University Club of St. Paul
A private social club founded in 1913, housed in a stunning Tudor Revival building on Summit Avenue designed by the architects of Grand Central Station.
Our History
Early 1900s
The University Club of St. Paul opened in 1913 as one of several prestigious private social clubs established in Saint Paul following Eastern and European models. Designed by Reed and Stem — the renowned architects who also designed New York's Grand Central Terminal — the club welcomed graduates from accredited colleges and universities.
1913
The building features half-timbered upper stories above a stone ground floor, steep slate roofs, and tall chimneys that evoke an English manor house. Reed and Stem modeled the clubhouse after "London's great turn-of-the-century city clubs." Inside, the club boasts elegant dining rooms, a grand ballroom, a library, meeting rooms, and other amenities. A swimming pool was added in the 1930s.
1930s
The University Club made history after World War II when it became the first of Saint Paul's three major clubs to open its membership to women. By the end of the twentieth century, it remained the only club still operating under its original objective of welcoming college graduates.
Progress
The University Club made history after World War II when it became the first of Saint Paul's three major clubs to open its membership to women. By the end of the twentieth century, it remained the only club still operating under its original objective of welcoming college graduates.
1990s
F. Scott Fitzgerald participated in the social life of the University Club during his years in Saint Paul, and the club's atmosphere of genteel sophistication — and the social hierarchies it embodied — likely influenced his portrayal of exclusive social settings in his novels.
Today
The club continues to accept applications from college graduates and welcomes individuals of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, religious beliefs, and points of view.
Details
- 420 Summit Ave, St. Paul, MN 55102
- Built 1913
- Tudor Revival
- Architect: Reed and Stem
- National Register of Historic Places
- (651) 222-1751
- Official Website
Did You Know?
- •The architects also designed Grand Central Terminal in New York City
- •F. Scott Fitzgerald was a regular guest at the club
- •After WWII, it became the first of Saint Paul's three major clubs to open membership to women