A 26-story Art Deco tower completed in 1932, this Minneapolis landmark displays distinctive decorative details including stylized electric bolts and a sculptural bird above its entrance.
At a glance
The Lumen Technologies Building stands as a significant early-20th-century commercial structure in downtown Minneapolis. Originally 346 feet tall, it gained further prominence mid-century when an AT&T communications array added 70 feet to its height—a modification later removed in 2019.
History
Completed in 1932, the building has undergone several name changes reflecting its ownership: Northwestern Bell Telephone Building, Qwest Building, CenturyLink Building, and now Lumen Technologies Building. A notable construction-phase decision involved dismantling a 1920s Northwestern Bell building on the same site and integrating its steel frame into the new structure. The building was expanded westward during the 1940s.
What you see
The exterior showcases distinctive Art Deco detailing. Electric bolts and a stylized bird sculpture adorn the main entrance, creating memorable focal points. The structural integration of salvaged steelwork from its predecessor demonstrates early adaptive construction practices.
Cultural significance
As a major telecommunications headquarters, the building reflects Minneapolis’s role in mid-20th-century communications infrastructure. Its design and decorative elements exemplify the Art Deco aesthetic of 1930s American commercial architecture.
Key facts
- Completed: 1932
- Original height: 346 feet (105 m)
- Stories: 26
- City: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Country: United States
- Coordinates: 44.9775, −93.26666667
Practical information & getting there
The building is located in downtown Minneapolis. For visiting hours and tour information, contact the building directly or check local tourism resources.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
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