The city of Minneapolis is clearly on a high velocity path of growth across the entire real estate landscape. Over the past 20 years the Mill District in downtown Minneapolis has been especially interesting to watch, coming out of the rubble from the old milling capital of the world into a neighborhood and identity all its own. Some of the last blocks within the neighborhood are being developed right now. One of these special sites will have world class architecture thanks to Robert A.M. Stern Architects and be the tallest residential high rise in Minneapolis with a story all its own: Eleven on the River.
The Early Years: late 1990s to 2008
The visionary period of the Mill District started in the late 1990s with the advent of Brighton Development acquiring a spate of old mills from the city of Minneapolis. Their intention was to convert these decrepit buildings into condos for sale and they were very successful. This was the catalyst for the beginning of a unique neighborhood focused on residential urban living. Going into the 2000s other developers followed suit proposing a plethora of condo projects ranging in size and architectural design. Leading up to the financial crisis some of the most notable, architecturally significant condos were developed and sold not just in the Mill District, but across the North Loop and Northeast Minneapolis.
Silent for almost a decade
Aside from Shamrock Development doing recent projects such as Stonebridge Lofts and The Legacy, there has not been a developer in Minneapolis who has proposed and built a Minneapolis condo high rise tower. For most developers, it is easier to stamp out multi family apartment buildings in Minneapolis than condos for sale. Demand for thoughtful architecture and design in new construction condos was beginning to be heard across the downtown market. In 2017, Arcadia LLC and Ryan Companies US, Inc identified one of the last remaining sites along the Mississippi riverfront-the zoning allowed for something beyond extraordinary to be built. Arcadia partnered with Ryan Companies recognizing their reputation in Minneapolis was unparalleled in developing and building projects of the sheer size, complexity and magnitude of Eleven.
Eleven on the River
Ryan Companies assembled some of the best and brightest minds to collaborate on a project of this scale. For architectural design they selected world renowned Robert A.M.Stern Architects, who have crafted some of the most iconic buildings in Midtown Manhattan and around the world. The tower would be their first project in Minneapolis for RAMSA. Paul Whalen, the lead architect and a partner at RAMSA has family roots in Minneapolis and spent some time understanding the city and its architectural background. Paul was instrumental in designing the iconic 15 Central Park West next to Central Park in New York City. The design will push Eleven on the River to the tallest residential high rise in Minneapolis and ensure its timeless appeal stands the test of time.
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