Food & Culture

Streetscapes

We examine big structures, small details and key trends that have shaped our streets in the past and will remake them in the future.

8 ways Minneapolis and New York are more alike than you’d think

They both have (or had) similar landmarks, with some inspired by the same famous architects.
April 26, 2025

St. Paul cathedral and Minneapolis basilica are different, but linked by more than just faith

The Roman Catholic churches were built around the same time by the same architect in differing styles.
April 19, 2025

Uptown movie theaters were once about facades, ceilings. Now they are about luxury chairs, cocktails

Minneapolis’ Lagoon Cinema is going for a face-lift to include a full-service bar, recliner seating and updated sound system.
April 12, 2025
The Suburban World movie theater on Hennepin Avenue (west side) between Lake Street and 31st Street opened in 1928 as the Granada. The atmospheric cinema's Spanish style is reflected inside and out. Minneapolis Journal photo, September 16,1928, date on photo (either run date, or received in library date).

People said these Minneapolis buildings weren’t worth saving — but they were wrong

The city would be more interesting if these old buildings had survived.
April 5, 2025

Minneapolis’ skyline is spectacular. But which view is best?

Design, density, variety and height play a role in making its views more lovely from one direction than the others.
March 28, 2025
The Minneapolis skyline from I-35W, south of Minneapolis.

City Center today is downtown Minneapolis’ biggest mistake. But remember the block’s good old days?

It once featured architecturally diverse buildings, distinguished stores and grand theaters and hotels.
March 1, 2025

Minnesota needs more whimsy. Bring back the Happy Chefs and the Big Boys.

Minnesota cities would be more interesting if there were an abundance of smiling plastic statues trying to sell us hamburgers or car washes.
February 22, 2025

10 reasons we must embrace the Northwestern Life Insurance building in Minneapolis

The building has a Roman temple touch and is the brainchild of renowned architect Minoru Yamasaki.
February 8, 2025

Those faces carved in Minneapolis City Hall are absolutely grotesque

Meet the guy who’s been sticking out his tongue at government officials since the 19th century.
January 24, 2025

The elevator doors at these eight Minneapolis skyscrapers are works of art

Modernization of buildings has led to stripped-down looks and riders just want elevators to be functional.
January 10, 2025

6 ideas to get Minnesotans to want to go to downtown Minneapolis

Downtown Minneapolis may not see big changes in 2025 but it will be different by 2035, if imaginations take over.
January 3, 2025