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
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May 24, 1979
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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
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May 24, 1979
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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