|
|
 |
|
The
Great Northern Office Building
|
|
In 1887, James J. Hill built himself an office building. The site was on Third Street (now
Kellogg Boulevard), the city’s main commercial street in the late 19th century and close to the Mississippi River.
The architect for The Great Northern Office Building was James
Brodie. Brodie was also the architect for Hill’s Summit Avenue home.
|
|
|
The building is an exceptional example of Richardsonian Romanesque design, a style favored by the titans of the Gilded Age. The massive arched entrance hints at the European castles that were so popular with the newly rich and powerful American business people of this era.
The building is U-shaped in plan, occupying one half of a city block. Legend has it that Hill would bring his carriage in through the arched entry and water his horse in the building’s courtyard.
|
|
There is also a story that Hill would stand across from the payroll window, located across from his office on the second floor, and look each employee in the eye as they received their paycheck.
|
 |
|
It may be just a story, but it certainly is in keeping with his often-stated business advice, “Go where the money is being spent”.
|
|
|
|
