Minneapolis Mansions, History in the Making

Minneapolis is known more for its sparkling lakes and glass towers than historical landmarks. Sister city St. Paul revels in its heritage of protected properties. Until recently I didn’t even know that Minneapolis had a 15 district landmark map and 170 designated buildings. We drive by without noticing, oblivious to the stories behind hundred year old walls.

The Minneapolis department of Community Planning and Economic Development recently ran a contest requesting photos of landmarks to use on its site, or in publications. I’ve always been intrigued with the history of homes and how people lived before we were even a speck in the universe. Most of the time there are few photos, and only hearsay about the homes. When I’ve sold historical properties, I look for clues that tell the secrets of the past and have run into a couple ghosts. There’s a home behind Walker Art Center built in 1913 that had the original blue prints framed in the library. What was different was that the kitchen was tiny, but the porch behind it was used for food prep and an ice box. If you don’t know an ice box is, it was a metal clad box divided into two parts. One part stored a large block of ice, the other part chilled food.  It was the great grandmother of smart refrigerators. 

2600 Park is the palatial grey stone Swan Turnblad home. The Turnblad family immigrated from Sweden in 1868, and young Sven moved to Minneapolis in 1878 where he became a typesetter for Swedish newspapers. He rose to manage Svenska Amerikanska Posten which became the first publisher of Swedish papers to use a linotype machine instead of hand setting type. The paper grew circulation to 40,000 by 1900. His fascination with new technology lead to the acquisition of a color duplex printer in 1903 which produced color illustrations. 

Swan married another Swede, Christina Nilsson in 1883. Together the designed the 33 room 2600 Park Avenue with a prominent architectural firm in 1903, completed 1908. They never took out a mortgage, paid for construction as bills came due. Speculators estimate that it cost over $1,000,000 to build, but there are no receipts, so we can only guess.

The intricate millwork was completed by Aaron Carlson, whose carpentry lives on today in the Aaron Carlson Corporation (126 years later) in NE Minneapolis. Elaborate stair cases, pocket doors, paneling, book cases, and ceiling beams are still pristine.

There are 12 handmade unique ceramic tile fire places shipped from Sweden that were installed but never used because central steam heat was just coming into popularity.  There is no cold corner at 2600 Park Avenue.

The Turnblad family lived in the home until 1929 when it was donated to the Swedish Institute to promote Swedish Art, Literature, and Science.  The legacy lives on, sharing it’s past.  If you’ve never been, it’s well worth the visit.  The new wing has a grass roof, yes grass and a goat that watches over you were ever you go.  Go for the history, meet the goat.

Whatever you’re real estate needs, old or new, give me a jingle so we can chat about your history, and making your future happen.