Every Seventeen Seconds
The 26-story Rand Tower on Marquette still has one of the most beautiful art deco interiors in town. Terrazzo floors are inlaid with star and crescent shaped ornament and a large star burst. Hallways are adorned with glass, nickel, enamel and marble. Indirect lighting and panels of glass are etched to simulate clouds. The lobbies on the Marquette Avenue side are faced with Tosa grey Nelle marble set in large slabs with panels of matching grain. The focal point may be a hand-carved bronze statue called Wings by Oskar J.W. Hansen. The building was designed by Holabird & Root for Rufus R. Rand who made his fortune as part of the family that started Minnegasco. When it was completed in 1929, the Rand Tower was one of the two tallest buildings west of the Mississippi River. Rand was a World War One flying ace and the first licensed pilot in Minnesota. His love of aviation is apparent throughout the building’s design. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
1932
Great post, Noko. Are interior shots yet to come?
Like this one?
Maybe! I know somebody who wants me to take her up that elevator. If we ever get around to it, I’ll ask her to bring a camera.