Overview

The Ogden Apartment Hotel is an example of a historic housing type that was popular during a period of downtown growth in Minneapolis.

• Location: 66 12th Street South
• Neighborhood: Downtown West

Historic profile

The Ogden Apartment Hotel is an example of a historic housing type that was popular during a period of downtown growth in Minneapolis.

The Minneapolis population grew rapidly from 1880 to 1890. Homes were scarce. In response, apartment hotels became popular. They offered affordable and modern housing downtown. Apartment hotels blended elements of hotels and apartments. They were conveniently located and had fewer maintenance responsibilities than a single-family home.

The Ogden Apartment Hotel had several modern features including:

• Private bathrooms
• Elevator
• Flexible, short term lease agreements
• Electrical appliances
• Murphy beds that folded into the wall to create more space in the unit  
• Option for furnished or unfurnished units

Apartment hotel units did not have private kitchens. Residents instead ate from a common restaurant. Residents also shared other amenities like laundry or recreational rooms.

James Ogden owned the building. Ogden helped form the Twin City Varnish Company and later became its president. He lived in a similar building in St. Paul and was inspired by the urban lifestyle. He built the Ogden Apartment Hotel close to jobs and cultural activities. Residents could walk to the theater, library, or Loring Park. They could also take the streetcar on Hennepin Avenue to the lakes.

In 1948, the building became the Continental Hotel. In 1993, an affordable housing provider purchased and remodeled the building.