Blumentals / Architecture, Inc.

We're thrilled to share that our J.I. Case Building and Our Lady of Peace Hospice renovations have been honored as top projects of 2023 by Finance & Commerce! These awards recognize excellence in various areas such as degree of difficulty, creativity in design, innovative construction techniques, cooperation among contractors and management, and sustainability efforts.

The J.I. Case Building, located in the Downtown East neighborhood of Minneapolis, underwent a historic renovation, transforming the existing 3-story brick building to accommodate future restaurant spaces, new office space, and a rooftop deck.

The Our Lady of Peace Hospice Addition and Renovation was a multi-phase project. It involved the construction of additional patient suites, an entrance canopy, a lounge, and a renovated lobby, to foster a more welcoming atmosphere for guests and patients.

Jim Moy, our President and CEO, is also the Cub Master for the Stillwater Cub Scout Pack 9125.

This past weekend the Cub Scouts retired 3 American flags including one that had flown over the construction trailer at our Spring Creek ll construction project in Northfield, MN. The Cubs gave the American flags a dignified retirement by displaying the flags one last time, reciting the pledge of allegiance and folding them before the flags were placed in the fire. The Cubs stood in silent reverence as the flags burned. In the morning, the grommets were retrieved to honor the flags they once belonged to.

The simple, respectful process of retiring a flag allows for reverence and wonder.

Stone House Square Apartments We were proud to contribute to recent renovations made to this Historic icon of the Sheridan neighborhood in Northeast Minneapolis. The Historic complex comprises 71 units across 3 buildings. Among other things, the renovation work included a full tuckpointing of the exterior brick, reconstruction of the site perimeter brick wall, new landscaping, new roofing, new garage doors and siding, unit upgrades including new kitchen cabinets and restoration of Historic flooring or new engineered hardwood (depending on existing conditions), a common corridor facelift, and reconfigured mail and office areas.

The vision is coming together! The newly renovated J.I. Case building in downtown Minneapolis is nearing completion. From schematic renderings to the final product it is always a pleasure to see imagination turn into reality!

Beautiful day to help clean up our lovely neighborhood. Thank you to Minneapolis Chamber for setting up the event!

Spring has sprung at the firm, and we haved tried our luck at balancing eggs on the equinox...success!!

Have a Pho-Bulous Friday 🍜

Passion is energy and energy can only be transferred! So naturally one team members passion for Pho has been spread to the whole office with our first ever Pho-nomenal lunch! Always remember to share your passion with others!!

We are pleased and proud to announce that the Laurel Apartments has been recognized with a Minneapolis Preservation Award for Historic Rehabilitation.
Originally built in 1893 as a four-building complex of luxury flats in the then-ultra-stylish Loring Park neighborhood, the apartments fell out of fashion and subsequently the original 33 units were carved up into 98 Single Room Occupancy units after the end of the Second World War. Several decades later, after falling into significant disrepair, the property was acquired by new owners who undertook to transform the building into 66 studio and one-bedroom units, with respect to the remaining historic fabric of the original luxury flats and updating the building to the 21st century with new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire suppression, and other systems. Historic fabric that was able to be preserved included 40 original tile fireplaces and tile mosaic floors at all building entrances, a number of millwork built-ins, the original grand stairways, and the remarkable brick and stone façade. These were complemented by new solid hardwood floors, custom wood doors, and replica millwork.

Central Minnesota Housing Partnership (CMHP) just moved into their beautifully renovated office!! Blumentals/Architecture and Project One teamed up together to design & renovate an existing warehouse building into a new office for CMHP. The outdated building was reconfigured inside to create several private offices, a large board room, staff lounge, reception area and warehouse. The materials and colors used were simple – warm wood tones, neutral stone, pops of balsam green paired with other neutrals like crisp whites, soft grays and sharp blacks to bring a fresh & modern feel to the building. New LED lights throughout the building bring high brightness and intensity to each space while conserving energy. The exterior was refreshed with new paint colors! We are excited to welcome CMHP to their new home!

SCULPTING FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Blumentals’ Architecture Studio collaboratively designed and sculpted a building detail for the outside corner of their studio building and place of business. The design was batted around, and a schematic design was agreed upon early in December. The office scheduled a metal welding and sculpting session for two consecutive Tuesday nights in December. Everyone worked together to cut the raw mild steel to size and shape and then each of us learned to TIG weld. From sparks flying to welding helmets flipped down, everyone got involved! The work is called “Blumstall” in honor of the blooming flower-like heads on each of the stalks of the sculpture. It is now installed in its position at the corner of 1600 Marshall Street NE and is prominently seen upon entering the building parking lot.

Blumentals/Architecture, along with Central MN Housing Partnership (CMHP), Project One, MN Housing Finance Agency (MHFA), and the City of North Branch, broke ground this week for Heritage Court Apartments! Heritage Court Apartments is a 4% tax credit Senior Housing project with 32 one bedroom plus den units. A dedicated community building is provided with space for gathering and events, along with staff offices. Underground parking and additional storage for each unit is also provided. CMHP is providing additional support to its residents through additional on-site programming. Getting to this point has been a wonderful collaboration between CMHP, Project One, MHFA, and the City of North Branch.

The J.I. Case Building, located at Park and Washington Aves in the Downtown East neighborhood of Minneapolis, was a vital piece in the historic industrial heart of the city following its construction in 1907. Though the days of using the building as a hub to distribute and market heavy farm equipment are long gone, we are thrilled to be a part of helping the building find a renewed purpose and bringing it new life with a mix of office and restaurant tenant spaces which preserve and maintain the historic character of this structure from the brick and terracotta exteriors to the massive heavy timber interiors. The renovation will be completed in 2022. Visit the website to learn more: https://jicasebuildingmpls.com/

Su Blumentals, FAIA is featured in the attached article "Pioneering Women in Architecture, in Their Own Words". Su was one of the women architects selected for the Minnesota Women In Architecture FAIA Legacy Project. You can read her History Interview by clicking the link "Minnesota Women in Architecture FAIA Legacy Project" within the article. https://www.entermn.com/articles/pioneering-women-in-architecture https://www.entermn.com/articles/pioneering-women-in-architecture

Pioneering Women in Architecture, in Their Own Words — ENTER SPOTLIGHT Pioneering Women in Architecture, in Their Own Words

Project Highlight! We are looking back at our Fox Pointe Townhomes Project located in Austin, Minnesota. We worked with Three Rivers Community Action, Inc. to design three separate townhome complexes comprised of 38 townhome units, rental office, and playground. Built in a newly developed neighborhood our team saw an opportunity to give the up-and-coming community a dash of personality and color. The Fox Pointe townhomes shows of an exterior façade of a blended array of siding types and textures tied together with a brick base. Splashes of deep orange complemented with light and gray blues on an earth toned backdrop provides the unique yet subtle aesthetic that fit for this new community.

We are excited to announce Market Bar-B-Que won the 2020 Blend Award in the Commercial Renovation/Addition category! Watch the awards announcement here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQRfJl4gOEs

Market Bar-B-Que moved it’s 73 year old restaurant from Nicollet Avenue just south of downtown Minneapolis to a vacant and condemned building on Lowry Ave in NE Minneapolis. The renovation was completed in 2018.

Blumentals/Archtiecture designed the new 3,800 SF restaurant which reinforced the restaurants historic roots and highlighted the traditional charm. Many nostalgic features from the original restaurant were salvaged or recreated such as the brick-line wood fire pit for smoking meats, ornate bar, dining room booths & tables, bead board for the walls, distinctive red carpet, light fixtures & pictures on the walls. The kitchen included all new equipment, making it efficient and state of the art.

The exterior façade was finished in the vibrant, eye-catching Market Bar-B-Que pink stucco, accented with brick and composite wood. The front entry door, windows and the famous neon Bar-B-Que sign all came from the old restaurant creating a vibrant street presence. It’s a great neighborhood restaurant carrying on the Bar-B-Que tradition.

Great News!! Blumentals/Architecture is excited to announce two of our projects were awarded through the Minnesota Housing 2019 Housing Selections.

We are excited to work with Three Rivers Community Action, Inc. on Spring Creek II Townhomes located in Northfield, MN and Common Bond Communities on Stonehouse Square Apartments located in Minneapolis, MN. Whether it’s building new homes or preserving the old, we believe great design can be a powerful tool to uplift and support individuals, families and communities.

Spring Creek II Townhomes is a new construction project that will consist of 32 rental units with 2, 3 & 4 bedroom units. This development is an expansion of Spring Creek Townhomes I that we designed in 2013.

Stonehouse Square Apartments is a renovation project to preserve 79 rental home consisting of studio, 1 & 2 bedroom units.

Thank you Thies & Talle for letting us be part of your team on this project!

On July 17th, 2019, The Meadows hosted a Grand Re-Opening event to celebrate the completion of an extensive renovation project. The Meadows is a 35 unit affordable senior or disabled community located in Lewistown, MT.

Having been originally built in 1978, the property needed some major renovations. With help from federal housing tax credits from the Montana Board of Housing, Thies & Talle developed a $4.2 million deal to start this renovation. The Meadows was able to install a new parking lot, sidewalks, doors, flooring, kitchen cabinets, appliances, countertops, roofing and siding. With the renovations now complete, The Meadows will be able to remain as affordable housing for at least another 46 years!

In addition to preserving the affordable housing aspect at this property, this renovation also created an estimated 55 local jobs and $2.5 million in earned wages!

We would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work during this project!

Finally, after two years, we have the trophy back in our office!! I know it was hard for last year's winner, Erick Wockenfuss to return the trophy.

Congratulations Samanthia Jensen for being this year's Blumentals Fantasy Football Champion, and bringing the trophy back to the office. It was a close call, only a 6 point lead from our 2nd place winner Brent Carlson.This year's Toilet Bowl Trophy winner goes to the best of the worst Andy Swartz. Congratulations Andy, I know how much you love sporting that trophy on your desk!!

Our Market Bar-B-Que project has come to an end. The owner's are excited to be operational again, and share their style and great BBQ in their new location of Northeast, Minneapolis.

Click link to read more on Market Bar-B-Que,

http://www.startribune.com/market-bar-b-que-sparks-nostalgia-in-its-new-northeast-minneapolis-home/504166012/

Market Bar-B-Que sparks nostalgia in its new northeast Minneapolis home Owners Steve and Anthony Polski went to great lengths to ensure that their 73-year-old dining landmark closely resembles its previous incarnation.

Congratulations Haithem!!

Blumentals would like to congratulate Haithem Daza and his team, from a previous firm in New York State, on winning two APA awards. Our firm is proud to have him and his skills with us now.

To learn more about Hiathem's project and role on his team click the link below:
https://www.hdaza.com/ #/niagara-opportunities-area

Haithem Daza Haithem Daza Architectural Designer and Urban Designer Selected work 2003 - 2017

The Blumentals team enjoying the annual St. Paul Saints game with their new friend Mudonna.

Blumentals Architecture is currently working with Market Bar-B-Que and is excited to reveal their new northeast Minneapolis location!
Click the following link for more info:
http://www.startribune.com/market-bar-b-que-reveals-new-northeast-minneapolis-location/485194451/

With spring coming just around the corner, we decided to get a jump on our Spring cleaning and clear out some of our older projects to make room for the new.

Our Deliverance project with MRK Partners, in Richmond California, just finished up and included the renovation of 82 units of affordable housing along with a new club house and site amenities.

We also completed a 4,000 sq. ft tenant finish out for Rainbow Shops in Robbinsdale, MN.

With these along with many others, we have made room to start the construction phase on Fox Pointe townhomes, in Austin MN, with Three Rivers Community Action, Inc. This will be a new affordable townhome community with 3 buildings and 38 units along with an office and playground for the kids.

We are also working with the Minnesota Army National Guard on a LEED project to create office space within an existing building at Camp Ripley.

Our newest project is helping Market BBQ find a new home in NE Minneapolis – we just started this project so we don’t have any new pictures to show but you can count on some fine BBQ in the near future.

Please take a look at our web site Blumentals.com to see a sampling of our projects and then give us a call to discuss how we might be able to help you on your next project.

All set up and ready to go!
Blumentals is looking for our next employee! Jim was just at the NDSU career fair looking for a new graduate to join our team. If you know anyone that is new in their career and looking for a great place to work, have them contact Jim at [email protected].

Happy Birthday and Happy Names Day to Nate, Jen, Lori, Sarah and Samanthia!!!

You be the judge!! Is this cupcake cake an Alien or a Panda?

With all of our best efforts to keep the Blumentals Fantasy Football Trophy in the office. Congratulations are in order to Erik, a previous employee, for taking 1st place his second year in row. It was a nail bitter, only winning by 1 point to 2nd place winner, Samanthia. This season's best of the worst Toilet Bowl Trophy winner goes to Lori. Congratulations Lori. We look forward to next year, in hopes for the office to reclaim the trophy once again.

The Renovation Has Started!!
Ebenezer Park Apartments kick offed the start of remodeling with cake and ceremonial cabinet demolition. Mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey stopped by as staff and residents celebrated the renovation and toured an updated unit. Blumentals is excited to be working with Ebenzer and Kraus-Anderson on this major building update.

Happy New Year from Blumentals Architecture!!

Congratulations to our newest official Architect, Sarah Bloom!