Architect:  Skaaden-Helmes Historical Consultant:  MacDonald & Mack Architects Total Square Footage:  50,000 cubic feet Cost Per Cubic Foot:  $37.29 Project Cost:  $1,864,734

Among its many distinctions, the City Hall and Courthouse claimed to be the first U.S. government building with floors entirely supported independent of internal partitions; this has allowed the layout of interior spaces to change considerably over the past century. While a masterpiece of engineering when implemented, the fluidity of the space has proven detrimental to most of the building's original rooms. All but a very few of the interiors have disappeared resulting in the destruction of invaluable examples of design by the architects Long and Kees, and by Lawrence McIvor and John Bradstreet, prominent regional interior designers.

One such space, the City Council Chamber, has recently been reclaimed and refurbished in keeping with the Civic Place Plan. The interior underwent a massive year-long renovation to bring back its original 1923 splendor. The room was formally dedicated on January 18, 2002.

The 1923 façade, which was hidden for almost 50 years under low tiled ceilings, wooden panels and a plastic dome, was recreated from historic photographs and the original architect's blueprints. The chamber features 14-foot-high windows, which were bricked up in 1956, an ornately coffered ceiling, original paint scheme, stenciling, reproductions of 1904 pendant light fixtures and two wall murals titled St. Anthony Falls in Early Days and Old Government Mill at St. Anthony Falls. In addition to the aesthetic beauty of the chamber, the renovation included the installation of a state-of-the art audio-visual studio, television cameras for live broadcast, advanced security measures and improved accessibility for the handicapped.

The newly renovated interior will be used for a myriad of events including city council meetings, inaugurations, council committee and board meetings, events, and various receptions.

The award-winning -- 2002 American Institute of Architects Award; 2002 Committee on Urban Development Award; 2002 Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission Award; 2002 Preservation Alliance Award -- renovation of the Council Chamber was part of a multi-year upgrade of the City Hall and Courthouse building's heating, cooling, and fire and safety systems, which began in January 2001. Questions about this project may be directed to the MBC Project Manager, John Helgeson at 612-596-9516.

Image Gallery: Council Chamber Restoration

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