[toggie]

-Listed in descending order based on floor count.
-Completed projects go back to the year 2000.
-Significant cultural institutions are included at the bottom of the renderings.
-Thanks to the Downtown Journal and Star Tribune for Info and Renderings.
www.downtownjournal.com
www.startribune.com


Use R=Residential O=Office HO=Hotel HP=Hospital E=Education C=Cultural P=Public

Status P=proposal A=approved UC=Under Construction F=Future C=Complete

*=see tallest in larger development

Name Height (feet stories) Use Units Status Site
The Nicollet 658 55 R 355 A Link (www.thenicollet.com)
The Carlyle 473 39 R 255 UC Link (www.thecarlylelife.com)
Eitel Hospital Site 432 39 R 300 P
401 Residences 35 R P
The Sexton II 385 34 R 252 P Link (http://www.sextonlive.com)
1010 Park 34 R 420 P
Target Plaza South 492 33 O N/A C
Two Twenty Two 375 33 R 270 P Link (www.livetwotwentytwo.com)
US Bancorp Center 467 32 O N/A C
The Eclipse 360 32 R 506 P
American Express 498 31 O N/A C
Fifty South Sixth 404 30 R N/A C
Grant Park 294 27 R C Link (www.grantparkhomes.com)
Skyscape 291 27 R 252 UC Link (www.skyscapecondos.com)
Pillsbury 'A' Mill 319 27 R 1095 A
Ivy Tower 301 26 R 92 UC Link (www.ivympls.com)
The Eclipse 270 26 R * P
Monty Carlo Site 25 R P
Pillsbury 'A' Mill 286 24 R * A
City of Lakes Condos 257 23 R 199 P
Graves 601 Hotel 270 22 HO N/A C
1010 Park 256 22 R * P
5th Ave. Gateway 267 20 R 136 A
Pillsbury 'A' Mill 240 20 R * A
Superior Plating Site 20 R 300 F
The Metro Apts. 17 R C
Phoenix on the River 189 17 R 70 UC Link (www.phoenixontheriver.com)
1730 Clifton Place 16 R 120 P
Pillsbury 'A' Mill 187 15 R * A
Retek on the Mall 201 12 O N/A C
Pillsbury 'A' Mill 145 12 R * A
6th St. and 1st Ave. 140 12 R 158 P
School of Pub Health 11 R N/A P
730 Lofts 112 10 R 126 P Link (http://www.730lofts.com)
Bridgewater Lofts 112 10 R UC
Riverbend Commons 10 R C
The Melrose Apts 10 R C
Guthrie Theater 167 10 C N/A C
1016 Marquette 155 10 R 8 A
Cobalt 126 10 R 96 UC Link (http://www.cobaltcondominiums.com)
Mozaic 10 R 112 A
Humboldt Lofts 131 9 R C
301 Kenwood Parkway 8 R C
Stone Arch Lofts 8 R C
Heritage Landing 8 R C
Rock Island Lofts 8 R C
Abbot NW Cardio 175 8 HP N/A C
Bookman Stacks 122 8 R 45 C Link (http://bookmenstacks.com)
720 Lofts 8 R 99 C Link (www.720lofts.com)
Pillsbury 'A' Mill 145 8 R * A
Parcel F 8 R 200 P
Loft 100 7 R C
Lindsay Lofts 7 R C
HC Jail 7 R C
McNamara Alumni Center 7 E N/A C
5th Ave Lofts 88 7 R 136 C Link (http://www.theplaceforlofts.com/locations_5th_main.html)
The Groveland 7 R 132 C Link (www.thegroveland.com)
700 central 7 R 73 P






Renderings

The Nicollet

http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/west_elev_med_136.jpg
http://www.loftlivingtour.com/images/renderings/13.jpg

The Carlyle

http://www.humphreys.com/images/12101_1_big.jpg
http://www.humphreys.com/images/12101_3_big.jpg
http://www.humphreys.com/images/12101_2_big.jpg

Eitel Hospital Site

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v313/Toggie/loringtower.jpg

401 Residences

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v313/Toggie/hempel.jpg

Sexton Phase II

http://skywaynews.net/content/articles/2006/08/21/news/news08.jpg

1010 Park

http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/1010_park_rendering_may_2006_941.jpg

Two Twenty Two

http://www.rmbvivid.com/ttt/images/rendering.jpg

The Eclipse

http://www.oertelarchitects.com/eclipse.jpg

Grant Park

http://www.startribune.com/stonline/images/news11/DTI_957074.l.jpg

Pillsbury 'A' Mill

http://www.readthebridge.info/files/A-Mill3.jpg

Skyscape

http://www.skyscapecondos.com/elevations/skyscape_night.jpg
http://www.skyscapecondos.com/elevations/skyscape_day.jpg

Ivy Tower

http://www.ivympls.com/images/ivyTowerIllustration.jpg

5th Ave. Gateway

http://homepage.mac.com/nathanl/.Pictures/City%20Scapes/Elliot24.jpg

Phoenix on the River

http://www.sr-re.com/Images/PhoenixLofts3rdAveElevation.jpg

Mozaic

http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/files/mozaic2_169.jpg

Cobalt

http://www.colinkulow.com/twincityscape/cobalt.jpg

730 Lofts

http://www.730lofts.com/Images/Rendering.jpg

Bridgewater Lofts

http://www.oertelarchitects.com/Bridgewater.jpg

1016 Marquette

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v313/Toggie/IMG_3777.jpg

720 Lofts

http://www.720lofts.com/Images/Rendering2.JPG

Bookman Stacks

http://bookmenstacks.com/images/views/model003.jpg

5th Ave. Lofts

http://www.oertelarchitects.com/5th.jpg

The Groveland

http://www.thegroveland.com/knowletcontent/images/50098.jpg

Cultural Institutions

Guthrie Theater

http://www.startribune.com/stonline/images/news97/1gutvar090903.l.jpg
http://www.startribune.com/stonline/images/news28/5gutvar090903.l.jpg

Walker Art Center

http://expansion.walkerart.org/images/slide_build_wide.jpg
http://expansion.walkerart.org/images/slide_town_final.jpg
http://expansion.walkerart.org/images/slide_build_ext.jpg

Minneapolis Central Library

http://www.mplib.org/images/ncldrawings/hennepinday.jpg
http://www.mplib.org/images/ncldrawings/nicollet2.jpg
http://www.mplib.org/images/constr/constr050725.jpg

Children's Theater

http://www.rsparch.com/images/case_studies/cultural_ctc_04F.jpg
http://www.rsparch.com/images/case_studies/cultural_ctc_01F.jpg

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

http://www.rsparch.com/images/case_studies/cultural_miagraves_1F.jpg
http://www.rsparch.com/images/case_studies/cultural_miagraves_2F.jpg

Macphail School of Music

http://www.startribune.com/stonline/images/news55/DTI_1565123.l.jpg




expect updates

[Ecker]

Thanks for making a list, Toggie. I've been hoping someone would do this for a while now. I like to see everything in one thread.

[Sirus]

Ok, this time lets keep this thread afloat. It seems like every time we get a compilation thread going it lasts for a week or two then dies.

[toggie]

I've added a few more

[Sirus]

do you think you could space them out a bit more, and add a bit more info ala Atlanta developments thread style? I think the formality helps these threads out a bit.

Nice find of the 1016. Did you find that up on the site?

Btw if this is an "all developments" thread then we should try and post everything, otherwise did you have a planned cutoff in height or stories?

[MNMike]

good show

[MNMike]

The Wave:
http://www.startribune.com/stonline/images/news72/1nealst0716.l.gif

New Mac Phail music school
http://www.startribune.com/stonline/images/news55/DTI_1565123.l.jpg

The 9 and the portland:
http://www.startribune.com/stonline/images/news61/4design0616.l.jpg

[toggie]

I wasn't going to go that short because it makes the immensity of projects unbearable, I'm still working on the main post and planned to add more later but it takes time to add info, hunt up and in some cases host pics, and find accurate numbers (skyway's data, emporis, and SSP often have conflicting numbers) I will try to organize it more when I get time.

[FlyersFan118]

Minneapolis is lookin good right now! Lots going on!

[toggie]

*I will put the renderings back soon and lengthen the list*

[FlyersFan118]

How come no height in feet?

[toggie]

I can add it for the ones that are known, and unit count... I got the renderings back now, on the bottom...

[toggie]

Better?

BTW, Sirus
I took a picture of it, it is a poster displayed at the site.

[Sirus]

Nice work, it's a lot easier to follow now.

[Steely Dan]

excellent work. i've been waiting for a thread like this for a while now to keep track of minneapolis high-rise development. great job and please keep updating this list as new porjects are announced. i may not be able to contribute much post-wise, but i will carefully follow this thread.

[Navin]

Excellent job Toggie! This was sorely needed for Minneapolis. I'll try to help keep this the definitive list for Minny.

Take a look at this preview of The Nicollet imposed on the skyline...
http://s7.imagehosting.us/uploadpoint/imagehosting_upload_storage/user_19530/T0_19530_465843.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.us/index.php?action=show&ident=465843)

Credit to Avian001 for the image.

Also, here's a good context image for the Carlyle, which is under construction.

http://www.humphreys.com/images/12101_8_big.jpg

[rgolch]

Great work. Its great to see another midwestern city grow.

[LordElPaso]

great town!!! great to see all this development!

[Stephenapolis]

Thanks for doing this toggie. I was planning on doing it but just have not had the time lately.
The only one I have not heard of is 700 Central.

[Coldrsx]

very nice looking projects...i simply love small/medium modern lofts and condos.

congrats.

[toggie]

1. construction trailer has arrived at skyscape, status change is coming soon.
2. nicollet height increase is reflected.

[Stephenapolis]

Skyscape will be breaking ground this Thursday.

[toggie]

I added the Gardner lofts (shamrock's projects seem to be improving in quality IMHO) and updated the height in feet of 6th st. and 1st ave.

[MNMike]

good show

[MplsTodd]

Minor correction: The 1016 Marquette development is actually going to have 10-stories. First floor will be parking and lobby, floors 2-8 will include one unit per floor (7 units), with the top two floors given over to the penthouse unit. The building is planned to be 155 feet tall!

[toggie]

that's quite tall for a 10 story res tower... though with the insane prices being charged I guess it makes sense to have exceptionally high ceilings.

Quick poll, should I order by floor count because they are all known or go by height in feet? This is the first time there has been a conflict...

[MplsTodd]

Ideally, the ranking would be by feet. However, since we don't have heights in feet for several developments, it seems fine to use No. of floors.

[Stephenapolis]

Go with floor copunt for now toggie. Too many we do not know the heights for yet.

[toggie]

730 lofts reduced from 12 floors to 11...

[Ecker]

I did a little walking around today to celebrate my freedom after studying for finals for the last four days. Here's what I produced:

Central Library

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=29157574&size=l

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=29157575&size=l

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=29157576&size=l

The Carlyle

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=29163221&size=l

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=29163220&size=l

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=29163219&size=l

The New Guthrie

The guy in the bottom left of this pic pulled up, got out, took one
shot and then took off. Was it you?
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=29175294&size=l

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=29175295&size=l

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=29176542&size=l

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=29175296&size=l

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=29175297&size=l

[Ecker]

I also photographed a few of the sites where buildings are proposed, but construction has not yet started. I thought maybe some of you who aren't from the Twin Cities or aren't familiar with the sites being discussed would like to see what's going to be replaced.

Site of The Nicollet

Sales Center window


Site of 1016 Marquette


Site of 1010 Park

The house is being kept.


Site of Skyscape



Site of the Eclipse



Bonus Shots

[sfhoya]

Thanks ErkU3 but I'm getting red Xs. Does your web host allow hotlinking?

[sfhoya]

Toggie, are there other projects you foresee putting in the original post? I'm thinking the cultural projects, at least, should have a place in this thread. Would you like us to add projects through individual posts, will you add more when you have time or would you like this to remain a highrise thread?
Thanks for putting it together in any case.

[toggie]

I've thought about adding more, possibly even back building it to 2000 with completed projects like other threads. I'll try to add cultural institutions later today...

BTW,ERK, blogger pics don't show up, try flickr, you can still post directly too the blog but direct linking is allowed, limit is 20 Megs a month

[toggie]

I've filled it with all buildings finished after 2000, a common starting point in this subforum, help fill the blanks if you know heights, unit counts, etc.

[Ecker]

BTW,ERK, blogger pics don't show up, try flickr, you can still post directly too the blog but direct linking is allowed, limit is 20 Megs a month

Seriously? That sucks! I was so excited. Oh well... Sorry guys. Maybe I'll try flickr. Damn!

For now, you can view the pics at:

19thandstevens.blogspot.com (http://19thandstevens.blogspot.com)

[Sirus]

Well, I see 'em, and they're fantastic! What a great update all around. Let it Be and that downtown Sawatdee will be missed.

This fall is going to be amazing with all the construction!

[toggie]

I've split up multi building projects so additional heights can be added as they become available... please post any errors, misspellings, changes, new info, etc. I will try to be prompt in fixing errors.

Also, if you have a picture of any completed project that doesn't have one yet, please post it and I will add it to the list, ask for credit if you want it otherwise there will be none given.

[Sirus]

You may want to use R (residential) instead of h (housing) for readability.

[toggie]

sure, though it won't fix the Hotel/Hospital problem

Edit: BAH they still blend together, maybe a three letter abbreviation or even the whole word (ala Chicago) would be more appropriate? thoughts?

[Stephenapolis]

Nice update pics, Erk!

[toggie]

OK I can see the pics now, but I've never seen my blogger pics show up in a forum properly... weird...

and you guys see this?
http://photos1.blogger.com/img/103/5765/1024/IMG_3709.jpg

[Jasonhouse]

Great list you've got compiled Toggie... Top notch.

[Sirus]

Yeah I can see that one Toggie, but now I can't see Erk's lol.

[Ecker]

My stuff's all messed up now. First, I posted Blogger pics. Initially, they all showed up (for me). Then only a few showed up. This evening I replaced the Blogger pics with Flickr pics. Now none of them show up. In fact, I think that currently there isn't even any code (or whatever you call it) in the post.

[Stephenapolis]

I can't see toggies. :(

[Sirus]

so... skyscape is officially UC now correct?

[Stephenapolis]

Unofficailly I think it is. :)
But yes. As far as can be concerned Skyscape is under-construction.

[#10 Shirt]

Don't know if anyone has seen this one yet...

http://3228garfield.com/photos/eplan3.jpg

www.3228garfield.com

I noticed their billboard the other day on Hennepin and hadn't heard of it before.

Interesting little infill project.

[Stephenapolis]

I saw something on this one not that long ago. I did not recognize the name.
They will go in nicely in the Uptown area.

[Sirus]

that's by far the best website site I've seen for Minneapolis condo buildings.

[Sirus]

More condos for NE
proposal for a mixed use project that includes a 20 story tower and 300 condos.

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2005/08/08/story4.html

Ryan weighing condo conversion at N.E. Mpls. factory site
Sarah McKenzie
Staff writer

Ryan Cos. U.S. Inc. is considering whether to redevelop a metal-finishing factory near downtown Minneapolis into a mixed-use project with hundreds of condos.

The developer has been talking with community leaders and officials at Superior Plating Inc., a manufacturer located two blocks east of the river, about replacing the business with a high-density project. There are no formal agreements to sell the site yet.

Ryan's preliminary plans include building more than 300 condos on the site, located at the corner of First and University avenues, said Michael McMonagle, president of Superior Plating.

The development would likely rise about 20 stories and include some commercial space for either retail or office tenants.

Collin Barr, vice president of development for Ryan, declined to comment on the proposal.

Community leaders have pushed for a transit station at the site to accommodate the proposed Northstar Commuter Rail line, which would run on tracks directly north of the roughly 5-acre site. The line would connect downtown Minneapolis with Big Lake, a city about 40 miles northwest of the Twin Cites.

According to a proposed Northstar route map, however, the only station in Minneapolis would be near Target Center.

While Superior Plating occupies prime real estate in fast-growing northeast Minneapolis, Ryan would face hurdles in redeveloping the site.

For one, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) lists Superior Plating as an active Superfund site. The manufacturer has an ongoing cleanup effort to remediate the pollution, which includes trichloroethylene, a colorless liquid used to clean metal parts that has leached into the groundwater.

Superior Plating has been in the metal-finishing business for 75 years. The company employs about 100 union workers.

While the manufacturer is eager to see the site redeveloped, a deal would be contingent on Ryan agreeing to pay for Superior Plating's relocation costs, which might include building a new headquarters. The moving expenses are expected to approach $20 million.

Superior Plating sent letters to major Twin Cities developers to see if any had interest in redeveloping the site, and Ryan's proposal stood out.

"Ryan was the best fit for us," McMonagle said.

The Minneapolis-based developer has a strong track record in taking on challenging sites. The developer's Midtown Exchange project, under construction in south Minneapolis, is known as one of the most complicated in the state's history.

The $190 million redevelopment of the 1.1 million-square-foot former Sears complex on Lake Street will house Allina Hospitals & Clinics' headquarters, a Sheraton Hotel, more than 300 housing units and the Global Marketplace, a retail market and business incubator, when complete.

Besides the Midtown Exchange, Ryan has completed several other high-profile projects, including the renovation of the Grain Belt Brewhouse in northeast Minneapolis and the development of Target's corporate headquarters and retail store on Nicollet Mall.

Victor Grambsch, head of the Nicollet Island/East Bank Neighborhood Association, said community leaders plan to form a task force to review Ryan's proposal if the developer decides to move forward with its plans. Meetings would likely start sometime this fall.

While Grambsch likes Ryan's ideas, he's quick to laud the metal-finishing manufacturer for its contributions to the area. "Superior Plating has been a very good neighbor," he said.

The site is next to the Village at St. Anthony Falls, a three-block, mixed-use development with new restaurants, townhomes and apartments built in 2001.

Nearby, developers have proposed other large residential projects, including the Cobalt Condominiums, a 96-unit development replacing the Eastgate Shopping Center at Central and University avenues.

There also are plans for a 12-story, 150-unit condo mid-rise next to Superior Plating at First Avenue and Sixth Street Northeast, and new condos at 700 Central Avenue.

Condo sales in neighborhoods near downtown Minneapolis remain strong, but absorption levels for 2005 are expected to be lower than last year, according to a recent market update by Minneapolis-based Maxfield Research.

Buyers will absorb about 1,000 new condo units this year, compared to 1,263 in 2004. In the next two years, the market is expected to absorb between 800 and 900 new units.

smckenzie@bizjournals.com | (612) 288-2107


© 2005 American City Business Journals Inc.

[toggie]

I put it in as "future" as the plans seem very preliminary.

[Stephenapolis]

Due to the opposition and cancellation of a 25 story tower on the Village of Saint Anthony site. I doubt they will be able to put a 20 story tower on this site. I think 15 stories is the max we can expect for this site. Which is ok too. Because this is becoming a very dense neighborhood.

[Sirus]

yeah I'd take 15 as well, but have some faith, it could include a lot of nice features that would make that 20 stories seem not so bad.

[Stephenapolis]

I'd like to stay poistive. But the 25 story proposal was a beaut and it did not pass. But who knows? This one might be able to do it.

[Ecker]

I think I've finally got my act together. The following are photos I took two weeks ago, but never successfully posted for any length of time.

New Central Library
http://photos21.flickr.com/29157574_3dc5253b67.jpg?v=0
http://photos22.flickr.com/29157575_15bafa21ea.jpg?v=0
http://photos21.flickr.com/29157576_a4b1c44371.jpg?v=0

The Carlyle
http://photos21.flickr.com/29163221_852f541794.jpg?v=0
http://photos22.flickr.com/29163219_7f2a348e5b.jpg?v=0
http://photos22.flickr.com/29163220_b858273aee.jpg?v=0

The New Guthrie
http://photos23.flickr.com/29176542_c59eb4ec2a.jpg?v=0
http://photos21.flickr.com/29175294_79b66def93.jpg?v=0
http://photos23.flickr.com/29175297_5f5f8710d5.jpg?v=0
http://photos21.flickr.com/29175296_0441a918f5.jpg?v=0

[Ecker]

The following are sites of proposed projects.

The Nicollet
http://photos21.flickr.com/29157579_989fbbd8be.jpg?v=0
http://photos22.flickr.com/29163217_8ea28178dc.jpg?v=0
http://photos23.flickr.com/29163218_f0010a3c28.jpg?v=0
http://photos22.flickr.com/29163216_ebb9aa173f.jpg?v=0

1016 Marquette
http://photos23.flickr.com/29157577_86b9d07d92.jpg?v=0
http://photos22.flickr.com/29157578_39179dfd7f.jpg?v=0

1010 Park
http://photos23.flickr.com/29175298_51cc4da9a5.jpg?v=0

Skyscape (actually under construction now, I think)
http://photos22.flickr.com/29176246_c99c0806a4.jpg?v=0

Eclipse
http://photos23.flickr.com/29175293_5e80af8bb7.jpg?v=0

Bonus Shots
http://photos21.flickr.com/29176247_8047478c07.jpg?v=0
http://photos21.flickr.com/29176245_ee5d7e4989.jpg?v=0

[Stephenapolis]

Nice update pics Erk.
As for one of the other projects. The Ivy Condos. They have been stalled as condos and might become a hotel. There will probably be a design change if that is the case.

[toggie]

New renderings of The Nicollet from AvianKeahi at TwinCityScape
http://show.imagehosting.us/show/576442/19530/user_19530/T0_19530_576442.jpg

http://show.imagehosting.us/show/577171/19530/user_19530/T0_19530_577171.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.us/index.php?action=show&ident=577171),http://show.imagehosting.us/show/577173/19530/user_19530/T0_19530_577173.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.us/index.php?action=show&ident=577173)
http://show.imagehosting.us/show/577174/19530/user_19530/T0_19530_577174.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.us/index.php?action=show&ident=577174),http://show.imagehosting.us/show/577175/19530/user_19530/T0_19530_577175.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.us/index.php?action=show&ident=577175)[/quote]

[Stephenapolis]

Thanks for adding the updates toggie. ;)
I am liking this tower more and more.

[Ecker]

I still can't stand the windows punched into the concrete wall without any ornamentation or framing. It looks cheap and reminds me of RiverWest. Ick!

I do like the glass portions, however, and am very glad a deal was made with the Scientologists since it enabled a much improved base.

[Stephenapolis]

It reminds me more of Jackson Tower in Saint Paul. Only with an arc. ;)

[Stephenapolis]

It sounds as if they Ivy Tower might be dead as a Condo Tower. The word is now that it will be strictly a hotel. But now we are waiting to see if there will be design changes with it as well. There has been some talk of a large hotel chain being the tennant. The Convention Center wanted the site for a hotel to begin with, so they might be getting their way.
The 5th Ave Greenway people have put their project on hold. They want to watch the condo market more closely over the next year. But they say they are still commited to building on the site.
The Eclipse will be going before the Planning Comission soon. It should get city approvals then. The hole in the ground is already there for phase 1, and they hope to start construction soon after approvals.
1016 Marquette will be starting construction very soon. They have started site preperation.
Skyscape has gone thru site preperation and should start rising soon. But there have been some murmurs that it has stalled. I think it will start sometime later this month.

[Sirus]

would it be too early to add in the recent news that Mr. Bell has given us?

[toggie]

No, I'll put them in as Future and call them Milliken Development 1 and 2.

[Stephenapolis]

I was just about to bring this up too. No renderings yet. But there is a proposal for twin 30 story residentail towers as part of a development that will include a Whole Foods, other retail and 5 floors of office. This will be on Hennipen Ave across from the Eclipse proposal.

[MNMike]

Ivy project isn't stalled after all!

Landmark Hotel in Minneapolis Joins Starwood's Prestigious Luxury Collection; The IVY Hotel + Residences Will Add a New Luxury Experience to the Vibrant Minneapolis Downtown Market

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 31, 2005--Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announces a long-term agreement with The IVY Hotel + Residences, a luxury mixed-use development with historic origin, to join Starwood's prestigious Luxury Collection portfolio of hotels and resorts. The IVY Hotel + Residences, a Luxury Collection Hotel, will be built to include three distinct structures - a high-rise residential tower and a mid-rise hotel tower - surrounding the ten-story historic IVY Tower landmark as the centerpiece of the project. Featuring 136 guest rooms and suites and 88 luxury residences, the development will also include a destination restaurant, 4,000 square feet of meeting space, a 17,000-square-foot resort-quality spa and wellness center, and upscale retail space. The development is scheduled for completion in spring 2007.


"The IVY Hotel + Residences marks The Luxury Collection's entry into the Midwestern United States and will be a perfect compliment to our existing Luxury Collection hotels, which are renowned for their distinctive landmark hotels, considered some of the finest in the world," stated Stephen Alden, senior vice president of The Luxury Collection. "This hotel will offer outstanding accommodations, spa services and is located in one of the most dynamic growth markets in the United States."

"Redefining luxury, The IVY Hotel + Residences will offer a new level of hospitality experience to the many executives and visitors to the elite Minneapolis corporate headquarters such as American Express and Target, as well as the Minneapolis Convention Center," according to Paul Wischermann, president of Wischermann Partners, a Minneapolis-based hospitality consulting and hotel management firm involved in several Twin Cities hotel development projects. "The historic significance of the IVY Tower + Residences will lend character, distinction and a timeless quality to the project's positioning and design while marking the rebirth of one of Minneapolis' most important and treasured historic landmarks."

The IVY Hotel + Residences will be situated in the heart of the city's vibrant downtown section, steps away from Orchestra Hall, Nicollet Mall, and will integrate Minneapolis' skyway system and provide convenient climate-controlled access to the Minneapolis Convention Center and all of the city's downtown connected buildings. The historic IVY Tower will provide the signature experience for Minneapolis hotel guests, where the majority of the luxury guest suites will be located. The solid, masculine character of the "little tower" will be balanced with plush furnishings, elegant fabrics and classic art pieces to create a true luxury experience for guests. All guest rooms will feature distinctive bathrooms with separate rain forest showers and oversized soaking bathtubs and 42-inch flat-screen panel televisions.

The IVY Tower will host a first floor restaurant, which expands into the garden level, the hotel lobby and lounge, and a three-story atrium. The second level introduces the spa and wellness facility spanning an entire floor throughout all three towers. The third level features state-of-the-art meeting space, business center and access to the convention center. The residential and hotel components will occupy the fourth level and up.

To sophisticated travelers worldwide, The Luxury Collection delivers the finest hotel experiences through their unparalleled attention to their guests' needs and preferences, their exceptional and distinctive properties and seamless integration of the customs, culture and environment of each property's locale.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 750 properties in more than 80 countries and 120,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood(R) corporation is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), Sheraton(R), Westin(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, and W(R), Hotels and Resorts as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com

Please contact Starwood's new, toll-free media hotline at (866) 4-STAR-PR (866-478-2777) for photography or additional information.

JOURNALISTS - PLEASE NOTE: JOIN STARWOOD'S PRESS RELEASE ALERT SERVICE TO RECEIVE STARWOOD COMPANY NEWS AND INFORMATION

To become a member, simply access the Starwood website, at: www.starwood.com/press

Once you reach the home page, enter your e-mail address, and click "Subscribe".

[MNMike]

oops. posted twice

[#10 Shirt]

Another new project in Uptown...Track 29

http://track29uptown.com/images/Final-A.jpg

Slick website too....www.track29uptown.com

[phillyskyline]

I love the design of that hospital w/ its big open space at the top. I work in the ER, and I would love to see all that bright sunshoine flowing in at my hospital....

However, I just wonder how safe it would be to transport pts up & down if the power went out during a major snowstorm or other natural disaster, etc....

[MNMike]

I think you are referring to the rendering of the condo tower on the former eitel hospital site?

[Ecker]

The Carlyle

http://static.flickr.com/25/39908415_7c9b94c17b.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/28/39908416_b5ad7d4f49.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/29/39908418_a3a4cc58a4.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/22/39908419_0b9ad577b7.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/24/39908420_5e9848c8f1.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/23/39908421_587c59e9de.jpg?v=0

Skyscape

http://static.flickr.com/31/39909002_3edfd3c9fe.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/25/39909004_2b123db522.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/33/39909005_35d41c10cb.jpg?v=0

[Stephenapolis]

I am amazed at how long it has taken to build the base of the tower of the Carlyle. But at least in the next week or two the tower itself will start rising.
As for Skyscape it is nice to see pilings in the ground and excavation having begun. This tower is rumored that once started will rise quickly. It is a simpler design than the Carlyle so it will probably rise quickly.

[MNMike]

Upscale future for Ivy
Dan Mitchell, Star Tribune
September 5, 2005 REAL0905


The historic Ivy Tower will become part of a top-tier luxury hotel and condominium complex called the Ivy Hotel + Residences, to be built near the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc. will make the Ivy the ninth Luxury Collections hotel in the United States. Starwood also owns the Sheraton, Four Points, Westin, St. Regis and W hotel brands.

Other Luxury Collections hotels include the well-known Phoenician resort in Scottsdale, Ariz. and the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. Most are in resort areas and vacation destinations, which makes the Minneapolis location unusual.

When completed, the complex will incorporate three buildings -- two new towers attached to the historic Ivy Tower itself, which will contain hotel rooms including suites that will fetch up to $2,000 a night.

Developers Jeffrey Laux and Gary Benson chose the Luxury Collections flag in part because "the positioning had to be very, very upscale, and at that level, you don't have that many choices," said Paul Wischermann of Wischermann Partners Inc., which will manage the property.

The kicker was the opportunity to use Starwood's reservations system, which will attract upscale business travelers who regularly stay at Starwood hotels to take advantage of discounts and other perks, Wischermann said. "We believe the tie-in with Starwood is a major advantage."

Room rates will range from about $180 to $300 a night.

A 17-story, 136-room hotel will be built just east of the tower. A 22-story building containing 86 luxury condominiums will be built to the north. The buildings will all be connected, but the complex is configured to make the buildings "read as individual" from the outside, Wischermann said. Despite the height of the new buildings, the design is aimed at keeping the 1930-built Ivy Tower -- considered to be one of the city's architectural jewels -- as the centerpiece.

All 86 condominium units have been sold, at prices ranging from about $550,000 to more than $800,000.

The city is providing up to $9.5 million in tax increment financing for the project, which means bonds will be issued and paid off using tax proceeds from the increase in the property value. As part of their agreement with the city, the developers will make 18 of the condo units affordable housing.

The complex will include a 17,000-square-foot, full-service spa and athletic center, 4,000 square feet of meeting space, a "destination" restaurant and upscale shops.

Construction is slated to begin in about a month, with completion set for the spring of 2007.

Wischermann, through a partnership with Ryan Companies, is a developer of the Sheraton Hotel that will be part of the Midtown Exchange, the massive redevelopment of the former Sears property on Lake Street in South Minneapolis.

[Stephenapolis]

The owners of the Foshay Tower have announced that they are in the planning stages of converting the office tower into a condo and hotel tower. This tower was built in 1929 and is 32 stories, 447 feet tall. It also has an open air observation deck.

[toggie]

I added a rendering for the 730 Lofts
http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/500/2460730lofts.jpg

[Stephenapolis]

^
This is the best of the 3 to be proposed or built. 710 Lofts looks too much like its neighbors, 720 Lofts was an improvement but still pretty bland. This one with all the glass looks much better. Too bad it got cut down from 12 stories. :(

[MNMike]

The cobalt with lunds grocery store and skyscape are now officially Under construction. The Lunds on the other side of downtown is well underway as well, so thats 2 grocers on the way. finally!

[Stephenapolis]

So they are finally tearing doen Eastgate and East High School? I might drive by the site on Saturday or Sunday.

[Sirus]

I haven't seen any tearing down yet, just trash removal from Snyders today. I drive past the place every day on my way to work so I can keep everyone up to date.

[Stephenapolis]

Well at least Snyders is closed then. That should be the last tennant if I recall. With no tennants on site that will make demolition much safer and faster, once it begins.

[MNMike]

they had their groundbreaking party, and put out a news release, so I expect that they will start demo soon:)

[Ecker]

I don't think we have this project on the rundown.

City of Lakes Condominiums
110 E. 18th Street

The developer proposes:
- converting the Abbot Hospital building into 12 apartments
- demolishing the City of Lakes Transitional Care Center building and replacing it with a four story building containing 83 apartments
-replacing the parking lot at 1st Ave. and 17th St. with a 23-story tower containing 199 units.

Here's the site:
http://static.flickr.com/27/49559015_026314c380_o.jpg

Site Plan (note the 90 degree clockwise turn from the above photo):
http://static.flickr.com/25/49577677_e2081832a8_o.jpg

18th Street Elevation:
http://static.flickr.com/29/49577676_a5af114479_o.jpg

[Stephenapolis]

I knew about most of this project. But I did not kow about the 23 story tower proposal.

[Stephenapolis]

Not a Minneapolis project. But Saint Paul has a 40 story condo tower being proposed. Rendering should be available later this week.

[Stephenapolis]

The 23-story tower is tentatively named the City of Lakes Tower. It is planned to be 257 feet tall.
The Eitel Hotel Condo is planned to be 432 feet tall.

[MNMike]

where did you get those heights? also I have never heard of this tower on 1st.

[mpls]

yet more spin offs from allina's consolidation. (elitel being the first)

[Stephenapolis]

where did you get those heights? also I have never heard of this tower on 1st.
emporis. They are good for something afterall. ;) Actually the TC reps are very good. They also have the new Saint Paul tower listed, but no hieght yet.

[Ecker]

I went to the Stevens Square Community Organization Housing and Development meeting tonight where the developer and architect made a presentation to the neighborhood association regarding the City of Lakes tower. It was pretty fun. There were about twenty people at the meeting and only two spoke in favor of the tower (I was one of them).

They presented color renderings of both the low-rise and high-rise portions of the project. Unfortunately, I'm an idiot and forgot to bring my camera. Sorry guys!

From what I gathered, there was a previous meeting where the developer proposed demolishing Abbot Hospital and the City of Lakes building that fronts 18th Street and replacing them with a five-story building that would ring the property. There was no tower component. The consensus at that meeting was that the neighborhood wanted to save Abbot Hospital.

So now the current proposal is as follows:

- The low-rise portion is reduced from five stories to four, in order to keep consistent the context of the surronding 3.5 story buildings.

- Save/rebuild Abbot Hospital and turn it into 12 condos. (I thought this part was really well done.)

- A 23-story, 199-unit tower that has a base of four stories that is similar to the other low-rise portions. (Pre-cast concrete, but pretty glassy.)

- All parking spaces are undergound.

- Neither the developer or architect mentioned it, but from the maps they showed, it looks like they might be calling this project "Fusion" now.

Needless to say, most of the neighbors were pissed about the tower. They were ready to allow the Abbot building to be demolished, so the developer could recoup his investment without having to build the tower.

Amoung the ridiculous arguments raised against the tower:

- It's a monstrosity! (Name-calling seems counter-productive.)

- The additional cars cause a pollution problem. (Pollution? This thing is 100 feet from I-94/I-35W!)

- Residents won't park in their in their heated, reserved, secure, sealed-from-the-elements garage space that is twenty feet from the building's elevator....instead they'll park their cars on the street where it's more convenient and take up all our parking spaces! (Okay, so I embellished this one with editorial comments).

- It's in a historical preservation district. (Maybe not ridiculous, but I think it's neither here nor there since the tower would replace a parking lot. Do you want the lot preserved? It either stays a parking lot or becomes the site of a 21st-century building.)

Anyway, sorry if this is way too long to keep your attention. I needed to vent.

I think this project would be a great catalyst for redevelopment of that stretch of Nicollet Avenue.

[mpls]

no too long, just right - thanks for the scoop.

btw...the mothership-
twincityscape.com/forum

[Stephenapolis]

I find calling that area a historic preservation district to be a reach. I-94 and parking lots are not very historic. This area could use more inFUSION of money and residents. Plus the tower would not cast a shadow on much more than the highway.

[Ecker]

no too long, just right - thanks for the scoop.

btw...the mothership-
twincityscape.com/forum

Yeah, I know all about TCScape. I read it every day, but have never joined or posted. I guess I like having all the Minneapolis stuff in one thread, as opposed to one thread for each project.

[Stephenapolis]

Awwww! But we have fun over there. ;)
Glad you check it out and read our rants over there.

[Ecker]

I went by the City of Lakes/Fusion site today and took some pictures.

The building on the far left will be demolished, although from the boards the architect showed at the meeting last night, it looks like the stonework entrance will be retained.
http://static.flickr.com/24/50298243_63527f45e9.jpg

The square additons on either side of the Abbot building will be demolished and the Abbot's hipped roof will be rebuilt. The north and south sides will be all glass.
http://static.flickr.com/31/50298245_ce47f95ff5.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/30/50298246_bedc864012.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/30/50298247_9dfff350fd.jpg http://static.flickr.com/33/50299051_eced3aaca2.jpg

The buildings in the following pictures will all be demolished and replaced with the low-rise portion of the project.
http://static.flickr.com/27/50299052_cc5d68a3aa.jpg http://static.flickr.com/32/50299053_62d1615fd0.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/31/50299057_9c9079f7c2.jpg

I plan to post all the information I've posted here about this project on the TCScape forum. I registered, but haven't gotten a confirmation email yet. Anyone know if I have to wait for an adminstrator there to send me the email? If it's automatically generated I think I may have messed up my email address.

[Stephenapolis]

Erk. If you have a spam folder it might be in there. When many of us registered we had this issue.

[Ecker]

Okay. I broke down and registered at TCScape. The City of Lakes stuff is posted over there too now.

http://twincityscape.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=928

I had to register with a different name though. I'm not sure what happened with the first confirmation email. It wasn't blocked. It seems to have disappeared into the abyss of cyberspace. Oh well...

ErkU3 on SkyscraperPage = EckerTallness on TCScape.

[Avian001]

Good article about the recent waterfront developments in Minneapolis and St. Paul in the Star Tribune today. It starts with a story about a couple looking for a new home:

"They'd seen Barcelona and Bangkok, Venice and Tel Aviv. But when they came back to the United States, their search for a new home took them to the Twin Cities. Specifically, the burgeoning downtown Minneapolis riverfront, where they bought a sleek new townhouse with concrete floors, tall windows and a knockout skyline view."

It's tainted a bit by its Chamber of Commerce tone, but has some nice human-interest qualities.

Full story here:
StarTribune (http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/5666171.html)

[Stephenapolis]

It was such a positive article, I had trouble believing it was from the StarTribune. ;)