Overview
The Grain Belt Brewery Brewhouse reflects Minneapolis’ brewing history.
- Location: 1220 Marshall Street Northeast
- Neighborhood: Sheridan
| Circa 1900 | 2002 |
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Grain Belt Brewery Brewhouse
Read about the history and designation of the Grain Belt Brewery Brewhouse historic landmark.
Architecture
- Architectural Style: Richardsonian Romanesque
- Architect(s): Frederick Wolff and William Lehle
Use
- Historic use: Industrial
- Current use: Commercial
Construction
- Construction date: 1891-1892
- Contractor: Unknown
Significance
- Area(s) of Significance: Economic History, Neighborhood Identity
- Period of significance: Undefined
- Date of local designation: 1977
- Designation: Exterior
- Date of National Register designation: Not individually listed
Historic profile
The Grain Belt Brewery Brewhouse reflects Minneapolis’ brewing history. Four small breweries combined to form the Grain Belt Brewery in 1890. They rebranded as the Minneapolis Brewing and Malting Company.
Frederick Wolff and William Lehle designed the building in 1892 using popular architectural styles. It is an eclectic version of the Richardsonian Romanesque style. The first floor, arches, and lintels are carved from rough-faced limestone. Masonry walls include square stonework. Carved stone finials top the parapet. The building's towers are well known features of northeast Minneapolis.
The company thrived for its first 25 years. During Prohibition, it survived by brewing soft drinks and non-alcoholic beer. Its Grain Belt beer became very popular. The company renamed itself Grain Belt Breweries, Inc. in 1967.
Brewery consolidation led to its closure in 1975. It struggled to compete with a few national distributors who dominated the market. As of 1977, this complex was the only remnant of Minneapolis' early brewing era.
Under threat of demolition, the City of Minneapolis bought the complex. It now houses a library, offices, event space, and warehousing.
Credits
Photo credits
- Circa 1900 photo: Courtesy of National Park Service
- 2002 photo: Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development
Work cited
- Michael Koop, “National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Minneapolis Brewing Company,” 1990
- “Heritage Preservation Designation Study: Grain Belt Brewery,” undated
Contact us
Historic Preservation
Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED)
Phone
Address
Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 320
Minneapolis, MN 55415