3530 Elliot Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Built in 2000, this house is called “The Little Lot House” because it is built on a lot that is smaller than those typically found in south Minneapolis. However, because the houses on either side are on double-sized lots, there is a great sense of expansiveness and plenty of breathing room without the upkeep of a larger property. This house is the result of the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association’s 1998 little/LOTS National Design Contest calling for proposals from architects to design for this particular sized lot. The result is an award winning design by Scott Meland of Meland Hepper Architects Ltd. of Grand Forks, ND. It was the 2000 CUE Award Winner presented by the Committee on Urban Environment and the City of Minneapolis Planning Department. While Powderhorn Residence Group was the developer, the plans for this house have been sold to other builders, The little/LotS House remains a unique structure because the cost of duplicating it became prohibitive after 2000. Subsequent builds are based on the original plans but don’t include the second floor vaulted ceilings. For example, one of the second floor bathrooms has 300 angles in its vault creating an unexpected sense of spaciousness and light. This airiness also exists in the four bedrooms and stairwell. The first floor has an open floor plan providing a sense of flow from the living room, to the dining room, to the kitchen. There is plenty of cabinetry and ample countertop space for food storage and preparation in the kitchen. There is also a half bath on the first floor. Half of the basement is finished with oak veneer flooring while the other half provides plenty of storage space, including room for a small freezer and other food and household supplies. This house is beautiful, comfortable, and has been very well cared for by its sole owner.