The McKnight Foundation Headquarters reimagines a century-old warehouse in Minneapolis’ Mill District as a fully decarbonized, regenerative workplace. Designed by Studio BV, the 69,000-square-foot adaptive reuse demonstrates how interior architecture can significantly reduce carbon impact while advancing wellness, equity, and long-term environmental performance.

Reuse was the project’s most impactful sustainability strategy. By preserving the existing structure—including masonry walls, timber columns, and concrete floors—the project dramatically reduced embodied carbon while minimizing new material consumption. This approach reinforced the building’s historic character while aligning with McKnight’s climate leadership goals.

Operational sustainability was achieved through full electrification, eliminating all on-site fossil fuels. A high-performance mechanical system, supported by thermal ice-storage technology, shifts energy use to off-peak hours, reducing strain on the electrical grid and supporting renewable energy integration. These strategies resulted in a 56% reduction in energy use compared to the U.S. median office building and earned LEED Gold Certification—establishing it as the first fully
decarbonized office retrofit of its kind in the Midwest.

Material choices further reinforced environmental responsibility. More than 75% of construction waste was diverted from landfills, and 31% of furniture was reused or refurbished. Durable, low-toxicity materials were prioritized alongside locally sourced elements, including Minnesota-quarried stone, handmade tile, and lighting by regional makers, reducing transportation emissions and supporting local economies.

Biophilic design enhances both sustainability and well-being. Living green walls, abundant daylight, outdoor access, and amenities that support active commuting foster a healthy, low-carbon workplace culture.

By prioritizing reuse, electrification, and responsible material strategies, the McKnight Foundation Headquarters demonstrates how existing buildings can lead climate innovation—transforming a historic structure into a high performance workplace aligned with a regenerative future.