Up Your Alley

1925 Marshall Alley, at east end of Marshall Avenue, which ran west from Louis to Virginia between Marshall and Iglehart in St. Paul. 1957 Alley between Thomas and Upton Avenues North, looking north to Twenty Third Avenue North, Minneapolis 1957 Looking south toward Second Avenue North along alley between Washburn and Xerxes Avenues North, Minneapolis My Collection of Mid-Summer... Read More

The Minnetrista Mushroom House

Minnetrista Mushroom House If only I had the money, time and expertise to buy up and fix up the Amazing Minnetrista Mushroom house. This place is just such an fine example of what polystyrene foam, fiberglass and free thinking can do. It may have been sitting empty for over ten years now. There have been some signs of restoration and somebody has a little Scamp trailer parked... Read More

Upland Farm

Built in 1900, The Upland Farm Caretaker Residence is a  landmark just off Hwy 7. This place has been for sale for a number of years. I think the sign outside says “sale pending” or price reduced now… There are a number of lots for sale on a snake like road behind the Caretaker’s tower. Each lot has a little model of the tower with a number on it. A few... Read More

Lake Minnetonka This Morning

I spent the morning walking around Spring Park and I couldn’t help but day dream a little when I saw the for rent sign in front of this old place. Spring Park is unique in that the two largest sides of the city are on Lake Minnetonka lake shore fronting Spring Park Bay, West Arm and Black Lake. There are approximately 22,900 feet of shoreline (4.34 miles) in Spring Park.... Read More

Another Big House

Most of the homes in the Longfellow and Nokomis neighborhoods were built, not so big and between the wars. It has always amazed me how far and how high some folks will go to create additional living space on their little city lot. I’m sure there are people in windowless rooms down at city hall trying to figure out how the construction of big homes on relatively small lots... Read More

Virginia Lee Burton’s Little House in Loring Park

If you are not familiar with Virgina Lee Burton’s Classic, the story centers on a house built at the top of a small hill, far out in the country. Her builder decrees that she “may never be sold for gold or silver” but is built sturdy enough to one day see his great-great-grandchildren’s great-great-grandchildren living in her. The house watches the seasons... Read More

Is Bigger Really Better?

Most of the homes in the Longfellow and Nokomis neighborhoods were built, not so big and between the wars. It has always amazed me how far and how high some folks will go to create additional living space on their little city lot. I’m sure there are people in windowless rooms down at city hall trying to figure out how the construction of big homes on relatively small lots... Read More