Minneapolis architecture firm Alliiance designs transformative arts space in hometown’s Kingfield neighborhood
ALLIIANCE ARCHITECTURE FIRM WINS ACCLAIM FOR MODERN ADDITION TO MINNEAPOLIS CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS (CFPA)
New vibrant space more than doubled CFPA capacity
MINNEAPOLIS — A flagship renovation and addition to a Minneapolis performance space designed by Alliiance is supporting local Twin Cities performing arts, garnering acclaim — and revitalizing a neighborhood. Alliiance created a four-story, 21,000 square-foot addition to Center for Performing Arts (CFPA) in the south Minneapolis Kingfield neighborhood. Completed in fall 2021, the modern, sleek and transparent addition more than doubled the capacity of the existing building.
The renovation ups the curb appeal of the arts center. The invitation starts with a new sidewalk porch and public entry. Inside, the new lobby features an ADA accessible elevator and chair lift. The lobby also connects to the original CFPA building, visually drawing the old and new together. Visitors can then proceed to either of the ground floor’s two new performance venues, Studio 105w and Studio 112w. Both feature flexible seating for up to 100 and sprung maple floors, with 1700 sq. ft. of space in Studio 105w and 1900 sq. ft. of space in the slightly larger Studio 112w.
A new catering kitchen, service area off the alley, and refreshed community garden complete the ground-level features of the new build. Above them floats three stories of tenant space and collaborative environments, with large, openable windows bringing natural light and air to the building. Skyway-style links on each floor connect the addition to the original CFPA building, now known as the ‘east wing.’ The entire addition also features new ADA-compliant restrooms on each floor.
The Center for Performing Arts (CFPA) has provided performing artists with affordable studio spaces to develop and share their practices since 1995. Located in a 1923 convent, CFPA has been at full capacity for years and lacked modern accessible spaces needed for artists to better collaborate and engage the public.
“We are truly proud of this project for CFPA,” said Marcelo Pinto, project designer and principal at Alliiance. “The design respects the existing building while supporting the owner’s goal to better serve the community and immediate neighborhood. This project exemplifies the way an addition can be modern yet complementary to an existing, almost 100-year-old building.”
Architect Amber Sausen describes the new lobby between the old and new building as a way to “invite students and artists to socialize and audiences to mingle before and after performances.” She also noted that the careful linking of the two buildings into a single complex was essential to the goals of the project. “Our design maintains the integrity of the existing building while extending its life as a community resource,” Sausen said.
“This elegant new addition by Alliiance gave us a design solution that truly works for us and the performing arts community we support.” She also praised the collaborative work between her organization and Alliiance. “Everyone shared a vision and end goal knowing the large, positive impact this completed project would have on the neighborhood and the Twin Cities — a vision that is already coming to fruition,” said CFPA executive director Jackie Hayes.
CFPA is a creative community that supports artists and their work, dedicated to the vitality of the creative process, guided by the principle that art is stronger when shaped through divergent perspectives. CFPA supports a range of artists and practitioners to teach, practice, and learn in our community. For more visit cfpampls.com.
Alliiance is comprised of 110 planners, architects, and interior designers, working together to create environments for people. The firm’s guiding principle is “uniting people and place through design.” The firm’s focus areas are aviation, science and technology, corporate workplaces and retail, and a newer specialty in environmental learning spaces. Alliiance serves public and private clients, corporations, Fortune 500 companies and many legacy clients who they’ve worked with for many years. They also specialize in science and tech work, including Medtronic, Ecolab, General Mills and research labs at the University of Minnesota. For more, visit https://alliiance.us/.
