It is considered Minneapolis's oldest intact school building, whose original section was constructed 1886–87.

[2] Construction on Bremer School began in 1886, a period of rapid population expansion in Minneapolis.

The original structure had eight classrooms, but the building was expanded upon several times throughout its nearly 100-year life as a school.

[2] The Folwell neighborhood building was constructed of light brick and limestone and featured several turrets and towers.

Its namesake, Fredrika Bremer (1801–1865) was a Swedish novelist who traveled to Minnesota and wrote about women's rights.