IDS Center was instantly heralded as an architectural breakthrough for designers Philip Johnson, John Burgee and Ed Baker, for Minneapolis and for the future of American high-rise architecture.

More than physical success, however, shaped the IDS Center's reputation. The building, designed in the center of the city is occupied by many of the community's leading businesses and is the center of significant business decisions. The address is known as one of America's most prestigious buildings, occupied by some of America's most successful businesses.

Buildings Magazine noted: "Every aspect of the block square confluence which is the IDS Center seems to have been developed for the convenience and enjoyment of people."

What a reputation in an era when successful companies are considered to be those who demonstrate an ability to attract, care for and retain their people. Each space fits an individual company's needs in ways that exactly fit and support the growth and success of that enterprise.

Called "one of the finest skyscrapers built in any American City" by the New York Times, the IDS Center continues to be recognized for its innovative architectural design since it was built in the early 1970's.

Historic Italian piazzas served as the model for the IDS Center's 23,000 square foot Crystal Court, which features a cascading 105 foot ceiling-to-floor water fountain, a canopy of glass skylights which soar 121 feet above ground, and an urban park with black olive trees surrounded by white benches.

The Distinctive cut back exterior design, referred to as "zogs," creates the potential for 32 corner offices on each floor. This efficient design is complemented by the column free interior design and 50 foot bay depth which maximize design flexibility.

Contained in the complex's 2.25 million square feet (the equivalent of ten miles of four-lane freeways) are a 57 story (775 foot) office tower; the 19 story luxury Marquette Hotel; the eight story 770 Marquette building; three levels of underground parking; multiple restaurants, commercial and retail spaces and a naturally lighted indoor plaza.

42,614 panes of reflective glass were used in the construction of the IDS Center...enough for one pair of sunglasses for each resident of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North and South Dakota. The IDS Center's continuous span of ceiling-to-floor glass is unmatched by any building in Minneapolis, existing or planned.

Concrete and steel provide enormous stability. 90,000 cubic yards of concrete- equivalent to 1,020 home basements, and 15,000 tons of structural steel - enough for a navy cruiser - were used to construct the complex.

Continued investments in the IDS Center include the 1993 $4 million lobby and elevator renovations and the $2 million court renovation completed in 1998, which fulfilled Philip Johnson's original visions of the Crystal Court.