The document summarizes a reuse plan for the historic Pillsbury A. Mill complex in Minneapolis. The mill, completed in 1881, was once the largest and most advanced flour mill in the world but has been vacant since the 1960s. The proposed reuse plan would transform the mill into a mixed-use development featuring an exploration environment museum modeled after the City Museum of St. Louis, housing and lodging accommodations, a brewery and restaurant utilizing the industrial aspects of the site, and open green space, while preserving the mill's defining architectural elements and significance in industrial history.
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Poppe & Richardson - Pillsbury A Mill
1. Saving the Pillsbury A. Mill:
A Reuse Plan for the
Pillsbury Complex
By Elle Poppe & Emily Richardson
2. “Only one of the giant flour mills that made
Minneapolis the milling capital of the nation from
1880 until 1930 still stands. The Pillsbury “A” Mill
was the largest, most advanced mill in the world
at its completion in 1881. From a 4,000 barrel-a-
day capacity in 1882, it eventually grew to 17,500.
The “A” Mill was a masterpiece of industrial
design, a standard from which all other mills of its
time were measured.” - Significance Statement
4. Industrial mills began to appear in the
Saint Anthony Falls area in the early 19th
century. The mills utilized the natural water
power provided by the falls & technological
advances. Fossil fuels began to replace water
power in the late 1930s causing a decline in
the Minneapolis industry. By the 1960s the
once-mighty flour mills ceased production
and the rail lines central to feeding the mills
were removed.
5. “To some it is a giant Archeaological dig. To others it is a playground of
dining and nightlife and yet to others, it is a maze of beautiful parks and
trails.” - St. Anthony Main
8. Water Wheel
•Two 55 victor water wheels
•The Wheels used the power of the falls to harvest their energy
9. The A. Mill Significant Features
•First Mill in the area to have been designed by an Architect
•Bowed appearance of the Facade
•Original Interior Timber Framing
10. Grain Elevator and Signage
•Greater Context of the City Skyline
•Aesthectic Appearance
12. Exploration Environment:
Modeled after City Museum in
St. Louis.Would allow people to
experience milling and industrial
equipment in a different tactile
way. This would be a one of a
kind experience.
14. Brewery &
Restaurant
One of the main attractions
of the complex would be a
brewery. This would allow
for a use that would utilize
the instustrial aspects of the
site. Other componets of
the brewery would include a
restaurant, tours, and a pedal
pub service.
