With hundreds of upscale apartments being constructed in downtown Minneapolis, we thought it would be interesting to share the results of a recent tour of one signature project. Called 222 Hennepin, the $70 million mixed-used project is anchored by a Whole Foods store and features 286 apartments.

Developed by Ryan Cos., Excelsior Group and Invesco Real Estate, the project was built on the former Jaguar auto dealership site at the corner of Washington Av. and Hennepin Av. The existing 300-stall parking garage where cars were stored at the dealership was retained, saving over 20 million pounds of concrete and more than 1 million pounds of steel rebar.

The residential portion of the project opened Aug. 15, and leasing activity has been brisk with half the units already leased. Studio apartments through two-bedroom units with dens are featured, with rents ranging from $1,100 to $4,000 a month.

Common areas include the Jag Club, with a wine room, the Skyline Lounge, 24-hour fitness center and yoga studio, underground parking for cars and bikes, rooftop terrace with outdoor pool, a bocce ball court, fireplace, grills, private off-lease dog walk, and views of downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River.

"We really want people to get out of their living space and into the common areas," said Tony Barranco, Ryan's vice president of development.

The Whole Foods store is slated to open Sept. 25.