Building Spotlight Series: Park Avenue Lofts

Park Avenue Lofts

“ Using restraint and minimal means, we pursue the inspired moments architecture can bring to everyday use.”

— Snow Kreilich Architects

Mill city rail yards

The Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway monopolized freight service to the west side milling district until about 1879 when Minneapolis Eastern Railway built a competing line closer to the river. This photograph, taken ca. 1878 shows the M&StL trestle built over the 1st Street canal, which supplied water power to the west side mills.

Park Avenue Lofts are built on the former rail yards in the historic Mill District. The building was designed by Snow Kreilich Architects (then known as Julie Snow Architects) and constructed in 2005. Other notable buildings designed by Snow Kreilich Architects include CHS Field, the interior redesign of Museum of Russian Art, and two US Ports of Entry (located in Warroad, Minnesota and Van Buren, Maine). In 2018 Snow Kreilich Architects were recognized with the AIA Architecture Firm Award- the highest award from the American Institute of Architects, given to a firm every year that has produced notable architecture for at least a decade.

Park Avenue Lofts is a boutique building of 37 homes. Every home is designed with outdoor space- courtyard gardens for the lower levels and balconies for the upper levels. The homes facing the street have their outdoor spaces inset, while the courtyard facing homes balconies extend past the facade. The homes are minimalist in design and elegant in execution.

The Mill District

Nestled along the river, the Mill District is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Minneapolis. In the 19th century the Mill District supported the booming milling industry in its peak, including the then largest flour mill in the world. It is now a bustling neighborhood of mixed historic and contemporary homes, abundant parks, and locally owned businesses.

Close to restaurants, parks, event venues, freeways, and the river - this neighborhood is perfect for those who like to have everything Minneapolis has to offer at their fingertips.