H. Alden Smith House

The H. Alden Smith House is a three-story home built from brown sandstone with corner towers, front and side porches, and decorative stained-glass skylights. The structure displays Richardsonian Romanesque style through its thick stone walls and crafted details that define its appearance.

Built in 1887 for businessman Horatio Alden Smith, the house started as a family residence. In 1919, William Davies purchased it to operate mortuary services, shifting its purpose significantly.

The interior layout reflects how wealthy families organized their daily lives in the 1880s, with distinct rooms for receiving guests, dining, and relaxing. The stonework and craftsmanship visible throughout demonstrated the owner's taste and prosperity.

The building underwent extensive renovation in 2022 to accommodate new apartments while keeping the historic architectural features intact. When visiting, you can still see the original design elements throughout the structure.

This is the only surviving mansion from a neighborhood where Minneapolis wealthy families lived between the 1880s and 1920s. All other grand homes from that era have been demolished or disappeared, making this one a rare remnant.

Location: Minneapolis

Architects: William Channing Whitney

Architectural style: Richardsonian Romanesque

GPS coordinates: 44.97278,-93.28083

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:02