| Postcard circa 1960s |
Minneapolis-Southwest,
Minnesota AKA Normandale or Bloomington -- 7801 Normandale Rd |
When the Minneapolis-Southwest complex opened in 1963, it represented all that was modern--it was the embodiment of the promise of progress. Ordinary people (and even Minnesotans too) could enter the future as rendered under the Orange Roof! |
An
outpost of sorts for the Howard Johnson's Company, this ultra-modern
amenity laden Minneapolis location was the first to open in "L'Etoile
du Nord." |
| Aerial image © Microsoft Corp. |
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Above: No river--A Powerline Runs Through It! Lasting until 1990 as a Howard Johnson Motor Lodge, the 146 room one-time Company operated Southwest site had been abandoned by 2000. James Lileks documented the site in its vacancy on his website. His comments are insightful and interesting--he even recalled the "sanitized-for-your-protection" band on the toilet which was one a hallmark of HoJo's careful and standardized service! Below: Although the guest room buildings retained unstuccoed brick and original railings, the sliders were unfortunately replaced with AC units and windows. |
