Architect Dean Devolis, of DRJ Architecture (http://www.djr-inc.com/), talks passionately about his initial creative visions that ultimately led to the shaping and construction of the Ellipse, and how his ideas have evolved as he has continued to work on the project.
 
“The first thing I thought about was the importance of creating a sense of identity in the physical place on the corner of the plaza,” Dean explains. “I thought ‘What would be one unique feature that would really set this building apart?’ Images of a sweeping curve of the plaza and an expansive public space came to me. I wanted this building to have a presence. I started with those initial visions – the curvature of the public plaza and its accompanying roof – and worked out from there.”
 
Building on that mental picture, Dean helped transform the Ellipse into an actual development giving it structure, foundation and logic. He calls it a true creative experience. “And my vision is constantly evolving and developing,” he says. “It’s never static until it’s done.”
 
It should come as no surprise that Dean’s favorite features of the Ellipse are the curved plaza and its roof – the same features he first envisioned when conceptualizing the structure. “The curve of the plaza and its unique roofing give the building an identity that people will remember. It gives the Ellipse a sense of address. People will always recognize it because it’s different – it stands out.”
 
Dean put a lot of thought into determining the layout the plaza area. “My goal was to figure out how to fold and sheath the plaza and retail space so that it wasn’t simply one long block. We wanted to make it curve so that instead of seeing a straight slab, you see bits and pieces, or facets of it. You never see the whole thing at once, because it folds. It has depth.”
 
Beyond just the plaza, Dean put careful consideration into his design of the entire building. He didn’t want the development to tower over the neighbors, and he didn’t want it to disrupt the nearby parks or neighborhoods. “The idea, explains Dean, “was to create something that would complement the area, and also serve as a gateway to St. Louis Park.”