Business

» 12 COOL BRANDS WE CLAIM
(AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE)

» 10 BELOVED CORPORATE MASCOTS

» 10 THINGS WE MISS ABOUT DAYTON'S

• The Regards card

• Paper shopping bags

• A new holiday show every year

• Gift-wrap

• Fashion shows in the Sky Room

• Full-service tailors

• Wedding invitations

• The Oval Room at Southdale

• Gracie at the Oak Grill

• Sparkle

» 11 BUILDINGS TO BRAG ABOUT

MILL CITY MUSEUM Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle transformed a historic flour mill into a modern museum and hot party locale.

GUTHRIE THEATER The big blue IKEA-esque “theater in the sky” is a brave feat by architect Jean Nouvel. The Endless Bridge over the river is one of the longest occupied cantilevers in the world.

IDS TOWER At 57 stories, the tiered-glass IDS became our tallest skyscraper (well, maybe—read on) in Minneapolis when it boomed above the Foshay in 1972. Plus, Mary Tyler Moore dined at Basil’s above the Crystal Court—it’s famous!

FOSHAY TOWER It was cool then, and it’s cool now. Léon Eugène Arnal modeled the Foshay after the Washington Monument, and in 2006 developers Ralph Burnet and Ryan Companies worked within that narrow frame when renovating it into the sleek W Hotel.

JAMES J. HILL LIBRARY It’s one of the most comprehensive business libraries in the country—and a popular wedding spot. Brides and grooms love this stately Beaux Arts landmark.

WEISMAN ART MUSEUM This stainless steel slice of Frank Gehry is a riverfront icon, and this year’s expansion gave us more to love.

WINTON GUEST HOUSE It moved—slowly, at night—in pieces from Lake Minnetonka to a St. Thomas property. Now this is the only Gehry-designed residence that’s open to the public for tours.

MINNEAPOLIS CENTRAL LIBRARY Architect Cesar Pelli and Minneapolis firm Architectural Alliance transformed the lackluster downtown library into a striking loft-like space.

WALKER ART CENTER The aluminum ice cube with glass walls and peekaboo windows is now forever a fixture along Hennepin Avenue, thanks to Herzog & de Meuron.

CAPELLA TOWER Designed by Pei (yes, that Pei of the Louvre!), Cobb, Freed & Partners, the tower with the “halo” on top fights with IDS to be the tallest in town. We’ll let the viewers decide—from the street, not the skyway.

CHAMBERS HOTEL Props to Shea Architects and Ryan Companies for turning a dilapidated building into a boutique hotel with glass, art, color, and plenty of areas to lounge. Fortunately, Shea’s taking over another corner on Hennepin—stay tuned.

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