Remodeled Minneapolis City Council Chamber opens for Business Historic preservation and access to residents lauded
January 18, 2002 (Minneapolis, MN) Amid a gathering of distinguished guests and City and County employees, the Municipal Building Commissioners led by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat, cut the ribbon to officially signify the grand opening of the newly remodeled Minneapolis City Council Chamber. The renovation is the third time since 1904 that the chamber has seen significant change and the first in more than 40 years. The historic restoration has recreated the grandeur of the 1923 chamber, replicating the architectural magnificence of designers Louis Long's and John S. Bradstreet's ornate work in the historic Minneapolis City Hall and Courthouse. "The remodeling and historic renovation of the Council Chamber is another way of welcoming back our constituents to the process of City government," said Mayor R.T. Rybak. "City Hall and the Council Chamber have now become a lot more accessible to our residents and we welcome them to participate in this process as we move ahead with tackling issues that face our City." "This room exudes the permanence and strength of government in this most important of civic spaces," said Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat, who also serves as the president of the MBC board. "It symbolizes the relevance of decisions that are made within its walls and demonstrates the commitment by local government to preserve its cultural heritage for generations to come." The yearlong renovation of the City Council Chamber began in January 2001 with imperative mechanical and life safety systems upgrades, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades, asbestos removal and installation of sprinkler systems. The Council then approved funds for the historical renovation of the chamber after original plaster designs were uncovered above the false ceiling of the previous chamber. Plasterwork was recreated, elaborate brass chandeliers and sconces were remanufactured to resemble the original fixtures, and Italian marble wainscoting replaced the dark wood paneling of the "New Modernism" look of the 1950s. Windows were uncovered to bring in natural light and two paintings by John S. Bradstreet that once adorned the Chamber were reproduced and now stand as bookends on either side of this regal room. State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment has been installed in the Chamber and will allow for live telecasts on Cable and the Web. The $2.6 million project was led by Minneapolis firm of Skaaden-Helmes Architects with MacDonald & Mack Architects serving as historical consultants and RJM Construction was the general contractor while Evergreen Painting Studios took the lead role in recreating the 1923 interior. The Minneapolis City Hall and Courthouse is administered by the Municipal Building Commission, which is jointly represented by the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County. Other members of the MBC board are Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin and City Council Member Joe Biernat. Call the MBC Tour and Event Information Line at (612) 673-5301 for regular building tours. Non-digest recipients still have time to attend the public open house and tours of the Council Chamber until 6 p.m. today. If you are unable to come this afternoon, please call the number above to arrange a guided tour. Vaman Pai Communications Department City of Minneapolis 350 South 5th Street - Room 301M Minneapolis, MN 55415-1300 612.673.2123 952.365.6588 (pager) [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
