The Pillsbury A-Mill, constructed in 1881 by Charles A. Pillsbury, is one of the most iconic remnants of Minneapolis’ rich milling history. Despite being designated as a National Historic Landmark, the mill fell into disrepair after production ceased in 2003. In 2011, the National Trust for Historic Preservation included the A-Mill on its list of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.
Dominium purchased the building in 2013. Now, BKV and the developer are transforming the historic mill into the A-Mill Artist Lofts. This affordable housing community will offer 255 live-work apartments and amenity spaces geared toward artists, including art galleries, clay studios, painting studios, a photography studio, digital media studios, vocal and instrumental sound booths, dance practice studios, and a performance hall.
New interventions on the buildings are being completed in a way that respects the historic and raw industrial character of the buildings. The lower level of the A-Mill will house a new interpretive museum that will tell the story of the complex and the role of water power in milling. Two new primary entrances feature extruded metal volumes that recall industrial chutes found within the buildings and respect the industrial character of the site.
Joel Otto, a member of BKV’s Construction Administration team, led a group of staff on an exclusive tour of this exciting project, which is slated for completion later this year. Click through the photo gallery above!