As a great admirer of spiral staircases, I love going to International Market Square because this one just happens to be there. IMS is in Minneapolis, in the Sumner-Glenwood neighborhood and is a favorite for hosting large parties. Built in 1904, the 650,000 square foot complex was the city’s first entirely reinforced concrete building. Originally the Northwestern Knitting Company Factory, who was backed by Clinton Morrison and Charles Alfred Pillsbury who were prominent businessmen in the flour milling industry, that changed its name to Munsingwear Corporation that became the world’s largest manufacturer of underwear. Yep, it’s true. The factory closed and in 1985, was renovated with a five-story atrium and renamed International Market Square. Just over 10 years ago, a few lofts were created and looks as it does today. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and I’ll show you the inside tomorrow when I talk about the City Page’s Best of Twin Cities Party that took place there last night.

International Market Square
Buildings & Architecture, Historical & Museum / Friday, April 29th, 2016