American Swedish Institute Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House

Restoring the Splendor of a Minneapolis Historic Gem

The American Swedish Institute (ASI) has long held a key role in the Minneapolis community as a vibrant gathering place, a destination to experience Swedish culture, and a valuable resource serving immigrants of all backgrounds. The renovation has transformed the cramped, inflexible spaces within the Carriage House into productive spaces where the ASI administration and staff can collaborate to fulfill their mission: to continue to serve as a gathering place for people to share stories and experiences around universal themes of tradition, migration, craft, and the arts, all informed by enduring ties to Sweden.

Concealed beneath multiple eras of renovations, little was known of the carriage house’s underlying structure and original finishes. The careful salvage process revealed unexpected discoveries and further illuminated the history of the property. As original elements were exposed, each was evaluated and creatively integrated to serve ASI’s future needs. Intricately textured floor pavers are revealed at each entrance, original reeded glass remains as office fronts, sliding stable doors provide privacy for administration, steel trusses elevate a new meeting space, and details echo a much-rumored in-floor turntable. Any historic items that were unable to remain exposed were carefully documented and protected prior to construction.

The renovation of the Carriage House offered an opportunity to revitalize the space while prioritizing staff health and wellbeing. Workspaces are reorganized to maximize access to natural light. Windows, inoperable due to age and disrepair, were meticulously restored empowering occupants to adjust the interior environment to their comfort. A relocated, open stair allows natural light to flow deeply into the building while encouraging connection and movement between levels.

ASI sought a space reflective of their culture; a creative, collaborative environment, with the close-knit feel of a family gathering within a typical Swedish home. At its essence, this is about honoring the historic nature of the building while improving upon elements in a way that celebrates and preserves equally. This project not only rehabilitated one of the few remaining historic stately mansions on Park Avenue but also provided an opportunity for so much more.