Walked down the alley behind the former Pillsbury A Mill. Completed in 1881, it was once the largest flour mill in the world. The reinforcements visible on the right were added to address the vibrations from the milling machines, which threatened to shake the structure apart. Today, the building has been transformed into a community of residential artists’ lofts.
Category: Twin Cities
Metamorphoses
Walking along, I came across a former inauthentic Japanese structure and restaurant, now reskinned and reinvented as a drag cabaret and 24-hour diner. The metamorphosis sparked a question in my mind as I continued my walk: what would my drag name be?
New Tools for an Old Bridge
While walking with a friend across Stone Arch Bridge, we paused to watch workers maneuvering themselves on an articulated boom. They were about to measure individual stones that need replacement. Previously, I’ve seen a drone being used for inspections.
Winter Commute
A bicycle commuter seemed unfazed it was 2°F (-17°C) as I waited for the bus this morning.
Mistaken Identity
Nodded to the hostess as I sat at The News Room bar where Dwight would join me after his Y laps. Surly Furious in hand, I noticed the hostess hadn’t budged. Ah, a mermaid, should’ve worn glasses. Lunch, then down to the heated garage and home.
Beyond the Storefront
It may look like a fast food restaurant and it’s not in the prettiest part of St. Paul but Trung Nam French Bakery, operated by immigrants from Vietnam, bakes the best almond croissants. So that’s where I got with a friend for coffee and flakey perfection this morning.
The House That Paint Built
Three blocks from our home, on a snowy walk, paused at Sherwin Williams’ Applied Science and Technology building. Built in 1905 as the headquarters of the Minnesota Linseed Oil Paint Company, the company later merged with Valspar. The combined company remained headquartered in Minneapolis. Finally, it was acquired by Sherwin Williams.
Fueling Up After a Busy Day
Exhausted from our busy day, and uninspired by the fridge, we walked out for a revitalizing dinner at Maxwell’s.
From Factory to Chic Hotel
Included the Canopy by Hilton Hotel on a downtown walk with a friend. This lovely building was originally a factory for steam-powered wheat threshers and farming implements. An art-filled atrium has been carved out to bring light and drama to interior spaces.
Merry Thursday
It’s Thursday, so we crossed the road to Maxwell’s for dinner. Dwight’s Summit Extra Pale Ale next to my Surly Furious IPA, both local brews.