Overview
The Augsburg Old Main was a hub for the first seminary founded by Norwegian Lutherans in America.
- Location: 731 21st Avenue South
- Neighborhood: Cedar Riverside
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Augsburg Old Main
Read about the history and designation of the Augsburg Old Main historic landmark.
Architecture
- Architectural Style: Renaissance Revival
- Architects: Didrik A. Omeyer, Martin P. Thori
Use
- Historic use: Education
- Current use: Education
Construction
- Construction date: 1901
- Contractor: C.F. Haglin
Significance
- Area(s) of Significance: Education, Architecture, Religion
- Period of significance: Undefined
- Date of local designation: 1984
- Designation: Exterior
- Date of National Register designation: 1983
Historic profile
The Augsburg Old Main was a hub for the first seminary founded by Norwegian Lutherans in America. The building connected Augsburg leaders with the surrounding Scandinavian community.
Architects Omeyer and Thori used symmetry to design the building. It has a harmonious, simple, and classic look. The two-story building sits on a raised basement. Its walls are red brick and terra cotta. The front entrance is within a portico with red granite columns. The first-floor windows have carved terra cotta and brick decorations above. The second-floor windows only have brick decorations above. On the west side, taller arched windows identify the original gymnasium. They have carved terra cotta panels below.
The Augsburg Seminary went through various changes as an educational institution. In 1963, the seminary left the building. Today, the Old Main building is the heart of Augsburg University. It houses a chapel, gymnasium, classrooms, library, and museum. It is the oldest building on campus.
Credits
Photo credits
- 1905 photo: Sweet, courtesy of The Minnesota Historical Society
- 2006 photo: Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development
Work cited
Camille Kudzia and Liz Holum, "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form: Augsburg Old Main," January 1982
Contact us
Historic Preservation
Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED)
Phone
Address
Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 320
Minneapolis, MN 55415