Chester Terrace

Chester Terrace is a residential building from the 1890s in downtown Duluth designed in Romanesque Revival style, featuring brick and brownstone facades with towers, turrets, and decorative details throughout. The structure was built as a multi-unit apartment building and continues to serve that residential purpose today.

The building was constructed in 1890 by architects Oliver Traphagen and Francis Fitzpatrick during Duluth's period of rapid expansion as a major economic center. It received National Register of Historic Places status in 1980, recognizing its importance to the city's architectural heritage.

The building represents housing choices made by affluent residents during Duluth's boom period in the late 1800s, when families sought to live close to commercial centers and Lake Superior. Such residences served as symbols of economic success and showed the architectural tastes of the era.

The building sits on East First Street within walking distance of downtown shops and attractions, with Lake Superior visible nearby. Since it is an occupied residential building, visitors can view the exterior architecture from the street while respecting the privacy of current residents.

The building's name references Chester Creek nearby, which flows into Lake Superior and connects the structure to the region's natural geography. This naming choice shows how early developers linked buildings to local landscape features.

Location: Duluth

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 46.79972,-92.08278

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:26