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.

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.