Overview

The Moline, Milburn and Stoddard Co. Building is notable for its simple, functional design. 

• Location: 250 3rd Avenue North 
• Neighborhood: Warehouse District 

1988

Architecture

• Architectural Style: Chicago Commercial
• Architect: Joseph Haley

Use

• Historic use: Commercial
• Current use: Commercial 

Construction

• Construction date: 1886
• Contractor: Unknown

Significance

• Area(s) of significance:  Architecture 
• Period of Significance: Undefined
• Date of local designation: 1975
• Date of National Register designation: 1975
• Designation: Exterior  

Historic profile

The Moline, Milburn and Stoddard Co. Building is notable for its simple, functional design. It was built in 1886 and designed by architect Joseph Haley. Two parapets rise above the roofline. The south parapet has the letters of “M., M & S., Co.” to refer to the original owner. The north parapet has the build year. This building is located near a railroad spur, which made it easy to transport goods in and out.  

Moline, Milburn and Stoddard Co. was a leading manufacturer in farm machinery, wagons, and carriages. The company used the building as a factory, warehouse, and salesroom. Stating in the early 1900s, the building was home to National Biscuit Company. The company used the building as a bakery and warehouse. They installed brick ovens on the fifth and sixth floors. Starting in the 1950s, F.C. Hayer Company used the building as a wholesale warehouse. This company specialized in household appliances. A painted ghost sign remains on the north wall of the six-story part. 

The building’s simple design reflects the Chicago Commercial style. The building’s form follows its function and aims for efficiency. The walls have horizontal bands of limestone. The simple windows were unusual for this time period. In 1902, a three-story addition was built at the north end of the six-story building. It was designed following the style of the original building. A wood cornice was added along the roofline.  

Photo credit

1988 photo: Courtesy of Hennepin County Library 

Work cited

• Charles W. Nelson, “National Register of Historic Places Inventory – Nomination Form: F.C. Hayer Company Building,” October 1974
• “Minneapolis Warehouse District Designation Study,” October 2009