How Architecture Has Shaped the State

Three Thousand Years of Building in Minnesota

Expert Essay: Architectural historian Larry Millett, author of Lost Twin Cities and numerous other books, offers a colorful tour of notable Minnesota buildings and building styles, from American Indian burial mounds to Beaux Arts monuments and suburban big boxes.

Albert Lea Commercial Historic District

The original Commercial Historic District of the City of Albert Lea consisted of three square blocks of forty-eight structures built between 1874 and 1928. Featuring iconic examples of American architecture in a variety of styles, including Beaux Arts, Classic Revival, Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and Craftsman, the district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. Sixty-four additional properties added in 2004 extended its period of significance to 1953.

Henry J. Harm Jewelry Store

211 South Broadway Avenue, Albert Lea

211 South Broadway Avenue, Albert Lea, originally the Henry J. Harm Jewelry Store. Photograph by Titian Butash, July 30, 2024.

Albert Lea State Bank Building

Albert Lea State Bank Building

Albert Lea State Bank Building, 201 South Broadway Avenue. Photograph by Titian Butash, July 30, 2024.

Bessesen Building

Bessesen Building

The Bessesen Building (224 South Broadway Avenue, Albert Lea), built in 1916 and originally used as the Bessesen Opera House. Photograph by Titian Butash, July 30, 2024.

Bessesen Building and surrounding buildings

Bessesen Building and surrounding buildings

The Bessesen Building (224 South Broadway Avenue, Albert Lea, originally used as the Bessesen Opera House) and surrounding buildings. Photograph by Titian Butash, July 30, 2024.

Albert Lea Carnegie Library

Albert Lea Carnegie Library

Albert Lea Carnegie Library, 146 College Street West. Photograph by Titian Butash, July 30, 2024.

Marion Ross Performing Arts Center

Marion Ross Performing Arts Center

The Marion Ross Performing Arts Center (originally used as a firemen’s hall and Masonic lodge) at 147 North Broadway Avenue, Albert Lea. Photograph by Titian Butash, July 30, 2024.

Syndicate Block, Albert Lea

Syndicate Block, Albert Lea

The Syndicate Block at 244 South Broadway Avenue, Albert Lea. Photograph by Titian Butash, July 30, 2024.

Albert Lea City Hall (original)

Albert Lea City Hall (original)

The original Albert Lea City Hall, 212 North Broadway Avenue. Photograph by Titian Butash, July 30, 2024.

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