Germania Life Building

One of the largest and most striking down town office buildings in the very heart of the business district. It is located on the corner of Fourth and Minnesota streets, opposite the First National Bank and the State Savings Bank, one block south from the Merchants National Bank and the Bank of Commerce, two blocks … Read more

The Empire Building

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

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

The Mighty Minnesota Building

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

Do it at the Dyckman

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 St. James Hotel

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

A Bird’s Eye View

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

Foshay’s Skyscratcher

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

Federal Midwest

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