urbanMSP

I didn't see a thread for this one. I noticed the old building at University and Prior has been torn down and there are signs up for TC Habitat for Humanity's new Headquarters.
There are a few renderings on the website including:

Looks like they're still fundraising to actually build the new building.

That's a decent looking proposal, at least to my eye.

Nice looking building. It'll be real easy for their employees to drive in from Cottage Grove and park in that nice big lot on Prior.

It looks a bit like the Hennepin County Jail in downtown Mpls.

I think this is the site:
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=1954+Uni ... Vs-xqbbpjA

too bad it's not a redevelopment proposal for the days inn next door...

Random windows and shaded exterior "tiles" -- HGA strikes again?

Edit: I'd be curious to see a before/after for how many SF of building and how many parking stalls. I like new buildings on University but it looks like it's half a block of parking on the back side.

I'm not 100 percent, but I think that corner has already been gutted. The last time I went to Menards I remember seeing an empty lot, but I couldn't remember what had been there. I think it was this lot.

Yes, the site has been cleared for a while now.

Random windows and shaded exterior "tiles" -- HGA strikes again?

Edit: I'd be curious to see a before/after for how many SF of building and how many parking stalls. I like new buildings on University but it looks like it's half a block of parking on the back side.

It's hard to tell from this one image, but the footprint looks quite similar to that of the previous building on site.

Construction trailer on site(McGough) with material being delivered.

Broke ground yesterday:
https://twitter.com/CCLRT/status/332884 ... 73/photo/1

just slightly taller than the power lines. hmm, why not taller? could have put 10 floors of habitat housing above...

just slightly taller than the power lines. hmm, why not taller? could have put 10 floors of habitat housing above...

Isn't their mission: "Twin Cities Habitat is committed to building the quality of life, health and prosperity of the region through the production and preservation of homeownership – because homes and families are the foundation of successful communities."

I'm sure nowhere in Habitat's mindset is better utilizing existing space, increasing supply to help naturally lower all housing pressures, and provide housing options that aren't financial and economic boat anchors to lower-income families. That also happens to have great access to transit with CC opening up.

Drove by today. Three floors of steel are up.

Phonecam shot from the bus today:

IMG_3841 by UrbanMSP, on Flickr


IMG_3840 by UrbanMSP, on Flickr

Wall panels and windows are up.



I've been disappointed that this building doesn't occupy more of the street frontage (it has less than the old 2-story structure), but it should be possible to either expand the existing building or add new neighbors over time. There are very few windows on the east face, which indicates they were planning for that. I haven't checked the south side.

Tiny random windows, like a 70's era school building. I must be missing something, this is how they describe it on their website:
"The entire building will be a testament to the values of Habitat: respect, excellence and community. It will symbolize our commitment to Twin Cities families and will serve as a cornerstone investment in the future of the Midway neighborhood. Everyone will feel welcomed here." I think this one will be a stinker.

I like the windows, and the rendering... If you massed them together you'd get larger symmetrical windows every so many feet, it's just a preference...