National Trust Presents National Preservation Honor Award in Ceremony at Grain Belt Brewhouse

Public-Private Partnership Lauded in Revitalization of Northeast
Minneapolis Landmark

WHAT:

Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will present the National Preservation Award given to the Grain Belt Brewhouse in recognition of the collaborative efforts of RSP Architects, Ryan Companies US, Inc., and the City of Minneapolis to restore and revitalize this Minneapolis landmark.

National Preservation Awards are given to individuals, organizations, public agencies and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to their communities through preservation of our architectural and cultural heritage. The Grain Belt Brewhouse was one of 22 national award winners honored by the National Trust during its 2005 National Preservation Conference in Portland, Oregon .

BUILDING FACTS:

The Grain Belt Brewhouse complex was formed in 1892 when four brewers merged operations. The campus includes the Brewhouse, a bottling plant and warehouses. The complex operated continuously until it was sold in 1974.

The building owner began demolition at the complex in 1988, an act that was quickly stopped when the Minneapolis Community Development Agency purchased the property.

The Grain Belt Brewhouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

RSP Architects began considering the site for its new corporate headquarters in 1999, and partnered with Ryan Companies to create a redesign and financing proposal.

The daunting renovation posed a number of challenges, including the building’s deterioration due to 100 years of brewing process use and 25 years of non-use; removal of all electrical and plumbing systems; and varying floor slopes and wall thicknesses.

The Brewhouse was ready for occupancy less than 16 months after construction began.

The renovation of the Brewhouse has helped generate additional public and private redevelopment in Northeast Minneapolis .

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

Richard Moe, Audrey Tepper, historical architect of the National Park Service presenting the award to Rick Collins, vice president of development at Ryan Companies, Dave Norback, president of RSP Architects, Ltd., Ann Calvert of the City of Minneapolis department of Community Planning and Economic Development, and Greg Mathis of the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission.

Discussion with Greg Mathis on the importance of historic structures in Minneapolis’ culture.

Interview with City of Minneapolis, Ryan Companies, and RSP Architects on unique partnerships that bring new purpose to architectural landmarks such as Grain Belt Brewhouse.

Brief tour of the Grain Belt Brewhouse

WHEN/WHERE:
5:15 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 6                
Grain Belt Brewhouse
1220 Marshall Street NE
Minneapolis , MN 55413
A tour of the building would begin at 4:30 p.m. Please contact Sarah Voigt if you are interested in taking the tour.

CONTACT:
Sarah Voigt, Padilla Speer Beardsley
svoigt@psbpr.com
612-455-1784