Not Your Average Tree House

Editor's Note: This is the first in a new weekly series that will highlight interesting tidbits from St. Louis Park's history. Information will generally be drawn from the St. Louis Park Historical Society, but if you have history you'd like to share—including text, photographs and possibly video—please email local editor Michael Rose at michael.rose@patch.com.

When people think of tree houses, they generally think of small structures big enough for a kid or two.

And then there is the tree house in St. Louis Park.

The seven-level landmark on Minnetonka Boulevard is a massive marvel that routinely stops passers-by in their tracks. According to the St. Louis Park Historical Society, it has been featured in several books—including one by Garrison Keillor—and has been the subject of multiple TV news reports.

But how did the tree house take root, so to speak? The historical society reports that it was the idea of resident Mark Tucker, but it was an idea wrought with controversy—Tucker had to deal with 10 months of court proceedings to prove his building was safe and sound. In February 1988, a Hennepin County judge ruled that Tucker was free to use the tree house, but the court ordered a number of safety measures be added, such as safety cages, hand grips and regular inspections.

Alas, the tree house is not open for tours these days, but pictures can be snapped from the street.