Elevate at Southwest Station Apartments: Engineering Vibrant Urban Communities

Project Overview

BKBM provided structural engineering services for Elevate at Southwest Station Apartments, a new 222-unit, mixed-use building in Eden Prairie, MN. The development offers a blend of market-rate and affordable housing, along with vibrant retail space, parking, and resident amenities.

Project Highlights

  • Integrated Mixed-Use Design:
    • 13,000 SF of ground-level retail combined with at-grade and one level of underground parking.
    • Partial intermediate parking level (1.5), situated between level 1 and the podium.
    • Five stories of conventional wood-framed construction above the podium, with five units featuring a mezzanine/6th level.
  • Structural Systems:
    • Building supported by concrete foundation walls and driven steel piles; portions of the at-grade slab constructed as a pile-supported structural slab on grade.
    • Post-tensioned concrete floors at grade, level 1.5, and podium, supporting efficient transfer to upper wood-framed residential levels.
    • Recessed plaza patio and spa overlook Purgatory Creek, providing scenic amenity space.
  • Engineering Collaboration & Value:
    • Careful planning and sequencing for placement of building pour strip on post-tensioned levels.
    • Deep foundation design coordinated with site utilities and overall site constraints.
    • Collaboration with architects and the contractor on brick support and parapet detailing, balancing cost, constructability, and the project’s aesthetic vision.
  • Innovative Solutions:
    • BKBM’s team leveraged expertise in post-tensioned concrete design and multi-story wood systems to minimize material costs while maintaining constructability and design intent.
    • Unique solutions developed for challenges in column layouts, slab steps, parapets, and connection details ensured streamlined construction and enduring value.

Engineering Solutions

BKBM delivered a robust, efficient structural system tailored for a complex mixed-use development. The team’s coordinated approach addressed deep foundation challenges, efficient post-tensioned and wood framing, and the integration of retail, parking, and residential amenities on a constrained site.

Results & Impact

Elevate at Southwest Station Apartments provides high-quality, accessible urban living with modern design, community amenities, and vibrant retail. BKBM’s structural engineering expertise delivered cost-effective solutions, constructability, and architectural excellence—enhancing Eden Prairie’s housing and retail landscape.