Story at a glance:
- Gensler’s renovation of the Sheraton Minneapolis celebrates the hotel as an iconic property in the city.
- The newly renovated hotel near the convention center opened in 2025 and emphasizes sustainable material choices.
Warm colors, plush seating and carpets, and an art deco vibe dominate the recently renovated Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown. Opened in May 2025, the 14-story, four-star hotel is steps from the Minneapolis Convention Center and celebrates all things beautiful while maintaining high sustainable design standards, as global architecture and design firm Gensler was responsible for all of the property’s interior design and documentation, from concept through construction documents.
“This is a legacy project for the client’s family who originally developed the building in the 1960s,” says Douglas Detiveaux, design director and hospitality practice area expert at Gensler.
Detiveaux says the hotel has been a fixture of the Twin Cities for more than six decades, serving as a beloved host for countless celebrations, events, and gatherings. “The new Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown continues this legacy with a modernized guest experience and refreshed amenities that enhance moments of community and connection. Owned and run by the Capp family, the transformed property now boasts an inviting redesign of its 321 guest rooms; design and functional upgrades to all 19 event spaces; added public spaces; two Materials in the project meet strict Gensler Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards, Detiveaux says. GPS standards are a “comprehensive, open-source framework designed to guide architects, designers, and manufacturers toward more sustainable material choices in the built environment.” The initiative involves rigorous vetting of products based on their environmental impact, ensuring they meet or exceed specific standards. Gensler released the material standards, which anyone can access, in early 2024, starting with the most common, high impact product categories and continues to update them.
“While honoring its rich legacy, the renovation introduced finishes and furnishings that go above and beyond Sheraton brand standards, reflecting the playful duality of the Twin Cities. The design now features abundant daylighting throughout the lobby and meeting spaces, creating a bright, welcoming atmosphere. The result is a hotel that feels both familiar and fresh, rooted in history yet fully reimagined for the future,” Detiveaux says.
The design team at Gensler updated the building’s original, playful character using expressive furniture forms and color schemes, while infrastructure, MEP, and life-safety systems were upgraded to meet rigorous standards. An existing fireplace was renovated and finishes were enhanced. Seating in the cozy lobby area comes from Sandalyeci and Bridgeport. The carpet is from OW Hospitality. Photo courtesy of Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center
The $40 million renovation is the first major renovation since the hotel, set on the site of the city’s former Capp Towers Motor Hotel, opened in the 1960s. The comprehensive renovation included a rebrand, the modernization of its 321 guest rooms, and upgrades to public spaces, lobby, and event venues.
Biophilic design strategies are present throughout the project, and daylighting played a central role in transforming the hotel. “The design maximized natural light throughout the building, with all meeting spaces and the lobby offering generous daylight views, especially the rooftop meeting rooms,” Detiveaux says. “The iconic glass dome, fully open to the sky with 360-degree panoramic views, not only creates a dramatic architectural statement but also reduces reliance on artificial lighting and contributes to a healthier hospitality experience.” The dome was restored to showcase skyline views.
The design team worked with the project’s existing neutral and natural stone finishes to build a refined palette that felt grounded and timeless. “Subtle pops of color and a neutralized color scheme bring warmth and character without overwhelming the space, while timeless geometric material patterns and playful artwork add layers of personality for a fresh and contemporary, yet familiar and enduring aesthetic,” Detiveaux says.
Photo courtesy of Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center
Photo courtesy of Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center
He says the renovation went far beyond aesthetic improvements to restore the property to its rightful place as an icon within the city, honoring the building’s rich history while embracing modern design details and celebrating what he called the “unconventional spirit of Minneapolis.”
“Working on the Sheraton Minneapolis renovation was an incredibly rewarding experience as a designer, especially knowing it was a legacy project for the owner,” Detiveaux says. “It was a rare opportunity to honor decades of history while breathing new life into an iconic property that has long been part of the city’s hospitality landscape. The design process was driven by a deep respect for the past and a bold vision for the future.”
