
A century-old, underutilized office space in Minneapolis has been converted into 216 apartment homes named Groove Lofts at Northstar Center.
Developed by Sherman Associates, Groove Lofts provides mixed-income living downtown within the master-planned redevelopment of Northstar Center. The phased redevelopment of the block involves multiple developers and uses, including hospitality-focused office space, a meeting and event facility, and restaurants and retail.
Since the building was originally constructed as office space that lends itself to longer layouts, the units have unique floor plans with over 40 different plans from which renters can choose.
The conversion’s unique design also allows for over 10,000 square feet of amenity space in the center of the building, including a media lounge; an arcade with karaoke and virtual reality rooms; a maker’s space; a co-working lounge; a fitness center; a rooftop club room with a rooftop deck; and ample storage space.
“Groove Lofts at Northstar Center exemplifies what’s possible when federal, state, and local policies align to prioritize investment and preservation, that will serve generations to come,” says Chris Sherman, president at Sherman Associates.
“These efforts drive local economies, advance sustainable development, and unlock new potential for urban centers. While office-to-residential conversions are complex, the tools and support for projects like this are critical for transforming downtown Minneapolis—and, on a larger scale, downtowns across the country.”
Kraus-Anderson served as the general contractor for Groove Lofts, and RSP Architects is the architect for the entire Northstar Center redevelopment.
“Over 75% of the materials from interior demolition were recycled. Groove Lofts is a model for adaptive reuse and economic redevelopment, and our teams have delivered a very innovative, high-caliber, and affordable living environment in the heart of downtown. It’s a win-win-win all around,” says Peter Diessner, CEO at Kraus-Anderson.
Groove Lofts adds to Sherman’s development portfolio of over 1,100 units in downtown Minneapolis. Sherman is also nearing completion of another office-to-residential conversion at Landmark Tower in St. Paul.