The Shed at Crown Center
Minneapolis, MN | Adaptive Reuse, Commercial
Our challenge was to transform the ruin of a heavy manufacturing shed into an activated pedestrian green space and central plaza for a complex of early 20th century warehouses and manufacturing buildings redeveloped as creative office, studios and a brewery. The client's goal was to provide a shared garden amenity for tenants at the center of this formerly industrialized site.
tough Love and Good Bones
We selectively removed portions of the roof to expose the bones of the structure and to bring sunlight and precipitation to the industrial-strength raised planting beds in concrete and weathered steel. Salvaged rainwater harvesting tanks provide a vertical element that mediates between the long low planters and the high surrounding space.
Before...
After.
Before...
After.
The Strategy of Space
The pedestrian path from the street into the center of the site is punctuated with benches, patio areas, and culminates in a stage facing the beer garden adjacent to the brewery. The lighting was carefully considered to highlight the promenade and provide for a safe and welcoming space at all hours.
Re-purposed linseed oil tanks originally located just down the block from this location are used to help manage storm water.
Simple, resilient plantings provide a contrast to the industrial surroundings giving the monumental space a humanizing touch.
The sloped concrete planter walls become the foundation for comfortable, integral benches.
The tanks were minimally cleaned to highlight the contrast between the tanks stainless steel fabrication and their industrial patina.
Events in this incredible space are often hosted by our good friends and neighbors at Bauhaus Brew Labs. Gemütlichkeit! To stay in the loop, belly up to Bauhaus on Facebook and Twitter. (The über weird videos alone will make it worth your while.)
2018 Merit Award Winner
Have a challenge of your own?
PROJECT PHOTOS BY GILBERTSON PHOTOGRAPHY