Lorin Cray House

The Lorin Cray House is a brick mansion in Mankato featuring towers, columns, a side balcony, and windows with stained, etched, and beveled glass across its 10,000 square feet. The building combines Classical Revival, Queen Anne, and Romanesque architectural elements.

The brick building was designed in 1897 by architect Frank Thayer and cost around 13,000 dollars. The structure reflects architectural trends that wealthy homeowners favored at that time.

The house shows how wealthy families in Minnesota wanted to live during the late 1800s. The rooms and elaborate finishes reflect the lifestyle of the upper class during that era.

The building is now divided into several dwelling units and was originally built as a single residence. Visitors should know that it has served different purposes over time, from a private home to a community facility.

The facade was constructed from different colored materials, including buff brick, red brick, pink granite, and limestone from Kasota. This mix of materials creates varying patterns and textures on the outside that catch the eye as you walk around the building.