By far the most imposing structure to be erected in the new commercial district along Tower Avenue during the Boom Period was the Land & River Improvement Company's Minnesota Block, located on the last vacant corner at the intersection of Tower and Belknap Street. Designed by architect C C Haight of Minneapolis, the four story brick block was to be the central office headquarters for the Land and River Co as well as the West Superior Iron & Steel Company. The two lower floors of the 130' x 150' building were occupied by the Spicer-Fanning Dry Goods store, the city's largest such concern throughout most of the late 19th century. In 1894 the block was renamed the Board of Trade Building, becoming the business center of commerce and trade within the port. - NRHP, 27 June 1985