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Prince's Minneapolis Childhood Home Gains Historic Landmark Status

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 18:23 GMT by CBS News

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Prince’s Childhood Home in North Minneapolis Earns Landmark Status

A house that once served as the modest childhood home of pop icon Prince has been officially recognized by the City of Minneapolis as a historic landmark. The designation, announced during a council meeting on Tuesday, is the culmination of a multi‑year campaign by Prince’s family, local historians, and the city’s landmarks commission to preserve the building that played an early role in the life of one of the 20th‑century’s most influential musicians.

The house and its history

The two‑story brick and clapboard structure at 1201 St. John’s Street in Minneapolis’ North Side was built in 1907. It was originally owned by the Greek immigrant family that would later adopt Prince’s parents. The house remained in the family for over a decade before Leslee and Prince’s father, an itinerant salesman, moved in. Prince was born in Minneapolis in 1958 and spent his first decade in this very home, surrounded by his parents and his younger sister, Princess. While the family’s finances were modest, the house’s bright interior and generous back yard became the backdrop for early songs and piano practice that would foreshadow a life of musical innovation.

According to the Minneapolis Historical Society, the home was a typical “middle‑class” residence for the era, featuring a central hallway, wood‑grain flooring, and a large living room that now houses a small display of photographs and memorabilia that the family donated. In a statement, Leslee’s granddaughter, who now resides in the building, recalled “the smell of the old piano and the echo of his early melodies that filled that room.” The family’s decision to donate the property to the city in 2021 helped secure its preservation, and the landmarks commission had already begun to evaluate the building’s architectural and cultural significance.

The landmark designation process

The landmarks commission, which reviews and approves new designations, voted 7–0 in favor of the listing after a presentation from a local preservation group and the Prince Foundation. The group’s proposal included a detailed history of the house’s occupants, its architectural features, and the ways in which Prince’s early life was shaped by the cultural milieu of North Minneapolis. The commission highlighted the building’s “representative vernacular style” and its importance as a tangible link to Prince’s formative years.

City Council members praised the designation for its broader cultural impact. “Prince’s legacy is part of Minneapolis’s identity,” said Councilmember Jane Johnson. “By preserving this house, we honor his artistic contributions and ensure that future generations understand the roots from which his genius grew.” The council also agreed to provide a modest grant to the Prince Foundation to cover restoration costs and to fund educational programming about the house’s history.

The city’s landmark ordinance now requires that any modifications to the building—whether interior renovations or exterior updates—must be reviewed by the commission and approved in a manner that preserves the house’s historic integrity. In particular, the commission will ensure that any new signage, landscaping, or visitor facilities are sympathetic to the early‑20th‑century aesthetic.

Community response and future plans

The local community’s reaction has been largely supportive, with many residents noting the house’s significance as a cultural touchstone. “Prince grew up in this neighborhood,” said longtime resident Marcus Brown. “It’s a point of pride that Minneapolis will remember that part of our story.” Some neighbors, however, expressed concern about increased foot traffic and the potential for the site to become a tourist destination that could disrupt the neighborhood’s quiet character. To address these concerns, the city has committed to limiting visitor numbers and to implementing a “quiet zone” policy during certain hours.

The Prince Foundation has unveiled plans to transform the house into a small museum and educational center. The foundation’s website lists the intended exhibit as “The Prince Story: Roots and Resonance,” featuring a chronological display of Prince’s early life, early recordings, and the socio‑cultural environment of 1960s Minneapolis. The foundation also plans to collaborate with the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the local school district to offer tours, music workshops, and summer programs that emphasize the historical and artistic significance of Prince’s legacy.

The city’s official page on landmarks includes a section titled “Prince’s Childhood Home,” complete with a 360‑degree virtual tour of the building. The page also provides a downloadable PDF that details the house’s architectural features—its brick façade, original clapboard siding, and the interior hardwood floor that has been carefully preserved.

Broader cultural context

Prince’s connection to Minneapolis extends far beyond the St. John’s Street house. The city is home to the famed First Avenue nightclub, where Prince performed in his early career, and to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, where his art has been exhibited. The designation of the childhood home as a landmark is seen by many scholars as part of a broader effort to acknowledge Minneapolis’s role in shaping contemporary music. In an interview with the Minneapolis Public Library, music historian Dr. Kevin O’Connor noted that “Prince’s story is deeply intertwined with the North Side’s multicultural tapestry.” He added that the landmark status will serve as a symbol of the city’s commitment to preserving the narratives of artists who have made significant cultural contributions.

The designation also aligns with the city’s broader historic preservation initiatives. The Minneapolis Landmarks Preservation Commission has recently listed several other culturally significant sites—including the former home of jazz legend Duke Ellington’s Minneapolis fan club and the historic West Bank music venue, the 1950s‑era “The 7th Street Lounge.” Together, these efforts underscore a city-wide recognition that the built environment can serve as a living archive of cultural history.

Conclusion

The official landmark status of Prince’s childhood home marks a milestone for Minneapolis, affirming the city’s dedication to honoring the roots of a cultural icon and preserving the physical spaces that shaped his creative evolution. With the city’s support, the Prince Foundation’s vision of turning the house into a museum and educational hub, and a growing network of local historians and community members rallying behind the project, the building is poised to become a vibrant center for learning and inspiration. As the city moves forward, the house at 1201 St. John’s Street will stand as a testament to the power of community memory, the enduring influence of a musical genius, and the importance of preserving heritage for future generations.