2007-04-24 22:58:18 -
MINNEAPOLIS, April 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Few real estate development projects combine history, fascinating design, ample green space, modern amenities and quality construction like CW Lofts. And people are taking notice.
CW Lofts was recently awarded a Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal "Best in Real Estate 2006" award in the category of "Redevelopment Extensive Renovation" for large residential projects (100 or more units).
"We know we have a great project, but there are other great projects out there," said Mike Brady, a partner in Trio Development Group. "We were hopeful. We are grateful.
We think it's great for the people who purchased here to be validated."
Originally home to the Cream of Wheat factory, the site was recently revamped into a sleek, welcoming community living space with 124 condominiums, common spaces, offices and parking. Developers and architects on the project worked hard to preserve the building's original character.
"We considered over 30 buildings before purchasing the former Cream of Wheat factory," Brady said. "This one had a lot of the items that we believed made for a dynamic community."
"The first time we walked through this property about two years ago, I was amazed by the beauty of the architecture and what incredible shape it was in," added Robb Norling, another Trio partner. "It was one of the reason we pursued the project."
Architect for the renovation, Brian Lubben, formerly of Walsh Bishop Associates, referenced historic photos and specs from the original building in attempts to preserve some of the present good qualities and bring back others lost over the years.
"I think it looks today more like it did when it was first built 80 years ago, and that was our goal," Lubben said. "We measured our success by how closely we could bring it back to how it originally was."
Locally renowned architect Walter Wheeler -- whose other notable projects include the Fort Snelling Chapel, the Minneapolis Armory and the Mendota Bridge -- designed the original CW building. Many first-floor units in CW Lofts feature exposed railroad tracks from the old factory running through living rooms.
Residents will also have access to live/work units, underground parking, a public deck, a billiards room and walking paths. The average unit price at CW Lofts is $255,000.
"The building was built 80 years ago. Eighty years from now, we expect CW to still be a thriving community," Brady said.
Trio Development is planning a Phase II for the CW Lofts site that will add more condos, further amenities, some retail options and "maybe a little surprise," according to Brady. The group is also building five condos in Costa Rica and developing a mini town concept in the western suburbs of Minneapolis that will include housing, medical facilities, office space and a church.
"As far as our inspiration, we are followers of Jesus...Christians," Brady said. "We see no difference in our business and personal lives and give Christ credit for our success."
For more information about CW Lofts, visit http://www.cwlofts.com/ .
Source: CW Lofts
