SOUVENIR BUILDING COLLECTORS SOCIETY

2013 Convention - MINNEAPOLIS

SBCS 2013 - Minneapolis

Venue: Foshay Tower, Downtown Minneapolis

June 21 -23rd

Collect monuments?  Of course!  Ever slept in a monument?  You’ll have the opportunity this year as the site of this year’s convention is the Art Deco Landmark Foshay Tower.  The Washington Monument served as its inspiration when it was built in 1929.  As guests, you can use your key card the rooftop museum for panoramic views - 447 feet above the street.  The hotel is also centrally located, in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. 

Tom and I have planned an exciting weekend.   For those arriving early enough on Friday, we are offering two exciting tours in the afternoon.   

Tom Malone is using his business contacts to gain access to several downtown buildings - the US Bank/Capella tower, as well as the Cesar Pelli’s Wells Fargo Center. He will be conducting this two hour tour, near the hotel environs.   

Having worked for the Guthrie Theater, the largest repertoire theater, for over 15 years myself, I have arranged for an architectural tour of the new theater - designed b  y Jean Nouvel.  It has a sky bridge overlooking the Mississippi River.  Great for pictures. 

Dinner is on your own; I will include a restaurant sheet with your registration packet.   

Friday night gives us the opportunity to see Tom Malone’s collection in Hamel (an outer suburb).  There will be a ‘Ride Board’ at the Welcome Table to facilitate pairing up those who can drive and those who may need a ride.    

Saturday starts at the hotel with the business meeting and the ever popular Swap Meet.  Then early afternoon a trolley will take us on a guided architecture tour.  Since we are two cities, this is the easiest way to see the most amount of buildings.  The list includes the State Capitol, the St Paul Cathedral, Landmark Center, a drive past historic Summit Avenue, with one of the largest displays of Victorian mansions, the JJ HIll Mansion, Frank Gehry’s Weisman Museum, the Guthrie and the Walker Art Museum and Sculpture Garden. 

Mid-afternoon you are free to explore all my hometown has to offer---take in one of museums, stroll around one of our urban lakes, take the light rail to historic Fort Snelling, beautiful Minnehaha Falls or Mall of America.  There are countless possibilities. 

This will be followed by a cocktail hour, dinner and for me, what is the big event....the RAFFLE.  

Sunday you’ll cross the mighty Mississippi to my house for brunch and viewing of my collection.  My house is a convenient 10 mile drive to the airport. 

Minnesota weather in June ranges from mid. 70’s during the day and lows in the 50’s.  We can have bouts of humidity so I would pack accordingly. 

MSP is our airport, which is serviced by most major airlines as well as our hometown charter, Sun Country.  Light Rail runs every 10-15 minutes to Downtown, $2.75/1.75 off peak - but the hotel is 5 blocks from the Nicollet Mall Station.  Super Shuttle costs $15 - 800-258-3826.  Taxi rides run approximately $40. There is also an Enterprise  rental office(612-677-1319)  two blocks from the hotel, if you wish to do a short term rental. 

The hotel in the Foshay is a ‘W’ hotel; part of the SPG group of hotels.  Mention the SBCS to get the special rate of $129  per night.  Foshay phone numbers are 612-215-3700 or toll free 877-946-8357.  Their address is 821 Marquette Avenue   Minneapolis MN 55402.  Please book by May 30th.  If driving, please note the Foshay only offers valet parking but there are nearby parking ramps, if you wish to self-park. 

For those wanting to send their buildings ahead:  

Carolyn Curtiss 

Process Displays 

7108 31st Avenue North 

New Hope MN 55427 

My work phone is 763-512-5186. 

Watch Facebook’s Souvenir Building Collectors Society webpage for more background on the Twin Cities. 

Looking forward to seeing you all soon. If you have questions, please feel free to email me at  lechipster@aol.com  .   

Carolyn