Washburn Crosby "A" Mill

This mill was the largest in the world when it was built in 1879. Designed by William De La Barre, it was built to take advantage of the new roller mill process and to replace the original Washburn-Crosby "A" Mill which exploded violently after only 4 years standing on this same spot. The new "A" was about twice the size of the original and was truly a marvel when it opened. It was first powered by water, then it was assisted by steam. Washburn-Crosby and then General Mills milled flour here until 1965 when the mill was shut down and the water power canal filled in. During the 1980s historians started eyeing the mill as a site for a museum dedicated to the history of flour milling here in Minneapolis. Eventually the plan was approved, but it was all put in jeopardy in October of 1991. The night sky was lit up by flames that eventually consumed the top 7 floors of the building. When it was over, most of the contents of the upper floors rested in the lower floors and it looked bad for any project involving this building.

The story didn't end, however. The building was cleared of its wreckage, the hazardous materials were abated and plans were drawn up for a mixed-use building. The front half (seen above) will have floor built into it and it will become an office building. The back half will be left much the same way it looks today (image coming soon) and it will become the centerpiece of Mill Ruins Park.

The back of the Washburn-Crosby "A" Mill.

As you can see, the fire pretty much destroyed the mill. The fact that the milling museum will be built into the wreckage will make this a unique museum. I can't wait for it to open.