Gates mansion revisited

In 1913, Minneapolis debutante Florence Hopwood and her wealthy husband, Charles Gates, built a 38,000-square-foot "cottage" on Lake of the Isles; it was torn down in 1933.

Historian and house history expert Bob Glancy will give an illustrated talk about the home's colorful history. "The Gates Mansion: The Largest Home Built in Minneapolis," sponsored by the Linden Hills History Study Group, will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 4801 France Av. S., Minneapolis. Admission is $3 for nonmembers. For more information, go to www.lindenhillshistory.org.

Calendar CONDOS, TOWNHOMES AND LOFTS. Buyers' seminar on the pros and cons of association-style living. 6:30 p.m. Monday. Minneapolis Community Education, South High School, 3131 19th Av. S. 612-668-4326.

FLIP THIS HOUSE. Learn how to find homes, estimate profits and expenses, potential mistakes and managing contractors. Three sessions: 6:30 p.m. Mon., Feb. 25 and March 3. $22. Minneapolis Community Education, Anwatin Middle School, 256 Upton Av. S. 612-668-2470.

BUYING A HOME. Learn about financing, tax advantages, Truth in Housing inspections, and other home-buying information. 7 p.m. Tuesday. $15. Minneapolis Community Education, Roosevelt High School, 4029 28th Av. S. 612-668-4828.

UNDERSTANDING THE MORTGAGE PROCESS. Topics include credit scores, loan documents and mortgages. 7 p.m. Tuesday. $15. Minneapolis Community Education, Northeast Middle School, 2955 Hayes St. NE., Minneapolis. 612-668-1515.

HOME INSPECTION. Tips related to buying or selling a house. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. $15. Minneapolis Community Education, Anwatin Middle School, 256 Upton Av. S. 612-668-2470.

HOME BUYING BASICS. Topics include what to expect from a real estate agent, mortgage types, credit scores and closing on a home. 7 p.m. Feb. 19. $15. Minneapolis Community Education, Northeast Middle School, 2955 Hayes St. NE., Minneapolis. 612-668-1515.