The Blaisdell began its life a Georgian Colonial home for one of Minnesota’s most prestigious families. In the 1950’s the urban neighborhood shifted in socio-economics and a large brick addition made it the first boys’ club of Minneapolis, complete with cafeteria, gymnasium, and industrial kitchen. In the early 1980’s it was renovated into an event center. Neglect and declining use left the building a shadow of its former history.

The client sought to bring new life to this forgotten building, while creating a space for the community of Minneapolis to gather and celebrate. The decision to utilize existing as opposed to new structure is in line with the client and design team’s intent to create a space with historic roots. By restoring the existing building and updating out of date systems, the team merged historic and modern identities as one.

Embracing the contrast of the modern brick box and elegant manor; color, light and art unifies this 20,000 square-foot event center. The dark historic flooring wraps the new entry wall separating old and new. The colonial wood work is returned to white and crystal lighting brightens the formally dark spaces. Henri Matisse was most active in his career during both original building campaigns. Working with a graphic illustrator, Matisse inspired panels provide a historical context between the house’s 1914 construction and the modernist ceilings of the ballroom. Artwork bridges the eras, sometimes as paint on canvas and other moments as abstracted patterns cut into light and steel.

The ceiling of the main banquet hall was created utilizing parametric design software and fabricated with CNC-routers in aluminum composite panels. The design team became a manufacturer and sub-contractor to the prime contractor. Operating in a limited budget design, fabricate and installation of nearly 2,000 square feet of custom ceiling was delivered at $30 per square foot. The 44 panels are illuminated by both natural and artificial light activating the restrained space.