University Square
Mankato, MN | Commercial
Overview
Designs for University Square involved the renovation of a former mall into apartments and exterior storefronts that are accessible and include outdoor seating and dining areas.
Opportunity
Nearby the Minnesota State University, Mankato, campus, it was important that the revitalized University Square attracted students to the building's restaurants, businesses, and apartments.
Solution
This European-inspired, multi-story development built over an existing theater and strip mall features restaurant and retail space with apartments above. Located directly across the street from Minnesota State University, Mankato, this project meets the high demand for services close to campus. The existing retail mall was reoriented from internal entries to individual exterior storefronts. The retail tenants now have drive up access and bold external signage. National chains such as Chipotle, Noodles, Cold Stone Creamery, FedEx, and a movie theater blend perfectly with local independent stores, including a tanning salon, liquor store, nail salon, and more. Close parking and a sidewalk wide enough for outdoor dining framed by structural brick arch colonnades create an open-air feel, making this a popular destination for students and community members. This highly visible, mixed-use project features colorful burgundy and yellow accents on the upper level apartments that make it a prominent element framing the university campus.