BLOCKe EARNS 2003 STARR AWARD FOR DESIGN AND AESTHETICS THE MINNESOTA SHOPPING CENTER ASSOCIATION PRESENTS TOP HONORS TO BLOCKe

(Minneapolis, MN) — McCaffery Interest’s Block e is the recipient of the 2003 Starr Award for “Design and Aesthetics,” given by the Minnesota Shopping Center Association (MSCA).

Block e consultant Tom Clairmont accepted the award on behalf of Block e developer and owner Dan McCaffery at the MSCA award dinner Tuesday night, December 9. Block e won in the “Design and Aesthetics” category for centers ranging in size between 50,000 and 250,000 square feet.

Block e’s project team includes architect Antunovich Associates; consultants Downey Engebretson, Inc.; Faegre & Benson, LLP; contractors PCL/Plant Construction, A Joint Venture; and leasing agents McCaffery Interests, Inc, and Westfair Realty.

Block e, now 98 percent leased, is used by tens of thousands of people every day. “These facts speak to the successful execution of its design and aesthetic challenges,” says Bonin.

According to the 2003 Starr Award description, Block e meets the design and aesthetic criteria that reflects the purpose for which the project was developed — an entertainment venue.

“Entertainment venues at Block e were empowered to convey their message architecturally and “brand” their product visually,” says developer Dan McCaffery. McCaffery asked that the exterior allow for as much differentiation as possible from all four elevations. Tenants and users as diverse as the Hard Rock Café, Borders Books & Music, and Le Meridien Hotel express their presence through coloration materials and signage. “Clearly not the norm in downtown Minneapolis prior to Block e,” he adds.

The MSCA 2003 Starr Award also recognizes that Block e’s design meets and exceeds the key entertainment venue goals. First, variety and interest were incorporated into the façade. Second, façade elements function as a backdrop for tenant signage and animated advertising and billboards.

Lastly, an effort was made to ensure that the tenants would not merely focus inwardly but rather reach out to the sidewalks and pedestrian areas around the sign. Block e currently has more than nine street level entrances to tenants and the block.

“The pedestrian-friendly Block e is surrounded by widened sidewalks, large trees, perennial gardens, free-standing planters, tree lighting, lights on the building and even a sound system to make the site’s pedestrian and ‘downtown’ feeling the most alive of any city block,” says McCaffery.

Block e features entertainment venues for the entire family — from movies to dining and high-tech interactive games. Guests will find it all at Block e - whether it’s rockin’ and rollin’ at the Hard Rock Cafe, partying and playing at GameWorks, relaxing with coffee and a good book at Borders Books and Music, taking in a movie at the Crown Theatres Block e 15, or socializing at the sophisticated Escape Ultra Lounge.

Opening in mid-December will be Jewel Spa, a luxurious day spa for men and women. Future Block e openings for 2004 include Bellanotte, an exclusive Italian restaurant; The Shout House, a rock n’ roll nightclub featuring dueling pianos with live musicians, and Panchero’s Mexican Grill, a fresh food Mexican grill.

Block e offers a parking ramp with space for 550 cars and a convenient entry on Seventh St., providing easy access to Target Center, the Warehouse District, downtown restaurants and retailers.

Two skyways, spanning Hennepin Ave. and First Ave. link Block e to the Minneapolis warehouse district, Target Center and the downtown retail/financial core.

About McCaffery Interests, Inc.
Chicago-based McCaffery Interests, Inc., was founded in 1991 and is a nationally recognized developer of quality urban retail and entertainment centers. In addition to the Block E development, other current projects include The Market Common, Clarendon, a 10-acre multi-use complex in Arlington, Va.

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Block E Contact:
Melissa R. Cohen
MRC Public Relations, Inc.
Ph: (763) 377-0272
Fx: (763) 377-0274
Cell: (612) 581-5456
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