Oliver G. Traphagen House

The Traphagen House is a Victorian duplex built from red sandstone with ornate carved details, decorative window treatments, towers, and unusual dormers across its narrow front. The structure spans three floors with two separate entrances, ten fireplaces, and multiple rooms serving different purposes.

Architect Oliver Green Traphagen built this house in 1892 as his own residence before selling it to mining magnate Chester Congdon in 1897. The building later served as apartments from 1919 to 1986 and underwent extensive renovation before being converted to commercial use.

The residence reflects late 19th-century architectural ideals and demonstrates how wealthy residents of Duluth expressed their status through design choices. It shows the craftsmanship and material choices valued by the community during that era.

The building sits in an established residential neighborhood and is easy to reach on foot, with the facade visible from the street. Visitors should note that interior access may be limited since the property is now used for commercial purposes.

The house was originally designed by its architect to serve both residential and office functions, which explains the generous room layout and two separate entrances. This dual-purpose design makes it a rare example of a building conceived from the start as a live-work residence.