Minneapolis preserves historic Lakeshore Arms Apartments as landmark
The Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission unanimously approved landmark status for the Lakeshore Arms Apartments on Lake Street West on June 18, recognizing the 1930s building's distinctive Spanish eclectic architecture and historical significance to the neighborhood.
The commission voted 8-0 to designate the Lakeshore Arms Apartments at 3026 Lake Street West as a local landmark, with one commissioner recusing himself and one absent. The decision came after Senior City Planner Rob Skalicky presented a comprehensive designation study highlighting the building's architectural importance.
Skalicky detailed the property's Spanish eclectic style features, including "lightly colored brick, colored tile roofs with little to no eve overhang, wrought iron ornament shown in light sconces, Juliet balconies, and grills." The building, constructed in 1930, exemplifies the multi-family housing boom that occurred in the Uptown and Cedar-Isles-Dean areas during the 1920s and 1930s. The State Historic Preservation Office reviewed and concurred with the staff's findings.
While the property owner submitted written opposition to the designation, commissioners noted overwhelming public support. Resident Sara Stevens testified in favor, calling the building "really unique" and praising how it "adds to the quality of our life living in this neighborhood." Commissioner Wallace stated the designation study "covered all the bases" and that the architecture was "unique enough to be designated as a local landmark."
The commission also announced that the city's African-American Historic and Cultural Context Study received an Award of Excellence from the American Association of State and Local History, recognizing the study's achievement in documenting local history. Staff also promoted upcoming volunteer opportunities at the NAPC Forum conference.
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Votes (1)
Local Landmark Designation: Lakeshore Arms Apartments (3026 Lake Street West)
Dissent: The property owner submitted written comments opposing the designation. Commissioner Thomas recused from the vote.
Moved by Commissioner Booty [00:30:57] · Seconded by Commissioner Corrado [00:31:32]
Senior City Planner Rob Skalicky presented the designation study, detailing how the Lakeshore Arms Apartments at 3026 Lake Street West embodies the distinctive characteristics of the Spanish eclectic architectural style (Criterion Four) and retains high historic integrity. The commission noted the property owner's written opposition but highlighted overwhelming public support for the designation. Commissioners voiced strong approval, praising the property's unique architecture and the thoroughness of the staff report.
Notable Quotes (3)
The Lakeshore Arms Apartments exemplifies the Spanish eclectic style. The building embodies many key characteristics of the style including but not limited to lightly colored brick, colored tile roofs with little to no eve overhang, wrought iron ornament shown in light sconces, Juliet balconies, and grills.
I think it's really unique and um, you know, it's a bit of an anomaly between the larger buildings before it but around it it also has green space behind it. It really adds to the quality of our life living in this neighborhood if reminding us of old Minneapolis, but I think it's a very unique, lovely building and I am here to support the designation as a preservation heritage site.
I feel like the designation study really covered all the bases I was looking for. I don't personally have any hesitation in approving this as a landmark or voting to designate as a landmark. I think the uh, architecture is unique enough uh, to be designated as a local landmark plus this location etc. etc.
Ordinances & Resolutions (8)
Governing ordinance for landmark designation in Minneapolis
Specific section detailing findings required for designation
Specific section containing designation criteria
Comprehensive report prepared by CPED staff for the Lakeshore Arms Apartments
Report presented by city planning staff to the commission
Award-winning study recognized for its achievement in state and local history
Permit approved in October 1930 for the construction of Lakeshore Arms Apartments
Initial approval document from August 2025 for landmark consideration of the property
Source document
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Historic Preservation Program Announcements and Awards
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