Project Report

Butler Square | Minneapolis, MN, USA

Butler Square has been an iconic landmark in Minneapolis’ Warehouse District since 1906. It underwent an initial renovation in 1974, helping to revitalize the area, but after experiencing ongoing problems with the skylights, the owners decided in 2021 that it was time for a remodel.

Leaks, excessive glare below the skylights and heat loss were just a few of the main issues that were cause for concern for this historic building—and who better to solve those problems than Kalwall? Butler Square’s owner had previously worked with both W.L. Hall Company and Kalwall on its other atrium, so they knew Kalwall would be a natural fit and reached out to W.L. Hall Company to help solve these issues.

Working with McGough Facility Management, who professionally manages the Butler Square building, the W.L. Hall Company team was able to replace Butler Square’s original glass system that was installed in 1973. Through the use of Kalwall’s complimentary 3D daylight modeling services, they were able to determine the appropriate interior light levels for the space.

Daylighting is part science and part art—it is the practice of using controlled natural light to illuminate a space. Daylight modeling brings science into the art of daylighting. It removes the design mystery and reveals the pattern of daylight on any building through 3D simulation software, ultimately enhancing occupant comfort and minimizing electric lighting, heating and cooling demands. Ultimately, W.L. Hall Company and McGough Facility Management all agreed Kalwall was the right fit, and a new Kalwall insulated translucent panel system with a thermally broken .23 U-value was installed.

The skylight replacement helped Butler Square receive the Energy Efficiency Award from the city of Minneapolis and become the first 100-plus-year-old multitenant commercial building in the world to win LEED EB O&M certification.

Awards:

BOMA TOBY—2022
The Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) Award
BOMA Greater Minneapolis—Winner in the Historical Category
BOMA Midwest Northern Region—Winner in the Historical Category
BOMA International TOBY Competition

Minnesota Real Estate Journal—2021 Awards
Interior Design—Urban Office/HQ (Winner)
Finalist for Redevelopment—Mixed Use/Office—Minneapolis