Standing tall and proud in the heart of Minneapolis, the Foshay Tower is more than just a relic of architectural splendor—it’s a monument of ambition, excess, and, some say, eerie echoes of the past. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or a curious ghost hunter, this iconic skyscraper holds endless stories in its stone and steel. Built during the Roaring Twenties, the Foshay Tower is steeped in 20th-century opulence, and rumors of ghostly happenings add yet another layer of intrigue. Ready to step into a different era—and perhaps a different dimension? Let’s dive deep into the captivating history and lingering mysteries of the Foshay Tower in Minnesota.
The History
A Monument to a Tycoon’s Dream
Constructed between 1927 and 1929, the Foshay Tower was the brainchild of Wilbur Burton Foshay, a wealthy businessman who struck gold in the utilities sector. Foshay envisioned a skyscraper that would not only house his empire but also serve as a lasting tribute to his meteoric rise. Modeled after the Washington Monument, the tower was designed in an obelisk shape—a bold choice that made it stand out even amid the city’s development boom.
At a towering 447 feet, the Foshay Tower was an architectural wonder at the time of its completion. In fact, it held the title of the tallest building in Minnesota until the construction of the IDS Center in the 1970s. The tower had 32 floors and was built entirely with steel and reinforced concrete, adorned with extravagant marble interiors and art deco detailing. No expense was spared. Foshay even incorporated his last name flamboyantly above the entrance, etched in bronze and backlit for Hollywood-style flair.
The Infamous Dedication Ceremony
The dedication of the Foshay Tower wasn’t just a ribbon-cutting event—it was an extravagant party that embodied the Gilded Age’s appetite for excess. Taking place on Labor Day weekend in 1929, the ceremony featured a full parade, two orchestras, fireworks, and a banquet for over 25,000 attendees.
Wilbur Foshay went so far as to fly in John Philip Sousa, the famous American composer, to write and conduct a dedicated march for the occasion. Unfortunately, the payment for Sousa’s performance was never fulfilled due to financial catastrophe. Just weeks after the tower’s grand opening, the stock market crashed, dragging Foshay’s empire—and his fortune—down with it.
By the end of 1929, Foshay was bankrupt. The building was seized in court proceedings, and he was eventually imprisoned on fraud-related charges. Though later pardoned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937, Foshay’s dream had crumbled. Yet the tower that bore his name stood resilient, growing into a Minneapolis landmark over the decades.
From Office Tower to Boutique Hotel
Over the years, the Foshay Tower housed a wide array of tenants: financial firms, airlines, and other commercial endeavors. By the early 2000s, the tower began to feel its age. But in 2006, the building got a major makeover. Starwood Hotels & Resorts transformed the space into the posh W Minneapolis – The Foshay, a luxury hotel that brought sparkle back into the aging icon.
The renovation didn’t erase its past; instead, it embraced it. Historical elements like the ornate elevator doors, marble corridors, and even some original fixtures were preserved. Today, the observation deck on the 30th floor offers breathtaking views of Minneapolis, while the original Foshay Museum serves as a tribute to the man, the tower, and the dreams behind it all.
The Haunt
Lingering Spirits of the Past
Beyond its glamorous facade and rich architectural detail, the Foshay Tower is rumored to play host to some ghostly guests. Though not as notoriously haunted as other historic buildings, there are whispers—particularly from employees and guests of the modern-day hotel—of supernatural activity that seems too vivid to dismiss as mere legend.
The Phantom on the Observation Deck
One of the most frequently reported paranormal events at the Foshay Tower takes place on the observation deck. Staff have relayed stories of strange cold spots and fleeting shadows when no one else is present. Some guests have described the distinct sound of footsteps echoing behind them on the outdoor platform—only to turn around and find the space completely empty.
Others have claimed to see a man in vintage attire—believed by some to be Wilbur Foshay himself—standing silently at the edge of the deck, gazing out over the city he once tried to rule. He vanishes whenever approached, lending an almost mournful tone to the haunting.
The Ghost in the Guest Rooms
Several overnight guests have alleged strange experiences in their rooms. These incidents include flickering lights, unexplained electronic interference, and inexplicably moved personal items. One commonly reported story revolves around a woman who awoke in Room 2107 to find her bathroom sink running at full blast. She shut it off, only for it to turn on again minutes later, even when no one was in the room.
While these occurrences are often chalked up to old building quirks, the recurring nature—and the genuinely frightened reactions from some guests—have caused many paranormal investigators to take notice.
Elevator Oddities and Historical Echoes
The elevators, original to the tower though now modernized, are also a focal point for spooky tales. Some maintenance workers have reported “phantom summons,” where an elevator called to a floor shows no request from guests or staff. Riders have even said the elevators occasionally stop on seemingly random floors, often the 7th and 22nd, with the doors opening to reveal an empty hallway and an unnatural chill in the air.
Paired with intermittent sounds—echoes of distant whispers, the quick tap of footsteps, or what some describe as muffled crying—these stories have turned the Foshay Tower into a subtle but compelling destination for those intrigued by the paranormal.
Calling All Ghost Hunters
The Foshay Tower’s appeal lies not just in its stunning architecture or its incredible sky-high views of Minneapolis, but in its uncanny ability to preserve the spirits—both figurative and literal—of its opulent past. Whether you’re staying in a room rumored to be haunted or standing where Wilbur Foshay once did with his lofty dreams, there’s a palpable energy in the air that transcends time.
For paranormal investigators, the Foshay Tower offers a unique blend of glamour and ghostliness. It may not scream “haunted hotel” at first glance, but linger a while… and you might just feel something watching you from a forgotten corner of that marble hallway, or hear a whisper of big dreams gone awry in the shuffle of a vintage tuxedo.
So gear up, ghost hunters. Whether you’re visiting for the history, the views, or the spectral side of things, the Foshay Tower in Minnesota is a must-see stop on your haunted travel itinerary. Just be sure to keep your EVP recorder close—and leave a light on.