This area has some of the best �turn of the century� commercial and industrial architecture left in Mankato. Because this area was not destroyed during Urban Renewal, today we can see what Mankato used to look like.
324 Riverfront Drive, Hubbard Mills (now Cargill Mills) is the key ingredient to this neighborhood. At one time powered by steam (now electricity), the machinery inside is essentially the same as when it was installed in 1908.
The large silos are state of the art, slip form, concrete, storage structures built in 1996. This building shows the strong influence of agri-business on the Mankato area. Imagine what these would look like illuminated coming into Mankato on Highway 169 at night.
At the base of the silos, notice the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical Insurance Building. This was once the American State Bank. Note how the materials (brick and limestone) coupled with form, arches, cornices have been incorporated into these two structures to help to blend in with the rest of Old Town.
As you walk along Riverfront, look at the forms of the buildings-- the ornate columns and piers, the cast iron that was made locally.
Look at 411 North Riverfront Drive. The cornices are stamped sheet metal. They are made through mass production techniques, and they are simply assembled on a wooden armature and suspended from the building.
Thinking about the �stability� these buildings portray, what do you think it says about those who built them?
Turn the corner at Spring Street to:
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