50 South Sixth, the 29-story Class-A office tower in the heart of the downtown Minneapolis Central Business District, has completed a multi-million-dollar lobby renovation featuring leading-edge technology with a focus on safety, security and wellness.
Owned by Singapore-based Mapletree, the 700,000-square-foot building is home to the iconic Oceanaire, Kinderberry Hill Child Development Center and major office tenants such as Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Stinson Leonard Street, Deloitte, BMO Harris Bank and Dunham Associates in its list of tenants.
Ben Goodsir, Head of U.S. Commercial for Mapletee, said that the company is already seeing leasing results from the foresight to invest in hi-tech features that improve safety and security for guests, with an emphasis on health and wellness.
“Employees returning to their downtown offices will find a refreshed 50 South Sixth building featuring new technology that will enable easier access to the building in a safe and secure fashion,” Goodsir said, in a statement. “It’s not just the building aesthetics that have undergone a transformation; we also have upgraded technology systems that track indoor air quality and occupancy throughout critical areas of the building, making 50 South Sixth a healthier place for everyone. In addition, the renovated lobby provides an appealing place for tenants and guests to meet.”
From high-tech to high-touch
The renovations included adding several high-tech solutions to the building that elevate safety and wellness such as the enhanced visitor management system from provider Kastle Security Systems.
The Kastle system includes turnstiles that feature Bluetooth technology, allowing employees and visitors seamless security clearance to the building through QR code technology. In addition, the building now features Enertiv technology to monitor the indoor air quality and occupancy throughout critical areas of the property. The platform also delivers real-time energy management and incorporates high-tech devices and AI to maximize energy efficiency while ensuring best practices for indoor air quality.
Lobby design and furnished office spec suites
The highlight of the revamped lobby includes the Sisyphus tables developed by local artist Bruce Shapiro, who is known for developing museum-quality, computer-controlled kinetic art pieces that are featured in museum installations around the world. The first floor is now home to O’Sullivan’s convenience store, which also has an entrance on Nicollet Mall.
“We are fielding more inquiries from companies looking for spaces that are furnished and ready to go,” said Alexx Smith, general manager at Newmark, in a statement. “The spec suites allow tenants more flexibility and the design of the suites are conducive to a variety of uses while minimizing a tenant’s out-of-pocket costs for renovation.”
After touring the renovated building, Israeli-based technology firm NextSilicon immediately signed a lease for a furnished spec suite for their second US office and occupied it in early January.
