Water Works Update: Architectural Firm Hired to Help Guide Selective Demolition of Fuji-Ya building

Via a December 3 Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter:

Architects hired to help guide demolition of Fuji-Ya building

Plan to dismantle long-vacant Fuji-Ya building and preserve underlying mill ruins moves forward

On Dec. 2, 2015 the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commissioners approved an agreement with local architectural firm MacDonald and Mack Architects to begin planning selective demolition of the long-vacant Fuji-Ya building at 401 1st Street S.
 
Selective demolition means the Fuji-Ya structure will be systematically removed, but portions of the structure may be left intact to protect and stabilize underlying ruins from the historic Bassett Saw Mill and Columbia Flour Mill.
 
A lot of work must be completed before demolition begins. Resolution 2015-348 directs MacDonald and Mack to refine plans for selective demolition it recommended in a 2012 report, coordinate reviews required by various city, state and potentially federal agencies, coordinate documentation of the Fuji-Ya building’s history and create construction documents to guide demolition.
 
Removing the Fuji-Ya building and preserving underlying mill foundations is included in the West Bank Interpretive Vision approved by the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board in December 2014, Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan approved by the MPRB in April 2015 and concept design of the future Water Works park approved by MPRB in September 2015.
 
To learn more about this project and others, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/planning.