Sketch of Wedge Neighborhood History

The Wedge began as one of the first suburbs for the expanding downtown in the 1880s and 1890s. Many of Victorian homes and brownstones still exist as both single and multi-family homes. Renters and homeowners alike cherish the beauty and history of these original buildings. The Lowry Hill East historic district provides a glimpse into the enduring legacy of famed architect T.P. Healy. As in most neighborhoods, buildings have changed over time; most recently, there has been significant expansion of residential housing along the business corridors and the Greenway that has enlivened these areas. At the heart of the neighborhood is Mueller Park, named after brothers Robert and Herbert, residents and environmental stewards who served as natural historians of the neighborhood. The park was the result of the dedicated efforts of residents organized through LHENA who moved into the neighborhood in the 1970s to restore the aging, though still beautiful, housing stock and who raised their children alongside college students, artists, and musicians (most famously, The Replacements).

Check out the stories from Wedge history below for glimpses into the past of our shared home.
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Stories from Wedge History

Minneapolis Sanitary Ice Company, 2900 Bryant Avenue South

The Victory Garden and Mary Delia LaRue, 2710-16 Girard Avenue South

Allan Henry Spear was the first openly gay man in the United States to serve as a state legislator. He lived at 2429 Bryant Avenue South .

Rodeo Came to Town at Dupont and 29th in 1936 — Where Cub Foods Is Now

Did you know there are still over 50 horse barns still among us, functioning as garages and other out buildings. Did you know that there are almost 6 former barns converted to dwelling units still in the Wedge? Most exist on an alley at a cross street behind what was once a large single family dwelling. The barn served the household with transportation, sometimes a milk cow, and chickens. Two examples of these original ‘ADUs” are along 24th Street at 815, and 1107 West 24th, and a third at 911 West 27th. The third oldest dwelling in Minneapolis was an 1853 claim shanty which now exists as a garage behind 819 West 26th Street. It was built in the Greek Revival style near the shores of Lake of the Isles by R. P. Russell who owned all the land between Lyndale and the lake, and between West 26th Street and Lake Street. About 1870, Russell moved the claim shanty and a circa 1865 farm house to their present location at the corner of Bryant and West 26th. Between 1884 and 1890, horse drawn streetcars used to run south on Lyndale and turn west onto West 27th Street and then south on Dupont. A horse barn and maintenance shed were located on West 28th between Dupont and Emerson. Back in 1915 when motion pictures were all the rage, several attempts to build two such theaters at 2307 Hennepin and 2401 Hennepin (presently Valvoline Oil Change) were thwarted by the parents of school children of Douglas School on West Franklin and West High on 28th Street. The theaters were considered too tempting for children. Opponents of the plan argued that Sunnyside was a district of homes, churches and schools. The local Parent Teacher’s Association had the board of education send letters in opposition to the City Council. Photo: Horse drawn streetcar at Emerson Avenue south. Photo courtesy Hennepin County Library

​​Resident Neighborhood Historian
​LHENA is committed to telling the 100+ year old story of the Wedge, through documenting, preserving, and promoting the history of the area. This has meant public events, one-on-one listening, educational activities, and the use of historical records. Kathy Kullberg, the current neighborhood historian, is a long-term Wedge resident who is bursting with passion for local history. You can contact her directly if you have any questions or curiosities about the past life of your home or apartment building, or anything else about the neighborhood. Email: ​kullbkathy@comcast.net