LibGuides: House & Building History Research: St. Paul House History Resources

Building Permits & Index Cards

Pictured here: original building permit for 318 Goodhue Avenue, St. Paul

Starting your St. Paul house history research:

1. Get your St. Paul Original Building Permit. These documents typically list the architect and/or contractor as well as the first owner. They also contain useful information about the original cost, scope, and construction materials used for the building. Building Permit Index Cards list subsequent work done on the building such as additions, roofing, electrical work, and other major work requiring a permit. Both series of permits can be accessed at the Ramsey County Historical Society.

2. Visit the Ramsey County Property Records Office for documents and proceedings related to a property such as mortgage books, liens, and deeds.

3. Research the People that lived in your home.

Archival Records

Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Redevelopment Project Files, 1953-1969.
The majority of the records concern the Eastern and Western Redevelopment projects, which were conducted on more than 60 acres of land, located in neighborhoods to the immediate east and west sides of the State Capitol. Properties were appraised for city acquisition and future demolition. Folders are arranged by street name and address and dates range from June 1953-January 1957, certain folders contain photographs of properties.
MNHS call number: Digital Finding Aid