A Creative Comeback at West River Arts

Just a year ago, the West River Arts building was mostly vacant—its brick and concrete spaces waiting for a new chapter. Today, the 30,295-square-foot property is fully leased and home to a vibrant community of artists, designers, makers and small businesses.

Element’s Aaron Meyers represented the buyer in the acquisition, working closely with the seller to creatively navigate the transaction and bring the deal to a successful close. Post-acquisition, Element partnered with ownership to develop a targeted leasing strategy grounded in deep knowledge of the local creative market.

A key move was the repositioning of the building’s expansive second floor, which was reimagined into smaller, multi-tenant suites tailored to meet demand for flexible, right-sized spaces. This strategy quickly paid off—with a full lease-up in less than a year. Eight new leases were signed over the course of a year, including Fowzi Media, an advertising agency tenant that expanded its footprint. Now home to a mix of galleries, print shops, design firms, and product innovators like Synch Tec, West River Arts has become a true creative hub in Northeast Minneapolis.

Building improvements such as updated restrooms, refreshed common areas, and a refinished parking lot helped enhance the tenant experience, while Element’s strategic leasing approach ensured those spaces were filled with the right mix of artists, designers, and makers. Ongoing signage, wayfinding, and branding updates continue to support the building’s evolution as a true creative campus in Northeast.

With its spaces full and energy high, the building’s revival is a testament to thoughtful strategy and creative thinking. West River Arts has become more than just a renovated property—it’s a community rooted in creativity and collaboration. And with its spaces now fully leased, its story is just beginning.