Formerly: United States Courthouse Built: 1902 Renovated: 1978 Type: Entertainment Venue Maximum Height: 221 feet / 67 meters Location: 75 West Fifth Street, Saint Paul, United States
S aved from a date with the wrecking ball, the Landmark Center lives up to its name in both its former, and its current life. The building was erected just as the 20th century was starting. The American Midwest was a bustling commercial region still developing, and in need of a Federal courthouse. The Landmark Center opened as the United States Courthouse and Post Office, dispensing justice to the region, and stamps to the locals. Among those who found justice here were such notorious names as John Dillinger, Machine Gun Kelly, and Baby Face Nelson. The building served its function well, and was heavily used. Perhaps too heavily, because it became run down and eventually a decision was made to pull it down just 70 years into its life. That's when local groups got involved. They turned their beloved spired building into an arts center, helping foster the region's creative community into one of the most vibrant in the country. In fact, the building looks better now than it did when it opened. Back then, the interior courtyard could not be appreciated because it was covered by a layer of catwalks so supervisors could keep an eye on the Post Office employees. Today, tour groups can appreciate the rooms. Done in various styles rich in marble and mahogany, they represent the best that could be had at the time. One even sports a stained glass dome.
1978: The Landmark Center is named a National Historic Monument.
