Westwood Projects Win MSCA STARR Awards

Westwood’s Minneapolis-based commercial team and their clients recently celebrated winning Minnesota Shopping Center Association (MSCA) STARR Awards on two projects. Working with Solomon Real Estate Group, Ridgedale Corner Shoppes was recognized with the Development Process Award for perseverance through a challenging design process and a successful end project. With RAMCO Properties, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Woodbury won the category for new construction retail over 25,000 SF.

Development Process Award – Ridgedale Corner Shoppes

Ridgedale Corner Shoppes is a 7,800 SF, multi-tenant retail building and a new 2,400 SF TCF building situated on 1.3 acres. Various design options featured a multi-story office and retail building with underground parking, and retail buildings detached from the TCF Bank.

The design team needed to:

• Create a spectacular building that met the City’s vision
• Prove the final design was the best fit for the site, among many design options
• Keep TCF Bank in business throughout construction

Westwood’s team developed all the various sketches and design options, working closely with the client over two years to see the project through to completion. Westwood services included planning, engineering, surveying, and landscape architecture.

While the MSCA STARR Awards have sub-categories within award categories for design, new construction, and remodels, there is only one award for Development Process, meaning all variety of projects are considered. Steve Johnson, Development Partner for Solomon Real Estate Group, expressed gratitude having won this award. He says, “Although small in size from a development standpoint, it was the most complicated and rewarding project I have been involved with. It would not have been possible without the help of the talented consultants who were involved with this project.”

New Construction: Retail over 25,000 SF Award – Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

For this award, the judges consider the project’s site challenges, governmental issues, overall architectural image, landscaping, creative use of materials and signage, and integration into the community. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is over 50,000 SF and includes nine movie screens, a full-service restaurant and bar, and an outdoor patio. Theater-goers can order and enjoy food and beverages from a full menu, all while kicking back in their reclining loungers and watching a movie.