Prior to finding its current home in the Crown Iron Works building, the Grain Belt Brewery building in northeast Minneapolis provided McMonigal Architects with an inspiring workspace for 10 years. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 1891 landmark offered tall ceilings, exposed structure, brick walls, an open floor plan, and exceptional city views. Transforming the raw tower into a functional office space required careful attention to detail and respect for the building’s historic beauty, while integrating modern technology. Minimal built-in elements allowed for flexibility and an open studio work environment. Each element was thoughtfully integrated to balance the old with the new.