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Milwaukee Avenue Historic District - Minneapolis Seward Neighborhood's unique walker's paradise

Only two blocks long, the Milwaukee Avenue Historic District is Seward Neighborhood's shining star. This group of small homes built between 1884 and 1890 was the first planned workers' community in Minneapolis, attracting immigrants working in the nearby railroad yards and other industries along Hiawatha Avenue. Built in similar style on quarter-sized lots with no front yards, these homes have more of a rowhouse feel.

In 1970, after decades of neglect, the City of Minneapolis planned to raze these homes along Milwaukee Avenue. Thanks to activist neighborhood residents, the area was instead rehabilitated.  Houses were preserved and the street was turned into a bike and pedestrian mall creating a unique sense of community and the Milwaukee Avenue Historic District. 

The Milwaukee Avenue Historic District is a shining example of a neighborhood coming together, creating a unique pocket neighborhood where the car does not dominate. Walk Score gives this area a score of 91, naming it a Walker's Paradise.

Located southeast of downtown Minneapolis bordered by I-94 on the north and the Mississippi River on the east, Seward neighborhood is a very diverse and politically liberal community characterized by college students, immigrants, aging hippies and everything in between.

Seward Neighborhood was ranked #7 in Twin Cities Metro Magazine's list of the 20 most livable neighborhoods in Minneapolis. Its diverse residents include The Playwrights' Center, Northern Clay Center, Seward Co-op, Riverside Park and off-leash dog park, Birchwood Cafe, weekly punk and rock at Memory Lanes bowling alley and vegan Seward Cafe.

As you might expect, homes along Milwaukee Avenue are rarely available but buyers looking for walkable neighborhoods frequently ask about Seward neighorhood homes for sale. Average home price is $193,956.

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email - Minneapolis Seward Neighborhood Realtor

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Winterlights at the Purcell Cutts House, masterpiece of Prairie School architecture

On a narrow lot on a short, quiet street near Lake of the Isles sits one of the most significant examples of Prairie School architecture in the country... the Purcell-Cutts House, designed and built by William Gray Purcell and George Grant Elmslie in 1913.

Now decorated for the holidays, this gem is open for tours on Saturdays and Sundays through January 1, 2012. The Purcell-Cutts House  is located at 2328 Lake Place, Minneapolis, MN 55405.

During the rest of the year it is open the second weekend of the month. If that doesn't fit your schedule consider a private tour. We brought a small group of 8 for a private tour this week and it was a real treat! Uncrowded and docent-led, I was surprised to discover how affordable it was and how easy it was to schedule... I highly recommend it!

It is hard to imagine now how revolutionary this design was when it was built nearly 100 years ago. William Purcell had worked alongside Frank Lloyd Wright and George Elmslie in Chicago under Louis Sullivan, who has been called the father of modernism.

When Purcell moved to Minneapolis he specifically chose a narrow city lot overlooking Lake of the Isles to build his home that was in sharp contrast to the revival style homes popular at that time. With an open living area 50 feet long adaptable for multiple uses, this was the forerunner of today's open floor plans... except for the kitchen, which was not to be seen!!

In his own words...

In so far as the house represents a departure from customary forms it does so because in designing it a conscious attempt has been made to first establish a real modern American family life, and then give it expression in real forms. This is indeed a departure.

Its open spaces make it feel more spacious than its modest size of about 2400 sq ft, and its 500 leaded art glass windows give it the feeling of a glass jewel box. Purcell did the architectural design and invited his friend Elmslie from Chicago to do the detail design work, including the windows, stenciling, built-ins and furniture which flow through the entire home in a unified design.

It's easy to miss this house as you drive down this street in spite of its unique design because of its setting on the lot. Another indication of how carefully Purcell considered every part of the design and its relationship to its surroundings, he situated the house back about 30 feet from the street so windows faced the neighbors' backyard gardens instead of their houses.

The Purcell family only lived in Minneapolis a short time, and when they sold the house in 1919 it was purchased by Anson and Edna Cutts, who lived in it for 66 years. They realized the architectural significance of the house and made virtually no changes except for adding a detached garage. The Purcell-Cutts House was bequeathed to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in 1985 and after restoration work it has been open for public tours since 1990. They welcome visitors from throughout the world.

Located in the prestigious East Isles neighborhood of Minneapolis nestled between the east shore of Lake of the Isles and Hennepin Avenue north of Lake Street, neighborhood homes average $628,633. See homes for sale in East Isles, Minneapolis, MN.

 Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email - Minneapolis Realtor

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The Coffee Shop NE... the 'Cheers' of Audubon Park

The Coffee Shop Northeast is one of those intimate coffee shops that immediately makes you feel at home... like you are already part of the neighborhood. I met new clients there on Thursday night just as I had met another client there a few weeks ago. I was again struck by the 'Cheers' feel of this neighborhood hub... very friendly and welcoming, a place where you go not just for coffee and food but also for comaraderie and to get a pulse on what is happening in the neighborhood. They've got it right when they say they serve coffee~treats~food~LOVE!

Thursday evening was December 1st, Johnson Street shopping night. As I walked towards the coffee shop I was greeted by the dazzling, colorful displays in A Bag Lady on the corner... and when I arrived at The Coffee Shop Northeast I was delighted to find some local artisans set up in the back of the shop. What an added treat to be able to get a start on my Christmas shopping!

If food prepared and served with love is the way to a person's heart the corner of Johnson and 29th is the Audubon Park neighborhood heart trifecta.

Not only do you have The Coffee Shop NE, but you also have Hazel's Northeast restaurant serving home cooked comfort food and Sarah Jane's old fashioned bakery providing fresh, delicious melt-in-your mouth goodies since 1979. When I stopped by Sarah Jane's on Saturday morning it seemed like everyone there was greeted by name. I couldn't resist picking up some divinity for my husband, it's his favorite holiday treat. Sarah Jane's divinity was some of the best we have ever had... soft, dense but also light, and divinely delicious!

It never ceases to amaze me how people who live in this neighborhood want to stay here! Audubon Park has homes of various ages and character, classic two-stories, tudors and bungalows built in the first half of the last century but also some mid century ramblers and one and a half story homes... with an average price of $146,975. It is bordered on the north by the lovely St. Anthony Parkway, a great place to walk, run and bike, and on the east by St. Anthony.

More than any other part of the city, people who want to live in Northeast Minneapolis know and pick their specific neighborhoods... and Audubon Park is often near the top of the list. See homes for sale in Audubon Park and find out why people love living here!

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email - Minneapolis Audubon Park Realtor

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Indoor rock climbing opens in historic Minneapolis ice house

When you think of Minneapolis, rock climbing may not be one of the first things that comes to your mind. Even though there are no rock faces in Minneapolis, Minnesota has some great climbing areas.  The most notable are along the North Shore of Lake Superior, but there are some rock climbing spots only about an hour's drive from the Twin Cities along the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

With the season's first snowfall yesterday we were reminded that winter is not far away... defnitely not a time for outdoor rock climbing in Minnesota, but a perfect time for Vertical Endeavors new indoor rock climbing facility to open in Minneapolis.

Crowds of people flocked to their grand opening last weekend to see their impressive facility with 50-60 climbing walls of various levels of difficulty. Whether you want to hone your rock climbing skills or are just looking for something new and different this could be a cool alternative to the gym, especially when the snow is flying!

Located along Eat Street in the Whittier neighborhood just south of downtown Minneapolis at 2540 Nicollet Ave South, Mpls, MN 55404, Vertical Endeavors is located in one of the last remaining historic ice house buildings.

Current average home price in this walkable neighborhood is $145,649. See homes currently for sale in the Whittier neighborhood just south of downtown Minneapolis, home of Vertical Endeavors and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Minneapolis Realtor

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One-of-a-kind museum on the shores of Lake Calhoun

Lake Calhoun is the largest of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, and a popular destination for walkers, joggers, bikers and joy riders... a great place to see the city skyline, people watch and enjoy the elegant homes surrounding the lake.

The West Calhoun neighborhood of Minneapolis is home of the Minikahda Club, the oldest country club west of the Mississippi River.

It is also home of the only museum and library in the world dedicated primarily to medical electricity... the Bakken Museum, located in West Winds mansion on the west shore of Lake Calhoun.

Named for Earl Bakken, developer of the first pacemaker and co-founder of Medtronic, Bakken started collecting old electric medical machines and books in 1969. When he outgrew storage space, he purchased the West Winds mansion on the west shore of Lake Calhoun in 1976... where it has continued to grow as an educational destination for both scholars and young people.

The Bakken still has the feel of a fascinating old mansion, the perfect setting for 'Dr. Frankenstein's Laboratory' with a 12-minute multi-media show that brings Dr. Frankenstein's monster to life.

Today educational programming plays a prominent role in the museum. Their school and youth programs include extensive outreach, field trip and science theater programs... Lego robotics, Inventor's Club and summer science camps.

The building fits in so well with its neighbors that you might not even realize it is a museum as you pass by on your journey around the lake.

Current average home price in this neighborhood is $457,889... see homes currently for sale around Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis.

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Minneapolis Realtor

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Loring Greenway... hidden treasure of Loring Park neighborhood

Loring Greenway is an urban walkway that connects Nicollet Mall with Loring Park, the city park that gives its name to the Minneapolis neighborhood ranked 2nd most livable by Twin Cities METRO magazine. If you aren't familiar with it you might not even realize it's there... but this urban walkway is a hidden treasure that gets heavy use by thousands of people every day.

One entrance is across the street from the Berger dandelion fountain on the western edge of Loring Park. It meanders past condos, townhouses and apartments as it makes it way through gardens, fountains, and a playground on its way to Nicollet Mall... across the street from Westminster Presbyterian Church where a Paul Granlund sculpture bursts forth.

Designed by noted landscape architect M. Paul Friedberg, it is very fitting that Peavey Plaza, which he also designed, is on the corner less than a block away. The design creates a plaza parkway over LaSalle Avenue. I love the bustle of the city contrasted with the peaceful canopy of trees and a quiet residential feel. Many people may not even realize this part of the city is even here... quiet, shaded townhomes just steps from Nicollet Mall?!

It makes me wonder if this walkway might have been part of the inspiration for the Edina Promenade. Both are wonderfully walkable, passing by condos and townhomes as they connect a city park with commercial districts. Both are also areas that appeal to young buyers and Baby Boomers alike.

Not surprisingly, many of the homes for sale in the Loring Park neighborhood are concentrated in the area around the Loring Greenway, currently ranging in price from $119,900 to $595,000. The other high concentration of Loring Park neighborhood condos is along Groveland Avenue on the south side of Loring Park, not far from Walker Art Center.

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Loring Park Realtor

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Minneapolis Field Neighborhood, bordering Minnehaha Creek & 35W and home of Turtle Bread, Pepitos, Pumphouse Creamery...

The Field neighborhood of Minneapolis is primarily a cozy, quiet urban residential neighborhood.  With Minnehaha Creek at its southern border it has easy access to both Lake Nokomis and Lake Harriet and to miles of trails beyond in both directions. 

With I-35W on its western border it not only has easy access to downtown Minneapolis and the rest of the metro via freeway, but is also close to the new transit station right in the middle of the freeway at I-35W and 46th Street, the northern border of the Field neighborhood. (Bordering the other side of the freeway on 46th is the famed Museum of Russian Art, the only one of its kind in North America!)

The popular corner of Chicago and 48th is the center for eating and shopping for both the Field and Northrop neigborhoods, which meet at Chicago Avenue. It features multiple restaurants and shops, as well as a hardware store, movie theater and many services.

Most of the Field neighborhood is made up of quiet, tree-lined streets with cozy homes at an average price of $194,048, many built in the 1920's.

It scores high on recreation with its easy access to Minnehaha Parkway paths for running, walking, biking, skating... and also scores high for diversity and its rank in Minneapolis schools.

Click to see homes for sale in Field neighborhood, at I-35W and Minnehaha Creek in Minneapolis.

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email - Minneapolis Field Neighborhood Realtor

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Best suburban coffee shop... awesome atmosphere in Eden Prairie's historic Smith Douglas More House

Not your typical suburban (or even urban!) coffee shop, Eden Prairie Dunn Bros Coffee is awesome enough to be a destination spot. Located in the historic Smith Douglas More farmhouse built in 1877, it is loaded with atmosphere inside and out. It's a great spot to relax under the trees on the romantic outdoor patio or chill out in the multiple rooms of the historic house.

The addition built in 2002 when it became a coffee house is much like a typical coffee stop... leaving the whole historic house and grounds as wonderful places to sit for a spell. Multiple rooms and corners with easy chairs and tables make it a great place for meetings or a private conversation... perfect for the book clubs who meet here regularly.

 
The big chalk calendar on the wall in the 'order room' gives the schedule for the month, with events including regular wine nights, live music, art shows and community events. Next weekend, October 15 and 16, 2011, they will be hosting a shopping event featuring vintage and refurbished furnishings, home decor, harvest botanicals, gifts and other treasures.

In addition to their Dunn Bros 'better-than-fair-trade' coffee which they buy directly from the farmers and roast onsite, they serve wine and soups, sandwiches... have free wi-fi...

This unique coffee shop is at located at the Smith Douglas More House, 8107 Eden Prairie Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55347.

See Eden Prairie homes for sale around Dunn Bros Coffee. Eden Prairie is a young community (average age 45) with over 2,200 businesses. Eden Prairie is a suburb known for its good schools and rated America's #1 Best Place to Live by Money Magazine in 2010.

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Eden Prairie Realtor

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Wood Lake... the area's first municipal nature center

Wood Lake was once a recreational lake surrounded by homes, but much of its water drained in the 1950's... leaving a vast marshland which the city of Richfield dedicated as the area's first municpal nature center in 1971. Today three miles of trails and boardwalks wind through cattail marsh, lowland forest and restored prairie habitats of Wood Lake Nature Center.

 
Yesterday was my first extensive walk at the center, and it was a beautiful day for it... the colors were glorious and there were many out taking advantage of this wonderful resource in the midst of the city.

 

The western edge of the nature area borders I-35W reminding you that you are still in the city, but the natural beauty makes you feel like you are miles away. A few homes remain from its early days as a recreational lake, including Richfield's oldest historic home built in 1856. Oak Grove Boulevard bordering the southeast edge of the park has a feel unlike any other part of Richfield, a first ring suburb bordering the southern edge of Minneapolis. See what is currently for sale around Wood Lake Nature Center.

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email - Richfield Realtor

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The top 30 Minneapolis neighborhoods

What makes one neighborhood more desireable than another? When TWIN CITIES METRO magazine compiled their ranked list of Twin Cities neighborhoods they decided to use data rather than intuition in coming up with scores to rank their list: housing cost (15%), transit (13%), recreation (13%), safety (12%), schools (10%), arts & culture (10%), diversity (8%), restaurants (6%), retail outlets (5%), food/gas (4%), bars (4%).

It's interesting because the list contains some surprises... and unexpected omissions. But putting cost at the top of the criteria brings reality to the list and helps set a balance between affordability and neighborhood amenities to produce a list of neighborhoods worth considering... hmmm, sounds like setting priorities for choosing a home as well as a neighborhood.

Here is TWIN CITIES METRO magazine's list of the top 30 neighborhoods in Minneapolis, as well as a map that indicates how all 85 neighborhoods scored out of a total possible 100 points. Links are to some related neighborhood posts I have made throughout the years.

1. Downtown West
2. Loring Park 
3. Diamond Lake
4. Marcy Holmes
5. Cedar Riverside
6. Howe (at the heart of the larger Longfellow community)
7. Seward
8. Lowry Hill East
9. Longfellow
10. CARAG
11. Elliot Park
12. North Loop
13. Hiawatha (home of Minnehaha Falls Park)
14. Fulton
15. Tangletown
16. Wenonah
17. Lyndale
18. Prospect Park-East River Road
19. Field
20. Minnehaha
21. Whittier
22. Hale
23. Standish
24. Linden Hills
25. Windom
26. Bryn Mawr
27. Keewaydin
28. Ericcson
29. Northrop
30. Phillips West

Read more at TWIN CITIES METRO... The Top Ten Neighborhoods in Minneapolis... Minneapolis Neighborhoods: The Runners-Up.

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email - Minneapolis Neighborhood Realtor

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