Leading the Way in Adaptive Reuse and Historic Rehabilitation

The demand for adaptive reuse and building transformation projects has never been greater. As developers, architects, and communities strive to balance historic preservation with modern needs, the expertise of engineering teams has become essential. At BKBM Engineers, we specialize in turning challenges into opportunities, delivering innovative, constructible solutions that honor the past while meeting the present and future demands.

With a portfolio of projects that spans adaptive reuse, historic rehabilitation, and sustainable engineering, BKBM is uniquely positioned to support the evolving needs of urban spaces. Whether transforming historic landmarks or modernizing mid-century structures, our work reflects a blend of technical precision and visionary problem-solving.

Why Adaptive Reuse and Building Rehabilitation Matter

Across the Twin Cities and beyond, the market is shifting toward projects that focus on:

  • Reimagining Existing Structures: Transforming aging offices, manufacturing facilities, and historic buildings into vibrant residential, mixed-use, or cultural spaces.
  • Sustainability: Incorporating stormwater management, energy-efficient designs, and structural upgrades to reduce environmental impact.
  • Historic Preservation: Restoring iconic structures while integrating modern functionality and meeting building codes.
  • Maximizing Urban Development: Adapting underutilized spaces to meet the growing need for housing, community spaces, and modern amenities.

These trends highlight the increasing need for adaptive reuse expertise and engineering solutions that make bold architectural visions viable. BKBM Engineers is at the forefront of this movement.

BKBM Project Highlights: Shaping Communities with Innovation

1. Pillsbury Hall, University of Minnesota

Preserving History, Enhancing Functionality
Pillsbury Hall, the second oldest academic building on the University of Minnesota campus, underwent a stunning transformation under BKBM's guidance. This 60,000-square-foot historic rehabilitation converted obsolete science labs into multipurpose seminar rooms, offices, and collaborative spaces tailored for the English Department and Creative Writing Program.

Key Achievements:

  • Excavated a defunct crawlspace into a full-height basement, adding 2,500 square feet of utility space and connecting to the University’s pedestrian tunnels.
  • Reinforced masonry walls and replaced aging joists with state-of-the-art steel framing to support new loads.
  • Redesigned the iconic stone tower to incorporate a grand sculptural stair, uniting the building’s levels and exposing historic timber framing as architectural features.

This project exemplifies BKBM’s ability to balance historic integrity with modern functionality.

2. Rayette Lofts, St. Paul

From Parking Garage to Urban Living
This seven-story concrete frame building was converted from a parking garage to apartments, following strict State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) guidelines.

Key Achievements:

  • Repurposed the structure with a fire-rated steel cold-formed floor joist system to address weight concerns from previous modifications.
  • Restored existing concrete floor slabs and designed elevated structural steel for a rooftop amenity deck.
  • Integrated new rooftop mechanical systems and reinforced snow drift load capacity.

The Rayette Lofts project highlights BKBM’s expertise in restoring structural integrity while creating spaces that enrich urban living.

3. 700 Central Housing, Minneapolis

Adaptive Reuse Meets Modern Design
This project seamlessly restored and repurposed two historic industrial buildings into residential apartments, with mixed-use spaces on the ground floor and a two-story below-grade parking ramp.

Key Achievements:

  • Retrofitted 4-story heavy timber construction and 7-story concrete beam and slab construction for modern use.
  • Designed a rooftop amenity space and steel-framed deck for an enhanced residential experience.
  • Engineered a parking ramp designed to support a future 4-story wood addition.

700 Central Housing demonstrates BKBM’s flexibility in combining historic preservation with innovative engineering.

4. Ivy Hotel and Condominiums, Minneapolis

Blending Old and New
BKBM provided structural engineering for this stunning renovation and adjacent 26-story mixed-use construction, which integrates historic preservation and modern luxury.

Key Achievements:

  • Renovated a 10-story historic building and connected it to new construction via skyway.
  • Engineered five levels of below-grade parking with a mat foundation to address challenging soil conditions.
  • Designed structural systems combining cast-in-place and post-tensioned concrete for optimal strength and efficiency.

The Ivy project showcases BKBM's ability to merge historic structures with new construction seamlessly.

5. Mill City Museum, Minneapolis

Restoring a Legacy of Resilience
After the historic mill complex endured multiple devastating fires, BKBM restored and reinforced nine stories of rubble walls into a safe and operable museum space.

Key Achievements:

  • Designed temporary and long-term bracing for structural stability.
  • Evaluated the structural integrity of the existing ruins for adaptive reuse.
  • Enabled the creation of public spaces, exhibit areas, and classrooms within the historic mill's footprint.

This project underscores BKBM’s commitment to preserving heritage while ensuring structural feasibility.

How BKBM Aligns with Market Needs

From predesign evaluations to on-site problem-solving, BKBM Engineers provides excellence across key areas:

  1. Adaptive Reuse and Historic Renovation:

    • Skilled in restoring and modernizing aging materials, including masonry, timber, and concrete.
    • Honoring architectural integrity while meeting current codes and functionality demands.

  2. Structural and Civil Engineering Innovation:

    • Reinforcing aging structures for new uses, particularly in challenging environments.
    • Designing retrofits that enhance building performance while controlling costs.

  3. Collaborative Problem-Solving:

    • Partnering with architects, developers, and contractors to create integrated solutions.
    • Supporting concept refinement and ensuring constructibility.

  4. Sustainability and Community Impact:

    • Implementing stormwater management systems and energy-efficient upgrades.
    • Designing for future adaptability, such as the potential for the addition of 700 Central’s parking ramp.

Partner With Us to Bring Your Vision to Life

At BKBM Engineers, we specialize in turning aged structures into vibrant additions to their communities. Whether it’s transforming a historic campus landmark, restoring a warehouse for residential use, or reimagining a parking garage into apartments, BKBM is your trusted engineering partner.

Let’s make your next project a success—contact us today.

Closing Thoughts

Every building has a story, and we’re proud to help write its next chapter. With expertise in adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and modern design, BKBM Engineers is driving innovation while honoring the past. Together, let’s create spaces that inspire, endure, and serve their communities for generations.