Conversion of old Pillsbury mill in Minneapolis to apartments requires major envelope work

The conversion of the 130-year-old Pillsbury A-Mill in Minneapolis to an apartment building will require extension new insulation and weatherproofing, accounting for 10% to 20% of the $140 million project budget. The mill and two other historic buildings on the property are slated to be converted into 251 apartments.
April 3, 2013

The conversion of the 130-year-old Pillsbury A-Mill in Minneapolis to an apartment building will require extension new insulation and weatherproofing, accounting for 10% to 20% of the $140 million project budget. The mill and two other historic buildings on the property are slated to be converted into 251 apartments.

Because the former mill’s machines produced so much heat, the structure never needed to be insulated against winter weather. Now, the building team has to figure out how to insulate walls and windows without violating Minnesota’s rules on historic preservation, or trapping moisture against old stone, terra cotta, and brick.

(http://finance-commerce.com/2013/03/engineers-architects-ensure-new-uses-for-old-structures/)

About the Author

Drew Ballensky

Drew Ballensky is general manager of Duro-Last Roofing, Inc.’s central U.S. facility in Iowa and company spokesman for Duro-Last’s cool roofing, sustainability and architectural education programs. He is past-president of the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association and chairman of CFFA’s Vinyl Roofing Division. Drew earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from the University of Northern Iowa and master’s degree in business administration from Florida State University. Drew has over 29 years experience in business and industry in various engineering and managerial capacities. He has worked in the U.S. and Canadian operations for a major international manufacturer of pre-engineered steel buildings, was a financial analyst with a major athletic apparel manufacturer and was an owner of a general contracting company.
Sign up for Building Design+Construction Newsletters
Get the latest news and updates.