Located in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood of Minneapolis, Wirth on the Woods seamlessly integrates housing and nature. Consisting of two six-story buildings connected by a single level of underground parking, The Theodore provides 100 units of affordable senior dwellings, while The Eloise offers 100 units of market-rating housing for seniors. Together, the development represents the transformation of an underutilized site into a vibrant community connected by trails, parks, and gardens. Residents can enjoy a variety of amenities like an outdoor plaza, club rooms, rooftop sky lounge, greenhouse, community gardens, and on-site trail connections to the adjacent Theodore Wirth Park.
Site density and stormwater control posed significant challenges for the design. To overcome these issues, the development team adopted a unique multi-agency approach, collaborating with the Minneapolis Public School Board, the City of Minneapolis, MHFA, and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board. Rather than viewing these challenges as obstacles, the team identified them as opportunities to create new amenities. The development of a regional storm pond required meticulous engineering and wetland delineation, resulting in the transformation of the area into a boardwalk bridge and outdoor nature classroom. Through this cohesive masterplan, Wirth on the Woods integrates thoughtful design of multiple buildings into a vibrant community.