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Heritage panel recommends local landmark designation for Prince's childhood home at 2620 Eighth Ave. N.
Summary
The Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission voted unanimously to recommend that City Council designate the Nelson House, where Prince lived from 1965–1970, as a local landmark, citing its social and cultural significance.
The Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission on Aug. 12 voted to recommend that the City Council designate the Nelson House at 2620 Eighth Avenue North as a local landmark.
Erin Kaye, senior city planner in the Historic Preservation subsection of the Department of Community Planning and Economic Development, told commissioners the designation study concludes the property is significant under local criterion 2 for its association with Prince Rogers Nelson and recommended a period of significance of 1965–1970. "This property was the second childhood home of Prince Rogers Nelson," Kaye said during the staff presentation.
Nominator Barbara Howard said the house represents a formative place in Prince's musical development and urged the commission to move forward. "Prince is what brought me to Minneapolis," Howard said.
Staff told the commission the house retains enough integrity to convey its association with Prince despite later exterior changes and recommended designation for its social history rather than architectural merit. The study noted the property is presently in foreclosure and owned by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), and staff referenced active code-enforcement cases related to vegetation on the lot.
Commissioners who spoke in support emphasized the nomination as recognition of social and cultural history rather than architectural distinction. Vice Chair Maston moved the recommendation; Commissioner Booty seconded. The clerk recorded seven ayes.
The commission's action sends the nomination and staff findings to the City Council for a final decision. If approved by the council, the designation would formally recognize the property's association with a person of historical significance during the identified period.
Votes at a glance: The Heritage Preservation Commission recommended local designation of 2620 Eighth Avenue North (Nelson House). Motion: "That the HPC recommends that the City Council approve the local designation of the Nelson House located at 2620 Eighth Avenue North." Mover: Vice Chair Maston. Second: Commissioner Booty. Vote: 7–0 (7 ayes).
Next steps: The recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council for consideration under the city's landmark designation procedures.
