Overview
The Rand Tower is an Art Moderne skyscraper designed by prominent Chicago architects Holabird and Root.
- Location: 527 Marquette Avenue South
- Neighborhood: Downtown West
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Rand Tower
Read about the history and designation of the Rand Tower historic landmark.
Architecture
- Architectural Style: Art Moderne
- Architects: Holabird and Root
Use
- Historic use: Commercial
- Current use: Commercial
Construction
- Construction date: 1929
- Contractor: C.F. Haglin & Sons, Inc.
Significance
- Area(s) of Significance: Architecture
- Period of significance: 1929
- Date of local designation: 1994
- Designation: Exterior and selective interior areas
- Date of National Register designation: 1994
Historic profile
The Rand Tower is an Art Moderne skyscraper designed by prominent Chicago architects Holabird and Root. It was built in 1929 and is 26 stories tall.
Rand Tower was designed as a modern office building during a period of economic prosperity. It is Holabird and Root’s only building in Minneapolis. The Art Moderne style is shown in its massing, plan, and architectural detail. It is a stepped skyscraper that narrows towards the top. The corners are canted and vertical piers rise through the middle bays. In the outer bays, geometric and floral designs are carved into the spandrel panels between each story of windows. Black cast iron surrounds the central windows of the first and second stories.
The inside of the building is also significant in Art Moderne design. Star and moon crescent designs are embedded in the terrazzo floors of the lobby. A large starburst design marks the intersection of the main and elevator lobbies. There is also a curving staircase, elevators decorated with floral and geometric motifs, and a large sculpture. The sculpture is called "Wings." It was made by Oscar J.W. Hansen and depicts a human figure with outstretched winged arms. It symbolizes flight and aviation. The sculpture reflects the interests of building's original owner, businessman Rufus R. Rand, Jr. He was a pilot during World War I.
The Rand Tower was converted into a hotel in 2020.
Credits
Photo credits
- 1929 photo: Norton and Peel, courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society
- 2006 photo: Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development
Work cited
- Camille Kudzia, “National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form: Rand Tower,” August 1981
- Camille Kudzia and Beth Bartz, "Local Heritage Preservation Designation Study," May 1988
Contact us
Historic Preservation
Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED)
Phone
Address
Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 320
Minneapolis, MN 55415