Construction is underway for an exciting new mixed-use development located directly east of the CSM-owned Milwaukee Road Depot Complex. CSM Corporation, with the cooperation of the Minneapolis Community Development Agency, has received approval for a phased development incorporating an office building, urban townhomes, and the MacPhail Center for the Arts.

CSM will lead the way with the initial construction of the four-story office building and attached parking structure. The "Depot Office Center" has just over 143,000 square feet and fronts Washington Avenue, affording skyline views and direct access to freeways and bus service. CSM recognized the site's distinctive location and urban qualities, attracting CSM to move its corporate headquarters to the new office building when the project is complete in December of 2003. The project's architect, Elness Swenson Graham, along with the law firm of Zelle, Hofmann, Voelbel, Mason and Gette, will also be principal tenants of the office building.

The Metropolitan Lofts, developed by David Bernard Builders and Developers, will be the next phase of construction, incorporating 22 two-story lofts to complement the emerging riverfront neighborhood. MacPhail Center for the Arts, designed by the Chicago architectural firm of Nagle, Hortray, Danker, Kagan, and McKay, will be the final stage of construction, adding a touch of artistic culture to the development.

The 2.5 acre site, which was purchased from the City of Minneapolis, is part of the rapidly changing historic Mills District. This area is characterized by a unique integration of the arts and business and residential communities. The site is within two blocks of the Mississippi River, the Stone Arch Bridge, Nicollet Island, the new Guthrie Theater site, and the soon-to-open Mill City Museum.