2004 AIA Minneapolis Merit Award
Awarded for Design Excellence, Client/Team Satisfaction, Technical Innovation, Environmental Responsibility, Budget/Business Success, and Community Impact. Presented by American Institute of Architects, Minnesota Chapter.

Yankee Place was previously a multi-tenant office consisting of two 'U' shaped buildings that created two inner courtyard service areas. Blue Cross and Blue Shield's plan was to renovate one of the buildings and move their data processing division into this building. However, the client felt that there needed to be an exterior amenity for the employees since the current site and building offered none. The desire was to have a place for data entry employees to retreat to for a brisk walk or to sit and relax. Our charge was creating a courtyard space that allowed employees to have access to a natural environment that included a walking loop, water, and seating areas. These planes of activity are 35' square and are in a precise grid. To make the courtyard accessible, the grade was raised approximately four feet. This space creates a refreshing positive ecological, psychological, and aesthetic impact on the site, building and users.