Accomplishment …
The 465,000 square foot Lawson Commons office building was completed and occupied in the fourth quarter of 1999. The 13-story building captures views of Rice Park, the St. Paul Cathedral and State Capitol. Notable design elements include gentle curves, horizontal brass bands crossing vertical silver bands, and a mix of wood, brick, metal, and glass. The 1,000-car Lawson Commons municipal ramp opened in July 1999. A 25-foot setback on 5th Street creates a landscaped pedestrian avenue that connects Rice Park with Ecolab Plaza, both major urban focal points. The Wabasha Street retail arcade’s row of brick arches invites window shoppers to linger.

"I am a resident of St. Paul and a self-proclaimed architecture critic ... the new Lawson building is spectacular. It complements the neighboring buildings so beautifully that I am noticing and appreciating architecture that I never even looked at before." – St. Paul Resident, November 1999