Minnesota State Law Library
Minnesota State Law Library
Construction began on the site in 1988. Phase I built the addition to the Historical Society Building, lasted until 1990, and cost $38,000,000. Phase II renovated the Historical Society Building between 1993-1995 and cost $12,670,000.
A number of changes to the landscape took place during construction. Aurora Ave. which cut between the Historical Society Building and the power plant was permanently closed. The Mechanic Arts gym and main building were both demolished. The Judicial Plaza was created north of the building along with a wall to mask the power plant. The half-circle shaped addition was attached to the back of the Historical Society building to provide room for court chambers and the State Law Library.
This image shows the Historical Society Building and Mechanic Arts Building before construction on the Judicial Center began.
Marvin R. Anderson (center) and others reviewing a blueprint for the new library space.
A view of the construction site, possibly taken from the roof of the Historical Society Building.
View from Cedar Street
View from Cedar Street
View from Constitution Avenue (Later Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.)
View from Robert Street
View from Constitution Avenue (Later Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.)
View from Constitution Avenue (Later Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.)
Workers are in a hole, probably in the street outside the main entrance to the Judicial Center.
Another view of the work going on outside the Judicial Center.
Construction equipment outside the newly constructed part of the Judicial Center.
Exterior renovation of the former Historical Society building.
