Active
$1,095,000

501 Portland Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, 55102

5  Bedrooms3  Bathrooms3,244  Square Feet0.25  Acres
Days on market3
Year built1880
Garage spaces2
Potential $29,850buyer credit when you buy with SODL
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About this home

First Showing date changed due to a constrution delay. Showings begin Saturday Oct 24 at 9am See supplements for History of home, including copy of Ttitle Abstract. A Rare Piece of History — French-Inspired Second Empire Home Step into history without giving up the comforts of today. This extraordinary French-Inspired Second Empire home is a rare opportunity to own one of the area's most distinctive historic residences. Built in the late 19th century and lovingly cared for through generations, the home combines grand architectural details, history, and beautifully updated living spaces. The property has an impressive story. From 1880–1930, it was home to Alanson and Amelia Messer and their daughter, Lilian. From 1930–1965, the residence served as a boarding house, before becoming the cherished home of the Niclaus family from 1965–2016. The Maes family has proudly owned the home since 2016. The Character Is in the Details From the moment you enter, the craftsmanship of another era is unmistakable. • 5 spacious bedrooms, including a first-floor library with Murphy bed • 3 full bathrooms, featuring three showers and two bathtubs • Dramatic 10-foot ceilings • Original lathe-and-plaster walls • Original solid wood doors • Original 6-inch flooring, uncovered and preserved in two bedrooms and the kitchen • Beautiful original moldings • Original 1870s-era Gilbert trigger door knobs • An extraordinary 1880 hand-painted ceiling in the primary bedroom • Original steam radiators throughout the home • A new, efficient boiler serving the historic steam heating system • New central air conditioning for modern year-round comfort • Original chandelier in the stairwell The home offers the rare combination of historic craftsmanship and the comfort expected in a modern residence. A Kitchen Designed for Today The massive renovated kitchen provides the space today's homeowners want while remaining compatible with the home's historic character. Upstairs, a convenient laundry area adds modern functionality, while the spacious primary suite offers a private retreat with a majestic, renovated bathroom, complete with a soaking tub, extra-large shower, and generous wardrobes. A Basement Unlike Any Other One of the property's most remarkable features is its historic cistern, once among the largest in the area, which has been transformed into a distinctive vintage wine cellar. The basement also features a retro bar, creating a one-of-a-kind space for entertaining, wine collecting, game nights, or simply enjoying the home's history. A large entry coatroom includes a hidden workbench, adding an unexpected and practical touch. Extraordinary Chandeliers The home's lighting includes two particularly special pieces. The dining room chandelier is a remarkable work of art, with a frame made in Egypt and crystals from Texas, with an estimated value of $40,000. The chandelier gracing the stairwell is original to the home, adding yet another connection to its 19th-century past. The dining room also features an 1880 dining table that seats twelve, purchased from a historic home on Summit Avenue. Outdoor Living & Historic Charm Set on a large corner lot, the property is framed by a beautiful historic “ Faux Bois” wrought-iron fence. Multiple porches provide exceptional outdoor living: • Inviting front porch • Charming second-story porch • Expansive wraparound rear porch A detached two-stall garage provides valuable additional storage and parking. A Home with a Story There are historic homes, and then there are homes that have stories woven into every room. This residence offers an opportunity to become the next steward of a truly special property — a home where original craftsmanship, generations of history, distinctive architectural details, and thoughtful modern updates come together in a way that is increasingly difficult to find. Some houses are built. Others become homes, and part of a community's story. This one has been doing so for more than 145 years.

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Home facts

Property typeResidential
Property subtypeSingle Family
Year built1880
LevelsMore Than 2 Stories
Living area3,244 sqft
Above-grade finished3,244 sqft
Below-grade finished0 sqft
Lot size0.25 acres (108x101x108x102)
Days on market3
ListedSep 30, 2026
MLS #NST7153698
CountyRamsey
SubdivisionAuditors Sub 11
Parcel #012823230155

Facts & features

Interior

Bedrooms
5
Bathrooms
3
Bath breakdown
2 full / 1 3/4
Heating
Forced Air
Cooling
Central Air
Appliances
Chandelier, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Disposal, Double Oven, Dryer, Gas Water Heater, Microwave, Refrigerator, Stainless Steel Appliances, Washer

Property

Levels / stories
More Than 2 Stories
Garage
2 spaces · 528 sqft
Parking features
Detached Garage
Patio & porch
Covered, Deck, Porch, Side Porch
Exterior features
Metal
Fencing
Other

Construction

Property type
Residential
Property subtype
Single Family
Construction materials
Frame
Foundation
Block · 1,700 sqft
Roof
Age Over 8 Years, Architectural Shingle, Asphalt, Rubber
Year built
1880

Utilities

Water
City Water/Connected
Sewer
City Sewer/Connected
Fuel
Natural Gas
Electric
Fuses, 100 Amp Service

Community & HOA

Subdivision
Auditors Sub 11
HOA
No HOA
School district
625 - St. Paul
High school district
St. Paul

Financial & listing details

Annual tax
$11,402 (2026)
Listed
Sep 30, 2026
Days on market
3
Manufactured home
Yes

Interior details

Total bathrooms3
Full baths2
3/4 baths1
Half baths0
1/4 baths0
BasementFull
HeatingForced Air
CoolingCentral Air
Fireplaces2
LaundryLaundry Room, Upper Level
AppliancesChandelier, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Disposal, Double Oven, Dryer, Gas Water Heater, Microwave, Refrigerator, Stainless Steel Appliances, Washer
DiningEat In Kitchen, Separate/Formal Dining Room
AmenitiesCeiling Fan(s), Deck, Hardwood Floors, Kitchen Center Island, Kitchen Window, Natural Woodwork, Paneled Doors, Porch, Tile Floors, Washer/Dryer Hookup, Walk-In Closet, Walk-Up Attic
AccessibilityNone
Special features3 BR on One Level, 4 BR on One Level

Exterior & lot

ExteriorMetal
RoofAge Over 8 Years, Architectural Shingle, Asphalt, Rubber
FoundationBlock
Foundation area1,700 sqft
Patio/porchCovered, Deck, Porch, Side Porch
Lot featuresTree Coverage - Light
Road frontagePaved Streets
Road responsibilityPublic Maintained Road
ZoningResidential-Single Family

Utilities

Water sourceCity Water/Connected
SewerCity Sewer/Connected
FuelNatural Gas

Parking & garage

ParkingDetached Garage
Garage spaces2
Garage size528 sqft

Financial details

Annual taxes$11,402
Tax year2026
Taxes w/ assessments11402
Assessment pendingNo
Lender ownedNo
Short saleNo
ForeclosureNo

Schools

District625 - St. Paul
District number625
District phone6517678100
High schoolSt. Paul
SODL flat fee brokerage
$29,850Estimated buyer credit
SODL platform fee $3,000Your buyer credit $29,850

How SODL buyer credits work

When you buy with SODL, the brokerage charges a flat $3,000 platform fee at closing. The remaining buyer-side commission (typically 3% of the purchase price) is credited directly back to you at closing, reducing the cash you bring to the table.

  • Tour homes with SODL’s flexible showing network
  • Submit offers and manage your transaction through the platform
  • Keep more money at closing through transparent flat-fee pricing

A clear, modern way to buy with expert guidance and meaningful savings.

Estimated monthly payment

$7,070/mo
Principal & interest$5,755
Property taxes$950
Home insurance (est.)$365
%
$219,000
0%50%
Credit score
Loan term

These payment estimates are for illustration purposes only and may vary based on your lender, interest rate, credit profile, down payment, taxes, insurance, and loan terms. For a more accurate monthly payment estimate, speak with your lender or connect with SODL’s preferred lending partner.

Location

501 Portland Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, 55102

Listing information

MLS #NST7153698
Last reported MLS statusActive
MLS record updatedOct 24, 2026, 12:51 AM
Originally listedOct 21, 2026, 12:00 AM
Listing officeEngel & Volkers Lake Minnetonka
Co-listing officeEngel & Volkers Lake Minnetonka

Status reflects the latest MLS record available to SODL, not independently confirmed current availability. Listing information provided courtesy of the MLS. This information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.