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The inception of the Washburn-Crosby Milling Company predates the establishment of General Mills, situated on the bustling Mississippi riverfront in downtown Minneapolis. In 1914, the construction of a utility building was initiated to accommodate the flourishing mill's packaging operations. Crafted by the talented Edwin Hewitt, a native of Red Wing, Minnesota, who honed his skills while working in Cass Gilbert's office in Boston, the building exuded architectural brilliance. Three intricately hand-carved terra-cotta figures, symbolizing the innovative millers of 1914, embellish the southern facade of the building.

After General Mills ceased milling operations in 1965, the building stood vacant until a devastating fire destroyed many other mill buildings in 1991. In 1983, the utility building was acquired by the Minnesota Historical Society. By 2002, the historic Washburn-Crosby utility building underwent a remarkable transformation into luxurious condominiums, known today as the prestigious Washburn Lofts.

Elevate the Comfort, Efficiency and Safety of Your Home with a Wood Burning Insert: Key Factors to Consider

As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, there's nothing quite like snuggling up beside a crackling fire to keep warm and create a cozy atmosphere in your home. If you're considering installing a wood burning insert or wood burning fireplace, you're in for a treat! Not only can it enhance the aesthetics of your living space, but it can also provide an efficient and cost-effective way to heat your home. But before you rush to purchase one, let's take a closer look at some important considerations to ensure a smooth and successful installation.

The Phoenix Grill

We learned a lot from a year like 2020.  Home became a place for work and relaxation.  We created new spaces to help separate times of work and play. Time in nature helped us to turn off the noise of work and settle into the calm of our surroundings.  Danish designer Bent Falk designed this piece to be enjoyed as a fire pit, barbeque grill, or outdoor sculpture.

How many chimney fires are there in a year?

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, there are approximately 25,000 chimney fires a year in the United States. The CSIA claims that these fires result in 125 million dollars in damage.

This Shaker wood-burning stove takes center stage in this simple and clean Scandinavian new home design. We interviewed a new homeowner about her experience working with Sustainable 9 to design and build her new home in Edina, MN. This is what she had to say about her experience and her method of keeping the process manageable and fun.