In the heart of downtown Minneapolis stands a striking eight-story, 201-key Hilton Hotel, dual-branded as Home2 Suites and Tru by Hilton. But behind its modern amenities lies a story of resilience, innovation, and transformation.
Originally constructed in 1908 as the Western Union Bank Building, later known as the William E. McGee Building, this historic structure served as the Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office until 2012. It then sat vacant for nearly a decade before its ambitious conversion into a hotel began in 2020.
Navigating the Complexities of Historic Renovation
Transforming a century-old office building into a modern hotel was no small feat. The project began with the demolition of an original stair tower to make way for a 41,000-square-foot addition—seamlessly integrated into the existing structure. The building had never been brought up to code, requiring extensive upgrades to meet city and ADA standards.
Every floor necessitated structural reinforcement and new penetrations for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems. The elevator had to be lowered to the basement to comply with code. Hidden behind the walls were outdated shafts, coal chutes, and fire damage residue—all of which had to be addressed.
Environmental hazards introduced additional complexity. The team had to address lead-based paint, asbestos in window sealants, and black mastic—each requiring careful and thorough abatement and remediation.
Building on a Postage Stamp
The urban site posed its own challenges. With only three feet between the new addition and the neighboring building, logistics were tight. The crane pad had to be placed within the building’s footprint, and construction proceeded around it—a true engineering ballet in a dense downtown setting.
Resilience Amid Crisis
As if the technical and logistical hurdles weren’t enough, the project unfolded during the COVID-19 pandemic and the civil unrest surrounding George Floyd and the subsequent trials. The site, located near the Minneapolis Police Department’s temporary Third Precinct, was surrounded by fencing topped with razor wire and jersey barriers. Construction workers passed through daily security checks just to enter the site and material and equipment deliveries required detailed planning and logistics.
Despite these extraordinary challenges, the team delivered a vibrant, dual-branded hotel that honors the building’s historic legacy while offering modern comfort and convenience.
If you’re facing the complexities of converting a facility for new use, we’re here to help. Our team has the experience, resilience, and expertise to bring your vision to life—no matter the challenge.