Overview

The Cream of Wheat Building reflects Minneapolis' milling history. It is also a distinctive design by Walter H. Wheeler.

• Location: 730 Stinson Boulevard Northeast
• Neighborhood: Mid-City Industrial

Historic photo (1928)

Current photo (2006)

Architecture

• Architectural Style: Moderne
• Architect: Walter H. Wheeler

Use

• Historic use: Industrial
• Current use: Residential

Construction

• Construction date: 1927-1928
• Contractor: C.F. Haglin & Sons

Significance

• Area(s) of significance: Industry; Architecture
• Period of Significance: 1928-2002
• Date of local designation: 2005
• Date of National Register designation: N/A
• Designation: Exterior

Historic profile

The Cream of Wheat Building reflects Minneapolis' milling history. It is also a distinctive design by Walter H. Wheeler. In 1893, a miller at Diamond Milling in North Dakota had an idea for cooked breakfast cereal. It would use what was left over after the wheat was milled. The product name came from the hot cereal's creamy texture. In 1895, the company rebranded as Cream of Wheat Company and moved to Minneapolis. The city was a hub for grain milling. The company would have better access to wheat and lower shipping rates. Business grew steadily and the company needed a larger space.

In 1926, the company hired engineer Walter H. Wheeler to design plans for a new building. Wheeler had also designed the Mendota Bridge and Minneapolis Armory, among others. The building has a reinforced concrete structure and is clad in buff-colored brick. There are Mankato stone accents around the windows and along the cornice. It has a 125-foot-tall tower on the southeast corner. 

Wheeler designed this building to follow the production process. Raw materials arrived by train to the first floor. Then a bucket elevator carried it to the fifth floor. Then the grain flowed downward through different machines. The final product was shipped out via train on the first floor. Kraft Foods purchased the company and closed this location in 2002. The building was converted into condos in 2007.

Photo credit

• 1928 photo: Courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society
• 2006 photo: Minneapolis Department of Community Planning and Economic Development

Work cited

Hess, Roise and Company, “City of Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission Registration Form: Cream of Wheat Building,” 2005