About

Address: 4885 East Lake Harriet Parkway

Neighborhood: Lynnhurst

Construction Date: 1928

Contractor: H.M. Peterson

Architect: C.W. Farnham

Architectural Style: Mediterranean Villa

Historic Use: Private Residence

Current Use: Private Residence

Date of Local Designation: 1987

Date of National Register Designation: N/A

Area(s) of Significance: Architecture

Period of Significance: 1900 –

Historic Profile: The Frank M. Groves House is the finest example of the Mediterranean Villa style of architecture in Minneapolis. The design was executed by local architect Carleton W. Farnham for Frank M. Groves and his wife Hazel. His company, the S.J. Groves & Sons Construction Company, grew to become one of the largest construction companies in the world. The villa, commissioned for $15,000, takes advantage of its corner hillside site overlooking Lake Harriet; the elaborate, though informal, landscape design integrates the structure into its environment. The long low massing of the white brick-veneered structure, red barrel tiled hipped roof, broad terrace with iron rail and the use of round arch forms all exemplify the characteristics of the Mediterranean Villa style.

Photo Credits:

2007, Minneapolis CPED

Works Cited:

"National Register of Historic Places – Nomination Form," August 1983.

Updated: May 2009