W.D. Washburn’s Park

This little park was named for the William Washburn “Fair Oaks” estate. The brother of Cadwallader Washburn, founder of the famous Washburn-Crosby milling company. Washburn had a long career as a politician and served in the United States Senate from 1889-1895. Washburn High School is named for him. After the Minneapolis park board was created … Read more

At the Aberdeen

Designed by the architectural firm of Wilcox and Johnston, the Hotel Aberdeen was completed in 1889 for less than $250,000. Perched on the southwest corner of Virginia and Dayton, three blocks away from the grand homes of Summit Avenue, the Aberdeen was a fine, old residential hotel complete with cafe, fine dining and a grand … Read more

The Queen of Commission Row

In the late 1800s and the early decades of the last century, produce passed through a corner of the old Minneapolis Warehouse District called Commission Row. The heart of the bustling business of farmers and grocers,  the Central Market was just behind the Butker Brothers Warehouse, where 2nd Avenue North crossed 6th Street. There was … Read more

Elevators Every 17 Seconds

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