Welcome to the terrace above the porte-cochère, the tenth stop on the self-guided audio tour.

This breezeway leads onto a terrace above the side carport. It is one of our favorite places to relax on a quiet evening.

Originally, second-floor terraces like this one served a practical purpose. Wall-to-wall carpeting had not yet been invented, and nearly every room contained an area rug. These upper-level terraces provided a convenient place to carry the rugs outside and shake them clean.

You can still see similar terraces on the backs of historic homes throughout Duluth’s older neighborhoods.

It was not until many years later that homes began to favor backyard decks over front porches and more formal outdoor spaces.

We fully restored this terrace in 2025. Today, it functions much like a backyard deck and provides a lovely place to relax on a quiet night.

As you make your way back through the porte-cochère breezeway, take a moment to look at the recreated front pages displayed as memorabilia along the walls.

Joseph Cotton had a fascinating history and appeared on the front page of the newspaper many times. These articles provide additional details about his work as a lawyer and legislator, as well as his involvement with the iron and copper mines that played an important role in Duluth’s development.

To continue the tour, please proceed to the staircase leading to the third floor.

You will find the QR code for the next stop on the self-guided audio tour on the wall beside the first framed picture.