Old-timers (like me) fondly remember it as the Shinders bookstore at Eighth Street and Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis.
But now, Shea Inc., the nationally known marketing and design firm, has officially moved into the 65-year-old former Shinders digs. Shea's offices will be located on the second floor, while a new restaurant called Union will open on the first floor, lower level and rooftop deck. Union will open later this month.
Shea has partnered with sculptor Zoran Mojsilov to create a unique sculpture for its office entrance on Eight Street. The installation of the piece begins on Monday.
The sculpture is crafted from two carved pieces of stone salvaged from the Metropolitan building, a downtown Minneapolis icon that was torn down in the 1960s, as well as Kasota stone salvaged from demolished railroad underpasses at what is now Target Field. Mojsilov will hange the massive stones together with thin steel rods.
"We wanted to contribute to the commitment to art and improvement of Hennepin Avenue," said David Shea, in a statement. "Our entrance, with Zoran's incredible art, will become another vital element to Hennepin Avenue's rebirth."
Shea will occupy about 8,000 square feet of the two-story building, including a portion of the first floor and the second floor. The firm said in a news release the exterior and terrazzo floors inside have been restored, and the rest of the building has been overhauled, as well.
Original stone on the exterior and terrazzo floors inside have been restored, and the rest of the building has received a complete overhaul.
Janet Moore covers commercial real estate for the Star Tribune.
