Transformation of Historic Building in Downtown Underway

A dramatic restoration of the historic Lakeland Building in Downtown Minneapolis is under construction.

Located in the Warehouse District at 21 North 3rd Street, the four-story building will soon be transformed into retail and office space. The building was constructed in 1885 by Joseph Cohen and was designed by F.B. Long. The building itself was constructed from brick and stone in the Queen Anne architectural style.

When the renovation/transformation is complete later this year, the building will feature retail space on the street level and office space on the upper three floors. The basement will be used as storage space and a new rooftop deck will be constructed for use by tenants of the building.

The façade will largely be restored to its 1919 design when a new storefront was added after a major fire destroyed the wood interior and storefronts of the building in 1916. Façade work will include masonry repair, brick replacement, a new storefront that will resemble historic drawings, along with new doors and windows.

The existing parking lots located on the east and west sides of the building will also receive some updates. Both lots will be resurfaced, stone pavers and masonry walls will be added, and a new sidewalk will be poured connecting the back entrance of the building to N 3rd Street.

Construction on the Lakeland Building is anticipated to be complete later this year with spaces being ready for tenants in early 2021.