What’s the story on this place?

Google the person's name who is listed as the owner.  Enough said.

Same guy?

Patrick J. Murphy
A life in prison

That is the Patrick Murphy house. Probably started building 25-30 years ago. Never completed. Put tower up around 15-20 years ago.

He is not the PJM in prison. He and his mom used to own a few saloons in town. I think he had grandiose ideas and ran out of dough.

Right, it only said this in that story BadCat!: 

Murphy, 59, is now confined to Stillwater prison until 2034 for multiple parole violations and convictions on several charges of terroristic threats, many of which were against female prosecutors and judges in the Ramsey County justice system.

So, we conclude that BadCat! knows nothing of the house or Craigslist ad.

I didn't completly think it was the same guy, but based on the comments of the first poster, I wasn't sure.

And, um, I guess you're right. I don't know anything beyond what was presented in the post. Busted ... or something.

As a victim of same-name identity confusion, I'm a tad sensitive to this kind of scenario. I've spent too much time having to prove I don't have a criminal record or owe someone thousands of dollars

According to the city, it was built (or at least started, I would assume) in 1968. 

I used to live nearby and the neighbors referred to this place as "The Rocket House" because of the "tower."

Matters of record for Oct. 1, 2012...

He's 68?  Old enough to know better than to leave that disaster of a building standing!