The Minneapolis-based Ryan Cos.' design-build development team worked with the Minneapolis office of architectural firm Ellerbe Beckett on the project.

Among the challenges the project overcame during the past five years were a lawsuit from a rival developer, the complexity of design for such large-scale projects, winning city approvals and the difficulty of building in an active Central Business District, according to Ryan officials.

The completion of this building represents the largest masonry contract in Minnesota in more than 20 years, totaling more than $13 million. The brick design was used to complement the historic Young Quinlan Building across the street, which is linked to the new structure by a skyway.

This skyway offers a second story crossing across the Mall and wraps around the Target store block. It is the only skyway in Minneapolis that goes around the perimeter of a block, giving pedestrians visual access to the street below and will allow 15,000 people topass through them on a given day. This tower is completely leased and will be occupied by technology firm Retek, Ryan Cos. and several Target Corp. vendors.

This project includes a privately-funded, 2,500-sf senior citizen center located on the west-side of the 900 Nicollet project at the skyway level across from the University of St. Thomas which will open in November. Funded by Target Corp., Ryan Cos. and Downtown neighbor, University of St. Thomas, this center continues a 40-year tradition in Minneapolis by providing a special gathering space for seniors.

Computer training classes, computer access and information relating to programs offered by the city are among the services offered by the center at no charge. The center, which has not had a home for the last eight years will be operated by the city of Minneapolis.