When the independent Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board was created in 1883, they hired landscape architect Horace Cleveland to create a blueprint for a Minneapolis park system providing public access for all.
At the heart of his plan was the development of a series of boulevards and parkways linking geographical landmarks in the city and creating a loop of off-street paths around Minneapolis.
This trail system was to become The Grand Rounds… admired as the most significant example of an urban byway in the country. It encompasses lakes, creeks, woodlands, riverbanks… and the city purchased land adjoining them, turning them into public parks rather than allowing them to be privately developed. In this way they remained accessible to be used and enjoyed by the general public.
Saint Anthony Parkway is the central focus for the Northeast Minneapolis portion of The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway 50-mile loop of seven park and byway districts. St. Anthony Parkway was completed about 1924, defining the two neighborhoods of Waite Park on the north side and Audubon Park on the south side. The age of housing stock in the two neighborhoods gives an indication of when they were developed… average year built was 1926 in Audubon Park and 1944 in Waite Park. Median sale price in the last 365 days was $311,000 in Audubon Park and $288,500 in Waite Park.
In addition to the charming homes lining this meandering urban parkway, the claim to fame of St. Anthony Parkway is Deming Heights Park, the highest point in the Minneapolis park system.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – shensrud@homesmsp.com
