It was announced in early August that the developer First & First has purchased the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis’ historic building in Loring Park. This is good news for the neighborhood, for historic preservation and for the future of the Woman’s Club.
According to the press release, “First & First envisions the Woman’s Club as a vibrant destination for culture, creativity, and community. The company plans to thoughtfully restore the property while expanding opportunities for cultural programming, performances, lectures, exhibitions, weddings, and special events that celebrate the building’s historic character.”
“Those familiar with the building know that the facade does not tell the whole story.”
Those familiar with the building know that the facade does not tell the whole story. The interior contains a 650-seat theater, a dining room, a ballroom, a lofty lounge with French doors opening onto Loring Park and, the best kept secret of all, a rooftop terrace with views over the park to the downtown skyline.
The sale was necessary due to the enormous cost of maintaining such a large building, built to serve different needs of a different era. Club leaders were concerned that a developer might tear down the building, and were fortunate that Peter Remes, founder and chief executive of First & First, had the vision and the experience to restore this historic home of women’s suffrage in Minneapolis.
Other buildings restored by First & First include Ice House Plaza, Aria and the James J. Hill library in St. Paul.
As an added bonus, the club does not have to find a new home. In a statement from the organization, “The Woman’s Club will remain in the building as a tenant, continuing its outstanding work empowering women through advocacy, education, leadership, philanthropy, and community engagement throughout the Twin Cities.”
“Club leaders were concerned that a developer might tear down the building.”
Susan Lenfestey writes for the Hill & Lake Press. She lives in Lowry Hill.
