Upscale Apartments Proposed for Mill District

Village Green unveiled plans this week to neighborhood residents for a proposed apartment development in the Mill District in Downtown Minneapolis. The site, located on Washington Avenue and Portland was the former site of the Portland Condominiums.

The design is contemporary with clean lines and it doesn't attempt to mimic the historic buildings around it (thank god). Exterior materials are brick and metal with the possibility of some core-ten steel. The overall appearance is somewhat reminiscent of the cancelled Portland Condominiums designed by James Dayton that Brighton Development was proposing prior to their sale of the land to Village Green. Key to the site is a courtyard in the center of the block that is owned by the adjacent Park Avenue Lofts condominiums. The landscape plan is quite lush and the presentation was well received. The apartments would be market rate with no city subsidies. Rents on the apartments would be in the mid-to upper bracket range with high quality interior finishes and reflecting the project's excellent location. Construction is anticipated to start this year.

This lot has been very closely observed because of its high profile and proximity to major cultural institutions such as the Guthrie, Mill City Museum, and MacPhail Center for Music. Expectations of quality design are also quite high due to the many architecturally and historically significant structures in the immediate vicinity.

This project will go before the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) on April 8. DMNA is the neighborhood association representing residents and businesses in downtown. This is the best way for downtown residents and business owners to voice their thoughts on the project.
Click here for a related MN Real Estate Journal article.
Click Here for a related Star Tribune Article.