Overview

The Snyder Mansion shows how the Whittier neighborhood evolved.  Over time institutions replaced mansions.  It also depicts the skill of master architect Ernest Kennedy. 

• Location: 2118 Blaisdell Avenue South 
• Neighborhood: Whittier 

Historic photo (1965)

Current photo (2015)

Architecture

• Architectural Style: Renaissance Revival
• Architect: Ernest Kennedy

Use

• Historic use: Residential
• Current use: Office

Construction

• Construction date: 1913
• Contractor: H.N. Leighton Company 

Significance

• Area(s) of significance: Neighborhood Identity; Master Architect 
• Period of significance: 1913-1962
• Date of local designation: 2016
• Date of National Register designation: N/A
• Designation: Exterior and interior (selected areas)

Historic profile

The Snyder Mansion shows how the Whittier neighborhood evolved. Over time institutions replaced mansions. It also depicts the skill of master architect Ernest Kennedy. Around 1900, the Whittier neighborhood attracted many successful businessmen. They wanted to build luxury homes. This house was built for John P. and Nellie Snyder.

The Snyders hired architect Ernest Kennedy. He was born in Mankato and trained in Europe, before he began to practice in Minneapolis. Kennedy was known for designing mansions. He was popular among this neighborhood's residents. Three other examples of his work still stand within 3.5 blocks of this one.

This 1913 home reflects a trend of revival style houses. Its Renaissance Revival style shows in its masonry walls, rectangular massing, and carved stone trim. It also has arched windows and entrance porches with columns. 

Development patterns changed after World War II. Mansions were demolished. Apartment buildings, new commercial buildings, and parking lots became common. Yet the Snyder mansion has adapted and survived. In 1962 the Northwestern Baptist Church converted the house to a nursing home. Their modern brick addition enabled that use. 

The building is now used as a counseling center. Similar conversions became common practice in the neighborhood.   

Photo credit

• 1965 photo: Courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society  
• 2015 photo: Courtesy of Preservation Design Works, LLC 

Work cited

Preservation Design Works, LLC, “Designation Study for the Snyder Mansion,” 2016