Hennepin Center for the Arts

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.

Hennepin Center for the Arts
The Hennepin Center for the Arts from the south
General information
Location	528 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Masonic Temple
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
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Coordinates	44°58′45″N 93°16′25″W
Area	Less than one acre
Built	1888
Architect	Long and Kees
Architectural style	Richardsonian Romanesque
NRHP reference No.	75000987[1]
Added to NRHP	September 5, 1975

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

1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
2. Nord, Mary Ann (2003). The National Register of Historic Places in Minnesota. Minnesota Historical Society. ISBN 0-87351-448-3.
3. "Masonic Temple". City of Minneapolis. 2007-02-01. Retrieved 2007-11-11.
4. "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.
5. "Masonic Temple". Minnesota National Register Properties Database. Minnesota Historical Society. 2009. Retrieved 2018-04-02.
6. Nelson, Charles W. (1975-02-26). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory -- Nomination Form: Masonic Temple". National Park Service. Retrieved 2018-04-02.

External links

• History of the Hennepin Center for the Arts
• Masonic Temple tribute by James Lileks