VJAA Inc.

We are very excited to collaborate again with the City of St Paul and the Great River Passage Conservancy--a site and project and partners we first had the opportunity to work with in 2017 with our first Technical Study. Congratulations to these visionary organizations for their ability to realize their ambitions--and to transform our shared experience and relationships to the Mississippi River.

Exciting progress is happening at the Mississippi River Learning Center! We’re working alongside our partners—Mississippi Park Connection, the National Park Service, and the City of Saint Paul—and with the talented team led by VJAA Inc. and TEN x TEN—to bring the vision to life. This next phase builds on the work we’ve done so far, with a focus on refining design and construction plans and advancing community engagement. Stay tuned for updates as we work toward creating a vibrant riverfront experience for all!

We are very excited about the progress on our project at the University of Minnesota—at the halfway point! VJAA is working on the Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories with BWBR, Damon Farber Landscape Architects, ERA Structural Engineering, Dunham Associates, Inc., and Mortenson.

We are happy to announce that the North Island Retreat was recently nominated for THE PLAN Award 2024! See the link below to learn more about the principal project goal to “live lightly on the land” in a retreat that merges into the landscape. Don't forget to cast your vote! https://lnkd.in/gpsv9Yid

The 825 Arts (recently changed their name from VICTORIA THEATER ARTS CENTER) renovation of the former Victoria Theater is nearing completion. The transformation of the historic theater into a new home for creative arts on University Avenue will offer Saint Paul’s Rondo and Frogtown neighborhoods a variety of flexible rentable spaces for arts programming and community events. This culminates a decade-long effort to save the once vacant theater, designed by architect Franklin Ellerbe. The former silent movie theater, constructed in 1915, has had many lives including a prohibition-era night club, cafe, and lighting store. Follow the link below to learn more about the history of the building provided by MPR. We look forward to celebrating the grand opening of 825 Arts later this year!

This past fall VJAA celebrated the beginning of construction of the new Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory Building on the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Campus. The $131 million, 120,000 square foot project is set at the hinge point between the neoclassical Cass Gilbert designed Northrup Mall and picturesque Knoll District. The project includes the renovation of the historic Fraser Hall head house as well as a new addition containing state-of-the-art chemistry labs. Teaching and informal gathering spaces will overlook the scenic Mississippi River valley and Minneapolis skyline. The new Fraser Hall and the addition will be open in Fall 2025. Lead Design Architect: VJAA Inc. Executive Architect: BWBR Structural: ERA Structural Engineering MEP: Dunham Associates, Inc. Landscape: Damon Farber Landscape Architects

Construction on Phase 2 of the Minnesota Museum of American Art is nearing completion! In the fall of 2024, the M will open their doors to expanded galleries showcasing the permanent collection and the renovated Cass Gilbert designed Endicott Arcade. To learn more about the Pioneer Endicott building complex check out this article on the M’s website (link in article).

Construction is well underway on MnDOT’s St. Croix Welcome Center! Visitors entering Minnesota on Interstate 94 will have access to a variety of amenities including picnic shelters, pet exercise areas, restrooms, and Minnesota tourist information.

Upper Canada College rowing team celebrated the completion of construction on their new rowing facility in the outer harbor of Toronto’s scenic waterfront. The facility supports rowing training and opportunities for broader community outreach. Lead Design Architect: VJAA Inc. Architect of Record: RDH Architects Inc. Structural: Blackwell Civil: Valdor Engineering Inc. Landscape: NAK Design Strategies Mechanical & Electrical: Smith + Andersen

Excelsior Commons Park has received a 2024 Minnesota ASLA award! Excelsior Commons Park preserves the historical legacy of the original WPA park elements while embracing modern sustainability. In collaboration with Damon Farber Landscape Architects, VJAA designed the roof structures to collect rainwater for the surrounding native plantings. The new park pavilions and native plantings enhance the visitor experiences and equitable access to amenities through a collaborative design process with the City of Excelsior and nonprofit conservancy. Catch one of the many concert in the park opportunities at the Excelsior Commons this summer.