Lumber Exchange Building

The Lumber Exchange Building is a twelve-story structure in downtown Minneapolis with walls of pink Kasota stone and rounded arches along its Hennepin Avenue front. The complex contains office spaces and event venues while preserving its original brass revolving door.

The building was constructed in 1885 as Minneapolis's first skyscraper and introduced advanced fireproof construction using terra cotta sheathing. These innovative techniques allowed structures to rise higher while providing better protection against fire.

The building represents Minneapolis's economic expansion and housed the offices of the wood trade that shaped the city's growth. It shows how central this business was to the city's development during that era.

The building sits at the corner of Fifth Street and Hennepin Avenue and is easily reached on foot from downtown. The location makes it convenient to view the exterior and explore neighboring attractions.

A large swimming pool occupied the basement where wood trade executives held informal business meetings. This leisure facility was an unusual amenity for a business building of that era.

Location: Minneapolis

Architects: Long and Kees

GPS coordinates: 44.97993,-93.27167

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:46