About
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Address: 1000 Oliver Avenue North
Neighborhood: Near North
Construction Date: 1926
Contractor: Maurice Mandel
Architect: Septimus J. Bowler
Architectural Style: Exotic Revival
Historic Use: Religious - Synagogue
Current Use: Religious - Church
Date of Local Designation: 1998
Date of National Register Designation: N/A
Area(s) of Significance: Architecture, Religion, Social/Humanitarian
Period of Significance: 1900-
Historic Profile: Built in 1926 the Mikro Kodesh Synagogue provided a strong sense of place for what was identified in 1958 as the largest Orthodox congregation in the Upper Midwest. Minneapolis architect S.J. Bowler incorporated several motifs into the design of the impressive structure. Golden domes and semi-circular pediment echo Byzantine sources while the towers and arched windows are Romanesque. Other unique design features are the carved lions wearing crowns guarding the Hebrew scrolls and the 14 remaining Stars of David (two have been replaced by Christian Crosses). Even though the Mikro Kodesh congregation no longer resides at the location, the building remains physical evidence of a once vibrant Jewish community in north Minneapolis.
Photo Credits:
1937, Minneapolis Star Journal, courtesy of The Minnesota Historical Society
2006, Minneapolis CPED
Works Cited:
"City of Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission Registration Form," May 1996.
Updated: September 2011