The inception of the Washburn-Crosby Milling Firm predates the institution of Normal Mills, located on the bustling Mississippi riverfront in downtown Minneapolis. In 1914, the development of a utility constructing was initiated to accommodate the flourishing mill’s packaging operations. Crafted by the proficient Edwin Hewitt, a local of Pink Wing, Minnesota, who honed his expertise whereas working in Cass Gilbert’s workplace in Boston, the constructing exuded architectural brilliance. Three intricately hand-carved terra-cotta figures, symbolizing the revolutionary millers of 1914, embellish the southern facade of the constructing.
After Normal Mills ceased milling operations in 1965, the constructing stood vacant till a devastating hearth destroyed many different mill buildings in 1991. In 1983, the utility constructing was acquired by the Minnesota Historic Society. By 2002, the historic Washburn-Crosby utility constructing underwent a exceptional transformation into luxurious condominiums, recognized right this moment as the celebrated Washburn Lofts.
Branson Builders and Contractors, in collaboration with All Seasons Hearth, remodeled the penthouse condominium. A standout characteristic of the design by MSR architecture was the set up of a surprising Filiofocus suspended hearth on the coronary heart of the area. The wooden burning hearth was efficiently put in within the penthouse rental on account of its distinctive location, permitting for direct venting out of the constructing’s rooftop. Jim Bradrick elaborated on how the Historic Society mandated the chimney’s design to stay hid from road view, making certain a seamless integration with the historic attraction of the Washburn-Crosby utility constructing.
Branson Builders excels in reworking condominium areas, pleased with the robust relationships they’ve cast with a handpicked crew of subcontractors who collaborate seamlessly to cater to their discerning clientele. The bespoke Filiofocus fireplace was intricately crafted to seamlessly mix into the granite ground. Precision measurements have been taken on-site for the suspension pipe, which was then expertly lower off-site and seamlessly linked on the day of set up, making certain a flawless end to the penthouse design.
The expansive open ground plan of the penthouse condominium not solely promotes straightforward motion for owners and company throughout entertaining but additionally creates a way of spaciousness and fluidity throughout the area. With home windows on three sides, pure mild floods the inside, highlighting the beautiful views of the majestic Mississippi River that may be loved from each angle of the room. This strategic format not solely enhances the general ambiance of the penthouse but additionally invitations a seamless connection between the indoor dwelling area and the picturesque out of doors panorama, creating a very immersive and charming expertise for residents and guests alike.
The earlier house owners of this unit had a imaginative and prescient to create the final word city oasis throughout the coronary heart of town. They meticulously designed and constructed a rooftop sauna, offering residents with an opulent retreat to unwind and rejuvenate whereas taking within the breathtaking metropolis views. Adjoining to the sauna, a spacious out of doors space was additionally crafted, providing a tranquil escape the place residents can bask within the solar, host gatherings with pals, or just get pleasure from a quiet second surrounded by the fantastic thing about the historic Washburn-Crosby constructing and the bustling cityscape. This considerate addition not solely provides to the attract of the penthouse condominium but additionally elevates the general dwelling expertise for these lucky sufficient to name it dwelling.
Pictures by Scott Amundson