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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979 05-24 HPB Meeting Minutes RegularAGENDA Edina Heritage Preservation Board Regular Meeting Thursday, May 24, 1979, at 7:30 p.m. Edina City Hall Conference Room I. Approval of the Minutes: October 12, 1978 January 11, 1979 II. Historic Survey Presentation of Draft Report by Bill Scott and Jeff Hess III. Other Business IV. Next Regular Meeting Date: June 14, 1979, at 7:30 p.m. V. Adjournment MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA HERITAGE PRESERVATION BOARD HELD THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1979, AT 7:30 P.M. EDINA CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM Members Present: Chairman Foster Dunwiddie, Maryanne Herman, Tom Martinson, Paul Mucke, Betty Paugh, Gordon Stuart, Frank Thorpe Staff Present: Harold Sand I. Approval of the Minutes Mr. Stuart moved that the October 12, 1978, minutes be approved as submitted. Mrs. Herman seconded the motion. All voted aye; the motion carried. Mr. Mucke moved that the January 12, 1979, minutes be approved as submitted. Mr. Stuart seconded the motion. All voted aye; the minutes were approved. II. Historic Survey: Presentation of Draft Report Mr. William Scott of Setter, Leach, and Lindstrom, Incorporated indicated the draft report distributed to the members of the Commission contained the bulk of the report and recommendation. There will be additional sections explaining the methodology, sources, and lists of pre -1925 structures extant in the City. In addition to the report, they would turn over copies of all field notes, slides, and maps of architectural styles and platting history they have compiled. Mr. Dunwiddie asked if there will be a list of buildings in the report that are not discussed but deserve further consideration. Mr. Scott replied that the report is not an end in itself. All of the structures listed in the report will require additional investigation for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places or for city designation. The Board discussed the concept of designating the Country Club District as a historic district. Mr. Martinson said that there were other planned communities in other areas of the country that are much earlier. However, the Country Club turas the first designed with the automobile in mind. Mr. Dunwiddie discussed the practicability of administering a district the size of the Country Club. Mr. Scott said that the effort and difficulty of administering the district depends on the scope of the guidelines. He said that the residents of the district are enthusiastic about maintaining the quality of the area. However, they may not accept nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Sand commented that design regulations may require review of remodeling work such as re -roofing and re -siding that the city building department currently does not regulate. In response to Mr. Stuart, Mr. Scott explained that the Country Club District has been identified as important because it is an early development Edina Heritage Preservation Board May 24, 1979 page 2 in the city contained within a well defined boundary, and it has a very good, uniform collection of period revival dwellings. There are many other dwellings in other areas of the community that are every bit as good as the Country Club. However, they do not form the collection of buildings with the unique circumstances of the Country Club. He said that individual dwellings in the Country Club may not be unique or worthy of nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. However, the aggregate is significant, and it tells a story. In response to Mr. Dunwiddie, Mr. Scott indicated that there are no priorities recommended in the report. The caliber of buildings is high, and there are no buildings in danger due to deterioration. The old Edina Baptist Church, 5501 France Avenue, is questionable. However, it is included for historic and not architectural significances. Therefore, the structure is not particularly important. The West Minneapolis Heights District is the most endangered because many of the dwellings will be modified by additions or remodeling. Mr. Sand noted that the Dartt House, 4500 West 44th Street, is partially within the City of St. Louis Park. The Morningside School is owned by the city and is proposed to be partially or fully demolished. The Board discussed the demolition of the Morningside School and generally concluded it would be desirable to preserve the building but not a critical issue. The Wooddale School is the same vintage, is in a more accessible location, and is adjacent to the Country Club historic district. The Board complimented Mr. Scott and Mr. Hess for a job well done and looked forward to receipt of the final report. III. Other Business: A. Edina Mills Interpretation Mr. Dunwiddie indicated that his office has prepared preliminary plans for the interpretation of the Edina Mill site. The project was awarded a $3,500.00 matching grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior through the Minnesota Historical Society. He has not received any quotations on the project and was not certain if all of the work could be accomplished for the total $7,000.00 available. Mr. Dunwiddie explained that the plans show the mill site filled somewhat and leveled to accommodate a heavy timber outline of the foundation and mill race location. The mill stones will be placed on the ground flush with the surface in their proper location. These would be small signs identifying the various elements such as the loading dock and mill race. A contrasting ground cover is also considered for the interior of the timber outline. A heavy timber kiosk with information about the site is proposed south of the mill foundation if it is possible within the budget limitations. The Board waspleased with the plans presented and felt additional. funds should be acquired to construct the complete project. Mr. Thorpe said that Edina Heritage Preservation Board May 24, 1979 page 3 without the kiosk the project seems incomplete. Together, the heavy timber outline and the kiosk are terrific. Mr. Stuart indicated the kiosk may actually be more important than the outline of the foundation. Mr. Martinson indicated that a high quality project is important in this case. Mr. Dunwiddie said that he will return with final plans when he has received some estimates. B. Sly House. 6128 Brookview Avenue Mr. Dunwiddie said that he met the.owners of the house at the last Edina Historical Society meeting, and they have expressed an interest in restoring the house. IV. Next Meeting Date Mr. Dunwiddie noted that there was a relatively short period of time before the regularly scheduled meeting and suggested that another date should be considered. The Board generally agreed to reschedule the meeting from June 14 to June 28, 1979, at 7:30 p.m. V. Adjournment Mr. Martinson moved the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Mucke seconded the motion. All voted aye; the motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Harold Sand