MINNEAPOLIS RIVERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT ORAL HISTORY PROJECT:

Collection is arranged alphabetically by interviewee's last name.

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Availability:

The collection is open for research use.

Preferred Citation:

[Indicate the cited item and/or series here]. Minneapolis Riverfront Redevelopment Oral History Project. Oral History Interviews of the Minneapolis Riverfront Redevelopment Oral History Project. Minnesota Historical Society.

See the Chicago Manual of Style for additional examples.

Accession Information:

Accession number: AV2009.52

Processing Information:

Processed by: J. Huebscher, August 2009.

Catalog ID number: 990069346460104294

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Location

OH 117

Executive summary prepared by interviewer Linda Mack, 2009. 13 pages.

Digital version

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Biographical Information: Scott Anfinson is the Minnesota state archaeologist, and, from 1975 to 1990, was archaeologist for the State Historic Preservation Office, located at the Minnesota Historical Society.

Anfinson worked on the Minneapolis riverfront for more than 25 years and helped unearth remnants of early structures such as the first Hennepin Avenue Bridge and the gates of the water power canal. Immersing himself in Sanborn maps and historic photos, he documented the historical development of the milling district. Taking photos and working with the Technical Advisory Committee, he helped document the more recent changes on the riverfront and convey the history to the general public.

Location

OH 117.1

Interview with Scott Anfinson at Fort Snelling, November 25, 2008. 1 master audio disc (1 hour 30 minutes), 1 submaster audio file: WAV, and 1 user audio file: MP3. Transcript (34 pages).

Subjects discussed: Early archeology on the riverfront for the West River Parkway; excavations of the first Hennepin Avenue Bridge foundations; fires at Crown Roller Mill, Washburn Mill and Humboldt Mill; Russell Fridley’s formation of the St. Anthony Falls History Committee in 1985; and the operation of the Riverfront Technical Advisory Committee.

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Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Nina Archabal was executive director of the Minnesota Historical Society. She arrived in Minnesota in 1965, just as riverfront milling had shut down. Beginning in the 1980s, John Wood and others at the Minnesota Historical Society voiced concerns about the preservation of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District and its three landmarks—the Washburn Crosby Mill, Pillsbury A Mill and Stone Arch Bridge. The St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board was established in 1988 to bring the myriad entities involved in the riverfront together and to give history a seat at the table. The board spearheaded the opening of the Stone Arch Bridge as a pedestrian/bicycle route, interpreted history along a riverfront trail, and, eventually, told the history of milling in the Mill City Museum.

Location

OH 117.2

Interview with Nina Archabal, St. Paul, January 6, 2009. Transcript (9 pages).

Subjects discussed: Establishing the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board; the Minnesota Historical Society’s involvement in Minneapolis riverfront revival,including the re-opening of the Stone Arch Bridge; the fire at the Washburn Mill and the preservation of the ruins; developing and building the Mill City Museum.

There is no audio for this interview.

Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Sharon Sayles Belton served on the Minneapolis City Council from 1984 to 1993, was Council President from 1989 to 1993 and was Mayor from 1994 to 2001.

Location

OH 117.3

Interview with Sharon Sayles Belton, Richfield, November 17, 2008. 1 master audio disc (1 hour), 1 submaster audio file: WAV, and 1 user audio file: MP3. Transcript (15 pages).

Subjects discussed: Early riverfront planning; analyzing the failure of Riverplace; the idea of the Hennepin County History Museum moving to the riverfront; creation of Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Board; the importance of highlighting history and of linking the east and west banks of the river; bringing Brighton Development to the riverfront; discussions with businessman Carl Pohlad about building a riverfront baseball stadium; development of the Milwaukee Road Depot by CSM; showdown about unionizing the hotel at the depot; the concept for Third Avenue as Avenue of the Arts; and the debate with Hennepin County Commissioner John Derus over use of the Stone Arch Bridge.

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Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Ann Calvert is principal project coordinator for Community Planning and Economic Development in Minneapolis.

Location

OH 117.4

Interview with Ann Calvert, Minneapolis, March 20, 2009. Transcript (33 pages).

Subjects discussed: Early riverfront planning and project-by-project steps toward implementing the plans; importance of the Minneapolis Park Board developing access to the river; the Crown Roller Mill fire; role of MCDA (Minneapolis Community Development Agency) in developments such as the Whitney Hotel and Ceresota Elevators; the West River Parkway land deal; the Stone Arch Bridge; the purchase of the Chicago Northwestern railroad yards; city infrastructure improvements on the west bank; work and structure of the Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Board; and the work of the Minneapolis Riverfront Corporation.

There is no audio for this interview.

Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: John Chaffee is a landscape surveyor, renovator, and longtime Nicollet Island resident. He moved to Nicollet Island around 1970 and became involved in the efforts to renovate the island’s historic houses, both as an activist (he chaired the Urban Renewal District Project Area Committee off and on from 1980 to 1999), and as a contractor with the neighborhood-based redevelopment corporation. He describes the slow but successful process of renovating the buildings.

Location

OH 117.5

Interview with John Chaffee, Minneapolis, October 21, 2008. 1 master audio disc (1 hour 30 minutes), 1 submaster audio file: WAV, and 1 user audio file: MP3. Transcript (24 pages).

Subjects discussed: Building-by-building description of the Hennepin Avenue commercial district on Nicollet Island; early urban renewal plans to clear the island and the formation of the Project Area Committee which lobbied for renovating the houses. He also discusses early renovation efforts, the development of the regional park and infusion of Metropolitan Council open space money, the battle between the Minneapolis Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board over the island’s future, which was resolved in 1983 with the idea of a ground lease.

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Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Philanthropist John Cowles was former publisher of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and Sage Cowles is a dance advocate and performance artist. In the late 1970s, Sage Cowles had her studio in the Washburn Crosby Utility Building, where architect Peter Hall also had his studio. They discussed the idea of developing it as condos with owner Ben Miller, who used the building to store bags. But the difficulties of getting there—with the West River Parkway not yet built and the area on the river side full of sand and gravel piles—made it a vision before its time. When Brighton Development did develop the building, the Cowles were among the first to purchase a condo.

Location

OH 117.6

Interview with John and Sage Cowles, Minneapolis, July 10, 2008. 1 master audio disc (1 hour), 1 submaster audio file: WAV, and 1 user audio file: MP3. Transcript (26 pages).

Subjects discussed: Early efforts with architect Peter Hall and Ben Miller, its owner, to redevelop the Washburn-Crosby Utility Building, where Sage had a studio and the Cowles’ held their 25th wedding anniversary party. They also discuss the gritty ambiance of the formerly industrial riverfront, and later development of the Washburn-Crosby Mill as condos.

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Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Louis G. DeMars represented the Fifth Ward on the Minneapolis City Council from 1971 to 1980 and was Council President from 1974 to 1980. Before that, he served on the last appointed Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board in 1969.

Location

OH 117.7

Interview with Louis DeMars, Minneapolis, July 8, 2008. 1 master audio disc (1 hour), 1 submaster audio file: WAV, and 1 user audio file: MP3. Transcript (21 pages).

Subjects discussed: The first clean-up of the river under Rolf Svenson. Use of U.S. Bicentennial money for clean-up. Origins of Riverplace in the desire of Red Owl Stores to put a supermarket on the river. The importance of DeLaSalle School and Father Moss, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Successful efforts to stop development of I-335 freeway through riverfront, and the work of the Great River Road Commission.

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Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Betsy Doermann worked for the Minnesota Historical Society, and served as secretary to the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board for the Society.

Location

OH 117.8

Interview with Elisabeth Doermann, St. Paul, May 8, 2008. 1 master audio disc (1 hour 30 minutes), 1 submaster audio file: WAV, and 1 user audio file: MP3. Transcript (27 pages).

Subjects discussed: The creation of the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board; the Stone Arch Bridge redevelopment; the importance of the staff of the Technical Advisory Committee; the impact of Minneapolis mayor Sharon Sayles Belton on riverfront development; development of the Heritage Trail and the research that went into planning the Mill City Museum.

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Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Donald Fraser was mayor of Minneapolis from 1980 to 1993. Arvonne Fraser is a civic activist, senior fellow emeritus of the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, and current head of the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association.

Location

OH 117.9

Interview with Donald and Arvonne Fraser, St. Paul, June 17, 2008. 1 master audio disc (45 minutes), 1 submaster audio file: WAV, and 1 user audio file: MP3. Transcript (17 pages).

Subjects discussed: The development of Riverplace; the Riverfront Development Coordination Board and its work; Nicollet Island clean-up and the influence of Father Moss, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church; the Pillsbury A Mill project and the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood; the Grove Street Flats; and the importance of the Stone Arch Bridge renovation.

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Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Peter Nelson Hall is a Minneapolis architect and riverfront visionary who developed the Pracna on Main restaurant.

Location

OH 117.10

Interview with Peter Nelson Hall, St. Paul, February 28, 2009. Transcript (20 pages).

Subjects discussed: Hall's purchase of the Pracna building with the help of Louis Zelle, his experiences living there, exposing the plans to raze the Third Avenue Bridge, early plans for what became St. Anthony Main, working in the Washburn Crosby Utility Building and developing plans for lofts there, John and Sage Cowles’ 25th wedding anniversary party, fire dangers, and moving out of the Utility Building.

There is no audio for this interview.

Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Phillip Handy and Richard Victor were longtime staff members at the Minneapolis Housing and Redevelopment Authority, later the Minneapolis Community Development Agency.

Location

OH 117.11

Interview with Phillip Handy and Richard Victor, St. Paul, November 19, 2008. 1 master audio disc (1 hour), 1 submaster audio file: WAV, and 1 user audio file: MP3. Transcript (15 pages).

Subjects discussed: Early riverfront planning, such as the successful opposition to plans for I-335; the first idea of riverfront recreation designation for Boom Island and the B. F. Nelson area; Victor Gruen Associates’ plan for the East Hennepin commercial area; challenges of redeveloping the Milwaukee Road Depot; the Washburn Crosby Mill fire and redevelopment; restoration of the Gold Medal Flour sign; planning for Chicago Plaza near the new Guthrie Theater.

Digital version

Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Janet Hively worked with the city of Minneapolis on the “Mississippi/Minneapolis” plan in early 1970s, was deputy planning director from 1978 to 1981, acting planning director 1982 to 1983 and deputy mayor 1983 to 1989.

Location

OH 117.12

Interview with Janet Hively, St. Paul, March 24, 2009. Transcript (21 pages).

Subjects discussed: The idea for a historical sound and light show; cleaning up the riverfront in the early 1970s,; the “Mississippi/Minneapolis” plan; the renovation of the U.S. Post Office on West River Parkway; negotiations with Burlington Northern Railroad; housing in the North Warehouse district. She also discusses redevelopment of Nicollet Island—Durkee Atwood, Grove Street Flats, Boom Island; “outparcel” defined in state legislation; Metropolitan Open Space funding; mistakes made on Nicollet Island, including private contractors’ control over the southern part of the island and the football stadium issue on the island’s north half.

There is no audio for this interview.

Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Northeast Minneapolis native Albert Hofstede served on the Minneapolis City Council from 1968 to 1970, was chair of the Metropolitan Council from 1971 to 1973, and Mayor of Minneapolis, 1974-75 and 1978-79. Later he worked with North State Advisors.

Location

OH 117.13

Interview with Albert Hofstede, St. Paul, July 10, 2008. Transcript (15 pages).

Subjects discussed: The debate about Nicollet Island; the Grove Street Flats; DeLaSalle High School; Father Moss; Bob Boisclair and the Japanese developing Riverplace; the end of plans for I-335; development of St. Anthony West and St. Anthony East; buying out B.F. Nelson; use of Metropolitan Open Space funding.

There is no audio for this interview.

Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Phyllis Kahn has served in the Minnesota Legislature as Minnesota State Representative for southeast Minneapolis from 1973 to the present. She has been a Nicollet Island resident since 1991.

Location

OH 117.14

Interview with Phyllis Kahn, St. Paul, March 4, 2009. Transcript (9 pages).

Subjects discussed: The origins of Metropolitan Open Space funding for Nicollet Island; description of the origins of the “outparcel,” which limited the Minneapolis Park Board to acquiring the land but not houses; and references to pertinent legislation.

There is no audio for this interview.

Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Robert Mack is a Minneapolis historic preservation architect.

Location

OH 117.15

Interview with Robert Mack, St. Paul, July 15, 2008. 1 master audio disc (30 minutes), 1 submaster audio file: WAV, and 1 user audio file: MP3. Transcript (9 pages).

Subjects discussed: The joint study with Miller Dunwiddie Architecture of historic resources in the Minneapolis central riverfront; erosion of historic resources and integrity on the riverfront, including on Nicollet Island; and the difficulty of opening access to the river’s edge.

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Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Robert Mattson is retired assistant superintendent for planning for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. He served as Park Board staff from 1968 to 2000.

Location

OH 117.16

Interview with Robert Mattson, St. Paul, August 1, 2008. 1 master audio disc (1 hour 30 minutes), 1 submaster audio file: WAV, and 1 user audio file: MP3. Transcript (22 pages).

Subjects discussed: Early riverfront planning, including Sasaki Associates 1971 study and Metropolitan Open Space funding for regional parks; development of the Nicollet Island compromise; development of the Great River Road /West River Parkway, (first phase 1980 to 1987); development of the concept of Mill Ruins Park; the importance of staff for the Technical Advisory Committee; issues with the U. S. Post Office; further possibilities for riverfront culture and recreation.

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Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: James McComb is a Minneapolis-based retail and real estate consultant.

Location

OH 117.17

Interview with James McComb, St. Paul, December 2, 2008. Transcript (16 pages).

Subjects discussed: Peter Hall; Reiko Weston’s land along the river; St. Anthony Main’s development; the Riverplace development as ill-conceived; Harry Wirth’s ideas for development; the difficulty of developing the Washburn-Crosby building; market analysis of East and West Bank development; success of the East Bank neighborhood.

There is no audio for this interview.

Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Minneapolis architect Tom Meyer is a principal in Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle Ltd. and designer of the Mill City Museum.

Location

OH 117.18

Interview with Thomas Meyer, St. Paul, June 17, 2008. 1 master audio disc (1 hour), 1 submaster audio file: WAV, and 1 user audio file: MP3. Transcript (16 pages).

Subjects discussed: Exploring the derelict riverfront; Meyer’s architecture thesis on a river history museum; sharing an office with Peter Hall in the Washburn Crosby Utility Building; designing the Mill City Museum; the architectural power of authentic place.

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Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Beryl Miller is the younger brother of Ben Miller of Miller Bag Company, which owned the Washburn-Crosby complex and other riverfront buildings.

Location

OH 117.19

Interview with Beryl Miller, St. Paul, April 23, 2009. Transcript (16 pages).

Subjects discussed: The growth of the Miller Bag Company and how it came to buy the General Mills complex on the West Bank of the Mississippi River; exploring use of the Utility Building for lofts; artists as tenants; the arrival of Harry Wirth; development of the Great River Road; redevelopment of the Crown Roller Mill; use of the Depot head house for Dunn Brothers Coffee and the engine house on 1st Street for the Riley Hayes advertising agency.

There is no audio for this interview.

Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Kathleen O’Brien is a Southeast Minneapolis neighborhood activist, Minneapolis City Council member from 1982 to 1989, and is currently Vice-President for University Services at the University of Minnesota.

Location

OH 117.20

Interview with Kathleen O'Brien, St. Paul, January 8 and April 15, 2009. 1 master audio disc (1 hour), 1 submaster audio file: WAV, and 1 user audio file: MP3. Transcript (13 pages).

Subjects discussed: Early interest in Minneapolis history; protesting the development of Riverplace; growth of the preservation movement; the decision to save the Crown Roller Mill; Minneapolis city council members’ trip to Lowell, Mass; use of city bond funds to build the West River Parkway and buy the Washburn Crosby Mill; conflict with the Minneapolis Park Board over Nicollet Island; the role of the Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Board.

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Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Kit Richardson is a Minneapolis architect and developer, and partner with Peter Gelzer in Architectural Associates.

Location

OH 117.21

Interview with Kit Richardson, St. Paul, December 17, 2008. 1 master audio disc (1 hour 30 minutes), 1 submaster audio file: WAV, and 1 user audio file: MP3. Transcript (29 pages).

Subjects discussed: The purchase of North Star Woolen Mill in 1979; the ways in which the 1985 national riverfront conference introduced Minneapolis to the larger world of waterfront development and vice versa; Harry Wirth’s negative effect on West Bank development efforts, including Ding Pei’s proposal for the World Trade Center; the real estate slump of the late 1980s. Richardson also owned the Standard Mill, which became the Whitney Hotel, and discusses the Crown Roller Mill fire; formation of Mill District Associates; the use of the Ceresota Elevator for grain storage; removal of the Chicago Avenue viaduct; West Bank vs. East Bank; the trolley study; the negative impact of the Industry Square Redevelopment District; Hayber Development’s role in the Whitney Hotel and Ceresota Elevator; the politics of riverfront development; his vision of riverfront activity, and his purchase of the Pillsbury A Millproperty.

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Biographical Information: Minneapolis architect Robert Roscoe served on the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission from 1980 to 1999.

Location

OH 117.22

Interview with Robert Roscoe, St. Paul, December 15, 2008. 1 master audio disc (1 hour), 1 submaster audio file: WAV, and 1 user audio file: MP3. Transcript (13 pages).

Subjects discussed: Saving the Crown Roller Mill from demolition; Ann Calvert’s important work; challenges of the Minneapolis U. S. Post Office renovation; the politics behind saving the State Theatre; the role of preservation--from the West Bank and East Hennepin to plans for the Pillsbury A Mill; how the RiverWest apartment building was developed.

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Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Theodore Tucker is a resident of the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood in Minneapolis, and a community activist. He also worked for the Riverfront Development Coordination Board.

Location

OH 117.23

Interview with Theodore Tucker, St. Paul, December 18, 2008. 1 master audio disc (30 minutes), 1 submaster audio file: WAV, and 1 user audio file: MP3. Transcript (8 pages).

Subjects discussed: The River Ramble; early riverfront grit; impact of the railroads; the Stone Arch Bridge redevelopment.

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Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Norman Weston is a retired Control Data employee and former husband of Reiko Weston, who ran the Fuji-Ya Restaurant on the Minneapolis riverfront. Carol Hanson, their daughter, grew up at the restaurant.

Location

OH 117.24

Interview with Norman Weston and Carol Weston Hanson, St. Paul, May 8, 2009. Transcript (23 pages).

Subjects discussed: Finding the building for Fuji-Ya and renovating the site, which was work that included convincing the Minnesota National Guard to demolish two railroad bridges to make way for a parking lot; redoing the building, and getting a liquor license; Fuji-Ya as a gathering place in Minneapolis.

There is no audio for this interview.

Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Historian David Wiggins developed and ran the riverfront tour program for the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board from 1993 to 2000. He is currently in charge of partnerships for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area of the National Park Service.

Location

OH 117.25

Interview with David Wiggins, Minneapolis, March 5, 2009. Transcript (35 pages).

Subjects discussed: The beginning of the riverfront tours in 1993; security concerns; expansion of the tours and development of scripts for the trolley drivers; the Stone Arch Bridge opening; Betsy Doermann’s role in the tours; planning for the Mill City Museum; the role of St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board and the Minneapolis Park Board; the development of the Plank Road; exploring the canal under the Plank Road; David Koch’s role in enlarging the concept of the Mill City Museum; plans for renovating the Father Hennepin Bluffs area; the arrival of a Dakota spiritual leader; the future of St. Anthony Falls; restoring the river gorge; the success of the Heritage Board.

There is no audio for this interview.

Transcript - Digital version

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Biographical Information: Albert Wittman was superintendent for planning for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board from 1969 to 1997.

Location

OH 117.26

Interview with Albert Wittman, St. Paul, November 18, 2008. 1 master audio disc (30 minutes), 1 submaster audio file: WAV, and 1 user audio file: MP3. Transcript (10 pages).

Subjects discussed: The early planning with Metro Parks and Open Space; the role of state legislators such as Jim Casserly; formation of the Riverfront Development Coordination Board; planning for the Great River Road; issues relating to Nicollet Island; acquisition of the Bolander and B. F. Nelson sites.

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Transcript - Digital version

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This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the Minnesota Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.

Topics:

Architecture and society -- Minnesota -- Minneapolis.

City planning -- Minnesota -- Minneapolis.

Civic improvement -- Minnesota -- Minneapolis.

Community development, Urban -- Minnesota -- Minneapolis.

Historic buildings -- Minnesota -- Minneapolis -- Conservation and restoration.

Open spaces -- Minnesota -- Minneapolis.

Urban renewal -- Minnesota -- Minneapolis.

Waterfronts -- Minnesota -- Minneapolis.

Persons:

Anfinson, Scott F., interviewee.

Archabal, Nina Marchetti, 1940-, interviewee.

Belton, Sharon Sayles, interviewee.

Calvert, Ann, interviewee.

Chaffee, John, interviewee.

Cowles, John, 1929-, interviewee.

Cowles, Sage, interviewee.

DeMars, Louis, interviewee.

Doermann, Elisabeth, interviewee.

Fraser, Arvonne S., interviewee.

Fraser, Donald MacKay, 1924-2019, interviewee.

Hall, Peter Nelson, interviewee.

Handy, Phillip, interviewee.

Hanson, Carol Weston, interviewee.

Hively, Janet M., interviewee.

Hofstede, Albert J., interviewee.

Kahn, Phyllis, 1937-, interviewee.

Mack, Linda, interviewer.

Mack, Robert C., interviewee.

Mattson, Robert, interviewee.

McComb, James, interviewee.

Meyer, Thomas, interviewee.

Miller, Beryl, interviewee.

O'Brien, Kathleen, interviewee.

Richardson, Kit, interviewee.

Roscoe, Robert, interviewee.

Tucker, Theodore, interviewee.

Victor, Richard, interviewee.

Weston, Norman, interviewee.

Wiggins, David S., interviewee.

Wittman, Albert, interviewee.

Places:

Nicollet Island (Minneapolis, Minn.)

Saint Anthony Falls Historic District (Minneapolis, Minn.)

Stone Arch Bridge (Minneapolis, Minn.)

Document Types:

Interviews.

Oral histories (document genres)

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