Photos by Corey Gaffer (exterior) & Peter VonDeLinde (interiors)
A place where you can live, work, and play—that was the vision behind the new North Loop Green, an innovative mixed-use development located at the heart of Minneapolis’ public transit system and just steps from Target Field. With a 34-story residential building, 14-story multitenant office building, retail building highlighting local coffee shops and eateries, and 1-acre community park offering everything from outdoor fitness classes to movie nights, this micro-city was designed to embrace and enhance everything distinct to the North Loop neighborhood—including its unique location between centuries-old warehouses and contemporary downtown high-rises.
“The buildings use the same architectural vocabulary as those original warehouse buildings, but they’re also meant to look very contemporary,” explains Burt Coffin, principal at ESG Architecture & Design. For example, the lofty skybridge connecting the 18th floor of the residential tower to the top floor of the office tower is a nod to the elevated skyways above alleys that were used to discreetly move goods between warehouses back in the day, while the sleek, open-concept Sky Lounge at the top of the residential tower is an ultra-mod place for residents to relax.
The luxury apartments range from cozy studios to expansive three-bedroom units, all of which feature white oak flooring, two-tone cabinetry in charcoal gray and white, tile details, and statement pendant lighting. “Our goal was [to create] a timeless palette that transcends trends,” says Ann Fritz, ESG principal who handled the interior design. “We wanted to create a canvas where people could add flair and really make it their own.”
Black window frames and plumbing fixtures echo the heavier metals of the warehouse district, while exposed concrete columns in the corridors add a touch of urban grit to the spaces. “We wanted to push those traditional elements you would see in a warehouse district loft apartment in a new, fresh way,” Fritz continues.
The first several floors of the residential tower are available for vacation rentals if a weekend stay is more your thing, while the office building offers a variety of spaces if you’re ready for a change of scenery when working remotely. Both the large, cafe-style lobby and “The Green” (the adjacent community park) are open to the public, so whether you’re looking for a short-term stay or just a new place to socialize and hang out, there are plenty of opportunities to experience a taste of North Loop Green.
