Project Overview
BKBM provided structural and civil engineering design services for Portland Tower, a luxury high-rise residential project on a compact 0.75-acre site at 8th Street and Portland Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. The project transformed a city block with a 17-story tower offering downtown living, amenities, and integrated parking.
Project Highlights
- Vertical Urban Living:
- 17-story post-tensioned concrete structure with three levels of below-grade parking.
- First five above-grade levels serve as parking, while upper 12 levels (approx. 200,000 SF) offer high-end condominium residences.
- Sixth-floor community space and an exercise room provide lifestyle amenities for residents.
- Challenging Urban Site Civil Engineering:
- Civil design included selective site demolition, grading of new sidewalks, walkways, and driveway entrances, and the installation of new utility services from street to building.
- Tight downtown site required precision in layout and construction, with existing adjacent buildings located within feet of the new structure.
- Stormwater conveyance required close coordination with the neighboring Sexton Building to ensure effective drainage and city compliance.
Engineering Solutions
BKBM’s integrated approach addressed the challenges of a restricted urban site through efficient staging, detailed design coordination, and adaptive layout strategies for both civil and structural systems. The post-tensioned concrete frame allowed for expansive parking and residential spans, while below-grade construction maximized use of the site footprint.
Results & Impact
Portland Tower delivers modern, amenity-rich condominium living and secure parking in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. BKBM’s structural and civil engineering ensured project success on a tight site, overcoming urban complexity while providing a high-performance, enduring addition to the city skyline.
1967
15,000+
23
Minneapolis & Denver