Architects and Engineers Building

Read about the history and designation of the Architects and Engineers Building historic landmark.

Overview

The Architects and Engineers Building was built in 1920 for design professionals.

  • Location: 1200-08 Second Avenue South
  • Neighborhood: Loring Park
1920 2006
Architects and Engineers Building at 1200-08 Second Avenue South in 1920

 
Photo of Architects and Engineers Building in 2006

 

Architecture

  • Architectural Style: Renaissance Revival
  • Architects: Hewitt and Brown

Use

  • Historic use: Commercial
  • Current use: Commercial

Construction

  • Construction date: 1920
  • Contractor: Pike and Cook

Significance

  • Area(s) of Significance: Architecture, Master Architects, Engineers and Builders
  • Period of significance: 1920
  • Date of local designation: 1980
  • Designation: Exterior
  • Date of National Register designation: 1984

Historic profile

The Architects and Engineers Building was built in 1920 for design professionals. It provided private offices and common drafting rooms, libraries, and other facilities. Designers could work on their own or collaborate with others.   

Architects Hewitt and Brown used the Renaissance Revival style for this building. It is a showpiece of their work. They spaced the windows to let a lot of light into rooms for drafting plans. The window shapes also vary by floor. The first floor has large arched windows. The second floor has pairs of rectangular windows. The third floor has pairs of round windows inside arches. The names of famous architects are painted in gold above the third-floor windows. Finally, the fourth floor has windows that are set back within round arches. The windows are set within smooth limestone walls.  

The building also served other purposes. For example, professional design organizations could use meeting and dining rooms. At night, architecture students could also learn from professionals in the studio. 

Credits

Photo credits

  • 1920 photo: courtesy of Minneapolis Public Libraries 
  • 2006 photo: Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development

Works cited

  • "Heritage Preservation Designation Study: Architects and Engineers Building," c. 1980
  • David Fey and Stuart MacDonald, "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form: Architects and Engineers Building," September 1983

Contact us

Historic Preservation

Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED)

Phone

612-673-3000

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 320
Minneapolis, MN 55415