Grain Belt Brewery, 1215 Marshall Street NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota
From Placeography
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Grain Belt Brewery | |
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| Address: | 1215 Marshall Street NE |
| Neighborhood/s: | Sheridan, Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| City/locality- State/province | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| County- State/province: | Hennepin County, Minnesota |
| State/province: | Minnesota |
| Country: | United States |
| Year built: | 1891 |
| Primary Style: | Other |
| Additions: | 1949, 1957, 2001 |
| Major Alterations: | Intact |
| Historic Function: | Business |
| Historic Function: | Industrial, Brewery |
| Other Historic Function: | Industrial, Brewery |
| Current Function: | Apartments/condominiums |
| Current Function: | Offices, Studios |
| Other Current Function: | Offices, Studios |
| Architect or source of design: | Fredrick W. Wolff & William L. Lehle |
| Material of Exterior Wall Covering: | Brick |
| Material of Roof: | Wood Shingle |
| Material of Foundation: | Stone |
| First Owner: | Fredrick W. Wolff & William L. Lehle |
(44.999577° N, 93.269323° WLatitude: 44°59′58.477″N
Longitude: 93°16′9.563″W)
| National Register of Historic Places Information | |
| Reference Number: | 90000988 |
| Primary Style: | Romanesque Revival |
Contents |
History
General Information
The Grain Belt Brewery Complex represents the historical period between 1891-1927. The building itself is a fine example of its Romanesque Revival style and was often referred to as a castle. The building allowed the company to increase its production immensely. The site is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places for its local historic significance. While it showcases Minnesota’s history and start, it also was significant for its technical advances.
Early History
The city of Minneapolis began through its large industries that were located on the river front. These industries began from the abundance of resources in the Midwest, including barley. Due to the rise in immigrant settlers, predominantly of German origin, barley was use to start the business of brewing. In the early1890s, four of the most successful brewers, Heinrich Brewing, Germania Brewing, Norenburg Brewing and Orth Brewing, combined their businesses to create the Minneapolis Brewing and Malting Company. The following year construction began. The company later changed its name to Grain Belt to reference the fact the product came from the Midwest which was also known as American’s grain belt or breadbasket.
Prohibition & Later Years
When prohibition went into affect the company changed to largely malted drinks, nevertheless the company took fall with its profits. After prohibition, Grain Belt became one of the top breweries nationwide. In the 1960s the complex enlarged to add Grain Belt Park. In 1969 the company expanded to New Ulm, Minnesota. The business was bought the next decade by Irwin Jacobs which was resold to G. Heileman Brewing Company. The city of Minneapolis later took over the property to protect the site and the water front.
Renovation
The building was left vacant for about 30 years. Therefore in 1990 the building was renovated and added to by the firm RSP architects. The renovation included replacing structures with steel, extending floors and rehabilitating the main stairway. The brewery complex now houses the RSP offices, studios and the Hennepin County Library.
Buildings within the Complex
- Brew House
- Power Station
- Wagon Shed
- Grain Belt Offices
- Bottle House
- Warehouse
- Railroad Spur
Memories and stories
Related Links
Notes
"Grain Belt Brewery Blueprints". 1890. University of Minnesota Northwest Architectural Archives, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Badges
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Photo Gallery
 Grain Belt Brewery 1948 |
 Grain Belt Brewery 1900 |
 Grain Belt Brewery 1958 |
 Interior Staircase by RSP 2013 |
 Warehouse 2013 |
 Warehouse Elevation |
 Brewery Elevation |
 Brewery Second Floor Plan |
