Plotted a map showing local buildings designed by architect Ralph Rapson. I’ll use this to spice up some walks this winter.
Category: Twin Cities
Hmong in St. Paul
Cycled to Lake Phalen where workers were completing this pavilion. It was built in Changsha, China, then shipped to sister city St. Paul. In return, Changsha got Peanuts statues, including Lucy in a Hmong dress. Changsha is the ancestral home of the many Hmong who’ve moved to St. Paul.
Long Shadows, Dappled Light
Cycled through long shadows and dappled light. A footbridge and intensifying colors reflected in Minnehaha Creek.
Open Books
Slowed down for breakfast at Open Book’s cafe. Hundreds of miniature open books hang from the ceiling.
Head in the Clouds
While I ran errands Downtown, the IDS Tower had its head in the clouds.
Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge
Cycled through Jefferson yellow and baby blue on a bridge that was recently sandblasted, primed, and repainted.
Crystal Court
Walked through the downtown Minneapolis IDS Center’s gorgeous Crystal Court. Opened in 1972, Philip Johnson’s masterpiece still feels fresh.
Latvians in Minneapolis
Cycled to the Latvian section of a North Minneapolis cemetery. Today, once again, Latvians fear Russian aggression, and an America that promises to look the other way.
Awaiting Rebirth
Walked past the dilapidated 1884 Commutator Brass Foundry Co. Building in the Minneapolis Warehouse District. Delighted to learn it will be preserved and incorporated into new construction.
What Does It Mean?
“What does it mean?” asked a young woman, fresh from an art show at the Weisman. “Whatever you want,” I replied, “Students have been throwing their shoes at that tree for decades.”A student overheard us: “They do it when they graduate,” then he quickly added, “But I won’t.”