TUCKER'S TREEHOUSE

A structure that got national attention back in the 1980s was an elaborate, seven level treehouse built in the back yard of insurance salesman and residential property owner Mark Tucker. The City objected to the structure, located almost across the street from City Hall, claiming it wasn’t up to treehouse code. The address is 4800 Minnetonka Blvd.

10 months of court cases ensued, with Tucker holding open houses to prove that his construction was sound. On February 8, 1988, Hennepin County Judge Daniel R. Hart issued an order that allowed Tucker to use his treehouse, but with limitations. The court required modifications to the ladders in the upper levels, safety cages, hand grips, and regular inspections, including inspections by a forester regarding the health of the tree. Tucker could not expand the house, but could do finishing work.
 

The site is not presently open for tours, but pictures can be taken from the sidewalk bordering the property.

Over the years the treehouse has been a visual fascination to people of all ages. Since construction began in 1986 it is one of the most photographed point of interest in the City of St. Louis Park.
 

This local landmark has been featured in several publications, such as the books Treehouses by Peter Nelson; Minnesota Curiosities, a literary project commissioned by Garrison Keillor; and most recently in Black & Decker's book entitled Build Your Kids a Treehouse.
 

It has also been featured twice on the television news segments CBS News program "Eye On America" as well as on the CBS program "Sunday Morning with Charlie Osgood."

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This information comes from a variety of sources: newspapers, books, yearbooks, phone directories, interviews, etc. Given the varied sources, we cannot guarantee that all of this information is correct, and welcome any additions and corrections. Please contact us with your contributions and comments.