CRYSTAL COURT AT IDS
An iconic design is renovated for the next century
"You see a really subtle, really simple, really sophisticated [and] really thoughtful design … It makes this place much better by reflecting and strengthening on all that’s already great about the Crystal Court – without leaving any fingerprints at all."
- Peter Hendee Brown, Acting Principal with New History
LOCATION
CLIENT
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CONSTRUCTED
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PROJECT DATE
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PROJECT SCOPE
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PROJECT BUDGET
Minneapolis, MN
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Accesso
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1972​
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2020-2021
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Historic research, design guidance, stakeholder communication planning
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$5 million
Seamless updates to a classic space.
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CHALLENGE
The IDS Center was a historic icon before it was completed: at 57-stories, it became the tallest skyscraper in Minneapolis in 1972. While the building’s central seven-story atrium, the Crystal Court, is well known around the world for its modern architectural design, it had been over 25 years since the space had been renovated. The renovation needed to keep the Crystal Court relevant for today’s downtown users while respecting architect Philip Johnson’s original design; making architectural improvements to a world-renowned space is an extreme challenge for any project team.
SUCCESS
New History worked seamlessly with the owner, property manager, architect, and contractor to
support the development of a sophisticated design well-informed by historic research and a deep understanding of the original architectural design and intent. New History provided guidance to all project team members throughout the process, navigating complex stakeholder discussions, nuanced design decisions, and project budgets.