Our History

We Helped Set
The Standards

AWARDED BUILDER
LICENSE #1

INDUSTRY LEADERS
FOR DECADES

Pratt Homes was founded in 1973 by Len and Lowell, who, along with their partner Uncle Doug, built their first official Pratt Home in Scandia. They faced student loans but were driven by a passion for quality craftsmanship. Their commitment to excellence quickly drew attention from friends and family.

As a result, they began hiring a growing team. In 1976, they launched their development division and constructed five homes in Forest Lake. Shortly after, they completed their first large-scale project, Birch Lake Woods in White Bear Lake.

This development included over 60 single-family homes and 128 condos. Over the next five decades, Pratt Homes became a reputable home builder & industry leader, helping more than 1,000 families build their dream homes.

1973Brothers Len & Lowell Pratt, alongside Uncle Doug, build their first home and launch Pratt Construction.
1973Brothers Len & Lowell Pratt, alongside Uncle Doug, build their first home and launch Pratt Construction.
1976First Pratt Homes subdivision, Forest Lake, is developed, followed by Birch Lake Woods.
1976First Pratt Homes subdivision, Forest Lake, is developed, followed by Birch Lake Woods.
1978Vice President Walter Mondale visits Birch Lake Woods.
1978Vice President Walter Mondale visits Birch Lake Woods.
1983-1985Len is President of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC)
1983-1985Len is President of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC)
1991Builder of the Year in 1991 by the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC)
1991Builder of the Year in 1991 by the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC)
1992Lowell helps shape MN builder standards; Pratt Homes receives the very first MN Builder License #BC000001.
1992Lowell helps shape MN builder standards; Pratt Homes receives the very first MN Builder License #BC000001.
1996Lowell inducted into the Builders Association of Minnesota Hall of Fame.
1996Lowell inducted into the Builders Association of Minnesota Hall of Fame.
2000Len inducted into the Builders Association of Minnesota Hall of Fame.
2000Len inducted into the Builders Association of Minnesota Hall of Fame.
2007Builder of the Year in 2007 by the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC)
2007Builder of the Year in 2007 by the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC)
2013Lowell receives the lifetime achievement award from “Housing First Minnesota”
2013Lowell receives the lifetime achievement award from “Housing First Minnesota”
2017Len receives the lifetime achievement award from “Housing First Minnesota”
2017Len receives the lifetime achievement award from “Housing First Minnesota”
2023Pratt Homes celebrates 50 years in business
2023Pratt Homes celebrates 50 years in business
2024-2025Art Pratt is Board Chair of Housing First of MN
2024-2025Art Pratt is Board Chair of Housing First of MN

Former US Senator and Vice President of the United States, Walter Mondale, visits with Len and Lowell Pratt to discuss the housing industry.

In 1992, Lowell worked with the Minnesota Department of Commerce to create construction standards for licensed home builders. This collaboration resulted in Pratt Homes receiving Builder License #BC000001, officially recognizing them as a licensed home builder in Minnesota. With over 52 years of experience, Pratt Homes has remained dedicated to high standards of quality and customer satisfaction. This commitment continues to strengthen their reputation as a trusted and reputable home builder in the region.

Testimonials

We have had the pleasure of having two homes build by Pratt Homes and cannot say enough good words about our experience working with them. Everyone knew their jobs and stuck to their deadlines and we were informed all along on the costs of everything we picked or changed so there were no hidden costs at the end. The best part is that the follow ups after the move in were excellent. Wonderful job, excellent built home and we couldn’t be happier.

Judy B
Custom Homes Client

I have been in my Pratt Home for 9 year and LOVE it. It still feels new.

BJP Olson
Custom Homes Client

I had a need for a custom home with several unusual features and was aware, through friends, that Pratt Homes can build custom designs timely and with quality. So, I visited Pratt Homes and was introduced to Cindy Johnson with Edina Realty. With her significant effort, I found the perfect lot. She helped secure the lot as I was concerned about missing it. With the many features I wanted, she listened to my preferences and coordinated extensively with the Pratt staff to ensure a perfect outcome. My friends are amazed at how well the entire process went, and my sisters think I have the perfect new home (that’s saying something), as do I!

Cindy also did a wonderful job preparing and selling my existing home, providing complete service, and taking all of the stress out of it. I would confidently recommend Cindy to my family and friends. She always had my best interests in mind as she guided me through the entire, and in my case, huge process.

Dennis F
Custom Homes Client

Thank you so very much for the incredible work you did for us in our basement. The team, starting with Jedd, was great. Jedd really helped us move from what was ideal to what was practical for our budget. Jeff managed our project absolutely flawlessly. He was so helpful and responded so quickly to our needs. Everyone else completed their tasks so professionally and with excellence!

Kaye B.
Remodeling Client

Thank you for your thoughtful gift. It has been enjoyed. We again, have appreciated our new home with you-our beautiful new home.

Sarah & John R
Custom Home Client

I LOVE MY NEW HOME! I can’t even begin to thank you for the outstanding work you have all done to make this a reality for me. This home is truly a work of art, built with the expert craftsmanship and integrity that you are all so well known for. Every single person on the team went above and beyond to get this job done. You all put up with my questions, last-minute changes, and anxieties as the process went on, for which I will be eternally grateful. I am pretty well settled in now and ready to enjoy the holidays here. I have found my view out the back to be serene and peaceful, and I am looking forward to watching the seasons change. This new home is the best thing that has happened to me in a long time, and I have you all to thank for it.

Terri H
Custom Homes Client

news & articles

NPR/MPR

Listen to Lowell Pratt

Podcast: Lets Talk Housing

“The Next Generation of Homebuilders” Guest Speaker Art Pratt

Housing First

A story from our clients

TBG Board of Directors

Lowell Pratt – Vice Chair

Press Publication Article

50th Anniversay Article

University of Minnesota 100 Distinguished Alumni Award

Len Pratt and Lowell Pratt 100 Distinguished Alumni Award

Star Tribune

Art Pratt on the state of the housing industry in the Twin Cities

Housing First

Art Pratt – 2024 President

Builder Association of Minnesota

Len Pratt and Lowell Pratt Past Presidents & Hall of Fame Members

Robert L. Hanson Lifetime Achievement Award

Len Pratt & Lowell Patt for outstanding contributions to the residential housing industry in the Twin Cities