Photography provided by Asa Parker House
The Asa Parker House, one of the oldest homes in Minnesota located in Marine on St. Croix, was recently restored by a long-standing local family. Jack Warren and the Warren family took it upon themselves to bring this historic landmark back to its former glory.
The stately Greek Revival was built in 1856 by Asa Parker, owner of one of Minnesota’s first commercial sawmills. For more than a century, it served as a family residence until the late 20th century, when it was transformed into a bed and breakfast. After 20 years of operation, the owners decided to close it down and the property fell into foreclosure. The Warren family, concerned that the legacy of the home would be lost forever if they didn’t step in, bought the property at auction. Their plan was to renovate the home to bring it back to its original intent as a single-family residence filled with elements of its original history but with the modern amenities and layout that today’s buyer would expect.
Warren selected Eric Hansen as the architect after appreciating other restoration projects he has had a hand in designing, and Hagstrom Builder was brought on thanks to its reputation for quality work and unmatched attention to detail. To fit the needs of today’s family, Hansen designed a three-story addition to provide the home with an open gourmet kitchen, a family room space and additional bedrooms. Within the addition, Hansen incorporated some of the home’s original design features, including six new dormers that perfectly replicate the former dormers, new windows and doors that complement the original proportions, and custom millwork throughout to match the original details seen in historical photos of the home.
As the project continued, unfortunately Warren’s health began to decline. After he passed away last November, his daughter Julie took over the reins and spearheaded the remainder of the renovation over a period of nine months. Despite the countless hours spent traveling, Julie believes her briefly transient lifestyle was well worth the results it garnered. “The house looks amazing, and it’s so rewarding to see it restored,” she says, noting her father would be thrilled with the final product. “He wanted to bring another family to Marine and have the house last another 160 years. It’s been great to see that through for him.”
Now that the ambitious project has concluded, the Warren family is listing the home for sale to realize Jack’s final desire. Co-listing agent Elliott Hagstrom describes the home as “stunningly beautiful,” adding, “It’s an 1850s house restored without a penny spared. The millwork and attention to detail are just exceptional and true to the era.”
The Asa Parker House is listed by Elliott Hagstrom (elliott@kristawolter.com, 651-324-4137) and Krista Wolter (krista@kristawolter.com, 612-247-5106) of Coldwell Banker Burnet at a price of $1.75 million.
