Target Plaza South, the 1,200,000-square foot second phase of Target Corporation’s urban headquarters campus, presents a specific response to each face of its context. To create a unique form within the skyline of Minneapolis—while merging into the street walls of the neighborhood—became the goal of the client, the neighborhood, and the design team.
Qualities in material reflectivity and density, floorplate size, and building height became community issues rather than considerations of only those involved in developing the building. Human scale and connection to the history and design of the street influenced the design of the building’s base; rather than designing a singular, sculpted object that could be placed in any urban context, Target Plaza South is uniquely reflective of its place within the south Nicollet Mall neighborhood.
This complex has completely rejuvenated the south end of Nicollet Mall. Target Corporation has brought nearly 6,000 people to a block that was relatively empty. The design of the building provides retail frontages at street level with businesses that serve this large population. Restaurants and bars on adjoining blocks are significantly more animated than previously. The project team’s vision was to make the south end of Nicollet Mall a better place to live, work, and play, thereby creating a more sustainable urban environment. The finished project succeeds in realizing this vision.
Awards
- 2003 Honor Award for Architecture, American Institute of Architects—Minnesota
- 2003 Award of Excellence—Office Built-to-Suit more than 150,000 SF, National Association of Industrial & Office Properties (NAIOP), Minnesota Chapter
- 2002 First Place—Contract/Private Sector, Minnesota Chapter of the American Institute of Interior Designers