Smith Douglas More House
Eden Prairie, MN

This 1877 farmhouse sat vacant for years until a partnership between the City of Eden Prairie and Dunn Bros. Coffee brought new life to the property. In collaboration with the architect, CLOSE Landscape Architecture+ guided these dual clients through a sensitive rehabilitation of the historic building and site that met several goals, including HPC approval, economic vitality and a balance of public access with the needs of a private business. The character of the farmstead was maintained throughout. A parking lot was tucked in a "side yard" by the outbuildings. A stormwater management basin was sculpted and planted as a rural "ditch." The sidewalk approach and outdoor seating were integrated with the main house to create a "front yard." In 2003, the project received a Preservation Award from the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota and an AIA- MN Recognition Award.