[an error occurred while processing this directive][an error occurred while processing this directive]
![]()
St. Paul’s Architecture
A History
Jeffrey A. Hess and Paul Clifford Larson
$24.95 paper
ISBN: 978-0-8166-3591-7$34.95 cloth/jacket
ISBN: 978-0-8166-3590-0
Winner of the David Stanley Gebhard Book Award.
The first architectural history of beautiful St. Paul, Minnesota.
From the grand boulevard of Summit Avenue to the gleaming State Capitol, from the warehouses of University Avenue to the postwar neighborhoods in Highland Park, St. Paul, Minnesota, is a city blessed with an extraordinary architectural heritage.
In St. Paul’s Architecture, Jeffrey A. Hess and Paul Clifford Larson portray the city’s distinct history and character through the evolution of its architecture. Starting with the buildings that defined St. Paul’s founding in the 1840s, through the great construction boom of the mid-1880s, to the stylish and artistic work of Period Revival architects in the 1920s and 1930s and the rise of modernism after World War II, the authors showcase the city’s rich architectural heritage. Concluding the exploration, the book’s final chapter sheds light on the architecture of present-day St. Paul.
St. Paul’s Architecture presents more than 225 notable surviving buildings and the history of several neighborhoods of the city. With many historical photographs and illustrations, this engaging book is a valuable resource not only for those interested in architectural heritage but also for anyone who admires St. Paul’s unique beauty and charm.
“A book you’ll want to own if you have even the slightest degree of interest in St. Paul’s architectural heritage. Not only is the book nicely done, it’s also the first to attempt a thorough history of St. Paul’s architecture, presented in the form of a cohesive narrative. Both authors are graceful writers with an eye for telling details, and no matter how much you think you know about St. Paul, you’ll learn things from this book.” —St. Paul Pioneer Press
“Presenting more than 225 notable surviving buildings and the history of several diverse city neighborhoods, St. Paul’s Architecture is profusely illustrated with period photography and illustrations, making it a seminal reference for architectural students; admirers of St. Paul’s special beauty, charm and history; and a seminal addition to any professional or academic library’s Architectural Studies reference collection.” —Midwest Book Review
“The architectural heritage of Minnesota's capital city has finally received a serious examination in this impressive volume. St Paul's Architecture is a thoroughly researched book that is far more than a history of buildings. It is an entertaining and enlightening study of a prominent city in America's heartland, and its place in the world.” —Ramsey County History
“The scope of the book is vast. Readers with more than a passing interest in architecture should find the book fascinating.” —The Villager
“An insightful narrative with historical photographs and maps telling the rest of the story.” —Mpls.St.Paul
“A thoroughly informative and enjoyable read, St. Paul’s Architecture is a must for those who view architecture as a reflection of societal disposition. Even more, the work should be on the shelf of any who call St. Paul home.” —Minnesota History
“With compelling narrative and lavish photography, St. Paul’s Architecture persuasively captures all that distinguishes this ‘last city of the East’ from its Western-looking neighbor across the river.” —Minneapolis Observer Quarterly
Jeffrey A. Hess is a cultural historian who writes about the evolution of the American landscape. He recently retired from the historical consulting firm of Hess, Roise and Company.
Paul Clifford Larson is a public historian and historic building consultant. He is the author of Minnesota Architect: The Life and Work of Clarence H. Johnston, Icy Pleasures: Minnesota Celebrates Winter, and A Place at the Lake.
Published in cooperation with the City of St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission.
304 pages | 221 b&w photos, 8 maps | 8 x 10 | 2008
Illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction1. St. Paul's Founding Years, 1840-1875
2. St. Paul Comes of Age, 1875-1920
3. From the Picturesque to the Moderne, 1920-1940
4. Planning the Modern City, 1940-1985
5. Melding the Past with the Future, 1985-2000Notes
Index