Theodore Wirth House–Administration Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Theodore Wirth House–Administration Building
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The Wirth House from the east
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| Location | 3954 Bryant Ave. S Minneapolis, Minnesota |
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| Area | 6 acres (2.4 ha) |
| Built | 1910 |
| Architect | Lowell A. Lamoreaux |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Mission Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 02000611 |
| Added to NRHP | June 7, 2002 |
The Theodore Wirth House is a special building in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was once the home of Theodore Wirth, who was a very important person in designing the city's parks. This building also served as the main office for the park system.
Wirth was the leader of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for many years, from 1906 until he retired in 1935. He kept helping out until he passed away in 1949. Because of its history and Wirth's importance, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. This means it's a nationally recognized historic site.
Contents
What is the Theodore Wirth House?
The Theodore Wirth House is a historic building that served two main purposes. First, it was the home for Theodore Wirth and his family. Second, it was the administration building for the Minneapolis park system. This is where many plans for the city's beautiful parks were made.
Why is the Wirth House important?
The house is important for a few reasons. It shows Wirth's big role in park design around the world. It also played a part in bringing him to Minneapolis. Most importantly, it was the place where he worked to design and improve many of Minneapolis's parks.
How was the house designed?
The house was designed by a local architect named Lowell Lamoreaux. It was built in 1910. The style of the house combines elements of Colonial Revival architecture and Mission Revival architecture.
Who was Theodore Wirth?
Theodore Wirth was a famous park designer. He is often called the "Father of Minneapolis Parks." He helped create many of the parks and green spaces that people in Minneapolis enjoy today. His work made Minneapolis a city known for its beautiful park system.
How did Wirth come to Minneapolis?
In 1905, a man named Charles M. Loring asked Wirth to come work in Minneapolis. At first, Wirth wasn't sure about moving. He had a great job in Hartford, Connecticut, where his family lived in a large house in Elizabeth Park. Minneapolis couldn't offer him a house right away.
The agreement for the house
During their talks, Loring promised that the park board would build a home for Wirth. This new home would be in Lyndale Farmstead Park. Wirth agreed to these terms. He moved to Minneapolis in 1906 and began his important work.
