When Hempel Real Estate acquired LaSalle Plaza in Minneapolis, they made headlines by investing in a major office building amid uncertainty in the traditional workspace market. To realize their vision, they partnered with NELSON Worldwide to create dynamic, flexible speculative suites aimed at attracting a diverse range of professional service tenants and revitalizing the building’s market presence.
NELSON understood Hempel’s goals of maximizing leasing potential and enhancing property value. The objective was to develop spec suites that balance modern amenities with flexible design while honoring the building’s architectural character. With a focus on versatility, the suites cater to various industries, including legal, financial, and creative sectors.
Spanning approximately 17,000 square feet, the suites range from 1,200 to 5,000 square feet and are designed to be functional and inviting. Each suite features a prominent break room to foster social interaction, creating a welcoming division between the open office and hospitality zones. To add a warm touch, NELSON incorporated residential-style millwork, custom islands, and historical Art Deco elements, like brass accents and marble details, connecting the building’s past with modern upgrades.
By reusing existing materials where possible, NELSON adopted a sustainable approach while delivering design excellence. The LaSalle Plaza spec suites showcase NELSON’s ability to create visually compelling, flexible spaces that support Hempel Real Estate’s strategy of reinvigorating downtown Minneapolis.
