Duluth Seaway Port Authority

Duluth, Minnesota

2021

13,000 sf

John Erickson, Carlie A. Kemp, Vicki Noe

Project Status: Completed Project

Workplace

Scope:

Architecture Interior Design Historic Preservation

Renovation of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority included gutting of the interior down to original structure and envelope, structural reinforcement of discovered deficiencies and stiffening of floor systems, new exterior windows, doors and envelope insulation to comply with MN Energy Codes. New roofing system, new electrical, HVAC and Fire Protection systems to comply with current Life Safety and Energy codes, and installation of a new elevator to ensure the building would be fully accessible under MN Accessibility Code requirements. New office space, conference rooms, support spaces, archive library, board room and 2 new future small tenant spaces, marry the character of the existing structure with a clean modern office aesthetic.

Originally built in the late 1980's as an elementary school, the DSPA Building was brought back to life and up to code.

New state-of-the-art meeting facility for the DSPA Board, incorporated the character of the original building through the use of bricks that were made to look original from the building.

The board room includes linear acoustic grating and motorized shades and can open to the breakroom providing one large space.

There are pops of the custom blue color taken from the DSPA logo found throughout the communal spaces.

The breakroom/hospitality room includes a large island for potlucks or gatherings and ample counter space for food prep.

Historic photographs of Duluth's ports and shipping industry are seen as murals throughout the building.

The staff spaces on the second floor include an intimate conference room for smaller meetings.

All records are held in the library which kept the industrial feel with a custom sliding ladder and factory table to lay out maps or documents for viewing.

Wood shiplap walls and flooring are reminiscent of the old ships that were once used in the industry.

The quartz reception desk was make to resemble taconite as a nod to the local shipping/mining industry.

As a modern nod to the nautical theming without being too literal, the angles of the walls are reminiscent to the design of a ship.

The 11 offices in the facility each have sit-to-stand desks and windows promoting wellness for employees.

The courtyard is connected to the large boardroom, providing a view of this incredible space to those attending the meeting.

The central stairs and railings were the last historical element of the building, they were brought up to code, but otherwise left the same.