Renovation Renews Ebenezer Tower Apartments
When it opened in 1970, Ebenezer Tower Apartments was Minneapolis’ first senior high-rise. Following a comprehensive renovation, the building was renewed for its residents and the surrounding Midtown neighborhood.
A Unique Housing Asset for Minneapolis
Located in the Midtown neighborhood, Ebenezer Tower Apartments remains one of Minneapolis’ few affordable senior housing communities. With funding from the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Ebenezer completed a renovation focused on safety, accessibility, functionality, aesthetics and resident comfort.
Completed during a 12-month schedule while the building remained fully occupied, the work included common-area improvements such as:
- A remodeled lobby
- Modernization of two existing elevators
- A second laundry room on the 20th floor
- Renovation of the 23rd-floor community room, with views of downtown Minneapolis
- Upgraded electrical systems
- New boilers and water heaters
- New sprinkler and fire-protection systems
- Air conditioning in every apartment
Each of the building’s 192 apartments received varying levels of renovation. Updates included cabinets, kitchen appliances, bathroom shower surrounds, toilet fixtures, vinyl flooring, carpeting and electrical improvements. Blumentals Architecture custom designed each apartment renovation, and 10 units were converted to meet ADA requirements.
Working in Someone Else’s Home
The project team’s priority was minimizing disruption and maintaining comfort for residents, who ranged in age from 50 to 98.
“One thing that we all took to heart was remembering that this was our residents’ home, and they had to live through this 24 hours a day,” said Joanie Lennick-Goulart, housing manager for Ebenezer Tower Apartments. “Staff were able to leave at the end of the day. That was a mantra throughout the process.”
The construction team and Ebenezer staff coordinated remodeling schedules with each affected resident.
“Project Manager Lyn Ringold developed an amazing color-coded spreadsheet schedule for residents and staff so we knew what was happening and could communicate with residents,” said Peggy Schulte, assistant housing manager for Ebenezer Tower Apartments. “Each day, we would knock on doors and let residents know the schedule face to face.”
“We started two units a day and spent three days in each unit,” said Superintendent Jerry Rasmussen.
With four or five apartments under construction at a time, residents were asked to leave their apartments from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. They could return each evening and sleep in their own beds.
Ebenezer staff created a comfortable temporary space in a larger ADA apartment for residents during daytime construction. It included a computer, television, comfortable sofas, frozen meals, snacks, pet supplies, pet crates and activity kits with coupons, puzzles and other pastimes.
Construction moved from the upper floors down to reduce disruption. The lobby renovation was completed in two phases, north and south. During common-area work, the project team worked creatively to keep other spaces available so resident events could continue.
Renovating the two elevators was among the project’s largest challenges. One elevator remained in service while the other was renovated. Each elevator required three months of work, for a total of six months.
Taking the Stairs
“We tried to minimize the inconvenience as much as possible,” Schulte said. “Jerry scheduled deliveries for times when the elevator was less busy. Jerry, Lyn and our staff were all taking the stairs. We were all in much better shape by the time we were done.”
As the contractor-in-residence during the renovation, the project team developed strong relationships with Ebenezer staff and residents.
“Everyone referred to Jerry as ‘My Jerry,’” Lennick-Goulart said. “He and Lyn added a personal touch that we did not realize we needed. It was a very important part of the process.”
Schulte recalled one occasion when Rasmussen brought in a family member to help translate for a resident who spoke Vietnamese and limited English.
The completed renovation was welcomed by residents, staff and visitors.
“People who have not been here for a long time come in and say, ‘This is a completely new building. We cannot believe it is the same space,’” Lennick-Goulart said. “Everyone sits in the lobby. Our residents seem to be sitting taller and more proud.”
Previously underused spaces, including the fitness center, media room and library, became active gathering places. The building’s lower level provides walkout access to the updated, accessible courtyard, which includes walking paths and landscaping. The renovated spiritual center includes a custom stained-glass window and offers residents a quiet space for reflection, remembrance services and Sunday services.
“We feel extremely lucky to be able to work in this building,” Schulte and Lennick-Goulart said.
For related experience, explore housing construction, an affordable housing rehabilitation project in Richfield, adaptive reuse at Zenith DCHS Apartments and the 430 Oak Grove Historic Apartments project.
CATEGORY: Construction