West Island Condos

West Island Condos

West Island Condos and the Nicollet Island Lifestyle

Located at 31-53 Island Avenue W, Minneapolis, MN 55401, West Island Condos is a boutique condominium with just 11 units spread across three levels. Developed by John Kerwin and designed by Brooks Calvin, the building was built in 1984 with Neo-Mansard style roof lines but was substantially renovated in 2011. The makeover included a change to Neo-Italianate rooflines while retaining the charming clapboard façade. The garages still have the mansard trim. The building with its handsome one and two-bedroom layouts is one of just two condominium buildings on Nicollet Island, the other being the historic Grove Street Flats. Other well-regarded condominium buildings on the other side of the river in the St. Anthony Main area include Village Brownstones, Falls and Pinnacle, and Cobalt.

The West Island Condos are located near the western edge of Nicollet Island, a historic community dating all the way back to early American settlers and the Dakota tribe before that. While the building was constructed during the modern era, it was designed in accordance with the St. Anthony Falls Historic District guidelines. That includes a charming clapboard aesthetic that mirrors some of the historic homes in the area with their Victorian and Cape Cod style architecture. The West Island Condos building has two front entrances and is quite spacious considering there are only 11 residences inside. These one and two-bedroom condos come in a variety of layouts, and virtually all have some sort of fenced patio or upper deck. Some of the units have spiral stairs leading up to unique four-season sunrooms on top of the roof. Other features can include fireplaces or Franklin stoves, along with in-unit washers and dryers and lots of closet space. Gleaming hardwood floors add another welcoming elements, along with open gourmet kitchens with stone counters and upscale appliances.

The clapboard building is surrounded by landscaping, maple and pine trees, and rustic low stone walls and accents. A pretty front sitting area is between the two entrances, with individual patios to the rear. Private parking garages are also in the rear, off a quaint winding driveway. The overall effect is that of a residential building that feels in step with the picturesque nature of the historic Nicollet Island. Residents at West Island Condos also enjoy a common roof deck with wooden flooring and planters, as well as scenic views. The pet-friendly condominium community is right across from the banks of the Mississippi River, with lots of surrounding green spaces and hiking trails. It’s a quiet island community, complete with its own dining at the popular local Restaurant at the Nicollet Island Inn. There are plenty of other nearby shops and restaurants just across the bridge in neighborhoods like St. Anthony Main, North Loop, and the Mill District.

Perks and Conveniences at West Island Condos

• Just 11 condo units across three levels adds to quiet enjoyment
• Private outdoor spaces for each residence
• In-unit washers and dryers
• Spacious floorplans and handsome finishes
• Each unit has its own private garage space
• Communal roof deck with wooden flooring, planters, and stunning views
• Pet-friendly building is close to green spaces and hiking trails
• Easy Access to the mainland via local bridges

Living on Nicollet Island and Northeast Minneapolis

The West Island Condos are located near the corner of Island Avenue and Grove Street on a historic island that measures less than one square mile. The condos are also right across the street from the banks of the Mississippi River. Mainland neighborhoods to the east and west, including St. Anthony Main, North Loop, and the Mill District are easily accessible via the Hennepin Avenue Bridge and the Nicollet Island Mississippi Bridge. The island has a deep history, going all the way back to the Dakota people who used it as a birthing place and for maple sugaring. The island was charted by Joseph Nicollet in the 1830s, and was subsequently purchased by Franklin Steele, a land developer and lumber baron who was instrumental in the damming and harnessing of St. Anthony Falls. Homes were built on the island throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often in Queen Anne and other Victorian styles. The decline of the milling industry adversely affected the island and mainland parts of Northeast Minneapolis, but the modern era brought forth new vibrancy. Today, visitor attractions include the historic Nicollet Island Inn and Restaurant, a pavilion, hiking trails, and architecturally significant antique homes. The island is also home to DeLaSalle High School, a Catholic college prep school. Residents on this small, quaint island with its leisurely approach to live also enjoy the easy access to all the great shops, restaurants, and entertainment on both sides of the river.