50th & France, Here We Come!


50th & France, Here We Come!

For over 25 years, Chris Doehrmann Architect has been providing residential architecture services to Minneapolis and Edina while working out of our main studio in the north metro. For the convenience of our clients, we are opening a new 50th & France satellite studio at 3801 W. 50th Street in Minneapolis. If you want to see behind the scenes of how the work gets done, you are welcome to visit our main studio in New Brighton. However, if you prefer to stay closer to home, the 50th & France satellite studio is perfectly designed to immerse you in the work we have done while allowing us to focus on the design of your home and put our experience to work for you.

50th & France is a unique, pedestrian-scale commercial district located in and around the area of West 50th Street and France Avenue South in Edina and Minneapolis, Minnesota. It includes over 175 upscale retailers and offices offering professional services, including various apparel stores, craft stores, jewelers, restaurants, cafes, spas, salons, a multiplex art-house movie theater, and a large Lunds & Byerlys grocery store. In 2007, a mid-rise condominium building was built on the southwest corner of the intersection, adding 24/7 life to the area. Moreover, the area’s plentiful parking makes it a hassle-free destination for fun activities.

50th and France is highly pedestrian-oriented, and building heights in the four-square-block district are limited to four stories. There are several mid-block pedestrian street crossings that make it easier for walkers to navigate the area. The sidewalks are paved with red brick, and the newly built structures feature brick facades that integrate them into the area’s historic architecture. Shop windows are also a key feature on both the Edina and Minneapolis sides of the district. You can walk outside while still being a part of what’s going on inside. Watch bakers creating cakes and treats that satisfy both your eyes and taste buds, or see a bride-to-be getting the first look at her dream dress or wedding cake.

The 50th & France Business and Professional Association is available to businesses within the 50th & France area boundaries, which extend from the north side of 49 ½ Street to the south side of 54th Street, and from the east side of Beard Avenue to the west side of Halifax Avenue. The purpose of the association is to promote the general welfare and economic well-being of the 50th & France business district, effectively transforming it into the pre-eminent destination for discerning consumers who desire a charming neighborhood shopping experience.

The association maintains a local directory of businesses with sidewalk maps and pamphlets to help visitors find everything they need. It also provides a monthly newsletter, gives crime alerts, provides construction updates and plans community events throughout the year. The event calendar begins in March with the Style Edina Fashion Show. In June, the 50th & France area hosts the Edina Art Fair, which has served as a national showcase for the fine arts since 1966. In July, shoppers flourish during the annual Crazy Days sidewalk sales with features and discounts from a number of stores, including outdoor sale racks and tents displaying their goods. Live music is also played in the streets to be enjoyed by all. October draws the neighborhood in with the Pumpkin Fest, and November features the Tree Lighting Ceremony with visits from Santa from 3 to 5 PM near the holiday tree on West 50th Street. During the holidays, carolers can be seen and heard strolling through the area and singing holiday songs, and the Holiday Market features local artists and vendors.

The 50th & France area is the perfect destination for neighborhood shopping and experiencing life in Edina and Minneapolis. After designing a variety of projects throughout Edina and Minneapolis, we are excited to join the 50th & France community with the opening of the Chris Doehrmann Architect satellite studio. As a residential architecture firm, we have already made an impact in the local community and are excited to make an even greater impact in the future. We have converted a tired 1-1/2 story home into a charming cottage in south Minneapolis and added style (along with a second story) to a styleless Edina rambler. Furthermore, we have seamlessly attached a garage and mudroom to a Tudor home in Kenwood and have orchestrated a whole house transformation of a home on Oakland in Edina while adding a second story. Last but not least, we’ve added new features and curb appeal to an Edina home on Arden and designed a new cottage style home in Linden Hills that respects and enhances the look and personality of the neighborhood in which it resides. Our projects vary from adding curb appeal to complete teardowns. Regardless of your personal tastes or constraints, we can help you design a home that perfectly suits your lifestyle.

If you are considering a project and aren’t sure if you should renovate or rebuild, we can help you navigate the process and ensure that you make the right decisions for you and your family. With our new 50th & France satellite studio, it’s even easier for you to put our experience to work for you. Just Contact Chris and set up a time for a complimentary initial meeting to discuss your hopes and dreams for your home.

We are excited to be a part of the 50th & France neighborhood and look forward to getting to know you!