NELSON Worldwide revamps the historic Colonial Warehouse for client Asana Partners in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Project Overview:
- Design Firm: NELSON Worldwide
- Client: Asana Partners
- Completion Date: 2023
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Size: 3,500 sq ft
When Asana Partners moved forward on revitalizing the historic Colonial Warehouse in Minneapolis’s sought-after North Loop, they appointed NELSON Worldwide’s Asset Strategy team to revamp its ground-floor lounge and corridors spanning the third to fifth floors. Asana Partners is known for investing in dynamic urban neighborhoods, and the firm owns a number of historic properties across its portfolio. The vision at Colonial Warehouse was simple: to create experiential mixed-use space while preserving the history and character of the landmark building. The century-old brick and timber structure, a local icon, underwent significant enhancements to create a striking 3,500-square-foot first-floor lounge and refreshed upper-level hallways.
Set in the vibrant North Loop neighborhood, Asana Partners recognized the opportunity to elevate Colonial Warehouse’s ground level to complement the active walkable retail scene surrounding the property. NELSON led a comprehensive makeover of the ground floor into a reimagined lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass, varied seating options including banquettes and a versatile kitchenette with a bar and sink for lunch or after-hours gatherings, and a safe converted into a cellar housing lockers for storage. A functional fireplace and televisions were installed to add a sense of comfort and warmth. Additionally, a code-compliant restroom and training room were relocated to further optimize flow and accessibility.
Project Planning
The new lounge was inspired by a speakeasy, with a distinctive painted grate-wire mesh ceiling, offering an industrial yet contemporary vibe. Likewise, the building’s original boiler covers were repurposed and placed behind the bar, paying homage to the building’s history, and a rope wall was used to create partitions between different seating areas, which serve dual purposes for semi-privacy and ensuring continuous sight lines. Keeping to the industrial theme, materials found throughout include wood, existing concrete columns painted white, and concrete flooring. The design was ultimately focused on maintaining aesthetic consistency and historical charm.
In the first-floor corridors, the design team implemented a refresh with updated light fixtures, finishes, and seating arrangements. This was complemented by the addition of a new security desk and mural, enhancing both functionality and appearance. On the upper floors, NELSON’s work involved additional corridor updates with new pocket lounges and informal collaboration spaces.
Project Details
At the heart of the project was a commitment to leveraging underutilized spaces and preserving the building’s historic charm by blending heritage with modernity. NELSON transformed the ground-floor lounge into a space that serves as both an amenity and a nod to the building’s past. By repurposing elements like reclaimed timber, boiler covers, and a historic safe turned storage cellar, the lounge exudes a unique charm that resonates with tenants and visitors alike.
The lounge design draws inspiration from the building’s industrial roots, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass, an intricate mesh ceiling, and versatile seating arrangements. A working fireplace, TVs, and a well-equipped kitchenette provide tenants with a comfortable retreat for work and relaxation. Additionally, the upper-level corridors have been refreshed with updated lighting, seating, and collaborative spaces, further enhancing the building’s appeal. NELSON’s environmental graphics team designed all new interior building signage to enhance wayfinding throughout the property and reinforce the refreshed building brand.
Products
Flooring:
Wall Finishes:
Millwork:
Overall Project Results
Asana Partners received overwhelmingly positive feedback for the project from existing and prospective tenants. Cushman & Wakefield and Element Commercial Real Estate — leading office and retail leasing, respectively — reported over 90% occupancy before the renovation was even complete. The success of Colonial Warehouse stands testament to Asana Partners’ vision and NELSON’s design expertise that brought this historic landmark into the present.
Contributors:
- Architect of Record: NELSON Worldwide
- Environmental Graphics / Signage: NELSON Worldwide
Design
- David Filak, Associate Principal, Senior Studio Leader & Business Development Leader, Asset Strategy, NELSON Worldwide
- Lynnette Buehring, Senior Technical Designer
- Scott Heirlinger, Principal, Design Leader, Market Leader
- Mary Hustad, Senior Architect
Photography
Brandon Stengel, Farm Kid Studios
