Empty-nesters Bill and Barbara Cadogan had raised their family in Eden Prairie, and were looking for a little more excitement. "The answer was downtown Minneapolis," said Bill.
In 2008, they moved to a glass tower in the heart of the city. The couple bought a home in the Carlyle, the tallest residential tower in the state. The 39-story Art Deco-style building is just a block from the Mississippi riverfront.
The Cadogans' 32nd-floor corner unit delivers 270-degree panoramic views of downtown skyscrapers, U.S. Bank Stadium and the rushing river.
"There are so many things to do close to your front door," said Bill. The couple take advantage of the location and walk to the Guthrie, Orchestra Hall, grocery stores, restaurants and river trails. Parking is never a problem because they can walk to Vikings and Twins games. "We can even see the pitcher's mound from the condo," said Bill.
As the first owners, the couple chose all the finishes and custom features for their sleek cosmopolitan condo.
A two-sided gas fireplace divides the living room and family room. The rooms boast different styles, with a more casual stone for the family room and dark-stained wood gracing the living-room fireplace. "It's a nice place to sit and visit before dinner," said Bill.
The open kitchen features walnut cabinets, granite countertops, a Wolf cooktop, and was designed for "having friends and family over and socializing," Bill said.
In the summer, they cook steaks on a gas grill on their balcony.