Architecture After Hours

Rethosinspires people to connect with their shared places and spaces (through preservation, adaptation, and activation).

Rethos

An engaging, social evening blending conversation, architecture, and place with architect Richard Hess - part of the City Stories festival.

80 W 4th St

2026 City Stories Events

Take a look at these individual events that are part of City Stories, a multi-day festival celebrating the architecture, history, and cultural stories of the Twin Cities.

Join us for Architecture after Hours: Board + Batten, an engaging evening program featuring a talk and Q&amp;A with architect Richard Hess of Quinn Evans, hosted in the beautifully restored Hill Library—now the Avalon Theater.Richard Hess is a principal architect at Quinn Evans' Michigan office and recently led an award-winning restoration of Detroit's Michigan Central Station. In Minneapolis, Quinn Evans was also the firm that collaborated in the restoration of the Arvonne Fraser Library.Resilience by Design: Flexibility, Continuity, and the Power of PlaceRichard’s presentation explores how architecture and the built environment can be intentionally shaped to endure, adapt, and remain relevant amid social, economic, and technological change. Anticipating the needs of tomorrow demands a proactive design approach—one that embeds flexibility, longevity, and cultural continuity into the buildings and places we create. Drawing on real-world experience from the recent transformation of Michigan Central Station, Richard examines how thoughtful design can extend the life of historic structures, reconcile past and future, and accommodate evolving uses without compromising identity. The presentation reframes resilience not only as structural or environmental durability, but as a source of lasting civic, cultural, and economic strength for the next generation. Mix and Mingle with Food and DrinkBegin the night with a relaxed mix-and-mingle reception, including food and a complimentary drink. Use the time to connect with fellow attendees, design enthusiasts, and professionals from across the Twin Cities. Then settle in for a thought-provoking presentation exploring architecture, design, and the evolving role of historic spaces in contemporary life.The evening concludes with a live Q&amp;A, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with the speaker. Event Schedule<ul><li>5:00 PM – Doors Open + Networking Reception</li><li>5:50 PM -- Doors Open for presentation-only participants</li><li>6:00 PM – Welcome + Introduction</li><li>6:15 PM – Richard Hess</li><li>7:15 PM – Audience Q&amp;A</li><li>7:45 PM – Event Concludes</li></ul>Photography DisclosureRethos staff, volunteers and contract employees may document this event for future promotional materials, fundraising or advertising of Rethos as well as Doors Open and City Stories events. By attending this event, participants grant full permission to Rethos to use photographs, videotapes, motion pictures, or any other record of this event, for any legitimate purpose without any monetary payment.If you prefer not to be photographed, please notify a member of the event staff.

About City StoriesCity Stories is a multi-day festival celebrating the architecture, history, and cultural stories of the Twin Cities through tours, talks, and experiences across the region. Buy tickets to other City Stories events <a href="https://www.rethos.org/city-stories" title="https://www.rethos.org/city-stories" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">here</a>.About the SpeakerRichard Hess is an architect with Quinn Evans, a nationally recognized firm known for its work in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and cultural projects. His work reflects a deep commitment to honoring the past while designing for the future.About the VenueThe historic Hill Library, now the Avalon Theater, offers a unique setting that reflects the themes of the evening—bringing new life to a landmark space through thoughtful restoration and adaptive reuse. As a Gateway Sponsor of City Stories, Avalon Theater plays an important role in supporting access to architecture, history, and cultural experiences across the Twin Cities.

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Architecture After Hours

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