The Minnesotan was originally the Ritz - but whatever it was called, it did one thing well: it ruined the fortunes of half its owners. After its construction, it was mostly in the news for going bankrupt. The problem may have been its location - when built, it was the only good hotel in a neighborhood that was already starting to head down. Later, it was one of many moderate hotels in an area that was definately on the decline. By then it was renamed the Minnesota Hotel, with a huge bright sign that was a Washington Avenue landmark.

Eventually it was just another flophouse, home mostly to strippers on tour and soldiers on leave.