Downtown East in Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Cataract House / 607 Washington

1856, 1912, 1940 / 1891, 1915, 1986, 2003

— Historic Mill District —

Cataract House / 607 Washington Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by McGhiever, September 29, 2024

1. Cataract House / 607 Washington Marker

Inscription.

Although the Cataract House preceded the 607 South Washington building by 35 years, the two buildings co-existed as neighbors on Washington Avenue from 1891 to 1910, Cataract on the corner, and 607 Washington to its east. 607 South Washington survived fires in 1889 and 1893, while Cataract House was destroyed by fire in 1920.

Following a remodel in 1915, and with the addition of four more floors, 607 South Washington became home to many enterprises including Commercial Body & Supply Company with its Martin-Parry and Ford Truck production, Oliver Chilled Plow Works with its plows designed for Midwestern soils, and Graham Paper Company, a supplier of paper products.

From 1945 until the 1970s, Sears Roebuck used the building as a warehouse. The building continued to function exclusively as a warehouse until 1986, when Sawatdee Thai Restaurant became the first-floor tenant. In 2003, the upper four floors were converted into The Lofts on Washington Avenue.

Erected by the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.

Location. 44° 58.68′ N,

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93° 15.581′ W. Marker is in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in Hennepin County. It is in Downtown East. It is at the intersection of Washington Avenue S. and Portland Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Washington Avenue S.. The marker is mounted to the left of the front door of Sawatdee Thai Restaurant. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 607 Washington Avenue S, Minneapolis MN 55415, 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: The Genesis of Washington Avenue (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Industry's Impact on Washington Avenue (about 700 feet away); Transportation on Washington Avenue

Cataract House/607 Washington Marker next to Sawatdee's entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by McGhiever, September 29, 2024

2. Cataract House/607 Washington Marker next to Sawatdee's entrance

(about 700 feet away); The Decline of Washington Avenue (about 700 feet away); Bricks and Mortar (about 700 feet away); The Resurrection of Washington Avenue (about 800 feet away); Water: The waterpower harnessed from St. Anthony Falls gave life to the milling industry (about 800 feet away); The Washburn A Mill (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Minneapolis.

Also see . . . Cataract House / 607 South Washington (QR code on marker). (Submitted on September 21, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 21, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 21, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.