Minnesota cities compete for ‘Prettiest Painted Places’

Four Minnesota communities will vie with nearly 200 nominees from other states to be named of the Paint Quality Institute’s “Prettiest Painted Places in America.”.

Here are the competition’s descriptions of the Minnesota communities:

Alexandria:Surrounded by lakes and resorts and rich with historic “must see” sites, the town is replete with beautifully painted homes and buildings.

Hastings.A river town known for its “front-porch hospitality,” Hastings is steeped in history and proud of its preservation efforts, boasting three historic districts and designation as a Main Street town by the National Trust.

Lowry Hill East.The one-time streetcar suburb of Minneapolis has rebounded from tough times in the 1960s, thanks to an ambitious revitalization effort that has transformed the area into one of the city’s most attractive, characterized by beautifully restored single-family circa 1880-1920 homes that range in style from Queen Anne, to Colonial Revival to Prairie School.

Stillwater. With colorful Victorian mansions built by lumber barons and a Main Street on the National Register of Historic Places, the vibrant community on the banks of the St. Croix river is considered the “Birthplace of Minnesota.”

Judges with expertise in color selection, exterior painting, and home improvement will review the entries, conduct additional research and make selected site visits.

Finalists will be announced in late September, and the nation’s 12 “Prettiest Painted Places” will be revealed in mid-October.

The Paint Quality Institute has conducted its competition twice before, most recently in 2000.