The Virginia Street Church in St Paul

Located in Ramsey Hill, just a few blocks from downtown St Paul, sits this historic Minnesota church. The Virginia Street Church sit on Virginia Street and was built in 1886 by the famous local architect, Cass Gilbert.

Members of the Church practice the Swedenborgian faith which is based on the theology of a the Scandinavian scientist Emanuel Swedenborg. Their beliefs are represented in the construction materials. For example, the stones which support the structure represent fixed truths which will not change and "solidity of an enduring faith in Jesus Christ".

The church is very simple, but the architectural details are reminiscent of the Queen Anne Victoria. The church has changed little in the last 121 years of its life, the interior still possesses the terra-cotta painted walls and pine wainscoting. The pews are made of ash and the original lead glass windows are still passing sunlight into the peaceful sanctuary. It even has an old pipe organ that was given to the church in 1919.

Lake Harriet Historic Home in Minneapolis

This weeks Historic Home in Minneapolis is 4700 Lake Harriet Pkwy W.

Built in 1910 by Bertrand and Chamberlin, it was designed for Harry S. and Paula Pierce. The home sits on a small hill east of Lake Harriet, giving sweeping views of the Lake. Influences of Prairie Style are seen in the windows and roof design,. The most striking feature of the home is the frieze located on the second story which depicts a wooded scene with knights and maidens.

The most recent sale of the home was in 1997 for $745,000 and has an estimated value, now 10 years later, for just over $2 Million. It's interior was updated at the time of sale with about 3000 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, sunrooms, verandas and more.

Summit Avenue Historic Home in St Paul

This weeks Historic Home is 465 Summit Avenue in Saint Paul, MN

Built in 1886 and for a cost of $18,400, this home was designed for William Constans, a French-born grocer. From one book I read, he ran the largest wholesale firm for hops, malts, and brewer's supplies in the Northwest and the only one in St Paul. The business later evolved into the Schmidt Brewing Company.

You might be looking at the home and wondering "What style is this?". Well it was originally designed by A.F. Gauger as a Queen Anne Victorian mansion. Take a look at this photo taken in 1890. You can just see a five-story tower on the southeast corner of the home and a spindle trimmed porch, classic designs of a Queen Anne. Sometime later, the porch and tower were removed and replaced by Colonial style moldings and decoration. For some reason, people liked to change the facade of the Victorian homes, most likely to give the home some extra character to set it apart from other Queen Annes on the Avenue. A carriage house was also constructed directly behind the house.The home has approximately 7300 square feet and 9 -10 bedrooms and currently single family residential.

I came across a rumor that one owner of the home ran a funeral business in which his wife refused to let him advertise. His solution was to add a casket looking decoration to the top of the home. Take a look and see what you think....kinda looks like a casket to me!