808 Berry Apartments, a 20-year-old apartment complex in St. Paul, Minn., managed by Dominium Management Services LLC, sought to modernize its exterior as part of a larger rebranding effort. The redesign focused on creating a welcoming and impactful entrance for residents and visitors alike, bringing the building’s aesthetic up to date.
A primary challenge was transforming an outdated, dark, barrel-shaped canvas awning that stepped down at the main entrance. The design team from Imaginality Designs envisioned a grand, modern canopy that would enhance the building’s overall look while overcoming specific technical and architectural challenges. The solution needed to integrate signage, lighting and design that would both fit the structure and comply with city signage codes. The team initially faced setbacks when other providers deemed their vision unfeasible. A new approach was necessary to balance aesthetic ambition with practical execution.
Imaginality Designs turned to Derek McCarty from M3Sixty, who recommended Kingspan Light + Air for the project. Kingspan’s Briteway curved canopy system emerged as the ideal solution, blending translucent materials with a sleek, arched design that aligned perfectly with the building’s rebranding goals.
The new canopy was designed for optimum day and night visibility, integrating lighting and signage for maximum impact. Measuring 13 feet wide and extending 26 feet out from the arch above the entry doors, the canopy spanned over a grand staircase and was supported by four pillars of varying heights. The structure had to complement the five-story building, which occupied an entire city block, while complying with the city’s minimal signage allowance.
In addition to the main entrance, the new design was expanded to include four additional entryways, corner signage, and interior wayfinding elements, all incorporating the black and white branding that added an architectural contrast and a timeless accent to the building. This approach modernized the entire facade while maintaining code compliance.
The project involved numerous technical challenges, including working with hollow brick piers that needed to be filled with concrete to support the new structure. The existing stone caps had to be removed, and new ones fabricated.
In terms of installation, Kingspan Light + Air provided training to ensure the team could assemble the modular components of the canopy onsite. Despite the large scale of the overall canopy, its structure was designed and engineered to be fabricated in sections for ease of transport and installation
The lighting integration required detailed planning, involving three types of fixtures and internally lit signage. The team also had to find innovative ways to wire the lighting through the structure without exposing any conduit, a task made more complex by the need for special wireways and handhole access in the custom finished aluminum structural elements
Key Features of the Briteway curved canopy system:
- Translucency: Allows natural light to filter through, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors.
- Curved Design: Provides a modern, sleek look, seamlessly integrated with the building’s architecture.
- Durability: Engineered to withstand Minnesota’s harsh weather conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Modular Construction: Simplified fabrication and assembly, crucial given the project’s large scale and complex structural requirements.
The Briteway curved canopy system transformed the entrance of 808 Berry Place Apartments into a striking focal point that is visible from far down the block, offering a welcoming and modern aesthetic. The architectural contrast, enhanced by integrated signage and lighting, has given the building a fresh, contemporary look while maintaining functionality. The transformation not only modernized the building’s facade but also underscored Dominium’s commitment to quality and innovation in affordable housing.
“In the process of rebranding and updating the 808 project, we immediately saw an opportunity to remake the main entry,” explains Myrna Orensten, founder and creative director of Imaginality Designs. “We proposed replacing the dark, barrel-shaped canvas awning with something transformational—an impactful, modern, translucent, full-height canopy. I didn’t think we’d actually be able to make it happen. But with Kingspan’s products and support team, we were able to bring all the elements together and create something truly remarkable. The new entry makes a lasting impression that will stand the test of time.”
PHOTOS: Imaginality Designs
