Monks Avenue Development

Mankato, MN | Housing

Overview

A tired 1970s era, partially empty single-story retail center was transformed into a modern, three-story mixed-use development just one block east of the Minnesota State University, Mankato, campus.


Opportunity

Located near a busy university campus, the retail center on the Monks Avenue Development could accommodate a major addition that would satisfy the high demand for student housing in the area.

Solution

ISG designed a new 28,500 sq. ft., two-story addition on top of a former single-story retail center for student residential apartments. The lower level of this building was completely renovated for both existing and new tenants who wanted to reach customers in this revitalized development next to the busy campus. To accommodate the increasing and diverse student housing needs in the area, two-, three-, and four-bedroom units were added on both upper floors for a total of 22 units. The development was fully leased before it was completed due to high demand for the units, which include expansive bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, open kitchen designs featuring a center island and tabletop bar, hardwood flooring, and contemporary ceramic-tiled bathroom floors.

The existing concrete block walls of the original building remain, but new exterior metal panels with contrasting colored stucco walls have rejuvenated the façade. A modern design with expansive windows on all three levels revitalized the site into a contemporary, mixed-use destination for housing, restaurants, and services.


Business Unit News

ISG Celebrates 50 Years of Business, Ready for 50 More

March 21, 2023 (Mankato, Minnesota) – ISG turns 50 years old in 2023. The firm of over 500 multi-disciplinary professionals, ranging from architects and designers to engineers, technologists, marketers, and project managers, now spans across four states across the upper Midwest with 11 offices.
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Environmental Firm to Host Southern Minnesota Lake Resources Conference

March 14, 2023 (Mankato, Minnesota) – ISG will host the inaugural Future of Southern Minnesota Lakes Conference on April 22, 2023, in Mankato, Minnesota. The conference will equip community members, lake associations, and lake stewards with the tools, approaches, and resources to care for the lakes of Southern Minnesota.
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