Since the groundbreaking back in September of 2011, construction has been in full gear at the site of the new Lunds in downtown Minneapolis, which hosts our grocery store and wines and spirits shop. Transforming and restoring two automotive buildings built in the early 1900s is no simple task. The design skills of Shea and the expert construction crew from Zeman Construction Company helped take this new Lunds off our drawing boards and into the downtown community.
In the grocery store, we’ve restored the old car showrooms and built an addition to increase the shopping selection for our customers. New features will include an expansive deli section, with large fir beams hanging above the perimeter, floor to ceiling windows showcasing our impressive foods and a larger area for grab-and-go foods.
Fir beams above the deli and cheese counter
The wines and spirits shop holds an old history and new features. The carved oak panels and beams that helped showcase Ford Model Ts in the 1920s will now provide a stunning backdrop for our selection of wines and spirits. New features will include a micro brews room, a tasting bar and a walk-in cold beer vault. Outside the wines and spirits shop, grocery customers can enjoy their meals or coffee from the in-store Caribou Coffee on our new outdoor patio area.
Rain garden and patio outside the wines and spirits shop
As part of an effort to reduce the grocery store’s environmental impact, this Lunds will incorporate an on-site rain garden, recycled materials in the construction process, including the fir beams in the grocery store, and more energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration systems. Also, two of the approximately 80 free parking stalls on-site will feature electric car charging stations for plug-in-hybrid vehicles. As a result of these efforts, we’re in the process of applying for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification.
LEED certification will make Lunds Hennepin Avenue our first truly “green” store. This certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building was designed and built using strategies aimed at achieving high performance in areas like sustainable site development, water savings and energy efficiency. LEED-certified buildings are designed to reduce waste sent to landfills, reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and be healthier for occupants. Participation in the rigorous LEED process demonstrates leadership, innovation and environmental stewardship.
I look forward to seeing our downtown Minneapolis customers enjoy this sensational and unique store with all the rich history, eco-friendly aspects, new features and convenience it has to offer.
Mike Edgett, senior project manager