought, more connective interior public corridor," the owners said.

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/b ... l?page=all

[jet777]

This is a fantastic improvement compared to what is there currently. Anyone ultimately responsible for designing/approving/funding something so architecturally unforgivable that it must be redone before 5 years of existence should lose their ability to practice. New rule.

I hope the renderings are accurate in the lack of street level loitering once it's finished. Also, looks like the area around kierens patio may get a significant facelift / new features as well.

[MNdible]

Looks like the project will provide the long-missing internal circulation on the ground level and improve the skyway access from First Avenue (which shouldn't be hard given how comically bad it is now).

[go4guy]

I love the redesign. Basketball facility will most likely be up in the old movie theater, so that is up high enough where it will not impact retail on the street and skyway levels. Hope they have a cool lighting scheme on the exterior for at night. Could look really cool. Another important take away. Camelot will pay back the TIF 7 years ahead of schedule, the city will make back their money plus interest, and this property will be back paying taxes sooner than originally expected.

[Wedgeguy]

The 3 things I see missing are the bus stops on Hennepin, 6th and 7th. I'm also hoping that the blank walls on 6th and 7th go away and some retail is brought into the area so there are eyes on the street. Glad to see this project finally moving forward. I'll hold judgment on the exterior until it is finished. I see lot's of possible shortcuts being thrown in to the final building design that will not make it any better than what we have now.

[Aville_37]

All I can say is wow!! Love it! Now hopefully City Center will follow suit with some exterior building renovations.

[uptowncarag]

I like the modern design. The fake main street that is there now is one of the worst urban projects I have ever seen.