Northeast Minneapolis—affectionately known as “Nordeast”—is a tapestry of history, art, and community charm. Nestled along the east bank of the Mississippi River, this vibrant region comprises 13 distinct neighborhoods with historic grandeur reminiscent of its industrial and immigrant roots. Here you’ll find classic Victorians, early‑20th‑century foursquare homes, old industrial lofts, and ornate churches, often tucked onto tight urban lots with narrow lots, compact rooms, and quirky layouts.
These older homes exude undeniable character—hardwood floors, plaster walls, built‑ins, and solid wood doors—but they also pose unique spatial and structural challenges. Ceilings may be too low for modern standards, kitchens cramped, and storage limited. Electrical systems might be outdated; insulation is often insufficient; and adapting floorplans can become a puzzle. That’s why designers are essential: they creatively optimize space, maintain flow, preserve historical details, and weave in modern systems—all while navigating permit hurdles and preservation guidelines.
Below are the top 5 remodeling companies for transforming Northeast Minneapolis’s beloved older homes:
With a full showroom and design studio right in NE at 2600 Johnson St NE, Castle has served Nordeast for years. Their design-build model means homeowners benefit from seamless coordination between architects, designers, and builders. They excel in rehabbing historic homes—kitchens, baths, basements, whole‑home remodels, additions, and ADUs—melding modern touches with historic charm in neighborhoods like St. Anthony East, Holland, and Beltrami. Their deep knowledge of local codes and permit requirements ensures an efficient, worry-free project.
Founded in 2002 by Susan Denk, this award-winning, women-led firm is celebrated for refurbishing the charming older homes across Minneapolis and St. Paul. White Crane’s full-service design-build approach involves a tight-knit team—designers, project managers, carpenters—who guide clients from concept to craft. They’re known for attentive communication and high standards in matching historic details—whether through cabinetry, trim, or whole-room flow.
Located in NE at 1613 93rd Lane NE, Murphy Brothers is an award-winning design-build firm with over 40 years of experience. Their “Murphy Method” promises smooth renovations with fine finishes—specializing in architecturally sensitive additions, kitchen and bath remodels, and custom features like wine cellars. As a longtime fixture in the Twin Cities remodeling scene, they understand the unique constraints of older, tight spaces in historic homes.
Since its founding in 2005 by Jeff and Leslie Nicholson, Quartersawn has offered boutique, client-focused remodeling. Their bi-weekly communication, concierge-level service, and expert craftsmanship ensure every detail aligns with the home’s character. They thrive on projects in tight, century-old layouts, matching existing millwork and turning unexpected discoveries into opportunities.
Known formerly as Otogawa-Anschel, OA blends architecture, design, and construction with green building expertise out of its Hennepin Ave S studio. With nearly 30 years in historic restoration, they specialize in sustainable, high-performance remodels that respect the home’s heritage and structure. Whether adding an extension or reinvigorating an old Victorian kitchen, OA elegantly balances aesthetic, function, and environmental responsibility.
Why These Firms Shine in Northeast Minneapolis
| Company | Design-Build | Historic Expertise | Tight-space Savvy | Local Roots |
| Castle | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Studio in NE |
| White Crane | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Woman-led, full service |
| Murphy Bros | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | NE-based, awards |
| Quartersawn | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Boutique, client intimacy |
| OA | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Green, architect-led |
In Summary
Remodeling in Northeast Minneapolis means striking a balance: preserving historical charm, optimizing compact layouts, and updating infrastructure for modern living. These five premier design-build firms—Castle Building & Remodeling, White Crane, Murphy Brothers, Quartersawn, and OA Design + Build + Architecture—bring the right blend of craftsmanship, local knowledge, and design expertise. They respect the past, manage the complexity, and enhance homes to be beautiful, functional, and timeless for years to come.