Precipitate worked on a deep energy retrofit and coffee shop build-out for this 1931 Art Deco building in the heart of Uptown. The first floor houses a new coffee shop and ice cream cafe, with office space on the second floor, including the home of Precipitate. This revitalization project is a case study and catalyst for future action for the many small commercial buildings that exist on Minneapolis commercial corridors. These buildings are complicated to retrofit not only due to technical challenges in an existing structure, but hurdles with cash flow, supporting existing tenants, and rising operating expenses with stagnant rents. We explored how far we could take a deep energy retrofit of the envelope and mechanical systems to be cost-effective and beneficial for tenants, building owner, and the larger community. The project was supported by financial contributions from several collaborators listed at right, in addition to traditional utility rebates.

 

The building is now all-electric with gas meters (and monthly service charges!) removed. Phase 1 replaced the gas boiler with state-of-the-art mechanical systems, including Swegon and Broan Energy Recovery Ventilation and EcoSnap Heat Pumps. The single-pane storefront windows were replaced with triple-pane NanaWall doors that fold to completely open the shops to the outdoors in good weather. Phase 2 further improves the building envelope with an EIFS continuous exterior insulation and new triple-pane EnerLux windows. A new roof with additional insulation tied in to the envelope work at both phases. Combined with air sealing tied into the new windows and roofs, energy use for the upstairs office spaces will be cut roughly in half, with air source heat pumps providing all-electric heating and cooling.

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This project was able to drastically reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs, bringing cost stability to tenants while meeting City climate goals. Come check out the project and join us for coffee at Collective - Thesis Coffee Co or ice cream at Sweet Joon!