WE'VE MOVED!

Not only has our office moved to 10 South 8th Street, but our blog has also moved.

Find us at www.sheadesign.com/blog

Zoran joins Shea on 8th Street

As you walk past our new office, you will notice there's something new to catch your eye...it has many people stopping looking twice.  Shea is working with scupltor Zoran Mojsilov to have a scuplture add another element to the streetscape at our main entrance on 8th Street.  The sculpture is a work-in-progress that should be completed sometime in the spring.  Take a look at photos of Zoran and his assistant installing the first of the stones.  Be sure to check it out and watch it develop.

Welcome To Our New Office!

We've unpacked the boxes and now it's time to enjoy our new office!  Take a look at these photos of our new office located in the former Shinder's building at 10 South Eighth Street.


Custom walnut conference room table.




Many break out rooms for meetings.  Check out the fun carpet!




A new open floor plan allows collaboration and creativity to flow.



Shea making a statement downtown

We moved in last Monday and the press and public have been stopping by to take a look at our new office.  Dan Heilman and his photographer Bill Klotz of Fiance and Commerce stopped in to discuss the new space.  Read their article below:

Beyond Shinders: Shea Inc. makes a statement on downtown corner

By Dan Heilman Finance and Commerce

7:00 am Wed, November 14, 2012



A full retractable rooftop for Union restaurant, which
opens later this month, is among the new features in
the redeveloped Shinders building at Hennepin
Avenue and Eighth Street in downtown Minneapolis.

(Staff photo: Bill Klotz)



When the people of Shea Inc. contemplated moving their headquarters, they decided to build up the internationally recognized design and marketing firm’s street visibility and adopt a new look by going retro.

Last week the Minneapolis-based business completed the move from Butler Square, its home for nearly a quarter-century, to the former downtown Shinders building at Eighth Street and Hennepin Avenue.

Shea downsized its work space from 10,800 square feet to about 8,200 square feet and introduced cutting-edge design elements while maintaining some of the characteristics — and eccentricities — of the 65-year-old building.

The 24,000-square-foot former magazine and memorabilia store will house Shea’s offices on the second floor and the Union restaurant on the first floor, lower level and rooftop. Union is set to open later this month.

The total cost of the ongoing overhaul was first projected at $3 million, but ended up being “somewhat north” of that figure, according to Shea owner David Shea. Minnetonka-based Welsh Construction is the general contractor and Shea handled the architectural and interior design for the three-level project.

Shea got involved when building owners Zel-Wel LLC asked the firm to help recruit a restaurant to occupy the corner space. That led to discussions resulting in Shea taking part of the building.

The project took about a year to design and build. The primary design and construction challenge on the project was finding a way to concurrently work on the building, the Union restaurant and Shea’s new offices within a relatively small space, Shea said.

“It was like a Swiss watch — lots of disparate moving parts,” he said. “We had to deal with the complexity of having a full rooftop restaurant with retractable roof, two elevators, multiple stairs and the idea that we’re sandwiched between two restaurants [because of multiple levels for Union]. We wanted a first-floor presence, but one that didn’t take away from the retail portion of it.”


Shea’s offices on the second floor, which extend all
the way to Hennepin Avenue, sport large work
islands and are designed to encourage accessibility
 and communication. The only office with a locking
door is occupied by the company’s chief financial
 officer. (Staff photo: Bill Klotz)



A blend of old and new

The entrance to the new space, at 10 Eighth St. S., kept the terrazzo flooring that still carries the logo of the former Snyder’s drugstore. In fact, building co-owner Sue Zellickson is part of the Snyder family that owned the drugstore chain. The original stone on the exterior and terrazzo floors inside also were restored for the new space.

To mark the front entrance, Shea and Minneapolis sculptor Zoran Mojsilov teamed up to create a unique sculpture, whose installation started Monday. Tying together pieces of the city’s history, the sculpture uses carved stone salvaged from downtown’s Metropolitan building, which was demolished in the 1960s, as well as Kasota stone salvaged from railroad underpasses knocked down to make way for Target Field. The huge stones will be hung together next to the entrance with thin steel rods.

“David [Shea] recognized the stone from the Metropolitan Building and thought it would be a great fit,” said Cori Kuechenmeister, lead designer on the project along with creative director Dan Berg.

The mix of old and new strikes the visitor upon entering the new space. A crackled-glass overhead barrier shelters visitors at the entrance. The wall behind the reception area, composed of white Venetian plaster, was designed by Trompe Decorative Finishes of Minneapolis. The reception desk is made of hand-selected Calcutta marble.

In front of an open staircase, the space’s east wall exposes the building’s original bare brick, much of it scarred by a fire that destroyed an adjoining building. A row of “up lighting” plays up the multicolored brick wall.

“We intended it to be something of a blank canvas,” said Tanya Spaulding, a principal with Shea. “We wanted a completely clean look.”

The second floor, which extends all the way to Hennepin Avenue, sports large work islands to the north of a grid of cubicles. The work area is designed to encourage accessibility and communication; the only office with a locking door is occupied by the company’s chief financial officer.

The production area houses the company’s 35 employees, with breakout meeting areas placed at either end.

The work islands double as spaces where Shea can present its work to clients. Slots are carved into the tabletops to accommodate layout boards and different illumination styles — LED, fluorescent, incandescent — employed in various spots to best present the colors in the projects on display.

“The remainder of the building is very utilitarian and austere,” said Spaulding. “It’s a huge departure from where we were.”

Shea signed a 10-year lease in a building that has been vacant since Shinders closed in 2007.

“I like the openness and street presence of it,” Shea said of the space. “For the 35 years we’ve been in business, we’ve always been in office buildings. This is our first opportunity to be on the street and have people see energy and activity when they walk by.”

Charlie Awards winners announced

The Star Tribune posted the winners of the second-annual Charlie Awards.  Shea wishes congratulate our clients Meritage, Masu,  Johnny Michaels, and Heartland….and to the rest of a great Mpls food scene!   

Charlie Awards winners announced

The second-annual Charlie Awards, which recognize exceptional contributions of Twin Cities restaurants, chefs, bartenders, community leaders and other practitioners, was held at the Pantages Theatre in downtown Minneapolis on Sunday afternoon.


Check out full article by clicking link:
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/taste/blogs/178748881.html

Hennepin & 8th goes from Shinders to Shea!!!

We've spent the week unpacking boxes, working around painters, installers, and contractors but it's safe to say we're officially moved in!  We can officially say Shea has a new office!!!!
Janet Moore of the Star Tribune posted the following article the front page of Saturday's business section...see below for updates on what you can expect to see at the corner of 8th & Hennepin  

The nationally known marketing and design firm will have offices on the second floor. A new restaurant called Union will open on the first floor, lower level and rooftop deck.

Many Twin Citians may recall the former Shinders bookstore at 8th Street and Hennepin Avenue S. in downtown Minneapolis.

But now, Shea Inc., the nationally known marketing and design firm, has moved into the 65-year-old former Shinders digs. Shea's offices will be on the second floor, while a new restaurant called Union will open on the first floor, lower level and rooftop deck. Union will open later this month.

Shea has partnered with sculptor Zoran Mojsilov to create a unique sculpture for its office entrance on 8th Street. The installation of the piece begins Monday.

The sculpture is crafted from two carved pieces of stone salvaged from the Metropolitan building, a downtown Minneapolis icon that was torn down in the 1960s, as well as Kasota stone salvaged from demolished railroad underpasses at what is now Target Field. Mojsilov will hang the massive stones together with thin steel rods.


Kyndell Harkness, Star Tribune



"We wanted to contribute to the commitment to art and improvement of Hennepin Avenue," David Shea said in a statement. "Our entrance, with Zoran's incredible art, will become another vital element to Hennepin Avenue's rebirth."

Shea will occupy about 8,000 square feet of the two-story building, including a portion of the first floor and the second floor. Original stone on the exterior and terrazzo floors inside have been restored, and the rest of the building got a complete overhaul, the firm said.

The quirky newsstand closed in 2007 when owner Robert Weisberg ran into legal troubles.

Rosa Mexicano is now in San Francisco!

Shea continues our partnership with the Rosa Mexicano team to open another branch of their unique restaurants...this time on Mission Street in San Francisco.  While the professional reviewers are still stopping by and taking notes, check out what the eater.com reviewer, Carolyn Alburger had to say about the new restaurant.  Then stop by and check it out for yourself.

For several months now, San Francisco has awaited its very own outpost of nationwide, upscale Mexican restaurant chain Rosa Mexicano. And today is the day, all you tacovores. The company opens its 15th location in San Francisco's One Market building, and they got the memo about restaurants around here: The location sports handmade dinner tables, a live-edge communal and a groovy hyper-local angle.

Militant sustainable-organic types, take note!: "culinary advisor"/Barbuto chef Jonathan Waxman has added a handful of things like cheese fondue with peppers and 4505 Meats chorizo and chicken tortilla pie made with Mary's air-chilled chickens. The menu is not without its shocks, however: there is a rare frozen margarita sighting, and—hold onto your Jenny Craig memberships—"skinny margaritas."

Sneak Peak of Shea's NEW office!!!

At Shea, we've been fielding the common question: What are you doing on Hennepin Ave?


The answer: We're putting ourselves right on it!

After many years of helping to improve the street, we're putting our money where our mouth is and moving right smack dab in the middle of Hennepin. And, we're almost ready to move!

Here's a sneak peek of whats happening:

 

Here is a shot of the 2^nd floor (the main area for offices) with painting is in progress.  Soon systems furniture should be arriving, carpet will be installed, and our new custom kitchen/ lounge will be installed. 

One of the exciting feature elements will be the open, floating staircase greeting guests from our first floor lobby.  Note the great existing brick wall with years and layers of history, including a fire.

Our soon to be main entrance, which will feature a great stone sculpture from Zoran Mojsilov.

Keep watching, and we’ll keep you posted as more new and fun elements are finalized.

We'll be in and ready to go by November 6, and anticipating Union's open (our bar/restaurant above and below us) by mid to late November.

2nd Annual Charlie Awards are Coming!

For the second year, the Charlie Awards will recognize the exceptional contributions of the Twin Cities metro area food and restaurant industry.  And once again, many of Shea's clients, project partners, and hangouts are nomitnated.  The categories for the awards include:

• Restaurants
• Corporations and businesses (e.g. food suppliers, vendors, retailers, wholesalers)
• Institutions (e.g. hospitals and schools)
• Beverage manufacturers and suppliers (e.g. breweries, wineries, distillers, coffee, beer and wine crafters)
• Culinary schools
• Chefs
• Restaurant staff (e.g. wait staff, bartenders, maitre de, pastry chef)
• Bartenders
• Food Trucks
• Coffee Shops

Any member of the general public is invited and encouraged to vote online for their favorite food item. All votes must be cast by 11:59 pm on October 28, 2012.
http://www.charliesexceptionale.com/vote/


The 2nd Annual Charlie Awards will be held on Sunday, November 11. The entertainment-packed show will be at 2:00 pm at the Pantages Theatre. A VIP brunch will kick off the day and benefit Open Arms (VIP Brunch tickets sold separately). Everyone attending the show is invited to attend the after-party in the IDS Crystal Court from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Sushi isn't just for adults!

At Shea, we know how delicious dining at Masu can be.  We also know that when we create experiences, who you dine with can shape your view of a restaurant.  If you’ve been staying away because you’re afraid of bringing the kids, take a look at what Jill Lewis of the Heavy Table wrote about bringing her kids to Masu…

Considering I didn’t touch sushi until I was north of 25, a Japanese restaurant has never been on my radar as a family meal destination. But a visit to Masu Sushi and Robata in Northeast Minneapolis left me and my husband hungry for more — so hungry, in fact, that we decided we didn’t need to wait for our one-and-only babysitter to be available to savor the steaming noodle bowls and spicy tuna rolls again. So with wishful thinking we recently entered the restaurant as a party of four at a relatively early (6 pm) dinner hour and happily discovered that Masu has almost as much to recommend for the stroller-and-older set as it does for the rest of us.

The hosts greeted us warmly, showed us to a corner table that offered both bench and chair seating, and immediately produced a booster seat for my 2-year-old. Fortunately, our table sat just below the large display of colorful dolls and across from the restaurant’s striking geisha-eyes mural, giving us plenty of amusement as we perused the menu. The server graciously replaced the stone spoon and resting dish at the kids’ places with plastic versions. Though we stopped the boys from using their spoons as musical instruments, the ample spacing among tables didn’t make a normal level of kid noise an issue.

Masu’s large menu, which spans from bite-sized izakaya to skewered robata, sushi rolls, and generous noodle bowls, often makes it difficult for eager adults to pick among all the options, but it helps parents find at least a dish or two that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. Our server steered us toward the grilled meats on the robata menu, and the momo chicken thigh medallions didn’t last for long on our table. The yaki-onigri (grilled rice ball) also scored big — the rice’s stickiness allowed the ball to be devoured in finger-sized chunks, pleasing children who have been trying to eat rice with their fingers since they were babes. Despite the lack of a children’s menu, our server offered to bring out small bowls of plain ramen for $8 each, but we opted to split a bowl of beef udon between the boys. They couldn’t get enough of the tender short-rib meat and the umami-rich broth, but the snake-like udon noodles needed a little parental intervention to bring them to a slurp-appropriate length for smaller mouths. Though they still turned up their noses at our spicy tuna roll, they lapped up spoonfuls of the broth from the adults’ ramen and soba bowls.


If nothing else, the trip to Masu will be worth it just to watch your child navigate his or her meal with chopsticks — ours found some pretty ingenious ways to maneuver chicken with — and fill your own belly with some of the best Japanese food in the area. Even if your kid can’t distinguish a sushi roll from Parker House roll, don’t let that deter you. Masu has enough surprises that it may become a favorite of the entire family.

Masu Sushi and Robata, 303 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414; 612.332.6278.