1635 W 26th Street

An extraordinary residence, this historically important and innovative home, designed in 1911 by Purcell and Elmslie, is one of Minnesota’s best examples of Prairie School Architecture.  A purely American style, the E. L. Powers House is based on principles of form following function, human scale, harmony with nature, horizontality and a natural color palate found in Midwest Prairie terrain.   Free-flowing interior spaces, horizontal lines and ornamental detail are enhanced through unique hand crafted wood elements and highly detailed leaded glass and terracotta ornamentation which showcase Elmslie’s love of nature. This was his way to express the home’s “soul”.  Elmslie’s revolutionary floorplan placed kitchen at front and living spaces to the southwest-facing rear of the home.  Filled with 1/4 sawn oak, original Stueben glass lighting, polychrome terra cotta and wall stenciling in stylized plant motifs, flush veneer inlaid floors and built-in furniture, the design is functional, contemporary and open, yet cozy and warm.The E. L. Powers home has been lovingly restored, carefully maintained and respectfully updated to meet the needs of modern life by the current, 19-year owners (one of whom is an architect).  Exterior projects include restoration of correct trim and earthen color stucco and rebuild of built-in gutter system.  A lovely stone patio and perennial garden create a charming back yard for the best in outdoor entertaining.  Interior work includes restoration of den/music room with addition of 1/4 sawn oak cornice, trim and alcove per original Elmslie drawings/design.  The kitchen has been upgraded with higher end appliances and cabinets.  Throughout the home, many light fixtures, pendants and sconces were restored or reproduced, some with original shades.  New radiator covers were designed to complement the existing interior.  Energy efficiency is enhanced with a newer ultra-efficient boiler & hot water heater and fireplace flue Chim-A-Lators.Rarely does one have the opportunity to own a bit of history and even better, to live in a piece of art.  We hope you enjoy your tour of this marvelous home and look forward to helping you make it your home! For more information and photos, go to:  www.MplsPrairie.com