Creating a Work of Art Just Outside the Sculpture Garden

In 2019, PKA Architecture was presented with a rare opportunity: design a boutique four-unit condominium in a historic location overlooking the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and the iconic downtown skyline. 

“It was one of those dream projects where the client was so full of enthusiasm it was contagious,” Kris says. “They were all about creating something special that would be a legacy building in the neighborhood.”

“Kris and I took a lot of inspiration from the location,” Craig adds. “We wanted each unit to frame the perfect view of the city.” 

They succeeded in a breathtaking way. Step into any unit and you’ll be greeted by the dazzling tapestry of the Minneapolis skyline. Floor-to-ceiling windows run the full width of the room, beckoning you onto a spacious balcony that seamlessly integrates the indoor and outdoor environments. Also inspired by the location—and those chilly autumn evenings when fall colors are at their peak—each balcony is heated to extend the outdoor season. Plus, every unit has its own rooftop deck with stunning panoramic views. 

Craig says the creative team also drew inspiration from the Basilica and other historic buildings in the neighborhood. Timeless materials, like natural limestone, are a nod to some of the early buildings that defined Minneapolis. “The proximity to the Walker also shaped our thinking. It has these clean lines, and oddities to it that make it cool.”

Creativity sparked by a remarkable collaboration

“I like to think of 35 Groveland Terrace as this work of art created by a group of artists who are the best at what they do,” Kris says. “All the partners, from Nor-Son Construction, to Martha Dayton Interior Design, to the landscape architects at pebl, embraced a very collaborative process. It was energizing every time we came together to share ideas, everyone really put their heart and soul into this project.”

No detail was overlooked in the process—even the sound of silence. As Craig says, “You can love being around the energy of the city, but you don’t want to hear it all the time. We worked with an acoustical engineering company in California to ensure each unit was isolated from each other and the city with multiple layers of sound-deadening insulation and state-of-the-art attenuation systems. If you want to hear a pin drop from across a room, this is the place.”

“It all goes back to a vision we had from day one of wanting to create this timeless building that combines elegant, classic materials with the very best of modern design and technology, that will be a new beacon at the top of the hill,” Kris says. 

To learn more or arrange a tour, visit 35groveland.com.