Minneapolis, a.k.a the Minneapple, is a gorgeous city. Though it lacks the awe-inspiring Empire State Building the Big Apple possesses, it has something that’s second best: the Foshay Tower. An architectural treasure of the Twin Cities, the Foshay is a historic building with exquisite designs and breathtaking views. It’s a must-see for anyone who visits, lives in, or is near Minneapolis. After learning more about the Foshay, you’ll be putting it right next to Mall of America on your list of places to visit in Minnesota.
1. The Foshay Tower was the first skyscraper built in the state of Minnesota.
2. It was named after Wilbur Foshay, the original owner and builder.
3. The Foshay Tower was opened in 1929 just before the Wall Street stock market crash.
4. Foshay celebrated the opening of the tower with a three-day celebration from August 30 to September 1 that had fireworks, dancing girls, and religious services.
5. The Foshay Company paid travel expenses for guests at the opening celebration (many of whom were senators, congressmen and cabinet members) and gave everyone complimentary gold watches. The total cost of the event was $126, 894. Foshay had to rush to New York days later to secure money to keep his company afloat.
6. The stock market crash wiped out Foshay personally and professionally. The company folded, and the tower was put up for auction. Ownership of the tower changed many times over the years.
7. The Foshay was the tallest building in Minneapolis for 43 years (from 1929 to 1972, to be exact).
8. The IDS building surpassed the Foshay in height in 1972, and now the Foshay is only mid-level high in a city with 60-story buildings.
9. There's an observation deck on the 30th floor with a 360 view of the city and surrounding areas. You can see about 30 miles out on a clear day.
10. If you stay at the hotel, you get free admission to the observation deck.
11. On the 27th floor, you can step into the 1920s at their Prohibition Bar. If you're not dressed to impress, they won't let you in.
12. The Prohibition Bar was originally intended to be Wilbur Foshay’s private, full-floor retreat.
13. The tower was renovated and reopened in 2008 as the hotel W Minneapolis - The Foshay.
14. The building was meant to look like the Washington Monument.
15. The Foshay was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
16. The tower was built on an existing two-story structure, which formed the base of the new skyscraper.
