IDS Center Celebrates Grand Reopening of the Crystal Court

Via a July 22 Press Release from ICR:

Accesso, a fully integrated investment manager and operator of multi-tenant office buildings and multifamily properties, today unveiled the newly renovated Crystal Court, Minneapolis’ central gathering place at the famed IDS Center. The grand reopening ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Jacob Frey and Steve Cramer, President and CEO of the mpls downtown council; Deb Kolar, General Manager at Accesso, who has been with the IDS Center for nearly 30 years; and Peter Hendee Brown, Acting Principal with consultant New History.

The renovation was thoughtfully designed in collaboration with local architects and consultants Perkins&Will and New History to honor the Crystal Court’s 50-year legacy, while ushering it into a new era of providing Downtown Minneapolis with a destination where people from all walks of life can come together to deepen their connections with the community. The updates, which were completed by general contractor Greiner Construction, include collaborative seating areas with modular furniture and benches designed by Dimensional Innovations; an enhanced grove of overstory trees rising directly through the granite floor to form a tall, healthy canopy of greenery; and a new infinity edge water feature that visually and acoustically fosters a sense of park-like serenity.

Kolar said, “I am truly grateful for the support we’ve received from the Minneapolis community and our partners during the entire renovation process, and I could not be more excited to finally unveil the newly renovated Crystal Court. The Crystal Court is such a special part of Minneapolis’ culture and history, so it was very important to us that the updates made remain authentic to its spirit and original intent. After a very challenging year for our community, we are all thrilled to celebrate the reopening. I look forward to seeing this space full of people again and to introducing exciting new retailers including Noa, a new restaurant that will open this fall.” 

Frey said, “The IDS Center is an iconic centerpiece of our skyline and a beacon of the unique energy generated by residents and businesses of Downtown Minneapolis. The reopening of a renovated Crystal Court is emblematic of the many new beginnings taking place across our city. Whether you’re heading downtown to support your favorite restaurant, pick up fresh produce at the Nicollet Farmers Market, or enjoy some spectacular fireworks this Saturday for the Aquatennial, it’s time to come back downtown – we are open for business.” 

In addition to the opening remarks, the Crystal Court hosted performances from prominent community artists including pianist Nachito Herrera; the Loring String Quartet, an international ensemble based in the Twin Cities area; chalk art by local artist Shawn McCann; free caricature illustrations; and live interactive art by Juxtaposition Arts – the local youth arts program that designed the murals featured on the temporary walls during the construction process. Further, as a token of gratitude to the greater Minneapolis community for its steadfast support of the Crystal Court over the past 50 years, the IDS Center held random drawings throughout the event with prizes including Minnesota Twins tickets and gift cards to the property’s retailers, restaurants and Hennepin Theatre Trust.

About IDS Center

IDS Center, considered the centerpiece of the downtown Minneapolis skyline and a landmark for business and commerce in the Twin Cities, is a 1.42 million-square-foot, 57-story Class A office tower, urban park and retail center located at the core of the downtown Minneapolis skyway system. It is conveniently located at the core of the skyway system for the Minneapolis Central Business District (CBD) and provides easy access to parking, light rail stations and dedicated bus routes. This distinctive property also includes nearly 2 million square feet of mixed-use space; a two-story retail center; the 19-story, four-diamond Marquette Hotel; and an enclosed eight-story urban park. The Crystal Court has been referred to as “one of America’s best indoor spaces” by the Star Tribune for its vibrant environment and ability to host a wide range of events such as concerts, performances, blood drives, sports broadcasts and other gatherings.

About Accesso

Accesso is a full-service, vertically integrated commercial real estate investment manager, owner and operator that aims to provide superior returns to its U.S. and international individual and institutional investors. Accesso’s focus is on acquiring office and multifamily properties in non-gateway metropolitan statistical areas, representing the fastest growing metropolitan cities and premier suburban submarkets throughout the U.S. Accesso’s property portfolio includes 34 office properties covering 14.5 million square feet, and the company has two ground-up multifamily properties under development. Its affiliate, Accesso Services LLC, provides proactive, cost-efficient property management services with an owner’s mindset. Accesso Partners LLC is headquartered in Hallandale Beach, FL. and has offices in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Minneapolis.

About Perkins&Will

Perkins&Will, an interdisciplinary, research-based architecture and design firm, was founded in 1935 on the belief that design has the power to transform lives. Guided by its core values—design excellence, diversity and inclusion, research, resilience, social purpose, sustainability, and well-being—the firm is committed to designing a better, more beautiful world. Fast Company named Perkins&Will one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in Architecture, AIA MN honored the Minneapolis Studio with the 2019 Firm Award, and industry rankings consistently place Perkins&Will among the world’s top design practices. With an international team of more than 2,700 professionals, the firm has over 20 studios worldwide, providing services in architecture, interior design, branded environments, urban design, and landscape architecture. Partners include Danish architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen; retail strategy and design consultancy Portland; sustainable transportation planning consultancy Nelson\Nygaard; healthcare technology planning firm Genesis; and luxury hospitality design firm Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR). For more information, visit www.perkinswill.com.

About New History

New History creates innovative solutions to increase the use and viability of existing and historic sites and structures. The firm offers a dynamic and integrated team of historians and licensed historical architects with nationally recognized expertise, as well as professionals with specialized experience in historic preservation, real estate development, preservation regulations, and the financial framework for reuse. Our distinct services and expertise provides clients with real strategies, exceptional project management, historically and culturally relevant design development, and regulatory guidance to achieve successful outcomes. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, New History works with clients throughout the Upper Mississippi River Corridor and beyond.

About Greiner Construction

Founded by Wolfgang Greiner in 1989, Greiner Construction delivers the gold standard for interior buildouts, expansions, new construction, and building repositioning. As an employee-driven, customer-focused company, Greiner serves clients in commercial workspace, healthcare, legal, financial, industrial, hospitality, education, non-profit, multi-unit residential and other industries. Over the last three decades, Greiner has built millions of square feet of space for local and national clients who understand the value of well-designed, innovative environments that enhance brands, attract, and retain top talent and build culture. Learn more and view the Greiner portfolio at greinerconstruction.com.