You’ve seen it. If you’ve spent any real time navigating the maze of the Minneapolis Skyway system, you have walked through 300 South 6th Street. It’s one of those buildings that feels like a cornerstone of the downtown core, even if you don't always remember its name. It’s also known as the US Bank Plaza.
But calling it just a bank building misses the point entirely.
It’s a massive, two-tower complex that basically defines the intersection of business and daily Twin Cities life. It’s got that distinctive reddish granite—specifically Academy Brown granite—that catches the light differently depending on whether it’s a brutal January morning or a humid July afternoon.
The Reality of 300 South 6th Street
Most people just think of it as "that place with the big atrium." And yeah, the atrium is a big deal. It’s a massive, glass-enclosed space that connects the North and South towers. If you’re a local, you’ve probably grabbed a coffee there while trying to figure out which Skyway bridge leads toward the Government Center and which one dumps you out toward the Capella Tower.
The North Tower stands at 40 stories. The South Tower is shorter, about 23 stories. Together, they offer over 1.3 million square feet of space. That’s a lot of cubicles. But it's also a lot of infrastructure.
Honestly, the building is a bit of a survivor. Downtown Minneapolis has been through the ringer since 2020. Remote work changed everything. But 300 South 6th Street stays relevant because it sits at the literal heart of the financial district. It’s managed by Hines, a name you’ll see everywhere in high-end real estate, and they’ve dumped significant money into keeping the place from feeling like a 1980s relic.
They did a massive renovation recently. We’re talking updated fitness centers, high-end conference facilities, and a tenant lounge that actually feels like a place you’d want to hang out in, rather than a sterile waiting room.
Why the Location Is Actually Kind of Genius
If you're looking at a map, 300 South 6th Street is bounded by Second Avenue South, Third Avenue South, 5th Street, and 6th Street. Why does this matter? Because it’s right on the Light Rail line.
🔗 Read more: Baba au Rhum Recipe: Why Most Home Bakers Fail at This French Classic
You can literally step out of the office and be on a train to the airport or the Mall of America in minutes. For commuters, that’s the dream. Or at least, as close to a dream as commuting gets.
The Skyway connections here are some of the busiest in the city. You’re linked to:
- The Hennepin County Government Center (crucial for lawyers and city workers)
- The Capella Tower
- The Ameriprise Financial Center
It’s a hub. If 300 South 6th Street disappeared, the Skyway system would have a giant, gaping hole in its heart.
Not Just a Pretty Facade
Architecturally, the building was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). If that name sounds familiar, it should. They’re the same firm behind the Burj Khalifa and the One World Trade Center. They don’t do small, and they don't do "average."
The design of US Bank Plaza (300 South 6th Street) is all about those 45-degree angles. It creates this faceted look that gives more corner offices than a standard rectangular block. In the world of corporate real estate, corner offices are currency.
But let’s talk about the glass. The windows are tinted in a way that reflects the surrounding skyline, which makes the building feel less like a giant wall of stone and more like a part of the atmosphere.
The Tenant Mix
Who actually works at 300 South 6th Street? Obviously, U.S. Bank is the big fish. They’ve had their name on the top for a long time. But the building is also home to a rotating cast of law firms, tech startups, and consultants.
💡 You might also like: Aussie Oi Oi Oi: How One Chant Became Australia's Unofficial National Anthem
The diversity of tenants is what keeps the lobby bustling. You'll see people in $3,000 suits walking past people in hoodies and sneakers. It’s a microcosm of the modern economy.
There’s also the retail aspect. The ground floor and Skyway levels host a variety of spots. You’ve got the standard sandwich shops and convenience stores, but also places that cater to the "I forgot my dry cleaning" or "I need a last-minute gift" crowd. It’s functional.
What People Get Wrong About This Spot
There's a misconception that these big downtown towers are "ghost towns" now. Look, occupancy isn't what it was in 2019. That’s just a fact. But 300 South 6th Street has pivoted. They aren't just selling desks anymore; they’re selling "amenities."
They’ve leaned hard into the "Flight to Quality" trend. This is a real thing in real estate where companies move out of older, dingier buildings and into "Class A" spaces like this one because they need to give employees a reason to actually leave their houses.
If your office has a high-end gym, a rooftop terrace (which they have), and easy access to the best lunch spots in the city, you’re more likely to show up.
Sustainability is Actually Happening
People think these old granite towers are energy hogs. Surprisingly, 300 South 6th Street has been pretty aggressive with sustainability. It’s LEED Gold Certified.
They’ve updated the HVAC systems and the lighting to be more efficient. It’s not just about "being green"—it’s about lowering operating costs for the tenants. When you’re heating a million square feet in a Minnesota winter, efficiency isn't a hobby; it’s a necessity.
📖 Related: Ariana Grande Blue Cloud Perfume: What Most People Get Wrong
Navigating the Building Like a Pro
If you’re heading there for a meeting or just exploring, here are a few things to keep in mind.
First, the security is real. You aren't just wandering up to the 30th floor without a badge or a guest pass. The lobby desks are staffed 24/7.
Second, the parking situation is... downtown parking. There is an underground garage, but it fills up fast and it isn't cheap. If you’re visiting, honestly? Just take the Light Rail or use one of the nearby public ramps like the Government Center Garage. Your wallet will thank you.
Third, the food. The Skyway level is your best bet for a quick bite. But if you want something "real," you’re only a two-block walk from some of the best spots on 7th Street or over by Nicollet Mall.
Is It Worth the Hype?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want "historic charm," go to the North Loop. 300 South 6th Street is for people who want the "Power Center" vibe. It’s for the hustle. It’s for the person who wants to be in the middle of everything and doesn't mind the sterile, high-gloss finish of corporate America.
It’s an impressive feat of engineering. The way the two towers lean into each other without actually touching is a cool visual trick. It’s a landmark.
Moving Forward with Your Visit
If you are planning to lease space or just visit 300 South 6th Street, start by checking the Skyway map. It is the easiest way to get lost.
- Check the Tenant Portal: If you’re a business owner, look into the specific tech specs of the building. They have some of the best fiber-optic connectivity in the city.
- Visit the Atrium: Even if you don't have business there, the atrium is a public-ish space during business hours. It’s a great spot for people-watching and seeing the "old" Minneapolis business world meet the "new" one.
- Use the Light Rail: Seriously. The Blue and Green lines stop right outside at the Government Plaza Station. It saves you $25 in parking fees.
- Explore the Skyway Level: Don't just stay on the ground floor. The real life of the building happens one level up.
300 South 6th Street isn't just an address. It’s a massive engine that helps keep the Minneapolis economy moving. Whether you’re there for a court date, a banking meeting, or just a turkey sandwich, you’re part of the flow of one of the city’s most significant structures.