The “Normandy Residence Hotel” opened in 1925, serving both long-term residents and short-term guests. The hotel had 52 guest rooms, drug store, grocery store, lobby, ladies parlor, writing room, and a dining room. The basement dining room, operated as a speakeasy during prohibition.In 1941, John F. Noble, a local entrepreneur and son of Swedish immigrants, purchased the hotel from the original owner. Noble changed the name to “Hotel Normandy” and began to establish the commercial hotel that Minnesotans and visitors have known for at least 80 years. The Normandy Kitchen was as “the steakhouse without liquor”. The motif was simple. decorated with antiques and nick-nacks. Noble’s cousin, “Uncle Clarence”, was the hired as the chef.
In 1957 Noble built the Normandy Village and added popular piano bar called Salon de Musique. In the early 1960’s Sally Saylin could be heard tickling the ivories. Wednesday nights were “Fair Lady” night at the Normandy. Teachers, office workers. home makers, nurses, stewardesses were invited to enjoy a Normandy Charcoal Steak (with all the delightful trimmings) and an after dinner cocktail in the Salon de Musique for just S3.63. Served from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m. The hotel was expanded to 85 rooms and the Normandy became the premier restaurant and banquet destination in Minneapolis. In 1973, Thomas Noble, president of Normandy Motor Inn Inc. added 72 rooms, an enclosed swimming pool and completed a general refacing of the entire building.
