The Hennepin Center for the Arts (HCA) is an art center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. It occupies a building on Hennepin Avenue constructed in 1888 as a Masonic Temple. The building was designed by Long and Kees in the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style.[2] In 1978, it was purchased and underwent a renovation to become the HCA.[3] Currently it is owned by Artspace Projects, Inc, and is home to more than 17 performing and visual art companies who reside on the building's eight floors.[4] The eighth floor contains the Illusion Theater, which hosts many shows put on by companies in the building.
HCA is now a part of the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts (formerly the Minnesota Shubert Performing Arts and Education Center). The new performing arts center is a three-building complex that includes the renovated Shubert Theatre building (renamed the Goodale Theater) and a new glass-walled atrium connecting the two historic buildings and serving them both as a common lobby. The Cowles Center hosted a three-day Grand Opening Gala September 9–11, 2011.
The building, known as the Masonic Temple was recognized as a historic place and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Its inclusion was based on its local architectural significance.[5] The nomination highlighted the craftsmanship and integrity of the design, which was carried out by a notable local architectural firm. Additionally, the building was noted for being one of the few remaining well-preserved examples of Richardsonian Romanesque business buildings in Minneapolis.[6]
See also
- List of former Masonic buildings in the United States
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Hennepin County, Minnesota
References
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
- ^ Nord, Mary Ann (2003). The National Register of Historic Places in Minnesota. Minnesota Historical Society. ISBN 0-87351-448-3.
- ^ "Masonic Temple". City of Minneapolis. 2007-02-01. Retrieved 2007-11-11.
- ^ "Hennepin Center For the Arts". Minneapolis' Masonic Masterpiece. Artspace Projects Inc. 2007-01-01. Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-05-04.
- ^ "Masonic Temple". Minnesota National Register Properties Database. Minnesota Historical Society. 2009. Retrieved 2018-04-02.
- ^ Nelson, Charles W. (1975-02-26). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory -- Nomination Form: Masonic Temple". National Park Service. Retrieved 2018-04-02.
