Carter Ave. Frame Shop in St. Anthony Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The business’ roots date back to 1975 when Mark Frederickson opened the custom frame shop as a one-man operation in Milton Square. The shop officially opened on Sept. 29, 1975, in a 350-square-foot basement space tucked off a parking lot.

(Tim Smith is pictured outside the basement entry of the Carter Avenue Frame Shop at its original Milton Square location. Submitted photo.)

Growing and moving

Ten years later, Tim Smith and business partner Tom Lind purchased the business in 1985. Tim bought out his partner in 1989 and moved the store to 2278 Como Ave. for more space and greater visibility.

More staff was gradually added as the business grew. More gallery space and art were added to the larger space.

In 1994 Tim purchased the building at 2186 Como Ave., the shop’s current location. The run-down, flat-roofed duplex with a billboard on top needed extensive remodeling, including a new roof structure. The work was completed by the fall, and Carter Ave. Frame Shop moved into its new location over a weekend.

Because the shop couldn’t move AND change its name at the same time without risking customers, it remains Carter Ave. Frame Shop — now on Como.

Keeping it in the family

Tim’s son Michael joined the business on March 2, 2016, Tim’s and Michael’s shared birthday. Michael became part-owner in 2017, on their birthday.

Michael became sole owner of the business in 2019, on Tim’s 60th and Michael’s 30th birthdays.

After surviving and thriving during COVID-19, Carter Ave. Frame Shop continues to serve St. Anthony Park and the larger Twin Cities metro area with professional framing design and quality framing and materials.

The gallery offers a wide range of art, from original graphics to paintings by regional and national artists.

Michael is active in St. Anthony Park neighborhood organizations as a donor and volunteer.

“Being part of what my dad created has been a blast!,” Michael said. “We didn’t know if we could work together, but we got along well, and I learned a lot.

“And we still like each other,” Michael added. “I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing community. I love being able to help people make their homes and lives more beautiful.” 

Story submitted by the Carter Ave. Frame Shop. For more information about the shop, visit carteravenueframeshop.com.