Laughter, Falling Water and Time
The seven-story Empire Building at 360 North Robert Street was completed in 1891. Designed by St. Paul architect Clarence H. Johnston, the Jacobsville Sandstone, red brick office and banking building was formerly known as the Manhattan Building and the Capital National Bank Building. At the turn of the century, the famous stenographer, Miss Ruth M. Hillman … Read more
When it was completed in 1929, the 27-story Rand Tower was one of the Mill City’s tallest buildings. The deco skyscraper designed by the architectural firm of Holabird and Root was named for World War I flying ace, Rufus R. Rand. The buildings sleek, Moderne ornamentation pays homage to aviation and Rand’s experience in the … Read more
St. Paul’s Minnesota Building became Art Deco as it was being built. In the hopes of attracting more business downtown, Architect Charles H. Hausler worked with a consortium of developers to revamp a conventional design and create the city’s first Moderne high rise. The building’s exterior paved the way for buildings like the First National … Read more
The Center of Social and Commercial Minneapolis MEMORIES that cling to a hotel serve as a magnet that attracts men playing parts in the business scheme that makes for development. Memories of epoch-making events, of gatherings and meetings at the hotel in the heart of the city cause these men to return to renew their … Read more
The Union City Mission organized by the churches of all denominations in 1895 and incorporated as an interdenominational institution. Its affairs are managed by a board of 15 business men. In 1916 it occupied its present quarters — Hennepin Av. and 2nd St. —where it maintains the new, fire-proof, 12-story St. James Hotel, lodging house … Read more
Old time photographer, William G Wallof caught this image of the famed Metropolitan Building (No.1) Featured preeminently in this 1893 view, the 12-story office building at South Third Street and Second Avenue South was dedicated in 1890. Despite efforts to save it the Metropolitan was demolished in 1961. A corner of the old Post Office … Read more
Completed in 1929, the Foshay Tower was the first skyscraper in Minneapolis the tallest building in town until 1971. The Art Deco building modeled on the Washington Monument was the creation of multimillionaire, Wilbur B. Foshay. A real estate developer who prospered in the public utilities business, Foshay lost his fortune in the 1929 stock … Read more
MIDWEST FEDERAL 801 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis “A good tree to come to for shelter.” 20-story Office Tower. First total-electric office building in area. Unique ‘5th Season’ interior climate. Mechanical equipment operated by one of nation’s most advanced control centers. All faith Chapel in the Sky. Home Offices of Midwest Federal. Corporate headquarters for many major … Read more
The International Style, Lutheran Brotherhood Home Office at was completed in 1956. The building is remembered as one of the first to incorporate curtain-wall construction. The lower level opened on a sunken garden and the ivy covered walls of the Minneapolis Club. Two floors were added during 1967-1968. Minnegasco moved in and renamed the building … Read more