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Depot Hotel

Historic Buildings Repurposed

Architecture Convention industry travel industry downtown Minneapolis hot hotels

Adaptive reuse. Repurposing. Recycling. Regardless of what they call it, hotels are becoming increasingly creative in transforming old buildings into revitalized luxury properties. A hotel in an old jail, a post office, a warehouse. In the last several years, many unique hotels in historic buildings in Minneapolis have opened. They offer a glimpse into the past, while delivering state-of-the-art amenities to guests. Some examples:

  • W Hotel Minneapolis – The Foshay (Opened August 2008). The Foshay Tower, a prime example of art deco design, is one of the most prominent obelisk-shaped skyscrapers in the world. Modeled after the Washington Monument, this symbol of American prosperity was built by multi-millionaire, real estate developer Wilbur B. Foshay in 1929 and was instantly heralded as a masterpiece. W Minneapolis–The Foshay will preserve many of the building’s original, opulent design touches including Italian marble, terrazzo floors, ornamental bronze and a massive Art Deco plaster ceiling in the hotel’s main arcade. The hotel will also offer magnificent city views from the Observation Deck on the 30th floor.
  • Ivy Hotel & Residence (Opened February 2008). This 10-story structure on the National Registrar of Historic Places was, as the Star Tribune called it, one of the city’s “oddest” historic buildings. Built in 1930 in the then-popular Ziggurat style, it was planned as one of four such "towers" framing a central domed auditorium for the Second Church of Christ Scientist. The rest of the plan never materialized and the miniature building stood tall on the otherwise empty site for more than 70 years. The $100 million Hotel Ivy + Residence features a destination spa, a cutting-edge restaurant (Porter & Frye) and slick rooms.
  • Westin Minneapolis (Opened May 2007). Transformed from the historic Farmers & Mechanics Bank building, this 214 room hotel is located in downtown Minneapolis. Originally built in 1941, the landmark features the original 34-foot vaulted bank lobby, marble staircase, and wood carved emblems signifying the leading industries of the World War II era. On the main floor, you’ll find B*A*N*K, a restaurant featuring a 40-foot-long dining counter that was originally the home to the bank tellers.
  • Depot Minneapolis (Opened July 2001). For nearly seven decades, family members and loved ones stood at the atrium of the Depot and waved to passengers boarding the trains of the Milwaukee Road line. The Depot was a hub of activity during the late 1800s. While the last train left in 1971, the Depot still stands as a monument to the classic travel experience. The Depot’s Historic Suites boast up to 950 square feet and feature 12-foot ceilings. Oversized windows present sweeping views of the downtown Minneapolis skyline. Carefully and generously furnished with period pieces, the Historic Suites are beautifully appointed with unique décor that echoes the grace and charm of the early 20th century. Read the history: http://www.thedepotminneapolis.com/history

Spokespeople:

  • Tom Fisher, Dean of the College of Design & Architecture, University of Minnesota
  • Susan Feyder, Minneapolis Star Tribune