St. Paul, Minnesota, is a city celebrated for its rich architectural heritage.
From historic landmarks to modern marvels, the city’s buildings showcase a wide array of architectural styles and periods.
These structures not only reflect the city’s history but also its evolving cultural and artistic visions.
Visitors and residents alike can appreciate the diverse and beautiful designs scattered throughout St. Paul.
This article will explore some of the most remarkable architectural buildings in the city, offering insights into what makes each place unique.
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply curious, these sites are worth a visit.
1. Cathedral of Saint Paul
The Cathedral of Saint Paul is a stunning architectural gem in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Completed in 1915, it is a magnificent example of Beaux-Arts architecture.
Designed by French architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, the cathedral features a prominent copper dome and grand interior spaces.
It is renowned for its intricate stained glass windows and majestic pipe organ.
The cathedral has served as a central place of worship and a landmark in the city for over a century.
Its historical significance and architectural beauty make it a must-visit.
More information can be found from the Cathedral of Saint Paul website.
2. Minnesota State Capitol
The Minnesota State Capitol is a notable landmark in St. Paul.
Designed by architect Cass Gilbert, the building features a stunning Beaux-Arts style.
Visitors can admire the impressive dome, which is modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Inside, beautiful murals and sculptures add to its charm.
Open to the public, the State Capitol offers tours to explore its architecture and history.
It is located at 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
3. James J. Hill House
The James J. Hill House stands out as a prime example of Gilded Age architecture.
Built in 1891 for railroad tycoon James J. Hill, it features a Richardsonian Romanesque style.
Located at 240 Summit Avenue, it spans 36,000 square feet.
Visitors can explore its 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, and a two-story, skylit art gallery.
The house is a U.S. National Historic Landmark and remains a significant tourist attraction.
4. Landmark Center
Landmark Center, located at the corner of Fifth and Market Streets in downtown St. Paul, was completed in 1902. It originally served as the U.S. Post Office, Courthouse, and Custom House for Minnesota.
Designed by Willoughby J. Edbrooke, it’s an example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture and features white Georgia marble and St. Cloud granite.
Saved from demolition in the 1970s, it now hosts cultural events and houses five museums, including the Schubert Club Instrument and Document Galleries.
Free tours are available on Thursdays and Sundays, allowing visitors to explore its historical significance and stunning design.
5. Union Depot
Union Depot, located in Downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, is a historic railroad station.
Built in 1918 by major railroads, it was a central hub for transportation.
Over the years, Union Depot saw several renovations. Abandoned for 12 years, it was renovated in 1983.
It is now on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as an intermodal transit hub, including light rail, intercity rail, and bus services.
Architect Charles Sumner Frost designed it, making it a notable landmark with historical significance and architectural beauty in St. Paul.
Learn more about Union Depot here.
6. Saint Paul City Hall
Saint Paul City Hall is an iconic building located in downtown Saint Paul.
Constructed in the early 1930s, it stands as a testament to the Art Deco architectural style.
Designed by Holabird and Root, the building features a facade with vertical columns and a grill design.
Its exterior may seem unremarkable from a distance, but up close, its details reveal its grandeur.
7. Fitzgerald Theater
The Fitzgerald Theater is the oldest active theater in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Built in 1910, it was originally named the Sam S. Shubert Theater.
It was one of four memorial theaters constructed by the Shubert family to honor their late brother, Sam.
Designed by the architectural firm Marshall & Fox of Chicago, this theater was modeled after Maxine Elliot’s Theatre in New York City.
In 1933, it transformed into a movie house screening foreign films.
Today, the Fitzgerald Theater hosts a variety of events, including American Public Media’s Live from Here.
For more information, visit Fitzgerald Theater’s official website.
8. Historic Hamm Building
The Hamm Building, located in downtown St. Paul, was completed in 1920.
It showcases elegant limestone, terra cotta, and brick architecture.
The building features exceptional ornamentation, created by the architects Toltz, King, and Day, Inc.
It is now a National Register of Historic Places listing and a key part of St. Paul’s theatre district. The Capitol Theatre, built into the Hamm Building, adds to its charm.
Inside, visitors can find restaurants, a theater, music venues, and boutique shops.
The building remains a vibrant center of activity in St. Paul.
9. Wabasha Street Caves
The Wabasha Street Caves, located on St. Paul’s West Side, are famous for their rich history and unique architecture.
These caves were initially carved out during mining operations in the 1800s. Later, they served various purposes, including a mushroom farm.
In the 1930s, they became a notorious gangster hotspot during Prohibition.
Today, visitors can explore these historic caves and learn about their fascinating past through guided tours.
The caves also hosted the Castle Royal, once dubbed the “World’s Most Gorgeous Underground Nightclub”.
10. Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum of Minnesota is a prominent architectural landmark in St. Paul.
It is well-known for its striking design and educational significance.
Located downtown, the museum excels in blending modern architecture with natural surroundings. Its riverfront setting adds to its appeal.
Inside, it features various exhibits on science and natural history. This makes it a favorite for visitors of all ages.
Learn more about the Science Museum of Minnesota here.
Architectural Styles in St. Paul
St. Paul is home to a variety of architectural styles that reflect its rich history and cultural heritage.
Key styles include Romanesque, Gothic Revival, and Beaux-Arts, each offering unique features and historical significance.
Romanesque
Romanesque architecture in St. Paul is characterized by its heavy, solid structures and rounded arches.
A prominent example is the Landmark Center, designed by Willoughby J. Edbrooke in 1892.
This building showcases the Richardsonian Romanesque style with its use of rusticated stone, heavy pillars, and dramatic archways.
Romanesque buildings often feature deep window recesses and thick walls, creating a sense of strength and permanence.
Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival architecture can be seen in many of St. Paul’s historic buildings.
This style is known for its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.
One notable example is the Church of St. Louis, King of France, with its detailed stone carvings and pointed arch windows.
The use of vertical lines and ornate decoration gives Gothic Revival buildings an air of elegance and grandeur, making them stand out in the city’s architectural landscape.
Beaux-Arts
The Beaux-Arts style in St. Paul is epitomized by the Minnesota State Capitol.
This style combines classical Greek and Roman architecture with Renaissance influences, resulting in grand and symmetrical designs.
Beaux-Arts buildings often feature elaborate sculptures, grand staircases, and large columns.
The Minnesota State Capitol, constructed with white Georgia marble and St. Cloud granite, showcases this style’s emphasis on monumental scale and detailed ornamentation.
Notable Architects and Their Contributions
Several architects have left a lasting mark on St. Paul’s architectural landscape. Their innovative designs and significant projects have contributed greatly to the city’s unique charm and historic value.
Cass Gilbert
Cass Gilbert was a prominent architect known for his significant contributions to St. Paul’s architecture.
One of his most famous works in St. Paul is the Minnesota State Capitol, completed in 1905.
The building is renowned for its large marble dome and beautiful interior that features murals and decorative arts.
Gilbert’s design philosophy often combined classical elements with modern functionality, making his buildings both imposing and practical.
In addition to the State Capitol, he also designed several notable commercial buildings in downtown St. Paul, contributing to the city’s skyline.
His influence extended beyond Minnesota, and he later went on to design the Woolworth Building in New York City, which was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion.
Clarence Johnston
Clarence Johnston was another influential architect in St. Paul who made significant contributions with his residential and institutional buildings.
He is best known for the numerous homes he designed along Summit Avenue, including the James J. Hill House.
This mansion, built in 1891, showcases the Richardsonian Romanesque style and reflects the wealth and status of its owner, a railroad tycoon.
Johnston’s work wasn’t limited to residential buildings. He also designed several buildings for the University of Minnesota, contributing to the education sector with his practical yet aesthetically pleasing designs.
His ability to blend different architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance, allowed him to create diverse and intriguing structures that still stand today.
Historical Significance and Preservation Efforts
St. Paul, Minnesota, boasts a rich architectural heritage. Many of its buildings reflect significant historical moments and architectural styles.
One notable example is the Minnesota Building, constructed in 1929. This building represents a turning point in downtown St. Paul’s economic history and is an excellent example of Art Deco architecture.
Another landmark is the Germania Bank Building, built in the late 19th century. Known for its majestic presence and intricate design, it has been a part of St. Paul’s history for over a century.
Preservation efforts are essential to maintain these historic sites. In the 1970s, the city successfully prevented the demolition of several key buildings.
A notable example is the Landmark Center, which was saved from a wrecking ball.
In recent years, new initiatives have strengthened preservation. The Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission actively works to protect the city’s architectural heritage.
Their efforts include identifying historically significant structures and ensuring any renovation work respects the original architectural style.
The city’s African American community has also played a vital role in historical preservation. Their contributions have significantly shaped St. Paul’s cultural and political landscape, further emphasizing the importance of these buildings to the community’s identity.