S. is all about. Planners are calling it the nation s first center devoted to reading, writing and book arts. More importantly to Minneapolis officials, the Open Book represents the latest chapter in the revival of the city s riverfront area. The facility joins the Milwaukee Road Depot, Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Center, Washburn Crosby Mill Ruins and the proposed Guthrie Theatre project in a part of northeast downtown that holds great promise as a cultural magnet, according to city officials. Just across traffic-clogged Washington Avenue, the Liquor Depot and Total gas station do a brisk business.
Grain elevators loom in the distance.
Rockcastle said the brick buildings have a history albeit a humble one as a combination warehouse and distribution center that he wanted left intact. At the same time, he added new architectural features, including skylights and walls of windows that will allow visitors to watch artists at work. The spirit of Open Book is also open architecture, he said. Visitors will be able to watch artisans from the Minnesota Center for Book Arts practice the traditional crafts of bookmaking, papermaking, letterpress printing and hand book-binding. A shop will sell everything from supplies for bookmaking to handmade gifts.