You can find different architectural styles scattered throughout the metro area, but simply by definition you will find the most mid-century homes in first-ring suburbs that were developed primarily in 1950s. One of the richest sources for unique mid-century homes is in Golden Valley, with many in the Tyrol Hills neighborhood where most of the homes are architect-designed. There are many mid-century home designs scattered throughout Golden Valley, where I have also seen mid-century concrete block homes.
St. Louis Park is another first-ring Minneapolis suburb where you can find mid-century modern homes, although there are also many small 1 1/2 story homes built for veterans returning home after WWII. You will find the most mid-century moderns on the east side of Hwy 100 such as the one on the left below currently listed for sale... and in the Westwood Hills neighborhood on the west side of Hwy 100 between the nature center and golf course. The most unique mid-century home in the Twin Cities has to be the ALCOA aluminum home in this neighborhood also pictured below. One of fewer than 50 such homes built in the country, it still stands on the corner of Texas and Westwood Hills Drive.
A surprising pocket of mid-century homes is located near Mississippi River Boulevard in St. Paul, on land that was once part of the Stonebridge estate, the largest private estate ever built in the Twin Cities. Stonebridge Boulevard is lined with mid-century architect-designed homes. The Desnoyer neighborhood along the river north of Marshall also has some mid-century homes.
Another treasure trove of mid-century architecture is St. Anthony Park, near the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota.This neighborhood has perhaps the most eclectic mix of homes built in different styles and eras as any in the entire metro, including the former mid-century modern residence of former Minnesota governor C. Elmer Anderson pictured below.
This home is on the border of St. Anthony Park and University Grove, a unique neighborhood of architect designed homes built on land owned by the University of Minnesota. Purchasing a home in this unique neighborhood is open to University employees eligible for the faculty or federal retirement plan.
Other places to look for mid-century moderns are in Roseville and Mendota Heights, other first-ring suburbs. St. Paul's Highland Park was also largely developed in the 1950s and is a good place to find mid-century modern architecture... and Minneapolis has some treasures built along Minnehaha Creek.
Many of these homes don't come on the market very often, so you must be patient and diligent. It can take some creative searching to find them... there is no home search criteria for mid-century modern! Let me know if you would like me to help you find mid-century modern homes for sale in the Twin Cites.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email - Twin Cities Mid-Century Modern Realtor