Hencen Apartments
Sawtooth angled walls and large balconies set the stage for dramatic views of the downtown Minneapolis skyline. Located at the convergence of Hennepin and Central Avenues in Northeast Minneapolis, HenCen adds a modern touch to the busy district.
This bustling urban environment inspired the fun and punchy interior design. Bold colors and patterns create an energetic and welcoming atmosphere. Momentum Design Group worked closely with Martha Dayton Design to craft the unique interior experience.
The unique shape of the site relates to this prominent intersection joining three streets, and the busy location lacked designated areas for deliveries or crane placement within the building's footprint. Consequently, the project team strategically closed traffic lanes along Hennepin and Central Avenue to position cranes in multiple locations for accessing various parts of the building. The design includes 36 unit types, with six at grade loft layouts requiring thorough coordination of wall panel designs and interior finishes to reflect each of the unique unit designs. Due to site constraints, a permanent sheet pile earth retention system was installed.
As a prominent node north of downtown, the one and a half story structural elements on the corner of Hennepin and Central Avenues soften the hard edges of the intersection. Its strong “V” shape draws attention to the building's unique position, and the large glass façade glows warmly in the night—giving the building a cantilevered appearance to the stories above.
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Client: Solhem Companies
Contractor: Weis Builders
Architect: MDG
Structural Engineer: ERA Structural Engineering
Interior Design: MDG & Martha Dayton Design
