“An iconic Richardsonian Romanesque building,” that’s how the Wells Family College Center is often described. I’m eager to share its story with you.
The Wells Family College Center has a rich history. It was originally built in 1887. The renowned architect William Channing Whitney designed it. It was designed for H. Alden Smith. He was a partner in the Smith & Wyman Sash and Door Company.
Smith lived here with his wife Eva and daughter Alice. They resided here from 1887 until his death in 1906. Eva continued to live in the house until 1919. Then, she sold it to William Davies. He converted the home into a mortuary. It functioned as such until 1976.
In 1976, the Wells Family College Center was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is also a designated Minneapolis landmark.
The house then became a restaurant named The Little Prince in 1977. Sadly, this venture was short-lived. After the restaurant closed in 1978, it was used as a counseling clinic and an office building. You might be surprised to learn that in 1990, a scene from the movie Drop Dead Fred was filmed here.
In 1993, the Minneapolis Community College Foundation purchased the house for $350,000. After renovations for educational purposes, it was renamed the Wells Family College Center. Minneapolis Community and Technical College used the house until 2018. It served various purposes during that time.
Later, the house was sold to W+Noordijk. It was rehabilitated and converted into apartments. This was part of a larger residential development project completed in 2022.
The Wells Family College Center stands as a testament to architectural style. It features a brown sandstone facade. This three-story home includes a massive corner tower. Front and side porches add to its charm. A stained-glass skylight crowns the structure.
Inside, the first level retains much of its original character. The reception hall and grand staircase remain intact. The parlor, dining room, library, and sitting room also still exist. Decadent panelling and cherry woodwork are visible throughout this level.
The upper floors have been modified. However, some original features remain. These include doors and fireplaces. The second floor originally housed bedrooms and bathrooms. The third floor once featured a ballroom and servants’ quarters.
The Wells Family College Center has seen many changes. MCTC received the Wells Center as a gift in 1996. MCTC wasn’t in a good position to manage this historic building.
New History worked with the State of Minnesota, the City of Minneapolis, and a developer. Together, they made a reuse possible. They updated condition assessments and analyzed operational costs. This led to exploring alternative uses. The building was transferred to private ownership.
The historic mansion has been restored. It now provides much-needed downtown housing. It stands at the edge of the campus.
The Wells Family College Center has transformed over the years. From a private residence to a mortuary, a restaurant, and a college center, it now serves as apartments. Its rich history and architectural significance make it a unique landmark in Minneapolis.