Foshay Tower was the first skyscraper in Minneapolis

The Foshay Tower is a skyscraper hotel located in Minneapolis. The building was modeled after the Washington Monument and was completed in 1929 just before the stock market crash later that year. There are 32 floors in the building, which stands at 447 feet high and an antenna mast, which extends the height of the building another 160 feet to make the total height 607 feet. In 1978 the building was added to the National Register of Historic places as an example of Art Deco Architecture.

The building was the first skyscraper west of the Mississippi and the first tower to surpass the height of Minneapolis City Hall. Each floor of the tower is slightly smaller then the one below as the sides of the building slope slightly inward. The building was built with steel and reinforced concrete and the exterior is faced with Indiana limestone, the interior features African Mahogany, Italian marble, terrazzo, gold-plated doorknobs, silver and gold plated ceilings, there are also three commissioned busts of George Washington.

The tower was a lifelong dream of Wilbur Foshay who was an art student turned businessman, he made his money by building up utility company empires. When the building was completed 25,000 guests were invited to the dedication ceremony along with an all expenses paid trip for those invited, many of the guests who attended were senators and congressmen. The tower was designed by Leon Eugene Arnal and has `FOSHAY' in 10 foot lighted letters on all four sides just under the top of the building.

The building was wrapped in a huge yellow ribbon through the final days of the Iran hostage crisis in January 1981. The ribbon was moved to the Minnesota State Capital once the hostages had returned to the United States.

Many different broadcasters used the antenna on the top of the building over the years. These included television stations such as WTCN and KMSP and radio stations KFAI.

Located in the Foshay Tower building is the W Minneapolis hotel, the hotel features an observation deck, which is the only observation deck in Minneapolis, the best of Midwest dining at Manny's Restaurant, which is known for the steaks. Guests are also able to enjoy home cooking at Keys Cafy or enjoy a cocktail at Prohibition Bar or in the Living Room.

Guests are also able to work it out at SWEAT Fitness Center or enjoy the services and massages offered in the private, luxurious treatment rooms.

The rooms at the hotel are stocked with all the comforts required for a hotel stay, and can even cater for four-legged friends with their own bed, turndown treat and a personal bowl.