The Cedars is comprised of four buildings housing 538 apartments. Working closely with Minneapolis Public Housing Authority and the residents, we completed an intensive master planning, programming and feasibility phase. The result identified work for staging over the next ten years.

The first phase focused on modernization at the four high rise buildings, including enhancement of all community gathering and education spaces, life safety and security improvements, and mechanical and electrical upgrades. The new pavilion building in the center of the site provides residents gathering spaces, congregate dining program, commercial kitchen and property management offices. The addition is a focus for activity from all four buildings, and shapes outdoor spaces for the residents.

The Hiawatha Light Rail Transit project greatly impacted The Cedars. Preparing and presenting a factual assessment of physical impact was a primary reason that the station was moved off The Cedar's outdoor spaces to an adjoining public area. Our work included evaluating traffic, parking, vegetation, pedestrian circulation, noise, emergency vehicle access, metro transit and shuttles, station drop-off, privacy and security. The project also displaced a large garden used by the residents for growing food. Relocating the gardens was a fast-paced, collaborative effort between McMonigal Architects, the gardeners, MPHA, and Korean Service Center. The project received an award from the City of Minneapolis and the Committee on Urban Environment for significant achievement in design and aesthetic excellence.