YouthLink/PPL's Campus Transformation: Smart Structural Solutions for Community Impact

Project Overview

BKBM Engineers provided structural engineering solutions for the expansion and renovation of YouthLink/PPL’s downtown Minneapolis facility. The project supports youth transitioning from homelessness to adulthood by integrating expanded support spaces with a five-story, dorm-style housing addition—adding 46 new living units directly above comprehensive education, career, and mental health services. Both the renovated program/office space and new housing include one below-grade level.

Project Highlights

  • Integrated Supportive Housing:
    • Five-story housing addition with 46 dorm-style units above office and service space, creating a holistic “one-roof” solution for young adults.
    • Adaptive reuse preserved half the original building while maximizing the integration of new and existing structures.
  • Structural Engineering Innovations:
    • Developed strategies for large new openings in the existing exterior walls to enhance daylight, access, and program flexibility—while saving costs and preserving building integrity.
    • Engineered vertical expansion for five new stories with offset window openings and seamless transitions between old and new structural systems.
    • Below-grade areas in both office and housing zones provide flexible space for programming and storage.
  • Construction Collaboration for Ongoing Operations:
    • Careful planning and close coordination ensured YouthLink’s critical services continued uninterrupted throughout construction.

Engineering Solutions

BKBM’s team designed robust, flexible solutions for adaptive reuse, balancing cost, construction impacts, and long-term durability. Structural systems enabled openness, accessibility, and operational continuity, with a strong focus on user comfort and safety.

Results & Impact

The completed YouthLink/PPL facility delivers stable, dignified housing and expanded support services—empowering youth on their journey to independence. BKBM’s structural expertise allowed for cost-effective, innovative design with minimal disruption to ongoing services, transforming YouthLink’s downtown presence and impact on the Minneapolis community.