St. Paul architecture reflects a grand history

Endicott sign
The grand brass sign sets the tone for the Endicott Building. The building typified St. Paul's connections to New England money at the time it was built, in 1891.
MPR Photo/Tom Crann

What comes to mind when you think of St. Paul architecture -- the twin domes of the State Capitol and the St. Paul Cathedral? The red #1 blinking atop a skyscraper? The storefronts of Grand Ave.? And don't forget the grand houses lining Summit.

A new book surveys the varied architecture of St. Paul, past and present. Paul Clifford Larson is the co-author, with Jeffrey Hess, of "St. Paul Architecture: A History." He met MPR's Tom Crann in downtown St. Paul to talk about the book at an important building, and one of his favorties -- the Endicott Building.

This building was designed by Cass Gilbert, the same architect who designed the Minnesota State Capitol, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington.

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