firm active: 1907-1921

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Ralph B. Thomas residence, project
Purcell and Elmslie
Minneapolis, Minnesota  1913

This number in the commission list [222A-B] represents two related designs, one of which was built.  The first and larger house remained a project, a first scheme done for a lot near Lake of the Isles and later revised for a lot near Lake Minnetonka.  The garage for the house was erected as a temporary living space, which burned completely the following year and was rebuilt from the same plans.  When an electrical fire destroyed the convertible cottage in 1920s, Fred Strauel undertook a third design, which was built in lieu of the earlier P&E schemes due to changed family circumstances.   The P&E garage plan is distinguished by an entire wall of glass-paneled doors that slid completely aside, opening the house to the outdoors in summer and with a successful seal against the harsh Minnesota winters. 

Images

   8 images are also available from the University of Minnesota digital database.

Texts

 

 

research courtesy mark hammons