Isles Parkway House Showcase A gracious home for sale to benefit Minnesota Public Radio
April 2004
Public Showing
• April 17, 18, 24 and 25; and May 1 and 2
• Noon to 5 p.m.
• No tickets required
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About the House
• 2409 East Lake of the Isles Parkway, Minneapolis
• Built in 1907
• Designed by William Gray Purcell
• 6,474 square feet
• 5 bedrooms, 6 baths
• Price: $1.85 million
• Sale benefits Minnesota Public Radio
Private Showings Available
Contact Bruce Birkeland at 612-925-8405
Thanks to the generosity of a long-time supporter, Minnesota Public Radio has obtained a very special house to sell. The home, at 2409 East Lake of the Isles Parkway in Minneapolis, represents an innovative fundraising opportunity for the organization.
With the help of Valspar Paint, Schneiderman's Furniture, Coldwell Banker Burnet and MPR's sister company Minnesota Monthly Publications, the home has been refurbished and furnished to enhance its already strong appeal. Income from the sale will be used to advance Minnesota Public Radio's mission of strengthening communities. (Furnishings not included with home sale)
The distinctive house offers a breathtaking view of Lake of the Isles from its nearly half-acre lot among other notable properties. Most of the rooms in the two-story, 6,474-square-foot home (including five bedrooms and six baths) have been updated and accented with new furniture. It boasts gracious public rooms, an award-winning greenhouse/solarium and much more.
A Piece of History
Known as the Catherine Gray House, it was designed by noted Prairie School architect William Gray Purcell (Catherine Gray's grandson). It was built in 1907 and features many of the progressive qualities that became hallmarks of his firm, Purcell and Feick.
The stately structure is very similar to Frank Lloyd Wright's famous design for a "Fireproof House for $5000" published in a 1907 Ladies Home Journal. Brick on the first floor and natural-colored stucco on the second define and vary the exterior. Inside, a partially open floor plan and wood trim unify the layout.
Purcell used casement windows (instead of sash) and an asymmetrical entry for the first time in the Catherine Gray House. Both features would become standard in his firm's designs.
Interested buyers take note! Minnesota Public Radio is ready to display the property during the upcoming Historic Prairie School Home Showcase on Lake of the Isles Parkway.
Public showings are scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. on April 17, 18, 24 and 25; and May 1 and 2.
Serious buyers can request private showings by contacting Bruce Birkeland, Coldwell Banker Burnet at 612-925-8405.
Proceeds from the sale of the Catherine Gray House benefit Minnesota Public Radio.