Pioneer and Endicott Buildings

The Pioneer and Endicott Buildings are a connected L-shaped complex in downtown Saint Paul featuring Renaissance and Romanesque details in their terra cotta facades and decorative cornices. The Pioneer Building was completed in 1889, followed by the Endicott Building in 1890, which was constructed to wrap around its partner structure.

The Pioneer Building was constructed in 1889 and served as Saint Paul's tallest structure until 1915, when the Cathedral of Saint Paul surpassed it in height. The Endicott Building followed in 1890, expanding the architectural presence on the downtown block.

The architectural details on the facades tell a story about how commercial buildings were designed in that era, with local craftspeople contributing to the decorative elements that define the corner. Walking around the buildings today, visitors can observe how the terra cotta ornaments and cornices still serve as markers of downtown identity.

The complex is located at 141 4th Street East in downtown Saint Paul and now contains office spaces and residential units throughout both structures. The corner location makes it easy to view the full architectural composition from multiple angles along the street.

The Pioneer Building housed one of the nation's first glass elevators, a technological innovation that captured public interest at the time. This early adoption of modern elevator technology made the structure a landmark for mechanical advancement.

Location: Saint Paul

Inception: 1889

Architects: Solon Spencer Beman

GPS coordinates: 44.94694,-93.09000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:00