Minneapolis Sculpture Garden & Walker Art Center

[Nathan]

Apparently they are looking to 'unify' their campus. Plans call for covering the older building in metal cladding (?or something), as well as doing some work in the Garden.

[MNdible]

No, I heard that the existing brickwork on the original structure is starting to fail, but that they're going to reclad it in new brick to match the old.

There are some old windows that have been covered up over time -- it would be nice to see these reopened to make the building a bit more visually open.

[Nathan]

Forgot the link

'link'

[MNdible]

Here's a link.

[Nathan]

No, I heard that the existing brickwork on the original structure is starting to fail, but that they're going to reclad it in new brick to match the old.

There are some old windows that have been covered up over time -- it would be nice to see these reopened to make the building a bit more visually open.

Cool, more windows would definitely help it out, does anyone know of any pictures of the old building with windows?
I do love the endicott brick on there so no complaints

[seanrichardryan]

Windows? It don't need no stinkin' windows-

1975- http://collections.mnhs.org/cms/web5/me ... &width=640

1982- http://collections.mnhs.org/cms/web5/me ... &width=640

[Aville_37]

I am just excited about renovations to the Sculpture Garden. I hope they get some new kick ass pieces. Plenty of room for more sculptures.

[Nathan]

Windows? It don't need no stinkin' windows-

1975- http://collections.mnhs.org/cms/web5/me ... &width=640

1982- http://collections.mnhs.org/cms/web5/me ... &width=640

It looks awesome in those photos! No windows, and NO granite plaza in front... I definitely like the grass coming up to it, makes a nice contrast.

[lordmoke]

Barricades and fencing have started going up outside the older part of the building. Looks like Mortenson is doing this. Excited to see how this turns out.

[lordmoke]

There are a number of construction trailers and a full tower crane going up here now.

[seanrichardryan]

I was surprised they needed a full size tower crane since I imagine much of the work is done from scaffolding. They are still just planning on residing in the same brick or have they added something new and exciting?

[Nathan]

I was surprised they needed a full size tower crane since I imagine much of the work is done from scaffolding. They are still just planning on residing in the same brick or have they added something new and exciting?

I'm guessing it's probably a restoration job, considering it's a modern art museum, and the architect embodied that of that era... though it would be cool if they'd do something with that plaza on the corner...

[sean]

In a couple of recent articles dealing with the Hennepin-Lyndale horrorshow there is a stakeholder document which mentions, "...the Walker and the Park Board are planning to reconstruct the Sculpture Garden in 2015..."

Does anyone have more details on what that reconstruction will look like?

[seanrichardryan]

They've been pursuing bonding dollars for several years to replace the acres of arborvitae which are reaching the end of their lifespan, as well as regrading the paths. I think there was a plan to create a better connection to Lyndale at street level near the Whitney bridge. The Cowles Conservatory was also scheduled to be stripped of plants, turning it into another banquet facility.

[David Greene]

The Cowles Conservatory was also scheduled to be stripped of plants, turning it into another banquet facility.

WHAT?!?!?

[Silophant]

The Cowles Conservatory was also scheduled to be stripped of plants, turning it into another banquet facility.

NO

[gpete]

Found this article from 2012 that hints at changes for Cowles Conservatory: http://www.journalmpls.com/node/17964

[David Greene]

F--- me.

[Wedgeguy]

That will go over as well as a turd in a punch bowl with people. Don't see that happening with out a big messy fight and a few lawsuits to boot.

[mattaudio]

Can't the original donors litigate under this scenario? Seems similar to the WCAL/St. Olaf College lawsuits a few years ago.