Thresher Square hotel details unfold, will become Midwest's first Canopy by Hilton

Another lifestyle hotel brand is a step closer to planting its flag in downtown Minneapolis.

Local developer Sherman Associates released renderings of how it plans to convert the historic Thresher Square complex, originally comprised of office buildings, into a 182-room Canopy by Hilton, the first of that Hilton line of hotels in the Midwest.

"We're proud to be the first developers to bring Canopy by Hilton to our thriving and energetic city and especially the Mill District and East End, a place known for its historical flour mills, as well as its musical venues, art institutions and farmers markets," George Sherman, president of Sherman Associates, said in a statement.

Thresher Square, located at 700 S. 3rd St., is close to U.S. Bank Stadium in the rapidly developing East Town neighborhood.

In addition to the hotel, Sherman has planned a mixed-use project it is calling East End on the same block between Park and Chicago avenues that will also include a 10,700-square-foot Trader Joe's grocery store, about 180 apartments and a two-story underground parking garage.

Early next year, developers will go before the city's Heritage Preservation Commission for approval and will then apply for the building permit for Thresher Square. The hotel is expected to open in the first quarter of 2018, in time to serve guests for the Super Bowl at U.S. Bank Stadium.

On its website, Hilton describes Canopy as "the energizing, new hotel in the neighborhood offering simple, guest-directed service, thoughtful local choices, and surprisingly comfortable spaces, so guests simply feel better going forward."

"Canopy by Hilton will bring an entirely new level of lifestyle hospitality experience to the Minneapolis market," Matt Wehling, senior vice president of development for the United States and Canada for Hilton Worldwide, said in a statement. "Our focus on integrating the local neighborhood throughout our amenities, programs and services will highlight the thriving Mill District area, providing an authentic and refreshing local experience."

Thresher Square is actually two buildings, one with six stories built in 1900 and the other with seven stories built in 1904. The orange brick facade and a united roof line give them a common outward appearance. The complex is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Thresher Square will have a "Minneapolis-inspired" main lobby called Canopy Central and elevators and staircases. The lobby will feature a 3,000-square-foot restaurant that will serve farm-to-table food along with a bar. The interior of the hotel is being designed by Omaha-based DLR Group which has offices in Minneapolis.

There had previously been plans for a Canopy hotel to be featured in United Properties' makeover of the Nicollet Hotel Block, but now plans include a Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.

Nicole Norfleet • 612-673-4495