As I believe I’ve warned you, this site is being overhauled in 2013. The amusing part? The last version said “this site is being overhauled in 2008,” and also begged your indulgence. I didn’t finish that one, but by the ghost of Theodore Wirth I’m going to finish this one.
There will be more text no one will read because you’re here for the pages and the pictures. I wish there was a more efficient way to display these, but there isn’t.
So! Here we go. Should be finished by the end of the summer of 2013.
Of course, that’s what I said five years ago about finishing in 2008 . . . and I also noted, back then, that the site was almost ten years old.
This is the fourth version.
Lileks
02.12.13
NOTE: Many links aren't there. Updates weekly, at the very least. Some of the links that work go to old sites.
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Masonic Temple
A big old pile of rock writhing with all sorts of peculiar Masonic carvings. |
Lumber Exchange
It's big, it's brown, it's full of . . . lawyers. Little or no lumber is actually exchanged nowadays. But it's worth a visit anyway. |
Plymouth
Most people don't know what this beheamoth once looked like. Now you will. |
Grain Exchange
The original Chamber of Commerce building. Interior and exterior shots of great Louis-Sullivan-style ornamentation. |
Andrus Building
Somehow, this one survived. |
Old Federal Office Building
The classical building everyone forgets. |
Rand Tower
A classic late-20s skyscraper. Includes postcard views, contemporary & historical photos of details inside and out. |
Foshay
The city's beloved old obelisk skyscraper. Many Art Deco details. |
Baker Building
Just a modest 1920s commercial block, now overwhelmed by all its neighbors. |
Pence
An utterly ignored 20s office block, the details on this building reveal a few strange motifs. |
Club Row
The old men's clubs still stand, but they have new neighbors. Big neighbors. |
First National / Soo Line
From the great age of Filedrawer Skyscrapers. |
Medical Arts
Come for the terra-cotta, stay for the dentist's appointment! |
The Federal Reserves
This site concerns all three buildings. All of which, miracle of miracles, are still standing, so this site is also listed in the 70s and 90s section. |
Post Office
A severe WPA-era building with some incredible interior details. Contains postcard views, old photos of the original plan for the site.
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The Bus Station
Another sleek Moderne building, also known as the nightclub from Prince's "Purple Rain." |
NWest Bell
1930s skyscraper full of Moderne ornamentation. Site features telephoto shots of the lightning bolt details in the tower. |
The Armory
WPA project full of decayed beauty. |
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F & M
A forties building with a 50s annex. |
Public Library
The new one, the old new one, and the old old one. |
Midwest Federal
Also known as the Mary Tyler Moore Building. Has some shots from the early planning stages. |
First National Bank
Every city has one. |
IDS
No longer the biggest, but we still love it. |
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Norwest / Wells Fargo
The best building of the 80s boom. Includes photos of the original design, as well as details of the upper floors. |
US Bank
Also known as the Halo-topped building. |
Dain Tower
A basic 80s glass slab, but I like it. Bizarre red interiors. |
Accenture
Formerly the Lincoln. Half a twin |
City Center
God help us. |
Dorsey Tower
The last office tower downtown? |
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