News

MMY recognized at AIA Preservation Awards

From left: Ken Green, Adam Neigebauer, David Hedberg, Jordan Hurst

At MMY, we really like old historic buildings. We appreciate the opportunities provided by our clients to listen to a building tell its own story and guide it into the future, unharmed.

Recently, MMY was recognized at the 2022 AIA Minneapolis Preservation Awards. Of the nine projects honored, MMY provided structural engineering on three. The celebration was held at The Capri Theater in Minneapolis, where we previously structured a long-awaited renovation and addition.

Below are the projects on which we are proud to put our name:

Cloverfield Building

The Cloverfield Building’s prominent location in the Minneapolis Warehouse Historic District with hundreds of pedestrians and cars passing by every day had been vacant for over 25 years. The rehabilitated building restores the highly detailed façade, reconnects the building to the street with new first floor storefront glazing, introduces natural light to the lower levels, and provides a modern office environment for 21st century tenants

Water Works Park and Pavilion

The Water Works project navigates building upon a site that had a long and complex history by giving light to each of varied histories and respectfully weaves together a tapestry of old and new histories that tell the story of the site while also providing a sustainable and equitable model for development. Located near St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge, the project serves as a great example for respectful, sustainable, and equitable development for the city of Minneapolis.

Milwaukee Road Depot Parapet Wall and Chimney Restoration

The Milwaukee Road Depot parapet wall and chimney restoration project preserved the historic integrity of this iconic Minneapolis building and will ensure the viability of the structure for the future. Work at both the parapet wall and the chimney were undertaken to remove an unsafe condition. Skilled masons brought a high level of care and craftsmanship to restore a rare example of original ornate terracotta detailing.

Spring forward! David Hedberg is MMY’s newest Partner.

Since coming to MMY in 2017, David has been a leader both on and off the calculation pad. He is a sharp engineer and an empathetic colleague. The future is bright in in all departments, from technical development to office humor, with David on board as MMY Partner. Please join us in congratulating him.

Exciting engineering news!

We are heading into summer with a more brains! Geoffrey Gonzalez, EIT started with MMY earlier this spring after relocating to Minnesota from Florida, trading the coast for lakeshore. Additionally, Kyle Hedblom has joined us for another summer internship while he continues his study at Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Not only do we have more brains, but more licensed brains: two of our own engineers recently earned their PE license! Please join us in congratulating Charlie Vermace, PE and Jordan Hurst, PE!

Riverfront park projects nearing completion

Great Northern Greenway Overlook construction scheduled for Fall 2020 completion (photo by MMY)

Good news! Two of our projects along the Mississippi River will soon open to the public, providing new and improved access for residents and visitors alike. Both projects are early phases of larger-scale visions by the Minneapolis Parks Foundation.

The Great Northern Greenway Overlook will provide the residents of North Minneapolis with a true connection to the river that is long overdue. MMY served as Structural Engineer of Record for the project, including the steel-framed platform structure with partial wood deck, partial steel grating, and partial programmable netting, as well as a treeline-height beacon. Construction is scheduled to complete in Fall 2020.

Water Works is a years-long effort and will complete its ‘Mezzanine Phase’ in the coming months. The project is intended to ‘bring new historic, cultural, and recreational amenities to the most iconic location in Minneapolis.’

Read more about both projects here.

Water Works rendering at sunrise
Water Works Park rendering (from Minneapolis Parks Foundation)

Two new engineers at MMY (remotely)

We’re proud to announce that our team of licensed engineers has grown by two this spring! Ben Neuman, PE and Matt Hogen, PE joined MMY shortly before we began to transition to the new normal of remote working, video conferencing, and virtual watercoolers. Even during uncertain times, our work presses on, and both Ben and Matt have already made their presence felt (and appreciated!).

Welcome aboard, Ben and Matt!

MMY Response to COVID-19

As the current COVID-19 situation is constantly changing, we realize we cannot predict  what the coming weeks might bring. However, we want to let you know that we will be doing our best to continue to provide the services necessary to avoid undue delays or disruptions to current project schedules.

We are closely monitoring the recommendations of the CDC, federal, state and local health departments. In response, we are making several modifications in how we do business during this threat.

  • Remote Work: Employees have the capability and flexibility to work from home or wherever they feel safe. Calls to the office will be directed to the appropriate person. However, emails are encouraged as the first means of communication.
  • Office Work: Our office is closed to visitors for the time being.
  • Meetings: We are requesting that all meetings be held virtually whenever possible. Special requests for face-to-face meetings will be considered but will be restricted to 5 attendees or less.
  • Project Site Visits: Visits will be limited to those necessary to allow current construction projects to continue. All other visits will be rescheduled.
  • Travel: We have suspended all business-related air travel until further notice. Travel by vehicle will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Our project managers will closely monitor their projects and will communicate regularly. Leadership will be available to support both clients and staff with resources and policies, keeping in mind the balance of safety and productivity.

Hook and Ladder apartments set the bar

A pair of apartments in Northeast Minneapolis will soon be home to hundreds of new residents and one far-reaching experiment: can housing be affordable and energy-efficient? Hook & Ladder Apartments aim to prove just that and provide a model for future buildings in Minneapolis and beyond. The two buildings are structured similarly but are built to different energy standards: one meets the Minnesota Green Communities standard, while the other meets the even more stringent Passive House specifications and it is the first of its kind in the midwest.

MMY is proud to collaborate with LHB Architects on this socially important project and design an economical structural system to help keep construction costs low without compromising on safety or energy efficiency.

Read more about the project in the Star Tribune.

The formal Grand Opening is scheduled for December 5th.

(Rendering and photo from Wenck Engineering)

Capri Theater renovation breaks ground

Shovels have officially broken ground at one of our favorite projects, the renovation and expansion of the Capri Theater in North Minneapolis!  On October 17th, a formal groundbreaking ceremony attracted a wide-ranging audience from neighborhood residents to community leaders, including current mayor Jacob Frey and former mayor R.T. Rybak.

Our work with Baker Associates began ten years ago, and we’re thrilled to finally see the project readying itself to jump off the drawing paper. It is a testament of MMY’s commitment to sound structural engineering, as we guide the historic theater into the future.  We are honored for the opportunity to integrate a 90-year-old building with the 20,000 square foot steel-framed addition that will serve the residents of North Minneapolis for years to come.

Read more about the project in this week’s Star Tribune as well as MPR News.

Or, watch the news segment on WCCO.

(Baker Architects rendering)

 

(MPR photo)

Minneapolis Armory Renovation earns ACEC Engineering Excellence Grand Award

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Minnesota (ACEC/MN) recently celebrated its 52nd Annual Engineering Excellence Awards Program on January 25th, where the 2019 Grand and Honor Awards were announced.  Our work at the Minneapolis Armory received a Grand Award, and we couldn’t be prouder!

The competition recognizes engineering achievements that exhibit the highest degree of merit and ingenuity. Entries were judged based on originality and innovation; future value to the engineering profession; social, economic and sustainable design considerations; complexity; and meeting the client’s needs.

See the full list of winners and photos from the event on the ACEC/MN website.  Congratulations to all the winners!