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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978 06-08 HPB Meeting Minutes RegularAGENDA Edina Heritage Preservation Board Regular Meeting Thursday, June 8, 1978, at 7:30 p.m. Edina City Hall Conference Room I. Approval of the Minutes: May 11, 1978. II. Baird House. 4400 West 50th Street. Report on Historic Significance. III. Plan Review. A. Minnehaha Grange Hall. B. Old Cahill School. IV. Next Regular Meeting Date: July 13, 1978, at 7:30 p.m. V. Adj ournment. r MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA HERITAGE PRESERVATION BOARD HELD JUNE 8, 1978, AT 7:30 P.M. EDINA CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM I. Members Present: Foster Dunwiddie, Chairman, Paul Mucke, Tom Martin- son, Maryanne Herman, Betty Paugh, Frank Thorpe. Staff Present: Harold Sand, Assistant Planner. II. Approval of the Minutes: May 11, 1978. Mr. Mucke moved the minutes be approved as submitted. Mr. Martinson seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried. III. Baird House: 4400 West 50th Street - Report on Historic Significance. Mr. Dunwiddie said the Board last considered this item on November 10, 1977, and at that time the consideration of the Heritage Preservation zoning was tabled in response to the owner's request. Mr. Sand presented the reports to the Board indicating the property was significant because it was an interesting example of Queen Anne architec- ture designed by Charles S. Sedgewick and perhaps the only example of this style in Edina. The original owner of the house, George W. Bird, gained prominence in the community for innovations in agriculture, leadership in the Grange and as one of the founders of Edina as a separate municipality. The house has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Sand presented photgraphs of the dwelling and referred to the physical description of the property in the reports. Mr. Sand indicated that in the event the Board wished to proceed with a recommendation for designation of the dwelling to Heritage Preservation District. The Board should review the criteria for evaluation of significance in accordance with the established policy for zoning. Mr. Dunwiddie reviewed the criteria for evaluation of significance and the statement of significance as recommended by the staff. He further explained the zoning process and action necessary by the Heritage Preservation Board. Mrs. Paugh asked what was the status of the nomination of the site to the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Dunwiddie replied that the State Review Board had received a copy of the nomination; however, they have not met to consider the nomination. Mr. Dick Wiltz, 4400 West 50th Street, owner of the subject property, was present and received copies of the materials considered by the Board. Mr. Wiltz indicated they were receptive to the nomination to the National Register and the identification of the site with a Bicentennial Marker. Minutes of the 6-8-78 Heritage Preservation Board Meeting Page 2 He expressed the concern that the zoning process may in some way affect the pending sale of the property. He said they may not sell the property and they have discouraged a number of potential purchasers because of the modi- fications to the structure they desired. Mr. Wiltz asked what may be required if the property were zoned and a new owner wished to construct a swimming pool in the rear yard. Mr. Sand replied that a building permit is required and a plan review by the Heritage Preservation Board would be necessary. Approval by the Heritage Preservation Board.is all that is necessary to satisfy the plan review. Decisions by the Heritage Preservation Board can be appealed to the City Council. Mr. Dunwiddie added that in the case of a swimming pool the location would be one concern. A location that would not interfere with any historic elements such as the windmill would be desirable. In response to Mr. Wiltz, Mr. Dunwiddie outlined the sources of Federal and State funding available to historic buildings. Mr. Martinson indicated he had problems with designating the Baird House a heritage preservation district. He said the house has a unique- ness that does not exist anywhere else in Edina. However, the building is far more important historically than visually. The house is one of Sedgewick's poorer designs. He said he felt that unless a building is very special, it should not be designated HPD. Mr. Martinson moved that the Baird House not be designated HPD. Mr. Frank Thorpe asked Mr. Wiltz what his objections are to the historic designation of the property. Mr. Wiltz discussed the modification they have made to the house and explained that he was concerned that they may be deprived of their flexibility to modify the house through a citizen based bureaucracy even though the Board -is composed of very conscientious citizens. . Mr. Dunwiddie explained that there have been numerous examples of im- portant historic structures being demolished or damaged by inappropriate addi- tions and materials being used. He said that the Board must weigh the private inconvenience against the public loss by inappropriate modifications or_. demolition. He can recall examples where well-intentioned private owners have not demonstrated the sympathy and regard that the structure deserves. Mrs. Paugh seconded Mr. Martinson's motion to allow the motion on the floor for discussion purposes. Mrs. Paugh explained that the Board was concerned about modifications that may occur 10, 20, or 30 years from now. Mr. Martinson clarified that he thought there are better examples of Queen Anne architecture in the metropolitan area. tie said that the structure is unique to Edina, but it is far more important historically than architecturally. Mr. Mucke said that the HPD restrictions are not an undue restr.icti.on, only slightly more complicated than a building permit and the Board may well 7 it. Minutes of the 6-8-78 Heritage Preservation Board Meeting Page 3 approve the plans with no difficulty. He pointed out that there is an appeal procedure to the City Council if the oirner feels the Heritage Preservation Board is not reasonable. The HPD designation is appropriate even though there is no immediate threat to the property; a problem can develop at any time without time for the Board to act. Mr. Thorpe said that the Baird House was much more significant to him than the Grimes House. Mr. Dunwiddie called for a vote on tha motion. Mr. Martinson voted aye; Mrs. Paugh, Mrs. Herman, Mr. Thorpe, and Mr. Mucke vo'�ed nay. Motion failed. Mr. Mucke moved that the Board make the finding that the Bird House is consistent with the Edina Criteria for Evaluation of Historic Significance and the Board adopt the Statement of Significance as recommended by staff for case No. Z-78-8 and the Board recommend approval of the zoning to the Planning Commission and City Council. Mrs. Paugh seconded the motion. Mr. Thorpe commented that the zoning process being conducted con- currently with the pending sale of the property tends to complicate things. Mr. Wiltz commented that his basic concern was that, if they sold the house, the new owner should be involved; if they do not sell the house, then he should be involved. He said they would not sell the house to a new owner who will tear it down.. They will be making a decision to stay in the communi- ty or go within the next 60 to 90 days. His personal preference is that the Board table the matter until this decision is made. If he is still involved in the property he will be glad to probably change his mind and cooperate with the Board after that period of time. He said it was an inappropriate time right now to consider the rezoning. Mr. Thorpe said that he does not want to do anything that will harm Mr. Wiltz in the pending sale of the property, and that Mr. Wiltz is willing to cooperate after that 60 tom�o° �90 ay time period. LL ll_ Tk &J" Gf MY: ,NT7KSCY1, Mr. Dunwi,'die sa hat this item was continued Dsince last November and inquired about th time framework. Mr. Sand and Mr. Erickson discussed the potential hearin dates before the Planning Commission and City Council. After further discus ion, Mr. Thorpe moved that the item be tabled until September 14, 1978. Mr. Thorpe, Mrs. Paugh, Mrs. Herman, and Mr. Martinson voted aye. Mr. Mucke voted nay. Motion carried. Mr. Wiltz thanked the Board and invited the members to tour his office in the Pillsbury House in Minneapolis. Mr. Dunwiddie asked for permission to photograph the Baird House and copy the historic photos and drawings. Mr. Wiltz indicated he would cooperate fully. III. Plan Review: A. Minnehaha Grange Hall. B. Old Cahill School. f Minutes of the 6-8-78 Heritage Preservation Board Page 4 Mr. Dunwiddie presented the plans he had prepared for the restoration and improvements in the Edina Historical Park. He explained that the altera- tions were partially funded from a Federal matching grant for the restora- tion of the Grange Hall and a State matching grant for the restoration of the school. Mr. Dunwiddie indicated that the property is zoned HPD and therefore the plans to modify the structure must be reviewed by the Board. He explained the modifications including the restoration of the Grange Hall windows, the front door, the flag pole, opening the balcony and removing the chimney that was added in the 1930's. Mr. Dunwiddie explained that the entire struc- ture would be painted, the color to be determined from paint samples taken from the building. With regard to Cahill School, they were planning to place storm windows and screens that are authentic reproductions, the entry and class- room floors will be sanded, the rear stairway would be finished and painted, the exterior would be painted and the cellar door waterproofed. The base- ment will be finished with City funds, using modern building materials be- cause the basement is not original in the structure. He added that the construction bids will be received after the Federal government approves the plans. Mr. Martinson moved approval of the plans as presented. Mr. Mucke seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried. IV. Next Meeting Date: July 13, 1978, at 7:30 p.m. V. Adjournment. Mr. Mucke moved the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Thorpe seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Harold Sand, Assistant Planner