Qwest Building

Infobox Skyscraper
building_name=Qwest Building


caption=Southeast view of the Qwest Building in Minneapolis
previous_building=
year_built=
surpassed_by_building=
year_highest=
year_end=
plural=
location=Minneapolis, Minnesota
status=Complete
groundbreaking=
constructed=1932
est-completion=
opening=1932
destroyed=
use=
antenna_spire=416 feet (127 m)
roof=346 feet (105 m)
top_floor=
floor_count=
floor_area=
architect=Hewitt and Brown
contractor=
developer=
owner=

The Qwest Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota was completed in 1932 and became the tallest building to be built in the city during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. Named for its current owner, it was previously known as the Northwestern Bell Building. Originally standing 346 feet (105 m) tall, the structure grew to 416 feet (127 m) with the addition of a microwave antenna "crown" in 1958. It was the second-tallest building in the city after the slightly older Foshay Tower for many years, and stands slightly taller than the tower of its neighbor, Minneapolis City Hall.

The building has many small details on the exterior, including electric bolts and a stylized bird above the main entrance. When under construction, an unusual move was made by stripping a 1920s Northwestern Bell building on the site and the steel frame was incorporated into the new structure. The building was expanded on its west side in the 1940s.

ee also

*List of tallest buildings in Minnesota

References

*cite web|first=James|last=Lileks|authorlink=James Lileks|url=http://www.lileks.com/mpls/phone/|title=Northwestern Bell Building|accessdate=2006-03-20
*cite web|url=http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=122758|title=Qwest Building|publisher=Emporis|accessdate=2006-03-20
*cite web|first=Tim|last=Holtan|url=http://www.tholt.com/bell.html|title=Northwestern Bell Telephone Building|date=October 16, 2003|accessdate=2006-03-20