The M on Hennepin integrates new and old at gateway to Northeast Minneapolis

_­­Schafer Richardson, Inc. is pleased to announce the opening of The M on Hennepin, a boutique-style mixed-use development along Hennepin Avenue that preserves two historic buildings while integrating six-stories of new construction. Construction on the 67-unit project began in August 2016 on the former site of the iconic Nye’s Polonaise Room, and opened to residential tenants on November 1, 2017.  At the Grand Opening on November 16^th, Third District Council Member and Mayor-elect Jacob Frey cut the ribbon on the development alongside Schafer Richardson’s project team.

Frey thanked the development team at the ribbon cutting, and remarked “this was not just about throwing some bricks together. Finding a way to recognize that history [of the Nye’s site] while simultaneously growing the city and dramatically improving the block is not an easy thing to do. I’ve continuously gained excitement as I’ve seen this project go up, as I’ve walked or run by. To see how the streetscape has transitioned […] it looks fabulous.”

The M on Hennepin brings boutique sustainable living to Northeast Minneapolis. With 67 residential and 64 resident parking spaces, the building’s green features include community composting, a large bike storage and repair area, energy and water efficient systems, and Minneapolis’ first residential car lift system. New residents can choose from studios to penthouse units featuring quartz countertops, smart cabinets, solid wood islands, stainless steel appliances, gas stoves, in-unit washers & dryers, walk-in closets, and patios/balconies. Shared building amenities include a 24/7 fitness center, yoga room, clubroom with an outdoor terrace, pet wash, Luxer One automated package storage system, and fiber optic internet. A library & reading room, lobby with a grand piano, a bike lounge with games, and a workshop room for messy projects provide additional spaces for creative process and quiet refuge. Learn more about life at The M on Hennepin at www.theMonHennepin.com.

The M on Hennepin’s 7,700-sf of street level commercial space serves as a lively gateway to Northeast Minneapolis. The new Sonder Shaker Restaurant recently announced plans for a fun, approachable lounge style restaurant featuring craft cocktails, beer & wine, and an inventive food menu. In addition, Nye’s Piano Bar will be making a comeback, in a smaller 1,300 square foot space at 112 Hennepin. Both local businesses are expected to open prior to the Super Bowl in February 2018. Two retail spaces remain; Schafer Richardson’s Erin Larson is leading the retail leasing and can be reached at 612-314-1692.

For Schafer Richardson’s development team and all partners involved, working to complete the M on Hennepin has been both challenging and rewarding. “One of the biggest challenges was incorporating the two existing buildings into the new construction because of both code and historic concerns,” said Schafer Richardson’s Director of Development Maureen Michalski. Ultimately, “the team nailed it,” said Brad Schafer, President of Schafer Richardson. Schafer credited Project Manager Katie Anthony, ESG Architects, Frana Companies, and Steven Scott Management for “successfully delivering the highly complex project on time and on budget.”

Now that The M on Hennepin is open, Steven Scott Management will manage the day to day operations. Brenda Hvambsal, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Steven Scott Management, was excited to see residents move in November 1^st. “This is one of the most exciting properties that I have worked on in my career,” said Hvambsal, adding that The M on Hennepin offers “some of the best views of downtown Minneapolis I have ever seen.” Going forward, we can expect The M on Hennepin to be an exciting fixture of Northeast Minneapolis. Schafer Richardson and Steven Scott are excited to continue our investment and partnership in the neighborhood.