Reviving a Historic Minnesota Hotel into Modern Homes

This: a century-old hotel in Minnesota, left empty for years, is getting a new lease on life. The Solem Hotel, built way back in 1919, is being transformed into something amazing - 18 modern apartments! This isn’t just any renovation; it’s happening with the help of some super cool 3D scanning tech. AMI Consulting Engineers and the City of Cloquet are teaming up to make this dream a reality. First, they scanned the hotel inside and out using this cutting-edge technology. This helps them quickly figure out the best way to design the apartment layouts. The goal? To create a space that’s not only modern but also safe and efficient. They’ll fix any structural issues and get rid of environmental hazards like asbestos. This process is called adaptive re-use architecture, which basically means giving old buildings new purposes while keeping their historic features intact. The project was greenlit by the Cloquet City Council in April and is expected to wrap up next year. It's not just about creating cool new homes; it’s also about providing much-needed housing in the area. The benefits of this tech are huge. It helps optimize space, minimize errors, and makes complex installations a breeze. Plus, it helps future-proof the building. It’s like giving an old friend a new look and a new purpose!