VJAA at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale

VJAA has been selected as a finalist for PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity, the U.S. Pavilion exhibition at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.

Organized by the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas in collaboration with DesignConnects and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, PORCH represents the United States’ exploration of civic engagement, community building, and social and environmental resilience through architecture and design.

As part of the exhibition, VJAA’s work will be featured within the U.S. Pavilion, contributing to the broader dialogue on the role of architecture in fostering generosity, connection, and cultural exchange. Visit porchusavenice2025.org and follow @porchusa2025 to learn more!

VJAA Receives Three 2024 AIA Minnesota Awards

VJAA is the recipient of two AIA Minnesota Honor Awards and one Commendation for Excellence at this years A’24 MN closing Awards Celebration and Reception. Congratulations to our clients 825 Arts, Upper Canada College and Saint Cloud State University. Also thank you to our collaborators and to RDH Architects in Toronto.

Lindsay Boathouse at Upper Canada College in Toronto, Canada received an Honor Award in two AIA Framework for Design Excellence categories: Design for Well-Being and Design for Discovery. 825 Arts community art center in Saint Paul, Minnesota’s Frogtown neighborhood received an Honor Award in four AIA Framework for Design Excellence categories: Design for Equitable Communities, Economy, Resources, and Integration. The Autism Discovery Center at Saint Cloud State University received a Commendation for Excellence in the Design for Well-Being category.

Follow this link to the AIA MN website for more information!

Lindsay Boathouse photography by DoubleSpace Photography

825 Arts photography by Corey Gaffer Photography

Autism Discovery Center photography by Jasper Lazor

North Island Retreat is a finalist for THE PLAN Award 2024!

We are delighted to announce that our North Island Retreat is a finalist for the THE PLAN Magazine Award 2024. THE PLAN Award is an annual international prize that recognizes excellence in architecture, interior design, and urban planning. Learn more about our submission!

Walker Library Turns Ten!

Uptown’s Walker Library turns 10 this year. Since its opening in 2014 the library has become a stable community resource for one of the busiest areas in the Twin Cities offering classrooms, work/rest areas, meeting rooms and other community-facing resources. Designed to replace the previous underground bunker-like facility, the library has been celebrated for providing Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood with a much-needed front porch “offering a daydream-inducing setting for sitting and reading.” The library’s form reflects the surrounding historic context of solid masonry volumes over glass storefronts and the facade inflects towards the urban transit station and bicycle greenway and the Uptown Theater historic marquis. In an area that has few public hubs, the library continues to offer residents room for reading, learning, and exploring. The Walker Library has been recognized locally and nationally with awards and citations from the American Library Association, the AIA Minnesota, Dezeen, Architect Magazine, the StarTribune and Architecture Minnesota.

Photography Credit: Paul Crosby (slide 1 and 2) and VJAA (slide 3)

825 Arts Construction Update

825 Arts’ renovation of the former Victoria Theater is nearing completion. The transformation of the historic theater into a new home for creative arts on University Avenue will offer Saint Paul’s Rondo and Frogtown neighborhoods a variety of flexible rentable spaces for arts programming and community events.

This culminates a decade-long effort to save the once vacant theater, designed by architect Franklin Ellerbe. The former silent movie theater, constructed in 1915, has had many lives including a prohibition-era night club, cafe, and lighting store. See this MPR piece to learn more about the history of the building.

We look forward to celebrating the grand opening of 825 Arts later this year!

The M Phase 2 Construction Update

Construction on Phase 2 of the Minnesota Museum of American Art is nearing completion! In the fall of 2024, the M will open their doors to expanded galleries showcasing the permanent collection and the renovated Cass Gilbert designed Endicott Arcade. To learn more about the Pioneer Endicott building complex check out this article on the M’s website.

Upper Canada College Rowing Center Complete

Upper Canada College celebrated the completion of construction on their new rowing facility in the outer harbor of Toronto’s scenic waterfront. The facility supports rowing training and opportunities for broader community outreach.

Excelsior Commons Park Receives ASLA Award

Excelsior Commons Park has received a 2024 Minnesota ASLA award! Excelsior Commons Park preserves the historical legacy of the original WPA park elements while embracing modern sustainability. In collaboration with Damon Farber, VJAA designed the roof structures to collect rainwater for the surrounding native plantings. The new park pavilions and native plantings enhance the visitor experiences and equitable access to amenities through a collaborative design process with the City of Excelsior and nonprofit conservancy.

Catch one of the many concert in the park opportunities at the Excelsior Commons this summer.