Visiting my hometown of Minneapolis in the summertime, we love to stroll across the downtown Stone Arch Bridge, a former railroad bridge crossing the Mississippi River at Saint Anthony Falls in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. As you begin your walk across the bridge, on one side is the venerable North Star Blankets building with its iconic branded sign on top.
The North Star Blankets sign is more than an old mill in the Minneapolis cityscape. Standing tall above modern lofts and surrounding architecture, this is a Minneapolis city highlight that honors its industrial history. I always think about how many people walk past the North Star Blankets sign unaware of its historical relationship with the city.
To me, this particular shot of the North Star Blankets sign was quite exciting. I roamed the city with my camera, like I commonly do, looking for a moment that resonated with me. From the corner of my eye, I glimpsed the North Star Blankets sign over the historic woolen mill lofts. The modern skyline of the city took shape behind it, while the older buildings held on below. As a result, it created an ideal balance of old and new.
When I found my perfect angle for shooting, I realized how important the North Star sign is for what it represents. It is an old woolen mill that once provided warmth to many, and it symbolizes what it has become. This symbol of Minneapolis’ thriving textile industry has turned into a beloved part of the city’s architecture. Also, it has escalated in value as more people enjoy living in the renovated North Star lofts. It links the past to the present in an ongoing transformation of Minneapolis.
This image felt like it was stopping time. When history and progress meet, as well as the past and the future. It’s not just another building in Minneapolis’ skyline, but a hero, standing proudly and supporting the weight of history, reminding everyone in the city of its accomplishments and its growth.
Isn’t it fascinating that a simple sign can contain a lot of history?
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