Minnesota Senate Office Building
Minnesota Zoo,
Waterfront Renewal Project
Minnesota Senate Office Building
MOCA Services was the Owner’s Representative for the new 155,000-square-foot Minnesota Senate Office Building, a major component of the State’s Capitol Complex modernization program. Using a Design-Build delivery model, the project provided critical legislative office space during the historic Capitol restoration while supporting the State’s long-term operational needs.
MOCA Services led program and project management efforts throughout planning, design, and construction. The team facilitated collaborative workshops with tenants, stakeholders, and members of the public to align project goals, establish design priorities, and create a strong foundation for project delivery.
MOCA Services developed pre-design and project definition documents, managed cost analysis and scheduling, guided stakeholder and public engagement efforts, and advised the State on site selection and parking strategies. During construction, the MOCA Services team oversaw project execution and supported commissioning activities to help ensure a smooth transition to occupancy.
By combining strategic planning with disciplined project oversight, MOCA Services helped the State complete the $80 million project three months ahead of schedule while saving approximately 4% of the construction budget. The completed facility provides a modern, efficient workspace that improves collaboration and operational effectiveness for Minnesota’s legislative staff.
Related Projects
Minnesota Zoo,
Waterfront Renewal Project
The transformation of Lakeside Plaza is well underway, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of the Zoo’s visitor experience and infrastructure. The project is reshaping both the physical landscape and operational capabilities of the Minnesota Zoo.
The new design prioritizes durability and functionality, with enhanced drainage systems and structural flexibility to accommodate seasonal shifts. The rebuilt plaza will support both pedestrian traffic and maintenance vehicles, while also preparing for future equipment access to the adjacent macaque (snow monkey) exhibit. Accessibility compliance remains a key design principle throughout. To streamline development, the team is leveraging design and construction documents from the earlier “Heart of the Zoo” initiative. These foundational plans are being refined with fresh insights from current stakeholders, ensuring the final layout reflects today’s needs and aspirations.
Construction activities are being carefully coordinated with relevant regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and minimize disruption. MOCA’s project team is working closely with the Zoo’s ownership and the Construction Manager at Risk, focused on delivering a seamless execution across all phases. In tandem with the plaza work, a modest remodel of the snow monkey exhibit is underway. Improvements include upgraded plumbing systems, enhanced enrichment features for the animals, and aesthetic updates to improve the guest viewing experience.
Zoo stakeholders have been actively involved in shaping the project, offering input on design, layout, and long-term maintenance considerations. This collaborative approach ensures the redevelopment aligns with the Zoo’s mission and operational goals.
Project Completion is scheduled for Summer of 2026.
More Projects
MOCA Services works on some of the most influential, innovative, and challenging design and construction projects worldwide. We are the consultant of choice for the Federal Government and the subject matter experts for State Capitol renovations. Our team works on some of the most culturally significant and architectural challenging projects in the United States. In the commercial sector, we assist in the planning and execution of large, complex projects to ensure on-time and on-budget project delivery.
