North Loop in Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Buggy Assembly Plant

Built: 1913

Photographed by McGhiever, June 23, 2024

1. Buggy Assembly Plant Marker

Inscription.

Even though motorized vehicles were gaining popularity and Henry Ford was building a Model T assembly plant just three blocks away, Studebaker expanded its production of buggies and wagons to this building in 1913. Sales in rural areas were still quite strong at the time.

Later, the building became a general warehouse for industrial and home supplies. Everything from Magic Chef ovens to shag carpeting would be stored then shipped out by rail or truck.

In the late 90s, the building was renamed "Internet Exchange" because it was one of the first in the state to get high-speed internet. A booster station built by a telecom company along the tracks nearby gave office tenants here lightning speeds. To go with the city's Lumber Exchange and Grain Exchange, tenants decided it would be fun to be known as the Internet Exchange.

Erected by North Loop Neighborhood Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 44° 59.138′ N, 93° 16.462′ W. Marker is in Minneapolis,

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Minnesota, in Hennepin County. It is in North Loop. It is on N. Washington Avenue east of N. 5th Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 411 N Washington Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lutefisk Processing Plant (within shouting distance of this marker); Windmills, Wagons and More (within shouting distance of this marker); Washers & Tools (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Carriages, Crackers & Color TVs (about 600 feet away); Carriages to Cars (about 600 feet away); Glass Factory (about 700 feet away); Streetcars, Groceries & Booze

Photographed by McGhiever, June 23, 2024

2. Buggy Assembly Plant Marker

(about 700 feet away); Pasta Factory (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Minneapolis.

Also see . . . Loop Back: Assembling Studebaker Buggies (QR code on marker). (Submitted on June 1, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 1, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 110 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 1, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.