On the afternoon of Sunday, July 9th, supporters of the Healy Project were offered the wonderful opportunity to see the interior of the mansion at 1300 Mount Curve Avenue on Lowry Hill. Bob Levine and Gloria Finlay generously opened their 9,000-plus square-foot home as a fundraiser for the Healy Project’s ongoing research for a publication on the life and works of T.P. Healy.

Drawing of 1300 Mount Curve by Richard Mueller

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this magnificent Renaissance Revival mansion was built by T.P. Healy in 1904. Celebrated architect William Channing Whitney designed the house for Charles Martin, secretary-treasurer of the Washburn-Crosby Company. Architectural historian Larry Millet has aptly called the house a “modern palace.” During the 1960s and ’70s it was the home of art dealer Gordon Locksley, a national figure in the Gay Rights movement.  Bob Levine acquired the house in 1982 and has over years done extensive restoration and updating work on the residence, adding a swimming  pool and other modern features.

The pool area.  Photo by Gary Thaden

Over one hundred guests toured the house, yet no room was ever crowded. Healy homeowners, as well as owners of homes by other master builders, Healy family members, Lowry Hill residents, and old house lovers roamed through four levels of mansion, viewing the Minneapolis skyline from the penthouse balcony and descending  to the basement level.

The original vaulted ceiling in the basement . CC

Ezra Gray of the Healy Project made a slide show of the history of the house from its construction in the early 20th century to the present day. During the Gordon Locksley era wild parties with figures from the art world such as Andy Warhol and German performance artist Christo were thrown. At one party Christo (who is famous for wrapping buidings) wrapped two artist’s models in clear plastic and placed them on the dining room table.

Needless to say, the Healy Project event was much tamer, but still a lot of fun. Since pictures speak louder than words, here’s a selection of photos from the event

Christina Langsdorf greeted guests in the entry way. CC

Kilo the cockatoo told guests he loves them from his perch in the formal parlor. TB

The parlor from the entrance hall. Photo by Gary Thaden

Healy homeowner Catherine Loy with hosts Bob Levine and Gloria Finlay. TB

Healy Project president Anders Christensen with Lisa McDonald. CC

Jake, Kathy, and Abby Mengelkoch, descendants of Theron’s brother Anderson in the informal dining area. CC

Brewmeister Peter Hollender at the second-floor bar. CC

Richard Mueller (at table) writing out name tags in calligraphy script. Photo by Gary Thaden

Krisha Dorney and Carolyn Brouillard talking to Healy homeowner Dennis Tuthill in the entrance hall. TB

Ingham homeowner Barbara Hanson with Ward 7 council member Lisa Goodman. TB

Trilby Busch and Healy homeowner Kate Roos checking out the historic photo collection in the formal dining room. CC

The city skyline from the penthouse balcony. TB

Look who signed the guest book!

Unless otherwise noted. photos are by Ceridwen Christensen (CC) and Trilby Busch (TB). Please credit.

The Healy Project is making plans for a holiday open house in a Healy-built house designed by gifted architect Edwin P. Overmire. Watch this space for an announcement.