Hillcrest Development first revitalized the property at 1515 Central Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN (“1515 Central”) in 2002. At that time, we focused our attention on the heavily used industrial building. We restored the brick façade and opened up the bricked-in and blocked-up windows. New energy-efficient windows and flooring were installed to brighten up the interior spaces. Included in this renovation were all-new infrastructure, plumbing, sprinkler, HVAC, and electrical systems, and the construction of new loading facilities. This site also required some significant environmental remediation work and stabilization. Our renovation efforts made this once vacant site home to over 150 living-wage jobs. Hillcrest Development sold the property in 2005.

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Sometimes, you do go back home.When we became aware that 1515 Central was available for purchase again, we jumped on our chance. This remarkable property lies in the heart of the vibrant and diverse Northeast neighborhood, just minutes from downtown Minneapolis. In the Summer of 2012, Hillcrest Development purchased 1515 Central (for a second time) with the intention of once again revitalizing and re-purposing this now-vacant building. In addition to updating the 1515 Building, we were focused on more completely addressing and resolving the pollution concerns on the land areas which serve the 1515 Building.

 

In the Fall of 2012, with the support of a $334,418 grant from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), a $285,900 grant from the Metropolitan Council Tax Base Revitalization Account (TBRA), and a $248,502 grant from the Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund (ERF), Hillcrest Development commenced the environmental remediation of the surrounding area. The soil was contaminated with petroleum, solvents, metals, and other hazardous substances resulting from contaminated fill into the former limestone quarry that once occupied the property.

 

Today, the site offers 5 acres of land and over 70,000 square feet of mixed-use space. The renovated spaces were used by companies for warehouse, commercial studio, office, and creative spaces. The freshly renovated spaces included additional new windows, clerestory glass, full sprinklers, loading docks, drive-in doors, and newly constructed parking areas, making this a flexible space suitable for so many uses. We are proud to have (again) repositioned 1515 Central Avenue as a part of this vibrant neighborhood.