Project Overview
BKBM provided structural and civil engineering services for The 700 On Washington—a new six-story, H-shaped student housing building with first-floor retail space in Minneapolis, MN. The project replaced a two-story building and parking lot, bringing vibrant, amenity-rich student living to the heart of campus.
Project Highlights
- Urban Student Housing & Retail:
- 127,000-square-foot facility includes 98 student apartments with 157 bedrooms, plus ground-level retail spaces designed for restaurant use with outdoor patios.
- One level of below-grade parking with 49 stalls, bicycle parking, fitness and tanning rooms.
- Amenity-Focused Living:
- Large 6th-floor amenity room overlooking campus.
- Street-level retail features a high, 17’-4” floor-to-floor height to accommodate commercial tenants and create an active streetscape.
- Robust Structural Systems:
- Structural system consists of slab on grade at the lowest level, two levels of precast concrete framing, and five levels of wood framing for upper floors.
- Temporary soil retention required along north and south building walls due to proximity to property lines; permanent retention provided by a portion of the south wall’s sheet pile system for the drive ramp to underground parking.
- Masonry shear walls provided lateral stability at the high first floor, while coordination along the east wall addressed challenges posed by adjacent existing structures.
- Civil Design & Site Constraints:
- Comprehensive civil services including site demolition, grading, and layout within tight urban constraints.
- Stormwater management not required due to the parcel’s size (less than one acre).
- Construction activities restricted to within curb lines to protect adjacent Washington Avenue and light rail infrastructure.
Engineering Solutions
BKBM delivered a tailored design that maximized livability, safety, and site utilization. Collaborations with the architect, sheet pile engineer, and contractor ensured precise execution in confined urban conditions, while achieving high ceilings and robust support for both retail and residential uses.
Results & Impact
The 700 On Washington provides contemporary student housing and active retail space, revitalizing a campus-edge site and supporting community vibrancy. BKBM’s integrated engineering solutions enabled a high-quality, resilient building that seamlessly fits Minneapolis’ dynamic urban context.
1967
15,000+
23
Minneapolis & Denver