Located in the heart of Minneapolis, this project was designed with a strong emphasis on the pedestrian experience and the unique challenges of an urban infill site. Widened sidewalks and thoughtfully designed landscape buffers create a comfortable and visually engaging transition between the public street and private residential spaces. These buffers incorporate a mix of ornamental grasses, flowering perennials, and large deciduous trees, softening the streetscape while enhancing walkability and year-round interest.

At the street level, resident amenities were carefully considered to support everyday living in a dense urban environment. Recognizing the high number of pet owners, a pervious artificial turf system, similar to those used in dog parks, was integrated into the design. This feature provides a durable, low-maintenance outdoor space that remains functional throughout all seasons, offering residents a dedicated area for their dogs that would not otherwise be feasible on a constrained site.

From an engineering standpoint, the project required detailed coordination and innovative problem-solving. A stormwater filtration system was incorporated beneath the building’s garage slab, requiring precise placement and careful consideration of structural demands. Adequate material depth and vertical separation between the slab and the underground stormwater vault were critical, along with ensuring the system could support structural loads and remain accessible for maintenance from the garage above.

Site grading presented additional challenges, particularly along the interior rear portions of the property where space was limited. Achieving proper drainage in these tight conditions required careful grading design and coordination with surrounding elements. In addition, door and floor elevations varied around the building perimeter, necessitating close collaboration with the architectural team to ensure alignment between site and building design.

Overall, the project reflects a balanced approach to urban design, integrating functional infrastructure, detailed site engineering, and pedestrian-focused landscape solutions to create a cohesive and livable environment.