The Leamington was one of the two giants that sat at the edge of downtown. This used to be a residential district - a mansion owned by one of the Pillsburys sat on this site. After the turn of the century, though, the hotels moved in.

Built in 1912, the Leamington was huge and stubborn, a big block of 700 rooms devoid of setbacks or crafty massing. It had an eighty-year run, mostly serving the convention center nearby. Subsequent additions gave it a top-heavy appearance, and added expensive suites that were the best in town. Our newspaper archives have a photo of the plaque that hung in the biggest room, listing the guests: Nixon. Eisenhower. Reagan. Johnson. Humphrey. Above all, Duke Ellington.

The hotel was blown up in ‘92, and replaced with a typically Minneapolitan parking ramp - i.e., more architecturally adventurous than most of the new office buildings.

Incidentally, This postcard was sent in 1915, and reads like a telegraph:

I was very much disappointed that you did not meet me It was almost more than I could stand are all in now was glad you sent Mrs. Dyers address she went with me it hot and raining here in the city. Cannot go to see Jenna unless I feel better don’t expect me down there am going west where it is cool. Ida.