Our September member event begins with an optional brunch at The Buttered Tin, 2445 Marshall St NE, Minneapolis, at 10:30 AM. The restaurant is just a 7-minute drive to the location where our Architect Avenue tour begins.

According to our tour guide, Kathy Kullberg , who just had knee surgery, our special tour is very doable with a walker and is mostly shaded. There is also plenty of on-street parking. Kathy is a house historian and detective who will provide details the past of the houses that we will see, and the main characters of 1905 Hennepin history.

For just $10, join us at 12:00 PM at 3559 Architect Avenue, Minneapolis. Meet in the little park in the center of Architect Avenue to learn the unique history of this tucked-away, little-known street in the farthest northeast corner of the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County. Attendees will discover answers to questions that include:

• What is the connection of Architect Avenue to Minneapolis streetcar magnate Thomas Lowry?

• Why is the street called Architect Avenue and who were the architects?

For those of us who just can’t wait to learn all of the answers, in 1905, a contest was held in one of the farthest corners of Hennepin County for well-designed homes for the up-and-coming middle class. Major Twin Cities architects were solicited to develop affordable homes, which would combine “luxury, elegance, utility, and comfort”…and each had to cost $3,000 or less (including landscaping and sidewalk). Twelve local architects submitted designs, and 6 were chosen and built. This mini-development became “Architect Avenue,” developed and promoted by Thomas Lowry, and all 6 of these unique and original homes still exist.

Watch your email for invitations, RSVP, and the payment method for this fascinating tour!