Overview

The Grain Belt Brewery Office Building reflects Minneapolis’ brewing history.  

• Location: 1215 Marshall Street Northeast 
• Neighborhood: Sheridan 

Historic photo (Circa 1930s)

Current photo (2011)

Architecture

• Architectural Style: Richardsonian Romanesque
• Architect(s): Carl F. Struck 

Use

• Historic use: Commercial 
• Current use: Commercial 

Construction

• Construction date: 1893
• Contractor: Trainor Brothers

Significance

• Area(s) of significance: Economic History; Neighborhood Identity 
• Period of significance: Undefined 
• Date of local designation: 1977
• Designation: Exterior
• Date of National Register designation: Not individually listed

Historic profile

The Grain Belt Brewery Office Building reflects Minneapolis’ brewing history. Four small breweries combined to form the Grain Belt Brewery in 1890. They rebranded as the Minneapolis Brewing and Malting Company.  

After completing its brewhouse in 1892, the company constructed this office in 1893. Architect Carl Struck designed it in the popular Richardsonian Romanesque style. The foundation, front arch, and lintels are made of rough-faced limestone. Masonry walls include square-faced stonework. Carved-stone finials and pillars also highlight this style. The office building doubled in length with an addition in 1910. Christopher Boehme designed it and R.J. Cheney and Company built it. 

Brewery officials managed the company through very difficult times. The brewing company survived the biggest fire in the city’s history to date in 1893. Rationing during two world wars and Prohibition impacted business. The company's Grain Belt beer became very popular. The company renamed itself Grain Belt Breweries, Inc. in 1967.  

Brewery consolidation led to its closure in 1975. It struggled to compete with a few national distributors who dominated the market. As of 1977, this complex was the only remnant of Minneapolis' early brewing era. 

Under threat of demolition, the City of Minneapolis bought the complex. It now houses a library, offices, event space, and warehousing.  

Photo credits

• Circa 1930s photo: Courtesy of Northwest Architectural Archives 
• 2011 photo: Minneapolis Department of Community Planning and Economic Development

Work cited

• Michael Koop, “National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Minneapolis Brewing Company,” 1990
• Heritage Preservation Commission, “Heritage Preservation Designation Study: Grain Belt Brewery,” n.d. 
• Star Tribune archives