So I stumbled across an old postcard of Minneapolis, taken of the skyline probably in the mid-1960s. I was immediately struck by how close it was to a photo I took earlier this year (late March 2013, obnoxius chain link fence on the Franklin Ave bridge and all).  The growth of the city core is incredible over the last 50 years. The Foshay Tower (now incarnated as the W Hotel Minneapolis) is just about the only recognizable landmark that has endured the test of time, or in other words… survived the great and destructive Minneapolis urban renewal projects of the 60s and 70s. Also surprising is the overhead highway sign gantry at the exit to Interstate 94 Westbound, which has remained unchanged over time and through many MNDOT iterations.

Look at the complete lack of traffic! What I’d give for that these days!

Looking for other before and after skyline photos, Minneapolis or other.  Reply and share!

-Mike