The delight of young professionals, empty-nesters and other passionate urbanites, Minneapolis and St. Paul are home to an array of new luxury apartment communities. While the exact definition of luxury is ultimately in the eye—and the wallet—of the beholder, these buildings all share similar attributes:
a prime location in a desirable, walkable neighborhood, a sophisticated design aesthetic with top-quality finishes, high-end appliances and other luxe details, and an array of boutique-hotel-like amenities including yoga studios, indoor and outdoor swimming pools with cabanas, bike rooms, dog parks, concierge services and much more.
If you enjoy being “in the game,” you’ll get a kick out of living at Dock Street Flats in the North Loop, an easy walk to Target Field, the new Vikings stadium, and the office towers of downtown Minneapolis. There’s also a Whole Foods Market nearby. Located within steps of the Cedar Lake Trail, this contemporary, pet-friendly building features modern, airy studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with 9-foot ceilings, energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and low-flow water fixtures. Like an urban cruise ship, resident amenities include a Dunn Brothers coffee shop on the main floor, a rooftop deck with an outdoor fire pit, a swimming pool, spa and sun terrace, a fitness center, a lounge/pub room with shuffleboard, an outdoor pet exercise and washing area, outdoor courtyards with grills and fireplaces, bike storage and a bike repair station, underground parking and more. 337 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-252-8558, dockstreetflats.com
If you’re looking for an apartment with an authentic spirit of place, pack your bags, your pets, and your bike and head over to Northeast, where the former Orth Brewery, home of Golden Grain Belt Old Lager, has been transformed into a thoroughly modern, pet-friendly apartment community. Located within biking distance of Nordeast’s beloved Mayslack’s, Dangerous Man Brewing Co., the 1029 Bar, the 331 Club and other local haunts, the Grain Belt features an outdoor plaza that showcases the brewery’s original foundations. Choose from studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments with plank wood flooring, stainless steel appliances, full-size washers and dryers and other details. Resident amenities include the historic Grain Belt “Friendship Room” with billiard tables, cyber lounges with free coffee and wi-fi, fitness centers in each building, parking garage and more. 1215 Marshall St. NE, Mpls., 612-781-0700, thegrainbeltmpls.com
If you’re inspired by the dynamism of downtown Minneapolis, the creativity of Northeast, and the historic grandeur of St. Anthony Main, get the best of all worlds at Mill and Main, a contemporary, pet-friendly apartment building in the epicenter of this colorful riverfront neighborhood. Situated within walking and biking distance of Surdyk’s, Kramarczuk’s, Punch Pizza, Masu Sushi & Robata and other locavore landmarks, Mill and Main includes two contemporary buildings with luxurious studios, one-bedroom to three-bedroom apartments, and two-bedroom and three-bedroom townhomes facing Father Hennepin Bluff Park. Resident amenities include hotel-style lobbies, community spaces and multi-purpose rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools with terraces and skyline views, grills, fire pits and entertainment bars, a fitness center and workout studio, a business center, underground parking and more. 501 Main St. SE, Mpls., 612-260-7291, millandmain.com
If your idea of a perfect weekend includes an evening at the Guthrie, shopping for fresh produce at the Mill City Farmers’ Market, and Sunday brunch at Spoonriver, you’ll feel at home at Mill District City Apartments. Situated within strolling distance of the Stone Arch Bridge, the pet-friendly building, which is National Green Building Standard certified, features a boutique-hotel-style lobby and a 14,000-square-foot park with a swimming pool, cabanas, a hot tub and sauna and a fire pit. The studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments (some with two floors) have hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, in-unit laundry and balconies or rooftop patios. Other amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, a movie theater, a clubroom with a gaming area, a business center, a dog station, Japanese pub and kitchen Zen Box Izakaya, underground parking and more. 225 Portland Ave., Mpls., 612-424-9201, villagegreen.com
If you love city-style energy and excitement, heed the words of ’60s pop icon Petula Clark and “go downtown, where all the lights are bright” to The Nic on Fifth, a sleek 26-story apartment building in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Choose from alcoves, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Penthouses with two and three bedrooms and dens are available on levels six and 23 through 26. Located on Nicollet Mall, the pet-friendly building offers easy access to light rail and other transit, the downtown skyway system, bike lanes and off-street bikeways. Residents enjoy insider access to more than 30,000 feet of amenity space, including a clubroom with flat-screen TVs, several fireplaces and a gourmet entertainment kitchen. A 2,000-square-foot fitness center overlooks a rooftop deck and outdoor terrace with a swimming pool, cabanas, fire pits, and an outdoor kitchen and bar. Covered parking is available. 465 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-424-5384, theniconfifth.com
If you’re ready for an exciting new lease on life, say au revoir to your lawn mower, snow blower and other household accoutrements and join the crowd of savvy urbanites who’ve made 4Marq their home. Designed for modern ease and carbon-friendly convenience, this new, pet-friendly building is steps away from light rail, the skyway system and bike trails, and a short walk to U.S. Bank Stadium, Target Center, Target Field, the Hennepin Theatre District and the North Loop. Choose from studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments with 9-foot ceilings, 7-foot windows and private balconies with gas grills. Resident amenities include a 10,000-square-foot clubroom penthouse with floor-to-ceiling windows, a rooftop deck for outdoor dining 31 stories above the city, a gym and yoga studio, a business center, dog run and pet washing station, bike storage and repair station, a rentable guest suite for your former neighbors, above-ground ramp and more. 400 Marquette Ave. S., Mpls., 612-424-8127, 4marqapartments.com
If you’re primed for a dramatic new perspective on Minneapolis, consider a move to LPM Apartments, the skyline-defining, 36-story high-rise overlooking Loring Park. Situated on the quiet western edge of downtown Minneapolis, the pet-friendly LPM is within strolling distance of Orchestra Hall, the Walker Art Center, Bar Lurcat, the 4 Bells, Butcher & The Boar, and Lunds & Byerlys. Choose from studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with luxurious finishes, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, floor-to-ceiling windows and extraordinary views. Residents enjoy more than 40,000 square feet of amenities, including an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, hot tub and sauna, an outdoor yoga area, a bicycle workshop, a business center, media and game rooms, guest suites, an indoor dog playroom with a lounge and dog wash, YogaFit, Lakes & Legends Brewing Co., and Eggy’s Diner with free delivery on the first floor, parking garage and more. 1369 Spruce Pl., Mpls., 612-332-7368, rentlpm.com
If your busy professional lifestyle (or your discerning dog) demands skyway access, Latitude 45 is the right address. Ideally situated on the eastern side of downtown Minneapolis within walking distance of the North Loop, U.S. Bank Stadium, and the Mill District, this brand new, pet-friendly apartment building features studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with quartz countertops, high-end appliances, plush carpeting and other Shelter-magazine-style details. Residents enjoy a long list of urban amusements, including a full-service restaurant by local restaurateur Ryan Burnet, a heated rooftop dog oasis, a garden terrace and rooftop swimming pool with cabanas, a movie screening area, lawn bowling, a wine bar and private wine lockers, a fitness center, a TRX and yoga room, Minneapolis’ most coveted bike room and maintenance shop, underground parking and more. 313 Washington Ave., Mpls., 855-467-5254, l45living.com
If you crave a colorful, walkable, urban neighborhood with cafés, coffee shops, bars, bookshops, boutiques and grocery stores, consider Elan Uptown. Situated within walking distance of Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, Lunds & Byerlys and Kowalski’s, with easy access to the Midtown Greenway bike and walking trail, Elan Uptown offers a luxurious, only-in-Minneapolis experience. The contemporary LEED Silver-certified, pet-friendly building includes spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with island kitchens, granite countertops, washers and dryers, large walk-in closets, bamboo flooring, designer lighting and other details. Resident amenities include a resort-style swimming pool with cabanas, an outdoor kitchen and fire pit, a rooftop lounge, fitness center, community room, pet park and dog-washing station, underground parking and more. 2837 Emerson Ave. S., Mpls., 855-782-3719, elanuptown.com
If you appreciate the juxtaposition of historic architecture and modern design, the Penfield’s distinctive aesthetic will resonate with you. Located in downtown St. Paul between Robert and Minnesota streets across from the pocket-sized Pedro Park, the LEED-certified, pet-friendly building features a green roof and a Lunds & Byerlys, and a Caribou Coffee on the ground floor. Choose from studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments with custom paint colors, fireplaces, custom closets, full-size washers and dryers, soaking tubs and other features. Residents enjoy an 18,000-square-foot courtyard with outdoor swimming pool, sun deck, hot tub, fire pit and grilling stations, club room with a gourmet kitchen, fitness center and sauna, business center, bike storage, a dog run and indoor dog-washing station, enclosed parking and more. 101 10th St. E., St. Paul, 651-472-8132, thepenfieldapts.com
If you love the richness and diversity of St. Paul, you’ll feel right at home at West Side Flats, near the legendary Cherokee Tavern, el Burrito Mercado, Amsterdam Bar and Hall, and other east side hot spots. Located on Wabasha Street within strolling distance of the Mississippi River and Raspberry Island Regional Park, the new, pet-friendly building includes 178 studio, one-bedroom and two- bedroom flats with custom cabinet and flooring finishes, granite countertops, washers and dryers, walk-out patios and decks and other features. Resident amenities include an indoor/outdoor pool area, a Skyline Lounge with a pool table, a full kitchen, panoramic views of downtown St. Paul and the river, underground parking and more. 84 Wabasha St. S., St. Paul, 651-565-7295, westsideflats.com
If you love living in a walkable, tree-lined, residential neighborhood, you’ll love the brand new Vintage on Selby in St. Paul. Situated at the nexus of Selby and Snelling avenues near Macalester College, the pet-friendly building features one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, penthouses, and townhouses with floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, a choice of granite or quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets, plank flooring and other details. Resident amenities include a Whole Foods Market on the ground floor, a rooftop terrace with a fireplace, an outdoor lap pool, a club room, a fitness club, a library, an electric vehicle charging station, a guest suite, covered parking garage and more. 1555 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-571-4354, vintageonselby.com
This unusual 30-unit building is currently full, but it’s worth keeping an eye on if you feel at home among the warehouses, lofts and galleries of New York’s Tribeca or Denver’s RiNo neighborhoods. Situated in the North Loop, a cobblestone’s throw from Bar La Grassa, Borough and other Warehouse District hot spots, the historic 1920 brick building was built by the Gurley Candy Co., manufacturers of Cherry Juleps, Sweet Saharas and other confections, which touted it as “the new, modern, sun-light candy factory,” for its large windows and other features. The newly renovated pet-friendly building features spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom lofts with tall ceilings and abundant natural light, industrial-chic exposed brick and ductwork, and moveable kitchen islands. Resident amenities include a fitness center, a community room with billiards, a soundproof music room, bike storage, a dog run, surface lot parking and more. 254 Ninth Ave. N., Mpls., 612-371-0800, gurleylofts.com
While most luxury condominium buildings in the Twin Cities are fully occupied, many owners rent their units. Contact a real estate agent or property management firm to learn about potential availabilities.
Cobalt Condos A sleek blue glass building in the lively Northeast neighborhood, with modern condos and penthouses that have floor-to-ceiling windows and Lunds & Byerlys on the ground floor. 45 University Ave. SE, Mpls.
Great Northern Lofts The former James J. Hill Office Building in downtown St. Paul, this 1888 building has 53 condos with arched windows, barrel-vaulted ceilings and other architectural details. 300 Wall St., St. Paul.
The Carlyle A striking 41-story condominium building on the edge of downtown Minneapolis, with guest suites, a wine room, a fitness room and yoga studio, and more. 100 Third Ave. S., Mpls.
The Ivy A 25-story tower in downtown Minneapolis that includes the iconic 1930 Ivy Tower and the Ivy Hotel, featuring 70 luxurious condos and penthouses with access to the Ivy Spa and other amenities. 201 S. 11th St., Mpls.
Phoenix on the River A contemporary 18-story building within walking distance of Northeast, St. Anthony Main and the Stone Arch Bridge, with a dramatic two-story lobby, 80 condos and a terrace overlooking the Mississippi River. 222 Second St. SE, Mpls. Union Depot Lofts A grand century-old Beaux Arts building with an elegant lobby, 44 two-story lofts and a rooftop deck in the heart of downtown St. Paul. 214 E. Fourth St., St. Paul.
Coming on the market this fall, these three new apartment buildings will take Twin Cities-style luxury to a new level with inventive, lifestyle-based floor plans, custom finishes, top-of-the-line appliances and deluxe, hotel-style amenities.
Boutique 28 Scheduled to debut in Uptown in early autumn, these distinctive apartments and penthouses are designed by HGTV stars Drew Levin and Danny Perkins, with unique live-work and other creative spaces, and high-end finishes and details. 2817 Girard Ave. S., Mpls., 612-924-7119, boutique28mpls.com
Encore On track to open in the Mill District in the fall, this contemporary 12-story community includes luxurious apartments, townhouses and penthouses with designer cabinetry, a boutique-hotel-style lobby, a private dining room with panoramic views of the river and the city, and more. 212 10th Ave. S., Mpls., 612-223-7781, mplsencore.com
The Lakes Opening on Lake Calhoun in late summer, this pet-friendly building features apartments and penthouses with extraordinary views, high-end finishes and other luxe details, a swimming pool and terrace, a club room and more. 2622 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-564-6819, thelakesresidences.com
Melinda Nelson is a Twin Cities-based freelance writer and TCB’s Concierge columnist.