R&D Systems Executive Area Remodel

Client: R&D Systems Location: Minneapolis, MN

Completion: Spring 2014

During the design of R&D Systems CCD Building, prototypical interior finish standards were created for the R&D Campus.  With the expertise of interior designer Jill Johnson of Isola Design, R&D Systems now has an elegant pallet of finishes to use in their future renovations.  The Executive area of Building 2201 was recent remodel project that was able to utilize these new finish standards.  The work for this space included removal of the old wall coverings, fresh paint/color, a modern carpet layout and more.  These small changes have completely transformed the space and have been very well received!

Boston Scientific WL3 Lobby Renovation Complete

Client: Boston Scientific Corporation Location: Maple Grove, MN

Completion: December 2013

The Boston Scientific corporate team commissioned HCM Architects to bring new design energy to the existing Weaver Lake 3 Lobby. In 2005 HCM Architects designed the Weaver Lake 3 Building, though company branding had not been solidified at that time to incorporate into the project.  Today, Boston Scientific was looking to use interactive technology displays to brand their message within their main lobby.  HCM saw this as a perfect opportunity to partner with Star, a Minneapolis-based exhibit design company, to collaboratively design and build the client's branding pieces. The final design included a new backdrop with monitor to the front desk, a touch screen area with fabric panel backdrops consisting of inspirational words used by the company, a light box column with another branding word used today, a large video screen wall consisting of 9 monitors that displays videos of company product, and finally re-working the BSC logo on the brick wall to be more visible in the space.

With a very short amount of time to execute the design, Star was able to build the pieces quickly and the BSC team was very happy with the end result! Since this project was such a success, we have now been asked to create this same energy in the WL2 Lobby. This design with be presented to the owner in the near future.

Following photo credits to Paul Crosby.

Bio-Techne/R&D Systems CCD Building Renovation Project Complete

Client: Bio-Techne / R&D Systems Location: Minneapolis, MN

Completion: September 2013

R&D Systems owns a building on their Minneapolis campus that was being rented out as tenant space. The building was in poor condition and the company was having difficulty keeping the spaces full. R&D Systems is a fast growing company and found they needed more space to accommodate that growth. Instead of using the building as tenant space, they felt it would be a great additional to their campus.

However, in order to make the building fit into the campus look, a lot of work needed to be done. This renovation project included new labs, offices, lobby, breakroom, and warehouse space for the Hematology Department. The project was constructed in two phases, the first phase was called the Core and Shell package; including all work to the exterior shell of the building along with the addition of new mechanical systems and stairs on the roof and interior of the building.

The second phase was the interior build-out of the lab and office spaces mentioned above.  This project was very challenging because of the height restrictions of the Lower Level and the type of mechanical systems that needed to be installed to accommodate those laboratories.  This project was also a huge success utilizing the BIM tool Revit to create the Interior Build-Out package. R&D Systems is very unique and uses the Revit model for their facilities management. It was a learning process to understand the level of detail in which this building should be modeled, but in the end we created a very useful tool for their company and learned a lot more about the program to help us with future design projects.  This project was a great achievement for R&D Systems and HCM Architects and project partners; Sunde Engineering, Mattson Macdonald Young, Aid Electric Corporation, Egan Company, and RJM Construction.  We had a great time working with the R&D team and look forward to future projects on their campus!

Following photo credits to Paul Crosby.

Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission Award received for 'New Addition to an Historic Building' for Roosevelt Library

Client: Hennepin County, Roosevelt Public Library Location: Standish Neighborhood, South Minneapolis

Completion: Summer 2013

Roosevelt Library of Minneapolis recently won a Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission Award for ‘New Addition to an Historic Building’. The Minneapolis Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and Preserve Minneapolis honor exemplary projects, individuals, and community organizations that celebrate and enhance the heritage and historic character of Minneapolis. These awards highlight the year’s best achievements for transforming a historic property, building, or landscape and reinventing it to incorporate both new and old elements in a way that that is respectful to the past. Projects are judged on attention to the quality of design, architecture, workmanship, and materials as well as the positive impact on the surrounding neighborhood and community.

The addition design was to maintain the “integrity” of the original building but to “set it apart” from the original design through differentiation in proportions and detailing. The new addition is approximately 20' x 30' and is located off the southwest corner of the existing building. This location was chosen so it does not interrupt the original strong symmetrical front facade. The new roof level is lower than the existing roof level to remain subordinate to the main building. The window sills and headers of the new addition were simplified and set apart by using poured concrete similar to the existing sills. The design intent was to keep the expansions and its details subtle but respectful to the existing historic building.   The following are exterior photos of the completed renovation.

HCM 16th Anniversary Party

Friends of HCM Architects,  

We are looking forward to our annual open house this year as it gives us the opportunity to acknowledge how fortunate we have been the last sixteen years of business. We are truly thankful for all our clients, colleagues and consultants with whom we have teamed up with on our projects. Most of all, we appreciate our families, friends and industry partners who have supported us along the way.

We would like to invite you to celebrate our 16th anniversary!

Join us at our office, 4201 Cedar Avenue South, Minneapolis

Friday, February 7th, 2014  4-9pm

F+G Office Build-out

HCM is excited to be assisting Faithful+Gould on the design of their new office space at the Plaza VII office tower in Minneapolis.  The space is designed to have a contemporary, open feel without being cold or sterile.  The shell of the space is nearly ready and in the next several weeks custom millwork, booths, soft seating work areas and frosted glass walls will be installed.

New Partners Announced

We are extremely pleased to announce that Matt Lysne and Dan Lind have been named Partners and accepted Ownership roles at HCM Architects.  Matt and Dan are outstanding architects that provide our clients services at the highest levels with thoughtfulness and dedication. They exhibit the best qualities of our profession. We are truly lucky to have them become our Partners. Please congratulate them on this next step in their careers.

Town Hall Lanes Complete!

Client:  Pete Rifakes, Town Hall Lanes owner Location: Keewaydin Neighborhood, South Minneapolis, MN

Completion: July 2013

HCM Architects, Patrick Dorn Construction, Thatcher Structural Engineers and Premier restaurant equipment company were happy to celebrate the completion of construction of Town Hall Lanes with owner Pete Rifakes at the grand opening on July 19, 2013.

The existing building was transformed dramatically into a rustic yet refined brew pub and bowling alley.  A major key in the building's renovation was the removal of the second floor which allowed for a nice two story space at the main bar room with natural lighting to showcase an antique wood bar and a grand chandelier hung from the existing exposed structure.  The bowling lanes were renovated and decorated with cool retro graphics. Town Hall Lanes is the third restaurant for Pete Rifakes, who also owns the Town Hall Brewery and Town Hall Tap both in Minneapolis. Cheers!

The newly renovated Tudor Revival style Hennepin County Library - Roosevelt opened its revitalized doors on June 2nd!

Background:

The old brick and wood building is a gem that continues to be a significant community and cultural resource to the city. This landmark was constructed in 1927 and its original footprint was 4,320 SF. Roosevelt was one of 13 libraries developed under the leadership of Gratia Countryman, who served as head librarian for the Minneapolis Public Library system from 1904 to 1936. Countryman’s goal was to create an institution that addressed citizen’s social needs; an environment that actively and integrally participates in the social life of their communities. Roosevelt’s strengths today are the same design movements of the original MPL System. The main level is comprised of one large intimate reading room that contains no major dividers or partition walls. The main floor is open and naturally lit by large numerous window. One goal of the project was to preserve and strengthen these successful attributes while revitalizing the overall experience. Another goal was to capture the needs and desires of the community, neighbors participated in the design process and helped refine the project strategy.

Initiative:

The project balanced between retaining the historic nature of the building and creating a structure that incorporates modern amenities. Maintenance and improvements were critical to keep this library as a community anchor and resource. With an old aging building in the twenty first century; Roosevelt’s key upgrades included full code compliance, accessibility routes and restrooms, new energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems, exterior restorations and collection updates. The sustainable approach at Roosevelt is the long-term preservation of the building itself, and rehabilitating the building to fit its future needs. Roosevelt’s original masonry construction was designed to last; the rehabilitation treatments will help the building continue to fulfill its original purpose as well as adapt to new opportunities.

Exterior Scope:

One of the initial goals of the Minneapolis Libraries was aimed at breaking down barriers between books and people. Physical accessibility to the books was a critical issue when opening all the early community branches. The newly ‘refreshed’ Roosevelt site design incorporates needed accessible upgrades and social outreach amenities. The civic strength between the library institution and the Roosevelt High school was maintained while providing welcoming and accessible environments that the community desired. Roosevelt’s site includes the introduction of intimate exterior reading alcoves. These spaces are located under the existing old trees containing garden walls and fixed benches. The main entrance and sequence of approach from both 28th Avenue and the rear parking lot was brought up to code for accessibility along with well lit path lighting. The new exterior book drop was located adjacent to the main entrance and deposit directly into the library for safety and convenience, creating a cleaner and more efficient process but keeping a historic character. The new bike rack/parking area is now located off 28th Avenue, adjacent to the main entry and will help support the highly used alternative means of transportation to Roosevelt. The new site design invigorates the site experience, provides accessibility while keeping the strong site symmetry and historic charm.

Interior Scope:

Although the interior was completed gutted out the interior design was aimed to keep the historic character of a property; introducing distinctive materials and features, spaces, and spatial relationships that characterize this small and intimate tutor library. Amenities included more public computers, wireless access, a teen area, more books, DVDs and CDs, and flexible, appealing spaces with more seating. In addition; a new addition with lots of natural light was designed to house an open meeting space requested by the community. The addition design responses to the original building but is differentiated from the old with subtle features, scale and proportions but keeping with integrity of the property and its environment.

This little library is truly a gem worth reading at!

Vast demolition continues!

Temp Window Enclosures have been installed and window restoration started. The loading Dock Removal is wrapping up. Abatement Continues and slab removal in Lower Level continues. Level one compete demolition is nearly finished. The design team continues to work through the historic process with Window mock-ups and brick matching. As the demolition continues the sea of columns are being exposed; the new stair wells and shafts are being cut in. What a transformation as we get down to the old infrastructure.

Finishing touches!

Roosevelt is wrapping up quick; finishes and millwork are being install and are looking great. It’s amazing what some color and wood can do to a space. The ceiling and lighting are complete and cap the space to enhance the cozy ambiance of this small library. Rumor has it there is a lot of excitment for the grand opening this spring! We know we are!

HCM Anniversary Party!

HCM turns 15 on February 2nd and will celebrate with an Anniversary Party on Friday, February 8th! Thank you to all of our families, friends, clients and consultants for a wonderful string of years, hopefully with many more to come!

Stratasys - SMACS Office Build-out

HCM has completed another project with Stratasys.  This exciting company has been a wonderful new client this year and we are exciting about ongoing design efforts with them on numerous fronts.

CPG - Tech Center Addition

HCM is excited to have another project underway with Cummins.  This one is at their Tech Center Facility on the Fridley, MN campus.

CPG - HRTC Addition

HCM is proud to have worked with Cummins Power Generation on another successful, large project.  This one is an addition to their Fridley, MN plant and is the first of three phases. Phase 2 and 3 have been documented and are scheduled to start construction in the spring of 2013.

Valspar’s Building 4 - Phase 1 is underway!

Phase 1 in the complete restoration and reuse of Valspar’s Building 4 has just kicked off!  Valspar’s campus is comprised of four (4) buildings.  Buildings 1 through 3 are now utilized by Valspar for laboratories and office support space.  Building #4 was formerly known and used as the Administration Building by Valspar. The building has been vacant since Valspar moved its headquarters further downtown.   Valspar is renovating this building for their North American Research and Test Lab capabilities, reusing this facility will stimulate a consolidation into one campus; named the Valspar Applied Science and Technology (VAST) Center. Building 4 is in reality comprised of two adjoining buildings, at that time MN Linseed Oil Paint Company, both portions very rich in history and charm. The first is a 5-story building that was constructed in 1903 with a wood timber structural frame, wood decking and load bearing masonry exterior walls.  This building incorporates 88,266 GSF.  The second is a 3-story building that was constructed in 1912 and has a poured in place concrete framing system, one way concrete slabs and a load-bearing masonry exterior.  This building incorporates 82,374 GSF.  A common load-bearing masonry wall separates the two buildings which includes openings that pass between the two buildings.  This wall was the former exterior east wall of the 5-story building before the 1912 addition; the buildings are now used and seen as one building.   Building 4 is programed in two parts, the research and test laboratories in the 3-story portion and office support and storage functions in the 5-story; all proposed in a multi-phase build-out.

Simultaneously as the design team worked with Valspar on the design and programing of the building, the team also worked to complete a SHPO -Historic Preservation Certification Application.  The goal is to have this building including the connecting building #1 registered on the National Historic Preservation List. Valspar saw the opportunity to restore a historic building that has a deep history with the city and with Valspar into a world class R&D faciltiy.

The overview of the work to be included in the next year of construction include: The exterior portion –the update of the building’s envelope; the building’s exterior will be cleaned, some re-pointing and replacement of deteriorated brick and crumbling grout.  Damaged terra cotta will be fixed while new structural supports will be installed for the highly decorative cornice.  Completely new roof system, and complete restoration of all the wood and steel windows.  The outdoor parking lot will be revitalized, parking spaces will be restriped and updated landscape is anticipated.  Consistent with R&D standards, the inside will have plenty of natural light, modernized lab spaces and updated building systems.  The goal here is to provide efficient staff work and lab areas, create accessibility spaces appropriate to the lab functions and energize the overall interior; keeping the balance between the rich historic industrial shell and the innovative technology and knowledge inside.

Roosevelt Library Construction full speed ahead!

The renovation of a small public library gem in south Minneapolis is in full swing.  The project’s goal is gain a balance between its historic charm while incorporates modern amenities.  The exterior portion is almost complete including the update of the building’s envelope; the building’s exterior will get some re-pointing and replacement of deterioratedbrick and crumbling grout.  The outdoor public spaces have been laid ready for the updated landscape this spring.  The 500-square-foot addition for a multipurpose room for community and library activities has been constructed and closed up.  The addition adds a lot of space to this small library along with a lot of day light.

Meanwhile interior renovation is moving along! Consistent with green building standards, the inside will have plenty of natural light and updated systems.  The goal here was to improve staff work areas, create more efficiency and accessibility spaces and refresh the overall interior; keeping it warm, rich and intimate feeling.

The best part about this process has been the community’s involvement and their enthusiasm. Neighbors participated in a design collaboration to help refine the renovation goals.   Don’t only is this library getting a rejuvenated architecturally, Hennpin County will be provided more public computers, wireless access, a teen area, more books, DVDs and CDs, and new but appropriate furniture; flexible, appealing with comfortable seating.  The Roosevelt library will reopen in early summer 2013.

Happy Holidays!

After another successful year at HCM Architects, the Team gathered together last Saturday night for a lovely celebration at the new Christensen House for appetizers and drinks. We then enjoyed a brisk walk to the Collosal Cafe on Como Avenue for an amazing  four course feast followed by delicious treats by Jerry Hagen! Thank you to the Collosal Team for making the night unforgettable. Also, thank you everyone for making this year a huge success.  Happy Holidays and see you next year!

A Place to Collaborate! Valspar Headquarters

On the 9th & 10th Floor of the Ameriprise Service Center Building in downtown Minneapolis, Valspar Headquarters resides. Only a few years after moving into the space with new layout/finishes/etc. the Valspar Team found the flow of space for visitors to be unwelcoming. Visitors must be greeted in the lobby of the Ameriprise building, making the Lobby on the 10th Floor rarely used. Instead visitors are walked through open office area where people are working quietly. After a lot of discussion, the Team decided it was time to re-work the South half of the 10th floor to create a sequence of spaces for a visitor to walk as they arrived for a meeting. In the center of this space is a large collaboration space for Team members to meet and work together. The room can be closed off or opened up to feel like one even larger space for gathering. There are a few smaller areas of soft seating for smaller Teams to gather with monitors throughout for employees to plug in their laptops and share ideas. This design project is very fast paced. The construction documents were created in a couple short months and construction began December 6th and will be complete on January 11th. Below are a series of design renderings and construction images thus far.