Overview

The Northern Implement Co. Building is a distinctive commercial-industrial building in Minneapolis inspired by architect Louis Sullivan. 

• Location: 616 3rd Street South
• Neighborhood: Downtown East

Historic profile

The Northern Implement Co. Building is a distinctive commercial-industrial building inspired by architect Louis Sullivan. It was designed by Minneapolis architectural firm Kees and Colburn.

This rectangular building was designed for the Northern Implement Company, which sold and produced plate glass. It later was known as the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company.

The simple ornamentation is what makes this building stand out. The first story is clad in smooth limestone. The six stories above are clad in dark brown brick. Brick pilasters separate vertical bays of windows. They have inset terra-cotta panels near the top with round arches above. There are few windows in the outermost bays. The corners of the building are chamfered at the edges. Brick corbelling makes the cornice look flared.

American architect Louis Sullivan had a strong influence on commercial architecture in the early 1900s. Kees and Colburn used many of Sullivan's design philosophies in their larger buildings in Minneapolis. They also designed other historic landmarks including the Grain Exchange and Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Aged.

The building was converted to lofts in 2005.