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.
St. Croix Welcome Center Construction Begins
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.