The project that received CoStar's 2023 Impact Award for best redevelopment in Minneapolis/St. Paul can only be described as a labor of love.
Many obstacles nearly thwarted the Salvation Army's effort to renovate or relocate its adult rehabilitation center, which offers residential treatment for men recovering from alcoholism and substance abuse. Over the project's 12-year journey, the development team lost several potential sites to strong political opposition.
"After being turned away from communities around the Twin Cities, ultimately the warm and welcoming neighborhood surrounding the 900 N. Fourth Street building convinced the Salvation Army that the existing property was their forever home," members of the development team wrote.
The decision to stay at the 1920s-era building came with a whole new array of complications. For one, the team would have to work around the existing residents, as well as shoppers at the nonprofit's on-site retail operations. Then there was the building itself, which was last renovated in the 1960s. The shortlist of badly needed upgrades included a completely new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, a new roof and a building envelope.
The property also had some surprises in store for the team once work began. Abandoned fuel tanks, a forgotten incinerator and train tracks were uncovered in the basement and a nearby alley, all of which were considered environmental hazards that had to be removed with care. Then they discovered the underground creek, a long-buried branch of a tributary of the Mississippi River that had been filled in with materials that needed to be excavated and disposed of.
Nevertheless, the team got the project to the finish line, in spite of these and further disruptions posed by the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic. Residents in treatment now enjoy a healthier environment with temperature controls, fresh air and better lighting, as well as rooms with more privacy, an art therapy classroom, rooftop patio and a chapel. The Salvation Army's retail operations got a substantial refresh as well, with a sleek new look in the store and a new drive-in donation bay.
About the project: Frauenshuh Inc. and the Salvation Army began the quest to build a modern adult rehabilitation center and family store in 2010. At the time, the Salvation Army's preference was to relocate from the existing building in Minneapolis' North Loop district and construct a new facility. In the end, the nonprofit opted to stay where it was and renovate its long-standing home at 900 N. Fourth St., a two-story, 55,320-square-foot building constructed in 1923. Work wrapped up on the project in May 2022.
What the judges said: "The Salvation Army redevelopment project navigated through numerous construction hurdles for an end result that benefits the community and improves lives," said Tony Strauss, senior vice president of retail services at Transwestern's Minneapolis office.
They made it happen: The team from Minneapolis-based Frauenshuh included Senior Vice President Ross Hedlund, Vice President Ken Kraft and Project Manager Katie Cohen. Architectural work was provided by Kate Lohrenz and Mia Blanchett of Minneapolis-based HGA. Korey Grant from Gardner Builders of Minneapolis served as the project manager. Envoys Thomas Canfield and Trudi Canfield both with Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center.
