A Spy Thriller: HQ Apartments on the KA Block
Mix one part contemporary high level housing with two parts hip innovation and a dash of retro appeal, and blend beautifully with the surroundings (shaken, not stirred). That’s the recipe for HQ Apartments, now open on the KA Block in Minneapolis East Town.
HQ Apartments Tallest on the Block
The 17-story residential tower opened this spring on 818 Portland Avenue South, the first high-level apartment entry in the Elliot Park neighborhood and a neighbor to Kraus-Anderson’s new home office, the 165-room hotel and FINNEGANS House microbrewery, and the Elliot Park Hotel, which opened last month. The tallest component on the block, HQ offers exceptional views of downtown/East Town Minneapolis and its amenities, including nearby U.S. Bank Stadium, The Commons, The Guthrie Theater, Stone Arch Bridge and the Mississippi River. Just two blocks from Hennepin County Medical Center and other prominent businesses, and a hop from the highway, HQ is strategically located for downtown professionals.
Hiding in Plain Sight Amenities
Elness Swenson Graham (ESG) Architects designed the apartment tower to reflect the urban energy of East Town while adding its own distinctive flair. HQ’s tongue-in-cheek, sophisticated spy-themed vibe includes a chic lobby, top secret martini bar, hidden door library and luxury amenities such as gym-quality fitness center and pool deck.
Like every secret agent worth his weight in diamonds, HQ knows how to blend in and when to stand out. Its brick masonry base on levels 1-9 relates to the brick and stone context found throughout historic Elliott Park. Upper levels 10-17 are clad in a contemporary, high-quality aluminum composite metal panel, and the upper floors cant out at an angle to create a signature look. Street level walk-out units provide front porches with eyes on the street along Portland Avenue. Metal clad bays also provide articulation along the building façade.
HQ Apartments’ Two-Story Lobby Designed to See and Be Seen
Inside, the highly transparent, two-story lobby includes a lounge with a martini bar and abundant seating areas, allowing residents to meet visitors or their neighbors for informal get-togethers or planned social events. A second-floor seating section, TV area and meeting space overlook the first-floor lobby-lounge.
A generous fitness facility faces the courtyard and activates the west side of the first floor. The ninth floor hosts several other distinctive gathering spaces, including a full demonstration kitchen and bar, multiple TV and game areas. The outdoor pool terrace is a home to a large social spa, several lounging and seating areas, and a cooking section, all with outstanding downtown and stadium views. The property also features underground parking.
HQ delivers 306 units ranging from studio layouts to three-bedroom penthouses. Spacious apartments feature high ceilings and windows, quartz countertops, rustic columns, warm finishes, top-shelf appliances and exceptional hardware.
A Home Away from Home for Healing Families
In addition to stylish appeal, HQ is providing the comforts of home for some special guests, thanks to an alliance with the nonprofit Firefighters for Healing. Earlier this year Kraus-Anderson teamed up with the organization to provide three HQ apartment units for use by burn and trauma survivors and firefighters undergoing treatment at nearby Hennepin Healthcare. More than mere spy ambience, HQ is a home for heroes.
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