James J. Hill, the financier of the Stone Arch Bridge, (The Bridges of Hennepin County) made his home on Summit Avenue. On the recommendation of one of the kayak guides from my trip down the Mississippi River, I made my way to the famed Summit Avenue and James J. Hill's home. I was pleasantly surprised by the avenue and the home!
Summit Avenue makes its way from the area around the Cathedral of Saint Paul to Grand Avenue. It is one of the most gorgeous streets I have ever had the pleasure to stroll down. The homes are large, elegant, and speak of a time gone by. I was snapping pictures left and right! I apologize ahead of time, but I'm posting the pictures here; they're just to amazing not to share!
At the end of Summit Avenue nearest to the Cathedral of Saint Paul, sits the huge home of James J. Hill. The home is no longer a residence. It sits at the top of a hill, with the backyard overlooking Interstate 35. Hill's descendants gave the house to the Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul in 1925. Years later, in 1978, it was obtained by the Minnesota Historical Society. It is now open for daily guided tours.
I took one of the 75 minute guided tours, and it was well-worth the $10 I paid. The tour was informative, thorough, and well-planned. We were able to go in rooms on three floors of the house, ask questions, and even view china, silver, and other important artifacts. The home is full of special architectural touches, including hand-carved wooden paneled walls, a pipe-organ, and a call-system used when it was full of a staff. (shades of Downtin Abby) The home was completed in 1891. The house is composed of 36,500 square feet, including 13 bathrooms. Hill built it for his family to really live in, as a place for business associates to meet with him, and as place for entertaining. The tour points out how the mansion met all three of his visions.
Front of the Hill house
Front stairway
** Link for information on James J. Hill and the house
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