Minneapolis Newspaper Building Seeks Historic Status
The Heritage Preservation Commission unanimously recommended the newspaper headquarters for a national honor.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in African-American
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The Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission has officially recommended the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder headquarters for the National Register of Historic Places. The commission voted unanimously to advance the site for federal recognition.
Why it matters
The nomination honors the role of the publication and its founder, Cecil Newman, in ethnic heritage, commerce, and social history. The site remains a vital hub for the Black press in Minneapolis.
The building, located at 3744 Fourth Avenue South, was completed in 1958 and carries a significance period spanning until 1976. It was previously designated as a local landmark in 2015.
The players
Cecil Newman
He was the influential founder of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission
This body oversees the preservation of historic sites and landmarks within the city.
The details
The site serves as the current headquarters for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, a newspaper that has operated for 92 years. The nomination, sponsored by the city with a National Park Service grant, was prepared by consulting firm Hess, Roise and Company.
Timeline
Building construction was completed in 1958.
The property's period of significance ended in 1976.
The city designated the building a local landmark in 2015.
The commission voted to recommend the nomination on October 6, 2026.
The state review board will meet to discuss the nomination on November 10, 2026.
Culture Shift
This nomination aligns with a broader trend of identifying and preserving sites critical to the Black press and ethnic heritage. By securing this status, the city acknowledges the lasting influence of institutions that were often overlooked in historical narratives.
The National Register listing is honorary and does not impose new property protections for the owner of the building at 3744 Fourth Avenue South. Residents can expect continued operation of the media office as it undergoes the final federal review process.
The takeaway
Recognizing this building highlights the essential work of the Black press in shaping local civic life for nearly a century. Property owners and preservationists should note that federal historic listing provides prestige without restricting private property rights.
What happens next
The Minnesota State Historic Preservation Review Board is scheduled to review the nomination on November 10, 2026, ahead of a final decision by the National Park Service.
Further reading
Learn more about local historical narratives in Minneapolis African-American.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
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