WHEW! I love acronyms that just roll of the tongue.

This month’s issue of Twin Cities Business took note of the NAIOP Awards of Excellence. Why do I mention this? Tanek just happened to have been awarded one of these awards.

The category?: Repositioned/Renovated – More than 500,000 Square Feet. That’s a lot of feet. Maybe you’ve seen the building? It’s the one with the LARGE NEON RED “1st” SIGN ON TOP OF IT??

The details:

Location: 332 Minnesota Street, St. Paul

Owner: First National Building Holdings, Inc.

General Contractor: Knuton Construction Services

Architect: HGA AArchitects and Enineers

Interior Designers: Tanek

Size: 660,640 square feet

This 1930s-era three-building complex in downtown St. Paul needed a facelift. New ownership wanted to preserve the buildings’ ornate details and original finishes while adding amenities and sustainability. A conference center, fitness center with bike storage, and tenant lounge and deli have been added. Renovations went on while about 70 percent of the building was occupied, so it was neccessary to communicate with and accomodate occupants as much as possible. Mechanical systems were replaced to achieve greater energy efficiency, and the building got a new roof, low-flow plumbing fixtures, new lighting, and an expanded recycling program. The project has been submitted for LEED-Existing Buildings certification.

Other Nominee: Plymouth Corporate Center

(from Twin Cities Business – article by Mary Connor)