Plan would nix part of Bunge grain elevator in Mpls., build apartments

Above: A rendering of the proposed changes to the Bunge grain elevator site (Urbanworks Architecture)

An affordable housing developer is proposing to convert the Como area's Bunge grain elevator -- the scene of two urban explorer deaths in recent history -- into apartments.

The plan by Project for Pride in Living requires demolishing most of the cylindrical elevator structure, but would preserve the accompanying "headhouse" building (right) as a lobby and amenity space. Both were built in the 1930s.

The height of the elevators would be cut down to about 25 feet -- from 115 feet -- allowing for the construction of five stories of artist lofts on top. The cylindrical elevator spaces themselves would become largely galleries, according to preliminary plans submitted to the city.

A previous proposal about a decade ago to convert the structures into condominiums fell through when the condo market collapsed. But the developer was successful in demolishing several adjacent buildings to create 90 units of affordable housing.

The Bunge site has since become a magnet for trespassers, partly due to its location near the University of Minnesota. A 20-year-old University student died last June while climbing inside the structure -- following a similar death in 2006.

"The buildings present a constant safety concern and, sadly, a hazard to the community," PPL said in submissions to the city. "As the buildings continue to stay vacant and further dilapidation occurs, these concerns will only increase."

In addition to the building conversion, PPL is also proposing to build an entirely new three-story building featuring more apartments next door

It's not the only elevator-to-apartments proposal in Minneapolis. A man bought a defunct elevator on 41st Street and Hiawatha Ave. last year, with the intent of converting them into residential units.

The Pillsbury A-Mill near the river has already been converted into artist housing, with apartments above the red elevator. And in 1983, grain elevators west of Lake Calhoun were converted into the Calhoun Isles Condominiums.

The city's heritage preservation commission is expected to give feedback on the plans at its next meeting on March 8.

Above: Another rendering of the proposed changes (Urbanworks architecture)