Construction is underway on MnDOT’s St. Croix Welcome Center! Visitors entering Minnesota on Interstate 94 will have access to a variety of amenities including picnic shelters, pet exercise areas, restrooms, and Minnesota tourist information. For more information on the Welcome Center visit our project page.
Waverly Place House Wins Historic Rehabilitation Award
Waverly Place House has been recognized by the AIA Minneapolis, Preserve Minneapolis, and Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission for Historic Restoration, Rehabilitation, or Adaptive Reuse at the 2024 Minneapolis Preservation Awards. Waverly Place was awarded “for a successful Rehabilitation of a residential gem through removal of past additions, unveiling its true Brutalist character.” To learn more about this decade long project, visit the Waverly Place House project page.
Ground Breaking on University of Minnesota Campus
This past fall VJAA celebrated the beginning of construction of the new Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory Building on the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Campus. The $131 million, 120,000 square foot project is set at the hinge point between the neoclassical Cass Gilbert designed Northrup Mall and picturesque Knoll District. The project includes the renovation of the historic Fraser Hall head house as well as a new addition containing state-of-the-art chemistry labs. Teaching and informal gathering spaces will overlook the scenic Mississippi River valley and Minneapolis skyline. The new Fraser Hall and the addition will be open in Fall 2025.
Lake Pepin House
Construction has recently wrapped-up on the Lake Pepin House, a small, customized house nestled in the bluffs of the driftless regions of Southeast Minnesota and Wisconsin. The house overlooks the Lake Pepin to the South and organizes the panoramic views unique to the site.
JENNIFER YOOS TO GIVE THE KEYNOTE LECTURE AT VIRGINIA TECH SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND SCHOOL OF DESIGN
The School of Architecture and School of Design are thrilled to announce that Jennifer Yoos, FAIA, Partner/President of VJAA and Head of the School of Architecture at the University of Minnesota, will give the keynote lecture at 2023 Career Day on February 26.
More information in this link.
Architizer A+Awards - MnDOT Goose Creek Safety Rest Area Finalist
We’re happy to announce that the MnDOT Goose Creek Safety Rest Area is one of five international projects shortlisted in the transportation infrastructure category. Please Vote at:
Principal Nathan Knutson Elevated to AIA College of Fellows
Managing Principal Nathan Knutson, FAIA was among four Minnesota architects elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 2022. AIA Fellows are recognized with the AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. Architects who have made significant contributions to the profession and society and who exemplify architectural excellence can become a member of the AIA College of Fellows. Only 3 percent of the AIA members have this distinction.
From the announcement:
“Prioritizing design excellence, Nathan Knutson elevates the profession through management leadership of a nationally recognized practice and direct client engagement on award-winning projects – experiences openly shared with peers and future professionals through academic teaching.”
More information is available here.
Lilydale Pavillion and Chicago Infill House receive AIA Minnesota Honor Awards
AIA Minnesota honored five projects with 2021 AIA Minnesota Honor Awards. VJAA projects were the recipients of 2 of the 5 honor awards.
The Jury: Curtis Moody, FAIA, Moody Nolan, Columbus, Ohio; Jane Weinzapfel, FAIA, Leers Weinzapfel Associates, Boston; and Mark Lee, Harvard Graduate School of Design and Johnston Marklee, Los Angeles.
Honor Award:
Lilydale Regional Park Pickerel Lake Pavilion
AIA Frameworks: Excellence in Design for Integration, Ecosystems, and Well-Being
Chicago Infill House
AIA Frameworks: Excellence in Design for Integration and Well-Being
More information is available here.
Jennifer Yoos Presenting at Washington University in St. Louis
Jennifer Yoos joins other distinguished panelists at the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts on Friday, October 22nd, 2021 for a discussion centered around faculty member Eric Mumford’s new book: Designing the Modern City: Urbanism Since 1850.
More information and a livestream of the event is available here.
Type/Variant House Receives AIA Minnesota 25 year Award
The Type/Variant House was awarded this year’s 25 Year Award by AIA Minnesota. The award “annually recognizes one exemplary architectural project that stands the test of time” and is given to buildings completed at least 25 years and not more than 50 years ago. Completed in 1996, the project has received a number of accolades since, including honor awards from both AIA MN and AIA National chapters and recognition from other influential architects, including Marlon Blackwell and Brian MacKay-Lyons.
From the 25 Year Award jury:
“…despite the passage of time, the project continues to feel fresh and modern…a prime example of Midwest modern design aesthetic.”
More information here.
Goose Creek Rest Area awarded an Honorable Mention for The Plan Award 2021
The Goose Creek Rest Area was awarded with an Honorable Mention for the Plan Award 2021 in the Transport category. From the project description:
“The new Goose Creek SRA sited along I-35 at the Gateway to the Arrowhead Region provides access to basic amenities, restrooms, information and safety. It also acts as an apparatus for ‘slowing people down’ through rest, relaxation and play.”
More information here.
Excelsior Commons Pavilion Grand Opening
Our Excelsior Commons pavilion opened this summer. Find the summer concert schedule here.