Overview

The Viehman House is a strong example of the Queen Anne style. It was the home of the Viehman family, who contributed to Minneapolis history in various ways. 

• Location: 2006 Laurel Avenue West
• Neighborhood: Bryn Mawr

Historic profile

The Viehman House is a strong example of the Queen Anne style. It was the home of the Viehman family, who contributed to Minneapolis history in various ways. Erick Lund built this house in 1888 for businessman Eugene A.L. Arnold. The Viehman family lived here from 1905 until 1932.

The house embodies the Queen Anne style with these features:

• Irregularity of plan and massing
• A variety of colors and textures, including shingles, horizontal siding, and half-timbering
• Horizontal and vertical projections
• Dormers and oriel windows
• Offset front porch

The Viehman family was involved in many industries. George John Viehman founded the Minneapolis-based Viehman Grain Company, which focused on grain milling. His wife, Eliza, also lived here. Their son, George Edwin Viehman, also lived here with his wife, Marie, and led several family businesses. They included the Viehman Grain Company, the Viehman Realty Company, and the Viehman Automobile Company.

George Edwin Viehman’s son, George Edwin Viehman, Jr., likely grew up here. He became an announcer and producer for WCCO radio. He was also involved in politics. In 1958, George Jr. managed Al Quie’s special election. Quie won the congressional seat and later became the Governor of Minnesota.

The Viehman family experienced hardship during the Great Depression. In 1931, the Viehman Grain Company and Viehman Realty Company went out of business. Creditors began foreclosure proceedings on the Viehman House. Since then, the house has been used as both a single-family home and as apartments.