Velwood Residences

Just steps from the highly walkable 50th & France intersection in Minneapolis, this 47‑unit luxury apartment building elevates urban living through sophisticated design. The design team set out to create a modern architectural statement with timeless materials and a strong neighborhood presence.

The exterior reinterprets traditional materials through a contemporary lens, featuring a dark brick exterior with light and dark contrasts that add depth and visual interest. The building is organized into two primary volumes that are clearly visible from the street, reinforcing a strong urban presence. At ground level, the architecture seamlessly engages the surrounding street life with wide colored‑concrete walkways, integrated seating, layered plantings, and a generous rain garden along the north edge of the site. Select retail spaces along the west-facing first floor further activates the public realm, contributing to the vibrant energy that defines the 50th & France intersection.

Residential amenities are extensive and thoughtfully curated, including a lounge for social gatherings, a golf simulator, sauna, fitness and yoga studio, private work‑from‑home suites, bike storage, a fenced dog run, pet wash, and a fifth‑floor sky lounge with an expansive outdoor deck and grill stations. The lobby and main lounge are both warm and welcoming, anchored by a dramatic two‑sided fireplace that serves as a striking architectural focal point.

The building offers a variety of floor plans, ranging from refined one‑bedroom residences to spacious three‑bedroom plus den penthouses. A strategic fifth‑floor step‑back creates expansive private patios, enhancing the connection to the outdoors. Every residence includes a balcony or patio, while select units offer elevated features such as fireplaces, freestanding soaking tubs in primary suites, entertainer‑oriented kitchens, generous gathering spaces, and built‑in wine bars. These details reflect a heightened focus on comfort, luxury, and livability. The project stands as a thoughtful and design‑forward addition to one of Minneapolis’s most beloved neighborhoods.