Humboldt Lofts-Historic Mill District,Minneapolis

The newly-designed Humboldt Annex features breathtaking views through
floor-to-ceiling windows. The historic Humboldt Mill features charming exposed brick walls and round-arched windows.

The Story Behind the Historic Humboldt Mill . . .
T he original Humboldt Mill was erected on its current site in 1873 but was destroyed by the “A” Mill explosion in 1878. The new mill, designed by architects J.T. Noyes and Sons, was rebuilt and operating in a record time of 6 months.

In its original configuration, the Humboldt Mill was four stories high, with a one-story “monitor” over three central bays. In 1913 the monitor was extended to create a full fifth story. The Mill features a symmetrical cream colored façade along Second Street including round-arch topped windows arranged in five vertical panels and topped with a bracketed brick cornice.

The Humboldt Flour Company produced Bonanza Flour and Supreme Flour. The Washburn Crosby Company - later to be known as General Mills - purchased the mill in 1899, renamed it the “E Mill" and produced its own product in the Mill for another 12 years.

After the 1930s, as Minneapolis lost its lead in the milling industry, most of the flour mills shut down one by one. Many buildings were demolished or simply vacated and left to decay and vandalism. Fortunately, Humboldt Mill was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1983, preventing inevitable demolition. Restoration of the Mill commenced in 2001 and the first new residents arrived in the Fall of 2003. Key architectural features have been preserved creating dramatic interior features for the exclusive loft residences now housed there.