A unique three-bedroom, two-bathroom geodesic dome home has hit the real estate market in north Minneapolis, offering prospective buyers a rare opportunity to experience dome living within city limits. The 2,199-square-foot property at 5146 Newton Avenue North is listed for $395,000 and represents one of only two known dome homes in Minneapolis.
Located at the end of a cul-de-sac street near Shingle Creek, this architectural anomaly was custom built in 1983 by its original owner, described as an activist and nonprofit founder. The current owners purchased the property in 2018 for $210,000 after discovering it featured in the Star Tribune Homes section, according to county records and listing agent Kelly M. Johnson of Edina Realty.
The dome home showcases several distinctive features that set it apart from conventional housing. Among its eye-catching and corner-less characteristics are a freshly renovated kitchen, newer roof, spiral staircase, and a third-floor loft accessible by pull-down ladder. The property also includes a jumbo two-car garage and sits on a woodsy lot that provides a nature-like setting within the urban environment.
According to Natural Spaces Domes, this property represents one of just two examples of dome architecture in Minneapolis. The rarity of such structures within city limits stems partially from the vintage of urban housing stock and partially from the relative obscurity of dome homes in general. Marie Castle, the original owner, expressed her enduring fascination with the unique living space in 1994, stating, "The novelty never wears off. There's something really stimulating about it, all the different shapes and angles. Every time I walk in, I feel like it's an interesting place to live."
The popularity of geodesic structures experienced a significant boom throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Future-minded homeowners during this era weighed the advantages of dome construction, including structural strength and energy efficiency, against potential drawbacks such as costly made-to-order updates and tricky interior design challenges. These design complications arise because conventional furniture, appliances, windows, doors, and HVAC systems typically conform to 90-degree angles, creating unique decorating and repair challenges for dome dwellings.
Johnson describes the property's location as making it a "hidden gem" within Minneapolis. "The property is in a lesser-known, tucked-away neighborhood in Minneapolis bordering Shingle Creek," she explains. "Walking paths along the creek and to the nearby park start just south of the dome and connect to the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway." This positioning provides residents with convenient access to recreational opportunities while maintaining the privacy of a secluded neighborhood setting.
The unique property has already generated considerable interest among potential buyers and curious onlookers. Johnson reports that loads of looky-loos packed an open house last week, and the ultra-unique residence has stirred plenty of buzz on social media platforms. The current owners, who lived in the dome with their three daughters, found it to be a "really fun home" during their ownership period.
For those interested in dome architecture, this represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of alternative housing history. Geodesic dome construction represents one of two popular dome-building techniques from the era, with the other being monolithic polyurethane foam construction. The Minneapolis dome stands as a testament to the experimental housing movement that captured imaginations during the late 20th century, offering modern buyers a chance to experience this distinctive architectural style within an urban setting.
