Riverside Plaza

Riverside Plaza is a modernist residential complex of six concrete towers with colored exterior panels arranged at varying heights across the site. The 39-story McKnight Building anchors the center, with more than 1,000 apartments distributed throughout the different structures.

The complex was built in 1973 as part of a federal program designed to create integrated communities within existing urban areas. Architect Ralph Rapson designed this progressive housing development in response to city housing shortages at the time.

The community is home to many residents from East African backgrounds who have shaped daily life in the complex. Their presence has made the neighborhood a place where different traditions and ways of living exist side by side.

The complex has controlled access points and is equipped with elevators and other amenities that make it easy to explore the grounds. Common areas and two playgrounds are available for visitors to get a sense of community life and the overall layout.

The complex underwent a comprehensive renovation between 2006 and 2011 that ranked among the largest tax-credit rehabilitation projects in American construction history. This modernization breathed new life into the buildings while securing their future.

Location: Minneapolis

Location: Cedar-Riverside

Architects: Ralph Rapson

GPS coordinates: 44.97000,-93.24890

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:05