HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPB 07-07 HPB Meeting Minutes RegularAGENDA
Edina Heritage Preservation Board
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, July 7, 1976, at 7:30 P.M.
Edina City Hall Police Conference Room
I. Approval of the Minutes: June 10, 1976.
II. Edina Mills Feasibility Update.
III. Research Projects: Informal Discussion.
IV. Other Business:
A. Episcopal Church Report.
B. Edina Eye Clinic, 3939 West 50th Street.
V. Next Meeting Date: August 12, 1976, at 7:30 .P.M.
VI. Adjournment to Planning Commission Meeting for Grimes
House Rezoning Report.
w
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE EDINA-HERITAGE PRESERVATION BOARD
HELD JULY 7, 1976, AT 7:30 P.M.
EDINA CITY HALL
Members Present: Foster Dunwiddie, Chairman, Paul Mucke, James McWethy,
Tom Martinson, Maryanne Herman.
Staff Present: Harold Sand, Assistant Planner
Mr. Sand indicated that the meeting was changed from the regularly scheduled
meeting, July 8, to July 7 to allow a joint meetLig with the Planning Commission
because the Board's first HPD rezoning would be considered tonight. He indicated
that the necessary notices were posted for the purpose of satisfying the
"Open Meeting Law."
I.Approval of the Minutes of June 10, 1976
After a brief discussion, Mr. Mucke moved that the minutes be approved as
submitted. Mr. Martinson seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
II. Edina Mills Feasibility Update
Mr. Sand reported that he has located the old Browndale Bridge railings
in one of the city garages and these would be retained and possible incorporated
in any display at the Mill site.
Mr. Sand reported on his June 30 meeting with Mr. Don Pryor, Business
Administrator for the Edina School district, and indicated that the details
and procedure of the land exchange were discussed to facilitate an acceptable
proposal for Park Board, Council, and School Board approval.
Mr. Sand indicated that the 45 -day review period for the National Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation has expired without any official comment. He
indicated that they have commented favorably about the project informally
through the State Historical Society. Mr. Sand indicated he would call as a matter
of courtesy to check prior to publication of the notice of the "Finding of No
Significant Effect" on the human environment.
III. Research Projects: Informal Discussion
Mr. McWethy informed the Board about additional progress he has achieved
on the Southdale research and historical record he is compiling. Mr McWethy
also presented a copy of a historical file on the old Morningside Congregational
Church, 4003 Morningside Road. (Now used for residential purposes.) He indicated
he would continue his investigation and prepare a report for the Board.
IV. Other Business
Mr. Sand presented a Certificate of Membership for the HPB in the National
Trust for Historic Preservation. The Board generally agreed the certificate should
be framed and displayed in the City Hall.
7-7-76 Edina Heritage Preservation Board Minutes, Page 2
A. Episcopal Church Report
Mr. Dunwiddie stated that shortly after the previous meeting, the Sheridans'
interior design company presented a preliminary building plan for an addition
in the rear of their building at 4924 France Avenue South. Mr. Dunwiddie had
unconfirmed information that the Sheridans building was the first Episcopal church
in Edina and formerly located at the northwest corner of West 50th Street and
France Avenue. Later the structure was moved to its present location and used for
residential purposes. Then the structure was used as the Ed Stowe Real Estate
office prior to the Sheridans acquisition of the property.
Mr. -Sand said the building is a Class V (wood frame) structure in the
No. 1 fire zone. The Minnesota Uniform Building Code does not allow this type
construction in that zone and prohibits the expansion or alterati6n of nonconform-
ing structures unless the building has historical significance. He indicated
that the building inspector was requesting a statement of significance from the
HPB prior to issuing a permit for an addition. The Building Department and Fire
Department have reviewed the proposal and determined that an architect would be
required to design the addition. The existing structure would have to equipped
with a fire control sprinkler system, and the addition would have to utilize fire-
proof construction with a firewall separation.
structure is authentic and significant. The Board generally agreed; however, it
expressed the concern that an inappropriate addition could destroy or substantially
reduce the essential historic significance, nullifying the rationale for approving
the addition.
Mr. Martinson made a motion that the staff send a memorandum to the
building inspector requesting a review of the plans for the addition at the next
meeting to ensure the historic integrity is not jeopardized by the addition.
Mr. McWethy seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
B. Edina Eye Clinic, 3939 West 50th Street
Mr. Sand informed the Board that he has not been able to find a public
use or new location for the structure that is acceptable with the City staff.
Mr. Martinson explained that this architectural style is not generally
recognized as significant now but will be recognized as within the next five to
ten years. He indicated this style is popular on the West Coast now. The building
will be one of two or three Edina buildings pictured in the Minnesota Architectural
Guide to be published shortly. It was also included in the Minnesota Bicentennial
Art and Architecture Display. He stated that the building is the only complete
"streamline moderne" style building in Edinar and one of few such structures in
the metro area and the state. f
Mr. Martinson suggested that the City should attempt to find a way to
proserve the structure through private channels if not through public channels.
The Board discussed the problem and possible solutions concluding that because
it was a city project that was causing the demolition, it would be appropriate
to make an adequate effort to help move and preserve the structure or attempt
to find a private party to move the structure.
7-7-76 Edina Heritage Preservation Board Minutes, Page 3
Mr. Martinson made a motion to instruct the staff to write a memorandum
to Warren C. Hyde, City Manager, that the destruction of the Edina Eye Clinic
building is a loss of a unique architectural style in the city and recommend
that the City advertise for new prospective owners and arrange the sale of the
property for $1 to anyone who would move the structure before the proposed
demolition date and preserve the structure, preferably in Edina. Mr. Mucke
seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
V. Next Meeting Date: August 12, 1976,_ at 7:30 p.m.
n
Vi. Adjournment to Planning Commission Meeting for Grimes House Rezoning
Report.
Respectfully submitted, '
Harold Sand
i
I