501 Portland Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55102 (MLS# 7153698)

501 Portland Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55102

$1,095,000

Home is Dramaticly located on the Cornerof Portland Avenue and Mackubin, one block north of Summit Avenue
Note the "Faus Bois" fencing that wraps aroung property.

Front Entry and Porch, note the hand crafted front door created to match home's history and Design.,

Original Line Drawing of home when front entrance was 37 Mackubin

Drawing Room and Palor Room are combined for elegant entertaining

Entry Fireplace, note detail and beveled glass

Huge remodeled Kitchen is perfect for entertaining

West facing view, note Minneapolis upper left

Facing East, note St Paul Cathedral and Downtown St Paul at upper right

Side Yard of home with view of upper deck and side entrance.

Front Porch is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy this wonderful, walkable neighborhood.

Property Type: Residential Bedrooms: 5 Baths: 3 Square Footage: 5,100 Lot Size (sq. ft.): 10,890 Status: Coming Soon

Current Price: $1,095,000 List Date: 9/30/2026 Last Modified: 10/08/2026

Overview

Description

Aerial photos of exterior will be available by 10/8. Interior pictures and tour by 10/15. Expected to be active by 10/22. A Rare Piece of History — French-Inspired Second Empire Home Step into history without giving up the comforts of today. This extraordinary French-Inspired Second Empire home is a rare opportunity to own one of the area's most distinctive historic residences. Built in the late 19th century and lovingly cared for through generations, the home combines grand architectural details, fascinating history, and beautifully updated living spaces. The property has an impressive story. From 1880–1930, it was home to Alanson and Amelia Messer and their daughter, Lilian. From 1930–1965, the residence served as a boarding house, before becoming the cherished home of the Niclaus family from 1965–2016. The Maes family has proudly owned the home since 2016. The Character Is in the Details From the moment you enter, the craftsmanship of another era is unmistakable. • 5 spac ... (Read more) Aerial photos of exterior will be available by 10/8. Interior pictures and tour by 10/15. Expected to be active by 10/22. A Rare Piece of History — French-Inspired Second Empire Home Step into history without giving up the comforts of today. This extraordinary French-Inspired Second Empire home is a rare opportunity to own one of the area's most distinctive historic residences. Built in the late 19th century and lovingly cared for through generations, the home combines grand architectural details, fascinating history, and beautifully updated living spaces. The property has an impressive story. From 1880–1930, it was home to Alanson and Amelia Messer and their daughter, Lilian. From 1930–1965, the residence served as a boarding house, before becoming the cherished home of the Niclaus family from 1965–2016. The Maes family has proudly owned the home since 2016. The Character Is in the Details From the moment you enter, the craftsmanship of another era is unmistakable. • 5 spacious bedrooms, including a first-floor library with Murphy bed • 3 full bathrooms, featuring three showers and two bathtubs • Dramatic 10-foot ceilings • Original lathe-and-plaster walls • Original solid wood doors • Original 6-inch flooring, uncovered and preserved in two bedrooms and the kitchen • Beautiful original moldings • Original 1870s-era Gilbert trigger door knobs • An extraordinary 1880 hand-painted ceiling in the primary bedroom • Original steam radiators throughout the home • A new, efficient boiler serving the historic steam heating system • New central air conditioning for modern year-round comfort • Original chandelier in the stairwell The home offers the rare combination of historic craftsmanship and the comfort expected in a modern residence. A Kitchen Designed for Today The massive renovated kitchen provides the space today's homeowners want while remaining compatible with the home's historic character. Upstairs, a convenient laundry area adds modern functionality, while the spacious primary suite offers a private retreat with a majestic, renovated bathroom, complete with a soaking tub, extra-large shower, and generous wardrobes. A Basement Unlike Any Other One of the property's most remarkable features is its historic cistern, once among the largest in the area, which has been transformed into a distinctive vintage wine cellar. The basement also features a retro bar, creating a one-of-a-kind space for entertaining, wine collecting, game nights, or simply enjoying the home's history. A large entry coatroom includes a hidden workbench, adding an unexpected and practical touch. Extraordinary Chandeliers The home's lighting includes two particularly special pieces. The dining room chandelier is a remarkable work of art, with a frame made in Egypt and crystals from Texas, with an estimated value of $40,000. The chandelier gracing the stairwell is original to the home, adding yet another connection to its 19th-century past. The dining room also features an 1880 dining table that seats twelve, purchased from a historic home on Summit Avenue. Outdoor Living & Historic Charm Set on a large corner lot, the property is framed by a beautiful historic “ Faux Bois” wrought-iron fence. Multiple porches provide exceptional outdoor living: • Inviting front porch • Charming second-story porch • Expansive wraparound rear porch A detached two-stall garage provides valuable additional storage and parking. A Home with a Story There are historic homes, and then there are homes that have stories woven into every room. This residence offers an opportunity to become the next steward of a truly special property — a home where original craftsmanship, generations of history, distinctive architectural details, and thoughtful modern updates come together in a way that is increasingly difficult to find. Some houses are built. Others become homes, and part of a community's story. This one has been doing so for more than

Supplements: 145 years.

Listing Details MLS# 7153698

General Property Information

Common Wall: No
Lot Measurement: Acres
Manufactured Home?: No
Multiple PIDs?: No
New Development: No
Number of Fireplaces: 2
Waterfront YN: No
Year Built: 1880
Yearly/Seasonal: Yearly
Zoning: Residential-Single Family
Bath Full: 2
Bath Three Quarters: Yes
Main Floor Total SqFt: 1544
Above Grd Total SqFt: 3400
Below Grd Total SqFt: 1700
Total SqFt: 5100
Total Finished Sqft: 3400.00
FireplaceYN: Yes
Style: (SF) Single Family
Foundation Size: 1700
Garage Stalls: 2
Lot Dimensions: 108x101x108x102
Acres: 0.25
Assessment Pending: No

Property Features

Accessible: None Air Conditioning: Central Air Amenities Unit: Ceiling Fan(s); Deck; Hardwood Floors; Kitchen Center Island; Kitchen Window; Natural Woodwork; Paneled Doors; Porch; Tile Floors; Walk-In Closet; Walk-Up Attic; Washer/Dryer Hookup Appliances: Chandelier; Cooktop; Dishwasher; Disposal; Double Oven; Dryer; Microwave; Refrigerator; Washer Assumable Loan: Not Assumable Basement: Full Bath Description: Main Floor 3/4 Bath; Upper Level Full Bath; Full Primary; Private Primary Construction Materials: Frame Construction Status: Previously Owned Dining Room Description: Eat In Kitchen; Separate/Formal Dining Room Electric: 100 Amp Service; Fuses Existing Financing: Conventional Exterior: Metal Fencing: Other Fireplace Characteristics: Living Room; Primary Bedroom; Wood Burning Foundation: Concrete Block Fuel: Natural Gas Heating: Forced Air Internet Options: Cable; DSL; Satellite Laundry: Laundry Room; Upper Level Lock Box Type: Supra Lot Description: Tree Coverage - Light Road Frontage: Paved Streets Road Responsibility: Public Maintained Road Roof: Age Over 8 Years; Architectural Shingle; Asphalt Shingles; Rubber Sellers Terms: Cash; Conventional Sewer: City Sewer/Connected Special Search: 3 BR on One Level; 4 BR on One Level Stories: More Than 2 Stories Water: City Water/Connected

Contract Information

Contingency: None
Original List Price: 1095000
ListPrice: 1095000
Owner is an Agent?: No
Auction?: No

Location Tax and Other Information

House Number: 501
Street Name: Portland
Street Suffix: Avenue
Postal City: Saint Paul
County: Ramsey
State: MN
Zip Code: 55102
Complex/Dev/Subdivision: Auditors Sub 11

Assessments

Tax With Assessments: 11402

Building Information

Finished SqFt Above Ground: 3400

More Information

Lease Details

Land Leased: Not Applicable

Lock Box Type

Lock Box Source: MAAR

Miscellaneous Information

Homestead: Yes

Ownership

Fractional Ownership: No

Parking Characteristics

Garage Square Feet: 528

Public Survey Info

Range#: 23
Section#: 01
Township#: 28

Room Information

Room Name	Dimensions	Level
Dining Room	21x13	Main
Fifth (5th) Bedroom	11x11	Upper
First (1st) Bedroom	23x16	Upper
Fourth (4th) Bedroom	13x11	Upper
Kitchen	16x15	Main
Living Room	33x13	Main
Office	13x8	Main
Second (2nd) Bedroom	16x14	Upper
Third (3rd) Bedroom	14x12	Upper

Documents

Owner's Comments.txt ›

Listing Office: Engel & Volkers Lake Minnetonka

Last Updated: October - 08 - 2026

The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity SM Program of the Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota, Inc. The information provided is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Properties subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. ©2026 Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota, Inc All rights reserved.

501 Portland Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55102 (MLS# 7153698)