A historic renovation in the Mill District
Water Works at Mill Ruins Park is a renovation project involving a historic building located in the formerly industrial Minneapolis riverfront. Brin partnered with H+U Construction to provide a retrofit of glazing systems with complex geometry and specialized bird-friendly glass. The renovation—a collaboration between Damon Farber Architects and HGA Architects—is part of a larger program to revitalize the waterfront area around the historic Mill District.
The Challenge
It can be challenging to retrofit new, thermally efficient glazing systems into existing openings due to unforeseen conditions such as previously damaged substrates, cavity misalignment that invites problems like thermal bridging, or inadequate anchorage points that could result in performance failures such as air and water infiltration. Special care must be taken to avoid damaging the historic components of the building envelope.
Our Solution
Throughout the entire glazing systems integration, Brin took several steps to create a pathway to success. It began with comprehensive pre-planning and a careful design review of existing on-site conditions. During the planning and installation process, Brin was proactive about collaborating with other trade partners working on the building envelope. Finally, our relationship with the bird-friendly glass manufacturer, located in Germany, allowed us to anticipate extended lead times and deliver on time for completion.
Results Accomplished
Through careful planning, our experienced project team was able to successfully navigate through the complex nature of this project without the complications that are typically associated with historic building retrofit installations.
Why was Brin Glass best suited for the work?
Effective communication and collaboration with trade partners and vendors, and leveraging these relationships effectively, were key to Brin’s success in this project. Brin’s extensive experience with bird-friendly glazing options also allowed us to anticipate scheduling and constructability issues to keep things moving forward.
Success Story
H+U Construction
Project Start March 2020
Project End June 2021
Executed By
Brin Contract Glazing
General Application
CNC Technician
Commercial Glass Sales Representative