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Lumber Exchange Building
Lumber Exchange Building Minneapolis.jpg
The Lumber Exchange Building at the corner of Fifth and Hennepin in downtown Minneapolis.
Location 423-25 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Built 1885
Architect Long and Kees
Architectural style Romanesque
NRHP reference No. 83000903
Added to NRHP May 19, 1983

The Lumber Exchange Building was the first skyscraper built in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. It was finished in 1885. This tall building was designed by Franklin B. Long and Frederick Kees. It was known as one of the first "fireproof" buildings in the country.

Today, it is the oldest high-rise building still standing in Minneapolis. It is also the oldest building outside of New York City with 12 or more floors.

A Pioneer Skyscraper

The architects, Franklin Long and Frederick Kees, worked together from 1884 to 1897. They were very successful. They designed many of the biggest buildings in Minneapolis during the 1880s and 1890s.

Some of their other famous buildings include the Public Library (1884) and the Masonic Temple (1888). The Masonic Temple is now called the Hennepin Center for the Arts. They also designed the Flour Exchange (1893–1897) and the Minneapolis City Hall (1889).

Built in Stages

The Lumber Exchange Building was not built all at once. It was built in different parts over time. First, it was a tall, thin building. Then, in 1890, another section was added. Later, two more floors were built on top of the building.

The building has survived many things. It has been through fires, times of not being cared for, and neglect. It is a very strong and lasting structure.

A Historic Landmark

The Lumber Exchange Building is an important part of history. Because of its age and unique design, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This list includes places that are important to the history of the United States.

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