SECOND + SECOND COURTYARD

Re-imagining privately owned space as public realm, using texture, planting and infrastructure to be welcoming, immersive, and sustainable.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

2 acres, 2016-2020

  • SECOND + SECOND is new urban fabric that stitches a mixed-use development into the Historic North Loop District of Minneapolis. The project re-imagines privately owned space as public realm, using texture, planting and infrastructure to be welcoming, immersive, and sustainable. Three key spaces- the Garden Street, the Portal, and Foundry Court – connect to and through a city block amplifying the character and materiality of the district while scaling inspired spaces for residents and the public . The project sets a new precedent for elevating developer-funded projects as an investment in quality urban spaces shared as a resident amenity.

  • TEN x TEN co-led engagement for this project, bringing many stakeholders to the table at multiple points during the design process. These included the North Loop Neighborhood Association, Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission, and Minneapolis City Planning Commission. The project was also subject for review under the Warehouse District historic Guidelines and required balancing specific historic constraints on design with the contemporary and evolving principles of public space, planting and material design. The landscape architect was responsible for leading a multi-disciplinary team on all site issues which included grading, stormwater, utilities, lighting and structure.

    TEN x TEN engaged in a process investigation of the site using photographic methods, clay castings, collages, and drawings to capture the range of qualities of the site. This documentation was pulled together with an artist collaborator in an exhibition called “Residuals”. This work also served as the basis for the overall design and details.

  • This site occupies approximately 40% of an urban block that stitches a new mixed-use development into the Historic North Loop District of Minneapolis. Three key spaces, the Garden Street, the Portal, and the Foundry Court work together to create a multi-functional public realm.

    With a rich pedestrian realm, thoughtfully designed gateway and central space, the project establishes a new vision for how landscape can enrich the urban fabric. The project demonstrates the power of a collaboratively designed, public realm to honor the past while projecting the future of this vibrant neighborhood.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location Minneapolis, Minnesota

Client Solaris Redevelopment

Team TEN x TEN, Snow Kreilich Architects, Élan Design Lab, Meyer Borgman Johnson (MBJ), Major Mechanical, Collins, Weis Builders, TM Light, Marx | Okubo, New History, Serigraphics, Summit

Area 2 acres

Status Completed in 2020

Photos  VONDELINDE

AWARDS

  • 2021 AIA Minneapolis Preservation Award for New Construction

  • 2021 ASLA Minnesota Merit Award for General Design

  • Finance + Commerce Top Project of 2020

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