The Return Of Rennaissance Square

There was good news last week for Minneapolis and those who appreciate the few turn of the century buildings that remain in downtown. Architecture and engineering firm DLR Group will move into a new space in the Renaissance Square building in Minneapolis.

The Eden Prairie firm will take up residence in about 25,000 square feet, filling out 2 of the 10 floors of the 1889 era building.

Kathy Tait, company spokeswoman, said the reasons for the move included greater access for clients, broader recruitment opportunities and closer proximity to mass transit. (The light rail is just steps from their door). The company is hoping to move in to the new space by November.

The Renaissance Square building, located at 500 Nicollet Mall is currently vacant. It was at one time owned by Xcel Energy Inc, and was bought earlier this year by a California real estate company.

The property went substantial renovation in the late 1980s and again in the early 1990s. At present, the innards have been torn out in preparation for a major remodel. Hopefully they will update the exterior first floor, which underwent an unfortunate ‘restoration’ in the late 1980s. Information source: Minneapolis / St Paul Business Journal.