APT on Essex
A Bold New Vision for Urban Living in Minneapolis
Designed with students and recent graduates in mind, this innovative apartment building redefines what’s possible on a compact urban site. Situated on a thoughtfully utilized 0.2-acre lot, the project introduces 30 homes with a loft that marry intelligent design with elevated style. Each residence offers a grand sense of space within a small footprint, featuring tall ceilings, expansive windows, and cozy, light-filled interiors that celebrate simplicity and function.
The building includes two accessible ground-floor units, ensuring inclusive living for all residents. Behind the scenes, MDG expertly guided the development through city approvals, neighborhood outreach, and zoning complexities—fostering a collaborative process that brought community and creativity together.
This project doesn’t just meet the building code—it challenges and reinterprets it, creating a new typology for flexible, efficient urban housing. With its modern loft aesthetic and sustainable density, this development stands as a distinctive new landmark in Minneapolis, offering a fresh take on smart city living.
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Client: GB Group Properties
Contractor: Nottingham Construction
Architect: MDG
Structural Engineer: Nelson-Rudie
Civil Engineer: Civil Site Group
Interior Design: MDG
Photographer: Steve Silverman