KA Block Update: Construction of H.Q. Residential Tower Begins
H.Q. Club Room
Kraus-Anderson began construction on H.Q. Apartments, a new 17-story residential tower at Portland Avenue and Ninth Street in downtown Minneapolis. The 306-unit apartment residence, named H.Q., was part of a comprehensive mixed-use block development that also included Kraus-Anderson’s new home office, a 160-room hotel and Finnegan’s microbrewery.
The start of vertical construction on H.Q. marked one of two KA Block milestones in October. On Oct. 6, the company topped off its headquarters building with a beam signed by Kraus-Anderson employees.
Designed by Elness Swenson Graham Architects Inc., the apartment tower’s signature design reflected the energy of the developing urban community of East Town. H.Q. featured a brick masonry base on levels 1 through 9, relating to the brick and stone context found throughout historic Elliot Park. Levels 10 through 17 were clad in contemporary aluminum composite metal panels, with upper floors angled outward to create a distinctive profile. Street-level walkout units provided front porches and activity along Portland Avenue, while metal-clad bays added articulation to the building façade.
Inside, the transparent two-story lobby included a lounge with a bar and several seating areas, giving residents space to meet visitors and neighbors for informal gatherings or planned social events. A second-floor seating area, television space and meeting room overlooked the first-floor lobby lounge.
H.Q. Terrace
A generous fitness facility faced the courtyard and activated the west side of the first floor. The ninth floor included several distinct gathering spaces, including a full demonstration kitchen and bar, multiple television and game areas, and an outdoor terrace. The terrace was planned to include a large social spa, lounging and seating areas, and a cooking area with downtown and stadium views.
Property management was to be provided by Saturday Properties, based in Minneapolis.
KA Block, October 2016
Comprehensive block development
Kraus-Anderson teamed with ESG Architects to develop the master plan for the full block. Guided by the Downtown Neighborhood District, the plan included enhancements for the city, neighborhood, employees and business partners. It also addressed the Portland Corridor initiative, with attention to economic, aesthetic, historic and environmental needs, including Elliot Park’s master plan for housing and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes.
In April 2016, Kraus-Anderson began construction on its new five-story, 100,000-square-foot headquarters, consolidating Twin Cities operations under one roof in a build-to-suit LEED facility. The new headquarters was planned to accommodate approximately 300 employees, doubling the downtown staff at the time and allowing for future expansion. Designed by Pope Architects, amenities included a fitness center, educational training center, rooftop deck, cafeteria, formal and informal meeting areas and landscaped exterior spaces. The plan also included two levels of underground parking for office employees.
Readers can also explore the historic features incorporated into the new headquarters and Kraus-Anderson’s broader housing construction experience.
CATEGORY: Construction