Wells Fargo Center, Minneapolis

Back in 1985, when Norwest Corporation’s headquarters went up in flames-literally-in one of the worst office infernos in U.S. history, Hines got the call to rebuild. The result? The now-iconic Wells Fargo Center: a towering 57-story edifice that graces Minneapolis with a full-block indoor promenade, crowned by a 100-foot rotunda on one side and a stately lobby on the other. Architect César Pelli gave it a modernized Art Deco flair, paying homage to nearby architectural stars like the CenturyLink Building and the Foshay Tower a few blocks away.

Unveiled in 1988, this skyscraper quickly became a skyline superstar, racking up awards left and right. Its clever lighting-floodlights strategically placed on the stepped rooftops-bathes the upper floors in a soft glow every evening until midnight. Not just a pretty face, the building also flexes some serious eco-cred. In 2000, the EPA named it one of America’s 100 most energy-efficient buildings. And back in ’89, the Urban Land Institute bestowed its prestigious Award for Excellence in Large Scale Office Development, cementing this structure’s status as a true high-rise hero.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Warren LeMay.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Wells Fargo Center
Sight Location: Minneapolis, USA (See walking tours in Minneapolis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Minneapolis, Minnesota

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