This social couple needed a space to entertain in their classic South Minneapolis
 home. The White Crane Team transformed their typical Minnesota basement into
 a beautiful finished lower level. This multi-purpose lower level functions as a family 
room, home theater, and entertainment area featuring AV components concealed in 
custom cabinetry, eating counter, and a 3/4 bath. White Crane completed this project 
using the same quality fixtures, features, and finishes found in a main floor of the house
including a Konecto floating locking floor system, Silestone counter top, and custom 
clear Alder cabinets. Ebony trim and solid satin nickel hardware contrast the deep brown 
cabinetsand doors. Whether they arejust lounging and watching a flick, or throwing a bash,
this space reflects the clients' personal taste and meets the needs of their lifestyle. This 
project illustrates that remodeling a basement into a finished lower level adds liveable 
square footage and polish to your home.

White Crane Construction is the winner of the 2011 award for outstanding achievement in the category Residential Kitchen Over $120,000 at the fifteenth annual Contractor of the Year (COTY) Awards ceremony on November 18th.
Our COTY Award winning project is a lovely warm kitchen in a nearly 100 year old home.  Repurposing the 448 sq ft of kitchen of this 1915 lake front property, while preserving its history was critical in meeting the client's concerns.   Many original elements from the property like old growth maple flooring, oversized pocket doors, and lead glass windows were repurposed and combined with new cabinetry, granite and Silestone countertops, and mosaic tile.  Incorporation of existing elements and careful finish selection has created a seamless transformation that satisfies the homeowner's intent to preserve the integrity of their home while enjoying convenience and beauty of an updated kitchen.  The scope of the project also included reworking the front foyer and new walk-in and butler's pantries.  This truly was a team effort, and we are proud to have everyone's hard work recognized with this fantastic honor.

The Minnehaha Depot serves as the inspiration for the doghouse we are building for 
Helping Paws, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to further 
the independence of people with physical disabilities (other than blindness or 
deafness) through the use of service dogs. Milwaukee Road employees referred
to the Minnehaha Depot as the "Princess" because of its delicate gingerbread canopy.
The Depot was built in 1875 to replace a smaller station on the first railroad line into 
the Twin Cities from Chicago. In the Depot's early years, Minneapolis residents flocked 
to Minnehaha Park via train to enjoy summer weekends. Formerly a bustling 
transportation hub, the Minnehaha Depot is located along modern day Highway 
55 in South Minneapolis' Minnehaha Park. 
Managed by the Minnesota Transportation Museum. 

Source: Minnesota Historical Society. 

You wouldn't mind being "in the doghouse" if it looked like this fabulous doggie mansion.  The White Crane Team designed and built this custom luxury doghouse inspired by the historic Minnehaha Depot for the annual Helping Paws fundraiser.  Helping Paws Inc. is an organization dedicated to furthering the independence of individuals with physical disabilities through the use of service dogs.  The fundraiser, a Tail Waggin' Dinner will feature a silent auction, passed hors d'oeuvres, dinner and a live auction. Tickets are still available to this exciting event for a fantastic cause.  Check out our Facebook page for more info, and fun photos of the build.