Italian Beaux Arts Mansion in Saint Paul

This weeks showcase Historic Home is 340 Summit Avenue.

Built in 1894 by Thomas Scott, this beautiful mansion was designed by Allen Stem at a cost of $40,000. Constructed out of local limestone, the house is a great example of the Italian Beaux Arts Style that was popular in St Paul at the end of the century. The decorative garland at the roof line is one of the dead give aways, as well as the symmetrical facade, flat roof, and smooth masonry stone exterior.

This grand home on Summit overlooks St Paul and the Mississippi River and has a wonderful panoramic view. The area where the old carriage house use to stand is still there. Built as a single family home, it was converted to eight apartments around 1950. The current owners bought the home in 2005 for $1.45 Million, desiring to return it to its previous single family grandeur, and have completed some major updates, including turning the front salon in to a living room and kitchen. When these homes were first built, the kitchens were located in the basements, where servants prepared the meals. Food was delivered via dumb waiter to a butler’s pantry next to the dining room. It was believed that the smell of food cooking would be unpleasant to visiting guests.

When you enter the home you are greeted to black and white marble tiles and a gorgeous marble staircase. Kids would have a wonderful time playing hide & seek as there are multiple stairways all the way from the basement to the third floor. A mirrored ballroom takes up the third floor, with bedrooms that were originally for the housemaids. It is truly a beautiful home that takes the breath away.

4 Responses to “Italian Beaux Arts Mansion in Saint Paul”

  1. Laurie Manny says:

    Built for $40k, can you imagine what it would cost to build that beauty today? Gorgeous home!

  2. I just don’t think you could reproduce something like this today. The craftsmans and their trades alone no longer exist.

  3. oscarlilly says:

    This is a rare residential architectural style. My wife & I took a decade and a half to restore a similar beaux art mansion (circa 1911) located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, one hour south of Charlottesville, VA. We have decided to downsize to a penthouse loft along the James River. Our peacocks convey with their aviary. Parties interested in acquiring this 7,200 sq. ft. property may inquire with owner at (434) 444-4995.

  4. I am the Painting contractor who restored 104 windows on this property! 2011

    It was a great honor to work on this property.

    Eli

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