Cermak Rhoades Architects

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The Crane Ordway Building stood vacant for over 30 years before construction began in fall of 2005. This project preserved a historically significant building, brought 70 units of very affordable apartments to the heart of an emerging downtown neighborhood and introduced 'loft style' apartments to the Twin Cities affordable housing community. Restoration of the building included reconstruction of the detailed masonry work at the main East Fifth Street entrance, restoration of the neighboring iron and glass stair, and refurbishment of the unique horizontal pivoting wood windows; all of which helped to preserve the Crane Ordway Building for decades to come. The rigid structural grid and window position high on the wall provided a framework for the overall building design. This layout included raised platforms to elevate the living area floor closer to these windows. This relationship increased residents' connection to the exterior, including sunlight, views and fresh air. Exposed concrete columns, beams and ceiling structure established a starting point for expression of the industrial character of the building.

This multi-family supportive housing development includes construction of twenty-five new two, three and four bedroom townhomes on a reclaimed brownfield site. The three townhouse buildings face a new community building and play area nestled within a large landscaped lawn. From the units, residents also have pleasant views to a neighboring wetland. The project's many challenges include containment and removal of debris and contaminated soils from the site to provide a safe environment for residents and a stable base for the buildings. With direction and leadership from the Wilder Foundation's Health House Consultants, the team incorporated many innovative construction techniques and materials into the buildings with the goal of providing better indoor air quality as well as improving overall energy efficiency. These techniques included a geothermal heating and cooling system and an innovative exterior wall design meant to provide a more effective air and vapor barrier than found in typical construction, thereby reducing the possibility for water infiltration and mold growth in the wall system.

Washington County HRA hired the team of Cermak Rhoades Architects and SRF Consulting to help them with a planning study for a new neighborhood to replace an existing mobile home park in Oakdale Minnesota. A number of design scenarios from upgrading the existing mobile home park to creating a new neighborhood were explored to see what was economically feasible and matched the mission of the HRA to provide life cycle housing options for the residents of Oakdale. It was concluded that a substantial increase in density was required to support new streets and infrastructure and that the new neighborhood was the most viable option for the future. Working with the HRA, the team decided upon a number of key design goals that would guide the planning process and met with the Oakdale City Council, Planning Department and neighborhood groups to discuss the overall development. The images shown on the website are photographs of the existing mobile home park, proposed development plan and diagrams illustrating the overall design goals for the project. The next steps in the process involved the selection of a developer to refine and implement the plan.

As part of an on-going partnership, Cermak Rhoades Architects provides planning assistance to cities throughout the state of Minnesota through the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund's "Building Better Neighborhoods" program. This assistance consists of both services and products. Services include activities such as educational seminars and workshops to aid city councils, planning commissions and housing authorities with their planning efforts. Products include site designs and home plans provided to qualified participants in the program. This award-winning program has been instrumental in helping more than thirty cities in Minnesota build economical, attractive and sustainable neighborhoods.

Roseville, Minnesota As the second phase of a project with an aim to rejuvenate a neighborhood in Roseville, Minnesota this new building completes a campus of 5 other apartment buildings that were extensively renovated by others. This phase consists of a newly constructed 4 story, 50 unit apartment building with one, two and three bedroom units to provide more affordable homes for families within the city. The site is conveniently located near walking trails, public transit, jobs, a regional shopping center, schools and parks. Additional walking paths, pedestrian lighting, and landscaping included in the new development create a safer, more attractive and pedestrian oriented neighborhood.

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