Clarence Johnston’s Architecture in St. Anthony Park

In the volume and variety of his work, Clarence Johnston (1859-1936) still stands as Minnesota’s most prolific architect. In and near St. Anthony Park, Clarence Johnson and his firm are represented in many types, from homes and schools to institutional and religious spaces. We will see a couple of houses on Hillside and Knapp, one designed by Johnston and another by his son, Clarence Johnston, Jr. There are two Johnston churches in the neighborhood, a lost school addition and an unrealized plan for the Breck School, and buildings at the University Campus and on the State Fairgrounds. Our tour will take us past or near these interesting buildings.

Thursday, July 20, 10:30-12:30
Saturday, July 22, 10:30-12:30
Tuesday, July 25, 6:00-8:00

This tour starts near 2266 Hillside, and we will walk east on Hillside, Commonwealth, and Carter toward the University campus. We will end near the St. Paul campus. This is approximately 8-9 blocks of walking, covering just under a mile. The terrain is mostly level, with some small hills near the St. Anthony Park Home. The tour is not a loop.

The tours are designed for walking and biking from site to site, but folks with mobility issues are welcome to follow along in their vehicles.

Reservations are required. Tours are limited to 30 participants.

There is a suggested donation of $10 per person, collected at the time of the tour, to help cover tour costs. At the moment, I will accept cash and checks, but onsite credit card payments might be possible in the future.

Bring your own earbuds (standard audio jack only) or pick up a colorful (and reusable!) set from me for $1.00. Dress for the weather: don’t forget sunscreen, your water bottle, and whatever conditions demand--an umbrella, a hat, a jacket, some gloves.

Tours will run showers or shine--unless the rain is heavy, includes lightning and thunder, hail, high winds, or tornadoes. Every effort will be made to reschedule a postponed tour within a day or two, and/or to accommodate people on an upcoming tour on the same topic. Cancelation or postponement decisions will be made approximately one hour before the tour. They will be announced at this webpage and through emails to registered participants.

Reserve a space for one of these Johnston tours by sending an email to kristin.km@gmail.com. Be sure to specify the tour topic and date you are requesting.

Thursday, July 20, 10:30-12:30
Saturday, July 22, 10:30-12:30
Tuesday, July 25, 6:00-8:00