Portal:Minnesota Historical Society/Selected place/2008-02

James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota

James J. Hill (1838-1916) was one of the major entrepreneurs in the early history of the state. His home is the largest residence on Summit Avenue and one of the largest private dwellings in the state. It was designed by nationally prominent Boston architects, Peabody and Stearns. The house was built at a cost of $931,000. The 42 rooms include a skylit art gallery, a pipe organ, 22 fireplaces, and 13 bathrooms. The interiors feature cut-glass chandeliers, stained glass windows, a gold leaf ceiling in the dining room, and extensive carved oak and mahogany. The Hill family lived in the house for 30 years and in 1925 family members donated the house to the Archdiocese of St. Paul. The building was used as a school and office until 1978 when it was given to the Minnesota Historical Society. It is now open as a multiple-use historic house museum offering tours, educational programs, concerts, art exhibitions, meeting and event space.