Open Book and Revitalization on Washington Avenue

MNSAH’s fall tour will feature Open Book, a center for reading, writing, and book arts located on Washington Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. Open Book is the umbrella organization formed by three nonprofits, The Loft Literary Center (an educational and support organization for writers), The Minnesota Center for Book Arts (a visual arts center offering programs in letterpress printing, bookbinding, and papermaking), and Milkwood Editions, an independent publisher of literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry).

The three nonprofits decided to join forces and create a first-of-its-kind center for book and literary arts. To begin the process, they called on Garth Rockcastle, of Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle, a firm interviewed for MNSAH’s Minnesota Modern Masters program, and developer Chuck Leer to assist in the selection of a building. Surprisingly, three vacant nineteenth-century buildings were selected for the project; buildings very much in need of revitalization. While the three organizations were somewhat daunted by the condition of the buildings, they forged ahead with the project. At first, they expected that each organization would reside in their own building. But instead, Garth Rockcastle created a remarkable design that integrated the interiors with dynamic spaces that participate in each other, and engage both the staff and visitors. Original architectural features were retained, recalling the past lives of the buildings. At the time, Nancy Gaschott, project manager for Open Book, stated, “They’ve made magic of a building. To me, it’s a revolutionary way to design a building.”

Our program will begin with coffee and pastries in The Loft and we’ll then proceed to the Performance Hall to hear about the three organizations that created Open Book. Garth Rockcastle will then take us through the journey that brought this remarkable building to its dynamic form. In his 2017 Minnesota Modern Masters interview, Garth cited Open Book as a particularly inspiring project where many of his ideas and interests converged.

Following the talks, we’ll tour the building from top to bottom, including the printing presses in the basement to the terrace on the rooftop.

When the award-winning Open Book first opened in 2000, it was an anchor in the renaissance of the area. But revitalization along Washington Avenue continues to this day. After the tour, you may experience other important projects, including the current revitalization of a building on the adjacent corner that is to become the headquarters for the McKnight Foundation. Within sight is the new Red Lake Nation College, the first Tribal College within an urban center. Two 100-year-old buildings were joined with new infill designed by Firm Ground Architects & Designers. And while you’re walking along 10th Avenue, don’t miss a charming residence said to be the last single-family home in Minneapolis.