Twin Cities Neighborhoods

Garden suburbs of the Twin Cities

Many nineteenth century American cities were dotted with evocatively-named neighborhoods, designed to emphasize the picturesque beauty of curving streets, abundant green space, and interesting topography. In this presentation, we will explore some of the garden suburbs of St. Paul and Minneapolis, including Macalester Park, Burlington Heights, Washburn Park, and St. Anthony Park.

ST. PAUL’S HISTORIC IRVINE PARK

Within sight of downtown and only a block off West Seventh Street, Irvine Park is one of St. Paul’s oldest neighborhoods. Located near the Alexander Ramsey House and built around a lovely park, its old houses tell an interesting story of settlement, development, change, and historic preservation.

THE ST. ANTHONY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD

Developed as a nineteenth century “railroad suburb” situated between Minneapolis and St. Paul, St. Anthony Park is one of the best-known neighborhoods in the Twin Cities. With lively business districts, lovely houses, interesting parks, and a small industrial area, St. Anthony Park and its neighbors—the University Grove, the St. Paul Campus, and the State Fairgrounds—tell a fascinating story of community and development.

St. Paul’s Summit Avenue

Everyone in the Twin Cities knows about Summit Avenue, with its grand homes, its colleges, and the Cathedral of St. Paul. In this fully illustrated presentation, we will learn a bit more about these familiar places, and we will also dig into the avenue's history to understand more about this community treasure.

THE TOWN OF ST. ANTHONY, BIRTHPLACE OF MINNEAPOLIS

Did you know that the birthplace of Minneapolis was not Minneapolis? The point of origin was across the river from downtown, in the older city called St. Anthony. In this illustrated presentation about the town of St. Anthony and St. Anthony Falls, we’ll consider the history of the waterfall and its importance as the economic driver of the communities that became Minneapolis.

fascinating falcon heights

Full of famous places and fascinating stories, Falcon Heights is perched on the northern edge of St. Paul, right between Roseville and Lauderdale. Beginning with the Dakota, we'll move forward in history toward a contemporary view of this small suburb. Get to know the people and places of Falcon Heights in this fully illustrated presentation. 

A PLACE TO CALL HOME: RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE OF THE 1950S AND 1960S

This class examines the social and historical influences that defined the unique residential styles and trends most associated with the mid-mod era. We'll look not only at common forms like the Cape Cod and the ranch house, but also some high-style examples designed by prominent architects. The fascinating story behind 1950s and 60s homes, neighborhoods, and suburbs will leave you with a new appreciation for Minnesota's mid-century properties.