The Minneapolis Real Estate Blog: August 2008

It's nice being able to drive into downtown Minneapolis on a Monday, late morning, and have the road mostly to yourself. You sure don't see this in any of the other major U.S. cities. I love approaching the city from the south...you get a really great shot of the cityscape.

For a photo I took while downtown, see my other Minneapolis Real Estate Blog.

Built in 1913 by the Minneapolis Parks Board, the hill on which the tower stands was purchased in 1906 to increase water pressure to Prospect Park. It occupies the highest natural land area in Minneapolis. City engineer and Norwegian architect Frederick Cappelen designed the structure and gave it some Gothic flair by topping it with a Witch's Hat roof covered in green tile.

Easily known as the Witch's Hat Tower, the building stands 107 feet high and grants visitors some amazing views of the Minneapolis skyline and surrounding neighborhoods. When driving east on I-94 from downtown, you can see the "hat" peeking out of the trees. The tower was decommissioned in 1952, with plans for tearing the structure down in the works. Thankfully, when local neighbors got wind of the plan, they lobbied to save the water tower, which is now a wonderful neighborhood park and gathering area.

Tower Hill Park and the Witch's Hat Water Tower are now listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places, and is located at 55 Malcolm Ave SE.

To read more about historic places in the Twin Cities, visit my historic home blog.

Here are some recent photos I took of wildflowers growing near my home. Some of these are hard to photograph as many are semi-shade and I haven't quite figured out how to get a good photo in shade without washing out the subject with a flash.

Tall Bellflower

Wild Bergamot

Turk's Cap Lily

7744 Elm Grove Ct

New to the market is a lovely end unit Townhome located in New Hope, Minnesota, just a short drive to downtown Minneapolis.

Built in 2004, this new development of Winnetka Green is sure to please its new owners. Currently the only end unit for sale, the home is priced below what the current owner bought the home for two years ago.

At just above 2300 square feet, the home has three bedrooms on the upper level, including the master bedroom, as well as a fourth bedroom on the lower level.  The master suite is 23 feet across and offers a separate sitting area, walk-in closet, and bathroom with garden tub and individual shower.

The main floor living area is very open, with the front room consisting of a formal dining area and living room. The kitchen opens to the family room and is striking with its rich cherry cabinets and matching hardwood floor. In the family room, a gas burning fireplace with beautiful surround complements the living arrangement.

At present, there are two full bathrooms and one half bath, but a third full size bath is roughed-in downstairs and awaits your finishing touches.

Priced at $249,900. Please contact Jennifer Kirby for more information and to schedule a showing at Jennifer@theLuxuryAgent.com, or call at 651-785-3400.

Located in Eagan, Minnesota, this custom built home is nestled among two acres of woodlands, sitting just up the slope from Acorn Pond.

The unique boulder lined driveway was featured in the 2007 Corvette calendar and provides privacy for the property from Cliff Road.

Wildlife abounds on the property with a family of wild turkey and a herd of deer that play and eat with each other. With the large window wall in the Great Room, one can see the nest of a large owl. Don't forget that in winter, the pond can be turned into a mini hockey rink!

Recently reduced to $1,052,780, the home boasts almost 5000 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a walk out basement. The master suite is located on the main floor, with two bedroom positioned upstairs, as well as a large bonus room over the garage. The lower level includes a sunken living room with 11 foot ceilings, billiards room, and forth bedroom and full bath.

The gourmet kitchen features a Wolf gas range, two center islands, prep sink, granite countertops, convection oven, drawer style dishwashers, and more.

To view more photos and home highlights, please visit the property website at www.965CliffRoad.com, or contact Jennifer Kirby at 651-785-3400 for an appointment.